Falklands 2016

FALKLANDS 360˚ EXPLORE UNTRAMMELED ISLANDS ON OUR 1ST-EVER CIRCUMNAVIGATION: LINGER LONGER AMID WILDLIFE & GLORIOUS LANDSCAPES

ABOARD NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ORION

|

2016

TM

DEAR TRAVELER, It was in February 1976, after a long, long voyage from New Zealand to the Ross Sea to the Antarctic Peninsula that I first set eyes on the Falkland Islands. Nearly a month of ice and sea suddenly gave way to verdant greens and even wildflowers. We languished in the tussock grass amid the greatest concentrations of sea birds I had ever seen—black-browed albatross (there are over 150,000 breeding pairs here), plus penguins— rockhopper and Magellanic—sea lions, elephant seals, and more. And that’s not all: a hearty, hospitable people with British roots live here. And, at times, we were invited into homes for ‘afternoon tea.’

All of us were delighted by the benign beauty and relative calm of this place while, at the same time, it teemed with nature in myriad forms. It’s not surprising that many have referred to the Falklands archipelago as the ‘Galápagos of the South.’

We were only there for 3 days, and none of us wanted to leave. And I’ve wanted to offer a focused Falklands itinerary ever since, but hesitated because people kept saying that there won’t be demand—so close to Antarctica without going there. But now, 40 years later, I’m convinced this is pure ‘balderdash.’ The more you know about the Falklands, the more you will be convinced that it’s worth the singular focus.

So, we’re delighted to offer our 1st-ever circumnavigation of these most remarkable islands. And that’s not all. You will also have an extraordinary opportunity to explore Argentina’s Staten Island, a newly established nature reserve, where National Geographic Explorer was the first foreign-flagged expedition ship admitted since 1923. Find more details inside.

Please plan to join us for this pioneering Falklands circumnavigation, and be sure to pack your camera—I promise you an exhilarating adventure of discovery.

All the best,

Sven

P.S. The Falklands Conservation is excited we’re circumnavigating, and a member will join part of the voyage to give us an inside view of the islands’ wonders. And we, in return, will cover the “adoption” of a king penguin in your name.

CALLING ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS The October 19, 2016 Falklands 360º departure is a designated Photo Expedition—with top National Geographic photographers, our certified photo instructors, plus the newest gear to try out, courtesy of our friends at B&H Photo-Video. The Falklands present unprecedented opportunities to shoot wildlife, and this expedition is designed to maximize every photo op—with special landings, and extended time in locations to capitalize on light and conditions. See what our Director of Expedition Photography, Ralph Lee Hopkins has to say about it at expeditions.com/amazing_ops.

IMMERSIVE, IN-DEPTH & TOTALLY SURPRISING “Black-browed albatross walk carefully over wide ledges of grey rock and spread the tips of their wings to catch the wind with great care, then open them wide and suddenly they are gone. They are perfect spirits of the air and the sea, again soaring above and beyond the cliffs where we stand watching them. Rockhopper penguins make their little jumps, one rock at a time, up steep gullies and stony slopes to reach their nesting sites where they squabble and call to each other, impatient to return to the ocean…striated caracaras are everywhere. Riding the wind with a different style, they hover over us and drop to investigate anything left on the ground for even a moment…”

–daily expedition report, march 2015, david cothran, naturalist Our first-ever circumnavigation, unfolding in a compact time frame, provides the rare opportunity to discover a ‘new’ destination and a true ‘capital of wildness.’ Photographers, nature enthusiasts, birders and travelers alike will savor this time among the astonishing creatures and engaging islanders that thrive in this remoteness— plus the chance to visit Argentina's extraordinary Staten Island.

Cover: Courtship display, blackbrowed albatross, New Island.

This page: Guests photographing black-browed albatross colony, Steeple Jason.

EXPAND YOUR

TRAVEL HORIZONS

JOIN US FOR OUR 1ST-EVER FALKLANDS CIRCUMNAVIGATION ABOARD NG ORION.

