Spitsbergen Aboard M/S Quest (9 Days aboard M/S Quest)

Explore the spectacular ice-crowned archipelago of Spitsbergen and survey the surrounding pack-ice aboard the expedition ship, M/S Quest. In Spitsbergen there are twice as many polar bears and walrus as there are people. With an estimated population of over 3000 in Spitsbergen, we hope to have ample opportunity to photograph polar bears in their natural habitat.

Seabirds, such as ivory gulls, guillemots, little auks and puffins will be our constant companions during the trip. We may even see the rare Ross` gull. Tundra flowers will be in full bloom and the bird colonies should be bustling with life.

Later in the season, we hope to explore the eastern side of the archipelago. This area is usually only accessible for a very short period during the summer. One highlight is the fantastic Storöya, east of Nordaustlandet and a favorite area for both polar bears and walrus.

Ship Type: Expedition Ship

Spitsbergen Explorer (11 Days)

This active adventure departs and returns to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen. Aboard our expedition ship, we plan to circumnavigate the island of Spitsbergen, the largest in the archipelago. Ice and weather conditions will dictate our exact itinerary - this will be true exploration. We expect to sail into magnificent fjords, cruise in Zodiacs along towering sea bird cliffs and search for polar bears, walrus, and seals in their natural habitat. Ashore, we will search for wildlife and photograph the stunning high arctic scenery that surrounds us. For those wanting a sea level view of things, kayaks are available on most departures.

Spitsbergen has a rich concentration of arctic wildlife, making this expedition a great choice for nature and wildlife photographers. Between hikes on shore and cruising in zodiacs or on the ship, you will have many excellent photographic opportunities. Spitsbergen is the "Land of The Midnight Sun" so bring lots of digital cards for your camera!

Ship Type: Research Vessel

Spitsbergen In Depth (15 Days aboard Akademik Ioffe)

This 15-day adventure begins and ends in Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen, one of Norway's Arctic islands in the Svalbard archipelago. If the ice conditions are favorable, we hope to sail around the entire archipelago exploring all that Svalbard has to offer.

This arctic archipelago is rich in history and wildlife. We will experience the true arctic as we push through pack ice searching for polar bears, hike across the tundra learning about the arctic ecosystems, and identify the myriad of birds that call Spitsbergen home for the summer. Pushing to the north east, we hope to land at Kvitoya where Andre's remains were discovered, then sail into the Hinlopen Strait where we can experience thousands upon thousands of Murres racing to raise their chicks before winter descends. Walrus ply these waters and we hope to visit with these incredible creatures as they lie in great piles upon the shore or pose for us on ice floes.

Ice dominates this land and we will see first hand how glacier have sculpted the stunning landscape. We will also search the pack ice for the Lord of the Arctic, the polar bear, as they hunt for elusive seals. In true expedition style we will take advantage of every opportunity to explore this arctic oasis called Spitsbergen.

Ship Type: Research Vessel

Land of the Ice Bears: An In-depth Exploration of Arctic Svalbard (11 Days aboard National Geographic Explorer)

Special Offers Available

A remote archipelago situated just over 350 miles north of Norway's North Cape, Svalbard is a place of deep fjords, mountains and massive sheets of ice. During summer, when the sun never sets, the tundra experiences a warm awakening. It is carpeted with wildflowers. Ice-peppered fjords ring with the thunderous sound of glacial ice crashing to the sea. Walrus raise their sleepy heads to observe us. And everyone holds their breath as a polar bear is spotted and cameras click wildly. Experience nature in its purest form in the High Arctic.

This is as far north as it is possible to travel without an icebreaker, and you’ll experience the legendary midnight sun. With our fully stabilized ice-class expedition ship, we are able to probe the ice in search of wildlife. This voyage is undertaken in the spirit of discovery. Nature is full of wonderful surprises and we are guided by her. Our pace is unhurried and our options are many, so the day-by-day itinerary below is a thoughtfully considered framework based on our long experience in this region.

Special Feature:
National Geographic Photographer teamed with a Photo Specialist as part of the expedition staff.

Ship Type: Luxury Expedition Ship

Beyond the North Cape: Norway's Fjords and Arctic Svalbard (16 Days aboard National Geographic Explorer)

Special Offers Available.

The fjordlands region stretches 1,000 miles along the west coast of Norway. Each fjord is different from its neighbor and presents its own beauty and ruggedness. Listening to the roar of waterfalls, photograph flocks of auks in the fairytale light, and marvel at tiny villages that cling to the steep sides of the fjord walls.

