Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic has officially launched two new itineraries that bring flexibility and choice to travelers seeking to experience The White Continent. Since 1966, Lindblad has brought curious explorers to the White Continent to experience the wonder, beauty and incredible wildlife of this extraordinary location. Traditionally, Antarctic voyages average 14 days in length, sometimes limiting the ability for guests to experience this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Beginning next year on the intimately scaled expedition vessel and recently refurbished guest-favorite National Geographic Explorer, modern explorers will have more opportunities to explore, with options including an eight-day itinerary that flies round-trip across the Drake Passage and a 10-day itinerary that crosses the famous Drake Passage by ship with an air return from King George Island. ANTARCTICA DIRECT: FLY THE DRAKE PASSAGE: Ideal for eager guests who want to get a head start on their Antarctic expedition, the eight-day Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage expeditions will fly round-trip across the Drake Passage to the Chilean Base of Presidente Frey on King George Island. Home to a diverse assortment of wildlife?like Weddell and elephant seals, Adelie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins?King George Island is also home to researchers from around the world, and where guests will board the National Geographic Explorer, welcoming them upon arrival just off the coast of the tundra island.

With long hours of daylight during this time of year and flexible scheduling, guests will have ample opportunities to explore the region over the next five days, whether they are watching whales at play off the bow of the ship, hiking along penguin highways, kayaking in the icy waters, or enjoying an evening Zodiac cruise while taking in the sight of diving penguins. On day seven, the ship will return to King George Island where guests will disembark the ship and fly to Puerto Natales, Chile, where they will overnight before beginning their journey home the next day. The new eight-day expedition launches with limited time inaugural pricing, including return-trip private air to King George Island.

Book before January 31, 2024, and receive a special $500 Expedition Credit per guest. To learn more, visit www.expeditions.com/fly_direct. ANTARCTICA DIRECT: SAIL AND FLY THE DRAKE PASSAGE: The new 10-day Antarctica Direct: Sail and Fly the Drake Passage expedition was designed for the adventurous traveler who wants to experience it all?from flying high above the clouds to cruising the infamous Drake Passage.

On this new itinerary, guests will embark National Geographic Explorer in Ushuaia, Argentina, and spend two days crossing the legendary 500-mile-wide Drake Passage to reach the icy desert of Antarctica. There, they will spend five days exploring the Antarctica by foot, Zodiac, kayak, ship, and even cross-country skis, before arriving to King George Island, where they will board their chartered flight at the Chilean Base of Presidente Frey and begin their journey home. The new 10-day expedition launches with limited time inaugural pricing, including outbound private air to King George Island.

Book before January 31, 2024, and receive a special $1,000 Expedition Credit per guest. For itinerary details, visit www.expeditions.com/sail_fly. Upcoming in 2024-25, the brand will bring some of the world's most renowned scientists, birders, archaeologists, mountaineers, and researchers onboard to educate guests as they journey through Antarctica.

Throughout the 2023-24 season, Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic will also be hosting more than 20 Visiting Scientists sailing as part of the brands' program that enables imperative research using the ships as a catalyst towards a more environmentally focused future. While on board, guests on select departures will have the opportunity to aide scientists and to play a vital role in various research projects, assisting with data collection, wildlife spotting, and hands-on research.