Top: Magellanic penguins of Carcass Island. Bottom: Southern elephant seals battle for territory and mates.

We’ll find an astounding 150,000 breeding pairs of blackbrowed albatross, communicating with their partners in low moaning groans or gently allopreening—an experience of a lifetime. See rockhopper penguins amid the tussock grass, and blue-eyed shags on an island once overrun by sealers and whalers in the 1800s. We’ll spot one of the world’s rarest— and some say most aggressive—raptors, the striated caracara, known locally as the Johnny Rook. And observe 8,000-pound bull elephant seals in dramatic battles for territory on island beaches. Many of the islanders have become friends of our expedition team, and we’ll meet them in the islands’ capital, Stanley, and outer settlements, for an insider perspective on their lives in this remote locale.

AND EXPERIENCE SELDOM-SEEN WILDNESS

AND ALSO EXPERIENCE WHAT FEW CITIZEN EXPLORERS EVER HAVE: ARGENTINA’S STATEN ISLAND.

This page, clockwise from top left: Guests hiking; British red telephone box and colorful traditional house, Stanley; traditional tea is a staple of Falklands life in town and on the camps; Falkland wool is a major part of the local economy; the endemic Johnny Rook, aka striated caracara; wild flower coastline of Steeple Jason.

On November 6, 2015 National Geographic Explorer was the first foreign-flagged expedition ship in history to sail into the protected waters of Staten Island, Argentina, an area historically off-limits to tourism since 1923. We are proud to be honored with access to this astounding sanctuary, and you will be the second wave of Lindblad explorers to visit here—on our Falklands expedition. To preview what’s in store for you, please see photographer Eric Guth’s wonderful posts—you'll find the link below. And to further excite you, we’ll send you Jules Verne’s “Lighthouse at the End of The World” with our compliments—it’s a ‘Robinsonade/marine’ thriller that was written about Staten Island.

SEE 1ST STATEN ISLAND PHOTOS AT EXPEDITIONS.COM/SI_FIRST

FALKLANDS 360° 13 DAYS/10 NIGHTS—PRICES FROM: $10,850 to $20,990 DAYS 1 AND 2: U.S./SANTIAGO, CHILE Fly overnight to Santiago. Settle in before an overview of Santiago’s Plaza de Armas, main square, and Presidential Palace. Overnight at the Ritz Carlton Santiago Hotel. (Day 2: L)

Steeple Carcass Jason Island Saunders Island

Southern Atlantic Ocean

Stanley

ARGENTINA

DAY 4: ISLA DE LOS ESTADOS (STATEN ISLAND), ARGENTINA Explore Staten Island by special permission, one of the newest nature reserves in the Southern Hemisphere. Discover colonies of seabirds and marine mammals along its mountainous, forested landscapes and rugged fjords. (B,L,D) DAY 5: STEEPLE JASON/FALKLAND ISLANDS Steeple Jason is one of the most remote, windswept, and arguably most important wildlife conservation sites in the Falklands. See the largest colony of black-browed albatross in the world—over 150,000 breeding pairs, and the world’s rarest species of raptor—the striated caracara, locally known as the Johnny Rook. (B,L,D) DAY 6: CARCASS/SAUNDERS In the morning hike Carcass Island to view king penguins, myriad bird life, and sweeping views of the harbor. Enjoy a lavish tea with our longtime friends the McGill family, owners of the island.