Then just 350 miles north of Norway's North Cape, lies the archipelago of Svalbard, a wilderness region that few Americans know. Towering ice caps, deep fjords mountains, massive sheets of ice and long hours of beautiful light make this a photographers dream. Wildlife abounds as we hike ashore and cruise through pack ice in our ship and zodiacs. Polar bears roam the pack in search of seals, walrus rest on ice floes, while birds whirl overhead. This is an oasis in the vast arctic.

Special Feature:
National Geographic Photographer teamed with a Photo Specialist as part of the expedition staff.

Ship Type: Luxury Expedition Ship

Galapagos Islands (10 Days aboard the National Geographic Islander - Starting at $5,120)

Special Offers Available.

The moment you set foot on your first island in Galapagos you’ll see that curiosity and fearlessness are a way of life. Whether strolling the islands’ pristine beaches, searching for the spectacular waved albatross, having a “chat” with a particularly friendly sea lion, or snorkeling with Galapagos penguins, a feeling of freedom surrounds you.

From aboard the intimate 48-guest National Geographic Islander we navigate the volcanic archipelago, and our nimble Zodiacs and a fleet of kayaks take us further in our exploration and afford us intimate views of Galapagos wildlife.

The team of 3 expert Naturalists (including an Undersea Specialist) and Expedition Leader are always available to point out the intricacies of the wildlife as it unfolds before your eyes on the Galapagos Islands. Their specialized knowledge and use exploration equipment including video microscope, Splash-Cam, underwater video and hydrophone provide a deep and unmatched understanding of Galapagos.

Classic Galapagos Cruise (11 Days aboard the Letty - Starting at $4,895)

* Cruise among the islands’ prolific wildlife aboard an intimate, well-appointed yacht
* Swim with sea lions, sunbathe with iguanas, and kayak among whales and dolphins
* Learn about scientists’ conservation work at the Charles Darwin Research Station

Six hundred miles off the coast of Ecuador, surrounded by open ocean, a volcanic archipelago straddles the equator. The Galapagos Islands, forged of black lava and named for the giant tortoises that are among its most noted inhabitants, are like nowhere else in the world. Home to a profuse array of wildlife, the islands offer an immersion in nature that feels primeval, where lizards and penguins and blue-footed boobies share the beaches with us, unconcerned by our presence. Herman Melville called the Galapagos “Las Encantadas,” or Enchanted Isles, an apt moniker for a realm that remains otherworldly, even today.

Classic Galapagos Aboard the Nina (11 Days aboard the M/C Nina - Starting at $5,595)

Six hundred miles off the coast of Ecuador, surrounded by open ocean, a volcanic archipelago straddles the equator. The Galapagos Islands, forged of black lava and named for the giant tortoises that are among its most noted inhabitants, are like nowhere else on earth. Home to a profuse array of wildlife, the islands offer an immersion in nature that feels primeval, where iguanas and penguins and blue-footed boobies shared the beaches with human visitors, unconcerned by our presence. Herman Melville called the Galapagos “Las Islas Encantadas” -- The Enchanted Isles – an apt moniker for a realm that remains otherworldly, even today.

Galapagos My Way (11 Days aboard the Isabela II - Starting at $7,480)

Join Jack Grove and expert naturalists aboard the specially designed 40-passenger Isabela II yacht for a luxury adventure travel cruise through the Galapagos Islands. Jack has drawn on his years of experience in the Galapagos to create an itinerary that showcases both the terrestrial and marine wonders of the legendary Galapagos archipelago off the coast of Ecuador. Activities include birding, hiking, natural history, photography, sightseeing, snorkeling, and Zodiac cruises.

Galapagos + Peru's Land of the Incas (16 Days aboard the National Geographic Endeavour - Starting at $8,160)

Special Offers Available.

Thematically, one might ask, why connect a visit to Peru with an expedition to the Galapagos Islands? For that, we have two distinct answers: Firstly, as magnificent as the Galapagos Islands are for wildlife, so is Peru from an historical and archaeological perspective. Secondly, Peru’s capital city of Lima, is less than two hours away by air from Guayaquil. So, if you have the time, you’re almost there anyway!

There are a couple of key issues to point out following the expedition to Galapagos aboard National Geographic Endeavour: We spend a full week in Peru. Even though for many the highlight of the trip is an overnight stay in Machu Picchu, the fact is that rushing from sea level through the high altitudes of Machu Picchu and back to sea level in only a few days is just not wise. It takes time to adjust. The main reason however is that there is just so much more to Peru, including Lima, The Sacred Valley of the Inca and the ancient Incan capital of Cusco, which you can read more about in the Day-by-Day itinerary.

