In December, I got the opportunity to go to Antarctica with National Geographic aboard the fairly new Endurance, a polar expedition ship operated by Lindblad Expeditions. Day One began in Buenos Aires, where Nat Geo treated our group to the elegance of the Alvear Palace Hotel.

I really enjoyed it; even though it was barely 24 hours, it was memorable and I had a great experience. After a charter flight to Ushuaia, the gateway to Antarctica, we boarded our ship and set off into the legendary Drake Passage. The winds continued to howl that day, and there were four ships in dock that were supposed to leave, and it was because of the new technology on the Endurance that we were the only ship that was allowed to leave. To be more technical, it was because of the advanced stabilizers and rare PC5 ice-class rating, that we were the only ship cleared to sail that day, thus setting the tone for a truly privileged expedition.

The ship itself was a marvel. It featured balcony suites, an open bridge policy where guests could mingle with the crew and learn about navigation, and there was a cozy Ice Lounge where lectures and photography workshops brought the Antarctic landscape to life. Onboard naturalists and a dedicated photography team helped guests interpret every moment and capture each icy vista with confidence. The spa, gym, and even a reserve-able igloo for sleeping under the stars added layers of comfort and novelty.

Each day brought new awe-inspiring encounters. We saw chinstrap penguins nesting on rocky slopes, watched seals lounging on pristine ice, and marveled at the deep blues of glacial formations. Our landings were carefully orchestrated to preserve the environment, including rigorous biosecurity protocols like sterilizing boots and gear before every excursion. I even took the polar plunge, attempting a can-opener dive, into 28-degree water. I can’t tell you how quickly you want it to be out of that water because it hurt, but it was amazing, absolutely thrilling, and worth it!

I experienced everything from peaceful kayaking to a magical nighttime trek one-quarter kilometer from the ship, in a snowstorm, to see an elusive Ross seal, and each moment felt surreal. We had to do it very slowly and in small groups. We were wet. We were freezing cold, but we were all in such a good mood. We were often the only ship in sight, thanks to Endurance’s agility and size, and we knew this was allowing us access to places others simply couldn’t go.

One unexpected takeaway? The faux fur on expedition parkas, though seemingly harmless, sheds plastic into the fragile Antarctic ecosystem. We learned late into the expedition that that stuff is all made out of plastic, and it’s showing up on the sea floor in Antarctica. Believe it or not, it’s already showing up in the brain and feces of the Antarctic animals down there. Best to unzip that and throw it away. Of course, the naturalists on the ship can’t be vocal about it, but the rest of us can, so we all started talking about it.
Just a small step in a place that reminds you how interconnected and delicate our planet truly is.

Overall, this journey wasn’t just about icebergs and penguins—it was about perspective. Antarctica is humbling, otherworldly, and fiercely beautiful. If this remote, frozen world calls to you, I can’t recommend Nat Geo Lindblad highly enough. See you next time on my next adventure, Away From the Crowds.