During the afternoon on Saunders Island visit a white sandy beach, see gentoo and Magellanic penguins, and look for Commerson’s dolphins surfing the waves. (B,L,D) DAY 7: STANLEY Options abound in the Falkland’s largest and most populated city. Take a guided tour to experience local “English” life; visit the family-owned and operated Long Island Farm for demonstrations of peat harvesting and sheep

Isla de los Estados (Staten Island)

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DAY 3: FLY TO USHUAIA, ARGENTINA/ EMBARK Fly by private charter flight to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Join a catamaran cruise of the scenic Beagle Channel before embarking our ship. (B,L,D)

Fox Bay

New Island

Barren Island George Island

FALKLAND ISLANDS

Ushuaia To/From Santiago Ship Route

shearing along with a local tea service; hike to Mount William, the historic site of a large battle during the Falklands War; or take a short walk from the pier to the Stanley Growers Hydroponics Gardens that produces all the fresh produce for the small community of 2,500. (B,L,D) DAY 8: GEORGE AND BARREN ISLANDS Explore the rarely visited George and Barren Islands, where we first landed in 2001. Zodiac cruise and hike to encounter sea lions, elephant seals, and Magellanic penguins. The afternoon takes us to the local settlement and a typical English tea. (B,L,D)

DAY 11: AT SEA As we sail to Ushuaia, there’s time to edit photos with your National Geographic photographer, journal, or just relax. (B,L,D) DAYS 12 AND 13: DISEMBARK USHUAIA/ FLY TO SANTIAGO/HOME Disembark in Ushuaia after breakfast. Fly to Santiago for connecting overnight flights home.

(Day 12: B,L)

EXPEDITION DETAILS DATES: 2016: October 19, 28

DAY 9: FOX BAY Visit a local ranch for a superb barbecue. Mix with locals and ranch hands to learn about their ways of life. (B,L,D) DAY 10: NEW ISLAND NATURE RESERVE Former property owners and our expedition team members Tony and Kim Chater will share this nature reserve that seeks to return the island to its previous glory before whalers and sealers introduced predators. Sheep graze on a limited fenced-in area, and experiments to re-establish tussock habitat in another area can be observed. From Settlement Harbour, walk to a colony of rockhopper penguins, black-browed albatross, king shags, and visit the newly established historical museum. (B,L,D)

LEARN MORE AT WWW.EXPEDITIONS.COM/FALKLANDS360

See king penguins, and “adopt” one with our compliments.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ORION CAPACITY: 102 guests in 53 outside cabins. REGISTRY: Bahamas. OVERALL LENGTH: 338 feet.

PUBLIC AREAS: Outdoor café, lounge with bar, restaurant, sun deck, reception desk, observation lounge and library, global gallery, marina platform, and whirlpool hot tub. Our “open bridge” allows guests to meet our captain and officers and learn about navigation.

MEALS: Served in one seating with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling.

The cuisine is international with local flair, featuring tastes of the regions we explore.

WHIRLPOOL HOT TUB

SAUNA

*Cabin 509 has two windows in lieu of a French balcony. NOTE: Sole occupancy cabins available in Categories 1 and 3. Shared accommodations available in Categories 1 and 2. Third person rates available at one-half the double occupancy rate in designated triple occupancy cabins.

505

507

508

510

511

501

503 506

502

504

417

419

416

418

411

415

412

407

409

408

410

403

414

323 322

$18,990

319 321

CATEGORY 2 SOLO: Bridge Deck—Suite with two windows #512

317

320

$16,250

RESTAURANT

316 318

CATEGORY 1 SOLO: Main Deck with oval window or two portholes #301, 322, 323

MARINA PLATFORM

311 315

$20,990

RECEPTION ELEVATOR

UPPER DECK

312 314

CATEGORY 6: Bridge Deck—Owner’s suite with French balcony #502, 507, 509*, 510

405

$17,990

404

CATEGORY 5: Bridge Deck—Suite with French balcony #501, 503-506, 508

GLOBAL GALLERY

406

$15,550

LOUNGE

401

CATEGORY 4: Bridge Deck—Deluxe suite with window #511, 515

OUTDOOR CAFE

ELEVATOR

MAIN DECK MUD ROOM

$12,680

512 ELEVATOR

BRIDGE DECK

DOCTOR’S OFFICE

CATEGORY 3: Upper Deck—Suite with window #401-412, 414-419

BRIDGE

$11,590

509

515

ELEVATOR

OBSERVATION DECK

$10,850

CATEGORY 2: Main Deck with oval window #302-312, 314, 315, 317

OBSERVATION LOUNGE & LIBRARY

SUNDECK

Prices are per person, double occupancy unless indicated as solo.