Classic Polar Bear Expedition (6 Days - $4,195 and 7 Days - $4,895 )

Looking out onto the vast ice floe, we spy them, white on white. Alternately regal and whimsical and always awe inspiring, polar bears in the wild offer a natural encounter charged with drama and magic. Yet a warming climate and melting ice sheet are affecting Arctic ecosystems, threatening the future of all polar bears. There’s no better time than now to see polar bears in their natural habitat, and no one better to take you up close than us. Come face to face with these kings of the north on a polar bear expedition to Churchill, Manitoba.

Churchill Tundra Lodge Adventure (7 Days - $5995)

An experience like no other – a stay at the Great White Bear Tundra Lodge, situated outside Churchill on the arctic tundra itself. As evening falls, guests remain in the domain of the polar bear to experience sunset across the snow and ice. Safe inside this custom lodge, experience surprising comfort, considering our environs. This “train” of connected bedrooms, dining room and lounge car is on wheels, allowing it to be stationed for optimal bear viewing each season. There’s no more thorough immersion in the world of the polar bear than on this most unique adventure to the north.

Given that you remain on the tundra, with the bears, for your entire time in Churchill, this is a fantastic opportunity for photographers. Capture the early morning light as the sun rises over the tundra and capture the bears, foxes and ptarmigan as the setting sun illuminates the sky overhead. This is Churchill at it's best.

Ultimate Churchill (7 Days - $6095)

This polar bear expedition offers a total immersion into the world of the polar bear and the Canadian Far North. Our warm, self-contained tundra vehicles take us into the icy wild to view polar bears as they hunt, play and interact, entertaining us just feet away from our windows. But our adventure travel tour doesn’t end there: We’ll also helicopter to the polar bears’ denning area and experience the northern boreal wilderness by dog sled. When night falls, watch for the swirling colors of the aurora borealis, as vivid here as any place on earth. “Ultimate Churchill” is the ultimate north.

Classic Antarctica: Discovering the Peninsula (11 Days - Starting at $3890)

Antarctica is a land of extremes. It is the highest, windiest, and coldest continent, and one of the most beautiful on earth. Journey to the Antarctic peninsula and enter a world filled with penguins, seals, whales, and some of the most dramatic scenery anywhere in the world. Summer on The 'Frozen Continent' is a busy time as penguins race to raise their young before winter sets in. Whales ply the cold waters feasting on krill, and flying birds take to the air in marathon journeys for food.

As you sail from Argentina, through the famed Drake Passage, to the Antarctic Peninsula, the expedition staff provides an educational program to prepare you for your adventure and while seabirds escort the ship south. Your days on the peninsula will be filled with zodiac landings at penguin rookeries, cruises through the ice filled waters, and moments to absorb the breathtaking beauty of Antarctica. This is an adventure you will not soon forget.

Explorers' Route: via the Falklands (Malvinas) and South Georgia (20 Days - Starting at $7,890)

Trace the footsteps of Earnest Shackleton and other explores as we sail from Argentina to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and the Antarctic Peninsula. In the wind swept Falklands we will be greeted by kelp geese and rockhopper penguins, and we will visit with a local family to see what life is really like on these remote islands.

South Georgia is a wonderland, rich in wildlife and history. We will spend several days exploring many of the beaches and coves on this stunning island. King penguins crowd the shores while elephant seals belch at passers by. High in the tussock, Wandering Albatross raise their chicks while sooty albatross soar overhead.

The Antarctic Peninsula is noted for it's dramatic scenery and shores teeming with penguins. We hope to find whales and seals as we cruise through this magnificent land.

Our Expedition Team will provide an extensive educational program while on board, and be available for hikes and talks on shore as well. This will be an interactive expedition you will remember for years to come.

Epic Antarctica Via the Phantom Coast and the Ross Sea (31 Days - Starting at $22,490)

Explore the very best of Antarctica on this rare semi-circumnavigation. Spend several days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula with it's rich and concentrated wildlife. Jagged mountains form the backbone of the peninsula and provide dramatic scenic back drops for the myriad of penguins that line the shores.

Then sail along the Phantom Coast and enter the world of the early explorers. The size and scale of Antarctica becomes apparent as you cruise along the Ross Ice Shelf and fly over the Dry Valleys. McMurdo Station, America's largest base, is here and should provide an intimate look at the science projects carried out in the polar extremes. Farther north, lie some of the most stunning sub-Antarctic islands anywhere. Visit with Royal Albatross and search for the elusive Yellow-eyed Penguin.

This is an expedition like no other, and for the adventurer or photographer, this will truly be the trip of a lifetime.