Extraordinary diversity and a dazzling array of points of interest await on this exploration through five countries, two legendary rivers, and a host of places few people ever see. Experience fascinating ecosystems from riverine to jungle to urban, within dramatic natural settings. Spot tropical wildlife from spinner dolphins to the spectacle of hundreds of scarlet ibis coming home to roost. Have the rare opportunity to explore pristine Fernando de Noronha, a UNESCO site; grand Kaieteur Falls, two times the height of Victoria Falls; and well-preserved colonial towns with a dramatic history.

Highlights


• Spot tropical wildlife as we explore two legendary jungle rivers: the Amazon and the Essequibo

• Birders will have their minds blown at Trinidad’s renowned Asa Wright Nature Center, spotting many colorful specimens from the veranda viewing gallery

• Explore three picturesque colonial cities from Paramaribo, Suriname, a UNESCO Site, to Belém, the gateway to the Amazon, and Salvador, Brazil’s cultural heart. And visit notorious Devil’s Island

• Discover the rhythms of South America with live performances by leading musicians—curated by onboard ethnomusicologist Jacob Edgar

• Enjoy special access to the unspoiled islands of Fernando de Noronha, a World Heritage site. Snorkel amid the rich marine life and see the rich population of spinner dolphins

The sound of the steel pan and calypso tell us we’re in Trinidad & Tobago. Arrive at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad Hotel for a 2-night stay followed by a welcome reception. (D)
Drive through the lush Arima Valley to the Asa Wright Nature Center, a mecca for nature lovers. We’ll have a choice of trails to walk as we look for toucans, hummingbirds, tanagers, motmots, and butterflies. Or stay on the “birding veranda” and let the avifauna come to you. Then drive to the Caroni Swamp, where scarlet ibis return by the hundreds at dusk to roost—one of the world’s great wildlife spectacles. The next day, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and perhaps a dip in the pool, with sweeping views of the Gulf of Paria, before embarking our ship in Port of Spain and settling in as we set sail southward. (B,L,D)
This is a day to explore the amenities of our ship and prepare for the adventures ahead. Visit the Bridge (a great place to spot marine life), have a relaxing massage, attend a talk about the history of this storied coast, or settle into a comfy chair in the observation lounge to read or look out over the waves and reflect on what you've seen and what is to come. (B,L,D)
Little-visited Guyana has some of the planet’s most pristine rainforest. On the Essequibo, spot colorful macaws, cotingas, and jacamars—a few of the more than 600 bird species for the area. Fly over Guyana’s crown jewel: powerful 822-foot Kaieteur Falls. Once on the ground we explore the rainforest and look for rare parrots and toucans. In Georgetown, Guyana’s capital, discover rich colonial architecture, historic markets, and spirited local music. (B,L,D)
Paramaribo’s well-preserved Dutch colonial architecture has earned it a UNESCO designation. Explore the waterfront with its wooden colonial buildings, and Fort Zeelandia, home to the fine Suriname Museum. (B,L,D)
Devil’s Island became notorious as a penal colony whose inmates included Alfred Dreyfus and Henri Charrière—who chronicled his escape in the book Papillon. Explore the remains of the prison and spot birds and monkeys in the surrounding jungle. Then relax during a day at sea. (B,L,D)
Enter the great delta region of the Amazon and spend three days exploring the river and its tributaries by ship and by Zodiac. Spot macaws, toucans, and kingfishers, along with monkeys and the two elusive species of river dolphin found here —the gray tucuxi and the pink boto. See some of the communities of local residents, called caboclos, who make their living in this rich but difficult environment. (B,L,D)
The gateway to the Amazon, Belém has a rich colonial history evident on our walk in the Cidade Velha (Old City). Visit the Ver-O-Peso market, with its amazing variety of rainforest medicinal remedies, or the town of Icoaraci, known for its ceramics. (B,L,D)
Enjoy the pleasures of being aboard National Geographic Explorer with an expert staff. Attend a photo presentation given by a National Geographic photographer and get your photography questions answered. Head up to the Bridge, where the officers will reveal the secrets of navigation. Hear talks from our naturalist team that will prepare us for the exciting days to come on Fernando de Noronha. Unwind, have a massage in the wellness center, read in the excellent library, or listen to music curated by our onboard musicologist. (B,L,D)
The Fernando de Noronha archipelago is a UNESCO Site recognized for its marine life and breeding tropical seabirds. Enjoy three days exploring its beaches, birdlife, and rich marine life. Hike, swim, and snorkel. Or go on a boat excursion to watch spinner dolphins, renowned for their acrobatics. (B,L,D)
After time at sea, arrive at colorful Salvador, capital of the state of Bahia and cultural center of Brazil. Salvador’s music is legendary—the region is the birthplace of the samba. (B,L,D)
After breakfast, we disembark and have a walking tour of Salvador through the historic Pelourinho, a network of sweeping avenues lined with towering pink, yellow, and purple buildings finished with elegant white trims. Later, we transfer to the airport for flights home. (B,L)
Itineraries are subject to change