CATEGORY 1: Main Deck with oval window #316, 318, 319-321

FITNESS CENTER/ LEXSPA TREATMENT ROOM

THEATER

402

S EE VIDEOS, PHOTOS, AND LEARN WHAT IT’S LIKE TO EXPEDITION ABOARD NG ORION AT EXPEDITIONS.COM/NGORION

Clockwise from top: Category 6 cabin, Category 3 cabin, the dining room has unassigned tables for easy mingling.

301 303 305 307 309

SPECIAL FEATURES: Zodiac landing craft; a fleet of 24 double kayaks; ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle); underwater video camera; laundry; LEXspa; sauna; fitness center; undersea specialist; full-time doctor; video chronicler; National Geographic photographer; Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor and wellness specialist.

302 304 306 308 310

CABINS: All cabins feature ocean views, private facilities and climate controls.

ZODIAC BOARDING

EXPEDITION DECK

For Reservations: Contact your travel advisor or Lindblad Expeditions

1.800.EXPEDITION (1.800.397.3348) WWW.EXPEDITIONS.COM TERMS AND CONDITIONS COST INCLUDES: One hotel night, per itinerary, meals indicated and nonalcoholic beverages aboard ship, shore excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees, special access permits, transfers to and from group flights, use of kayaks, tips (except to ship’s crew), taxes and service charges, services of a ship physician, and services of our expedition staff.

NOT INCLUDED: Air transportation, extensions, passport, visa, immigration fees, meals not indicated, baggage/ accident/travel protection plan, items of a personal nature, such as alcoholic beverages, e-mail, voyage DVD, laundry, etc. Gratuities to ship’s crew at your discretion.

SAMPLE AIRFARES: Round-trip Miami/Santiago: Economy from $1,300; Business from $2,900. Charter Airfare from $850 (round-trip Santiago/Ushuaia).

ADVANCE PAYMENT: $1,500 due at time of booking.

RESPONSIBILITY AND OTHER TERMS & CONDITIONS: Certain provisions concerning, among other things, limitations of Lindblad Expeditions’ and the National Geographic Society’s liability for loss of property, injury, illness or death during the voyage will be provided to all guests on the ship’s ticket sent prior to departure, and are also available on our web site at www.expeditions.com/ terms, or upon request. By registering for this trip, the guest agrees to all such terms and conditions.

IMPORTANT: Cancellations are subject to penalty. Call for details on our Cancellation Policy and Travel Protection Plan.

NOTE: Itineraries and prices listed in this brochure are valid as of publication date, and are subject to change. Penguin Adoption “opt in” information will be included in our pre-trip materials.

PHOTO CREDITS: Ken Carlson, Stewart Cohen, Earl Carter, David Cothran, Tracy Hebden/Alamy, Ralph Lee Hopkins, Sven-Olof Lindblad, Nature Picture Library, Michael S. Nolan, Marco Ricca, Kevin Schafer, SuperStock. ©2015 Lindblad Expeditions Lindblad Expeditions and the Eye are the trademarks of Lindblad Expeditions. All rights reserved.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC and the Yellow Border are the trademarks of the National Geographic Society. All rights reserved.

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS

TM

96 Morton Street New York, NY 10014

Account Number:

Expedition Code:

2FLKFUA6

1.800.EXPEDITION | WWW.EXPEDITIONS.COM C Printed on 10% recycled content paper with soy-based inks. We recommend that you pass this along for others to enjoy or recycle.

FKP-115

JOIN US FOR OUR 1ST-EVER CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF THE FALKLAND ISLANDS—2016

Adult southern rockhopper pair, Falklands.