Category 1

$33,920 AUD pp
Category 1
#301-308 — Cabins feature one or two portholes. Most cabins feature two single beds that can be converted to a queen. Cabins #301-306 feature one queen-sized bed. All cabins feature a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV.

Category 2

$36,470 AUD pp
Category 2
#317-320, 335-336 — Cabins feature two single beds (some can convert to a queen-sized bed), and one large window. They offer a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, sitting chair, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV.

Category 3

$37,950 AUD pp
Category 3
#313-316, 321-328, 337-350 — Cabins feature two single beds (some can convert to a queen-sized bed), one large window, and two sitting chairs and a small table and ample storage. They have a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV. Cabins 341 & 343 have a sofa bed for a triple.

Category 4

$40,220 AUD pp
Category 4
Veranda Deck #103-104, 107-108 — Cabins feature two single beds than can convert to a queen-sized bed, and at least one large window, climate controls, sitting chair, and a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall. Upper Deck #201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228 — Cabins feature two single beds and at least one large window. All cabins can convert between two single beds to a queen, except Cabins 217, 226 & 228 that feature one queen-size bed only. All cabins feature climate controls, sitting chairs, and a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.

Category SA (solo)

$45,500 AUD pp
Category SA (solo)
#309-311, 329-334 — These cabins feature one single bed and a large window, a writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-wall shower stall, and a TV.

Category SB (solo)

$47,250 AUD pp
Category SB (solo)
Veranda Deck #105-106 — These cabins feature one single bed and a large window, a writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-walled shower stall, and a TV. Upper Deck #203, 208 — These cabins feature one single bed and a large window, a writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-walled shower stall, and a TV.

Category 5

$47,540 AUD pp
Category 5
#209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224 — Cabins feature a balcony with sliding glass doors, feature one queen-sized bed, a writing desk and chairs, climate controls, a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall. (Cabin 221 has two single beds that can convert to an Olympic-sized queen.)

Category 6

$55,340 AUD pp
Category 6
Veranda Deck #101-102 — These spacious cabins can be converted into triples. They have two single beds that can be converted into a queen, a writing desk, double closet, bookcase, sofa-bed, chairs, two large windows, and a TV. The sleeping area can be closed off with the glass partition. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall and twin sinks. Upper Deck #213 — This spacious cabin has a private balcony, two single beds that can be converted into a queen, a writing desk, double closet, bookcase, chairs, and a TV. The sleeping area can be closed off with the glass partition. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall and twin sinks.

Category 7

$63,400 AUD pp
Category 7
#215, 219, 230 — These large cabins with private balconies have two single beds that can convert to an Olympic-sized queen. They have seating areas with a sofa-bed and can be converted to triples. Cabins also include a desk with chairs, coffee table with sitting chair, and a small table. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall and twin sinks.

Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition

Length: 108 meters

Passenger Capacity: 148 (single & twin cabins)

Built / Refurbished: 1982 / 2008

National Geographic Explorer is a state-of-the-art expedition ship. It is a fully stabilized, ice-class vessel, enabling it to navigate polar passages while providing exceptional comfort. It carries kayaks and a fleet of Zodiac landing craft. An Undersea Specialist operates a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and sophisticated video equipment, extending access to the underwater world.

Public areas: Bistro Bar; Chart Room; Restaurant; Global Gallery; Library, Lounge with full service bar and state-of-the-art facilities for films, slideshows and presentations; Mud Room with lockers for expedition gear, and Observation Lounge. Our “Open Bridge” provides guests an opportunity to meet our Officers and Captain and learn about navigation.

Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Menu is international with local flair.

Cabins: All cabins face outside with windows or portholes, private facilities and climate controls.

Expedition Equipment: Zodiac landing craft, kayaks, Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), hydrophone, SplashCam, underwater video camera, Crow’s Nest remote controlled camera, video microscope, snorkeling gear.

Special Features: A full-time doctor, Undersea Specialist, LEX Photo Specialist and Video Chronicler, Internet Cafe and laundry.

Wellness: The vessel is staffed by two Wellness Specialists and features a glass enclosed Fitness Center, outdoor stretching area, two LEXspa treatment rooms and Sauna.

Cabin layout for National Geographic Explorer

Bahian Delights: Culture, Cuisine, and Conservation in Salvador (2640.00 AUD)

Salvador is where Portuguese, African, and Indigenous influences melt into a unique fusion across gastronomy, religion, and culture. Spend four days discovering this UNESCO World Heritage Site through its food, its people, and its preservation by walking the 17th and 18th century streets of the Pelourinho (city center), eating some of the finest local cuisine, and, in the beautiful Praia do Forte, learn about the extraordinary whale research and conservation efforts at the Projeto Baleia Jubarte. Post trip - 4 Days

History and Highlights of Rio de Janeiro’s Authentic Soul (3530.00 AUD)

In a visitor’s eyes, Rio de Janeiro is an exotic city where color and music flourish. While the Cariocas agree, Rio—the “Wonderful City”—is more than that; it is authentic and impossible to replicate. We’ll explore not just the highlights—world-famous landmarks like Pão de Açúcar and Cristo Redentor, high above the bustle below—but we’ll take you behind the scenes of vibrant Carnival, the quiet beauty of the Jardim Botanico, and the vitality of change at work behind Project Morrinho. Bring your appetite, too, as we’ll be immersing ourselves in Rio’s varied gastronomic offerings by dining at some of the finest restaurants. Post trip - 4 Days

Special Offers

• BACK-TO-BACK SAVINGS. Save 10% on any consecutive journeys taken on board one of our expedition ships. This savings is applicable on voyage fares only, and are not valid on extensions or airfare.

• TRAVELING AS A GROUP. Save 5% when traveling as a group of 8 or more people. Take advantage of these great savings, while enjoying traveling with your friends and family. This savings is applicable to voyage fares only, and is not valid on extensions or airfare. Deposit, final payments, and cancellation policies for group travel vary from our regular policies.

• COMBINING OFFERS. Certain offers may be combinable, up to two savings opportunities, except where noted otherwise. For example, travel with a group of 8 or more on back-to-back expeditions, and take advantage of both savings.

Inclusions


• Voyage on board in selected cabin category
• All meals while on board
• Non alcoholic beverages
• Experienced expedition team and leader
• All excursions
• Zodiac and kayak exploration
• Snorkeling, including wetsuits, masks, fins & snorkel where relevant
• Lectures and presentations on board

Exclusions


• International and domestic flights unless otherwise stated
• Travel insurance
• Passport and visa costs if applicable
• Alcoholic beverages on board unless otherwise stated
• Gratuities unless otherwise stated
• Wifi on board
• Any items of a personal nature including laundry
24 Days from
$33,920 AUD pp

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