Departures:
12/22/2013
Ship(s):
Sea Adventurer
Trip Highlights:
Fly round-trip to Antarctica then cross the Circle by classic expedition ship on this active itinerary with kayaking and camping options, all without having to sail the Drake Passage.
Summary: Take advantage of the fastest, most direct way to Antarctica: flying. A short three-hour flight takes you to the white continent where you will enjoy all the Antarctic has to offer. Cruise south to explore some of Antarctica’s most pristine and rarely visited areas including the incredible wildlife colonies along the Antarctic Peninsula and in the South Shetland Islands. Navigate through some of the world’s most scenic waterways and attempt to land on the Antarctic continent south of the Circle. Take in the full Antarctic experience without having to cross the Drake Passage. Skip extra days at sea, while enjoying the beautiful scenery and incredible wildlife experiences of Antarctica.
Begin your adventure in Punta Arenas, Chile, the most populated city in Patagonia. If arriving early, there are many museums, restaurants and shops to keep you busy. In the afternoon, meet your fellow travelers at the hotel, where you will enjoy a welcome dinner and be briefed about preparing for your embarkation day.
Day 2: Embarkation Day
Cross the legendary Drake Passage in only a few hours via chartered flight. Glimpse the dramatic Antarctica landscapes from a very unique perspective, as you descend for landing in the South Shetlands. Spend some time exploring the island before transferring to your ship by Zodiac. Meet the rest of your shipmates and set sail for the Antarctic Peninsula!
Days 3 - 5: Antarctic Peninsula / South Shetland Islands
Few places in the world are as awe-inspiring as Antarctica. Much of Antarctica can only be fully appreciated through the human eye. Keep watch for whales and seabirds that populate the region. Expert lecturers will also provide in-depth explanations of the geology, history and wildlife of the region.
Your first Zodiac landing is something you’ll never forget! You might experience the unique wildlife of Antarctica by walking up to a beach that is dotted with penguins and seals. Each day presents new sightings and photo opportunities. You may take a Zodiac cruise in search of whales and icebergs in Pleneau Island one day, followed by a hike to a chinstrap rookery the next day. From the booming shot of a calving glacier at Petermann Island to the complete silence of night while camping in Antarctica, welcome each day with excitement and energy. The Expedition Team will provide insights into the places you visit and offer photography tips to get the most out of your expedition.
Days 6 - 7: The Antarctic Circle
Crossing the Antarctic Circle is an impressive achievement, as most expeditions to the Peninsula do not reach 66° 33’ S. Celebrate this feat with a well-earned glass of champagne! Take pride in knowing you’ve made it to a part of the world still visited by very few people.
Days 8 - 9: Northbound Along the Peninsula
Continue to journey onto land by Zodiac twice daily while traveling north along the western Antarctic Peninsula. Be on the lookout for penguins, seals and whales.
Day 10: Disembarkation / Fly to Punta Arenas
Disembark at King George Island. Relax on the three-hour flight across the Drake Passage to Punta Arenas, Chile. Transfer from the airport to the hotel, then enjoy a final dinner in the city to reminisce about all the sights and sounds of Antarctica.
Day 11: Depart for Home
Make your way to the Punta Arenas airport for your homeward flight or continue on with other adventures.
Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice and weather conditions - and the wildlife you encounter. Flexibility is the key to the success of this expedition.
Camping Option: $225 per person; minimum age 16 years. No camping experience is necessary to participate in this program. Sleeping bags and all safety equipment are provided. Space is limited; request at time of booking.
Sea Kayaking Option: $950 per person; minimum age 16 years. Please note that some kayaking experience is recommended in order to participate in this program. Space is limited; request at time of booking.
Snowshoeing Option: Included in cruise rate; anyone can take part, no previous experience necessary.
Charter Flights:
The above itinerary is operated aboard the Clipper Adventurer and relies on two chartered BAE-146 aircraft operated by Aerovias DAP. Charter flights are subject to weather conditions and a contingency plan is in place in case of delays. Should the aircraft not be able to depart by 14:00 hours local time on Day 3 of the itinerary, the voyage will be cancelled and no refund will be extended. A travel insurance policy to cover the risk of voyage cancellation due to flight delays and cancellations is highly recommended.
Mandatory Travel Insurance:
All guests are required to have comprehensive travel insurance coverage. Due to the remoteness of the areas in this itinerary, travelers must have a minimum $50,000 of emergency medical coverage. Proof of coverage is required prior to embarkation. The shipping company will not be held responsible for delays due to force majeure. Any additional costs accrued will be the responsibility of the traveler. ExpeditionTrips strongly recommends that the travel insurance policy covers trip cancellation insurance, trip delay (interruption or after departure coverage), baggage and repatriation. ExpeditionTrips can assist you with this.
Included:
All flights to between Punta Arenas and Antarctica as specified in the itinerary; one night pre-night and one post-night expedition hotel accomadation with breakfast in Punta Arenas; a group arrival transfer in Punta Arenas from the airport to the included hotel; included lunch in Punta Arenas prior to boarding, or on the charter flight to Antarctica; group transfers between the hotel and airport in conjunction with the charter flight to/from Antarctica; shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping; all breakfasts, lunches and dinners on board throughout your voyage. (Please inform of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.); all shore landings per the daily program; leadership throughout the voyage by experienced Expedition Leader, including shore landings and other activities; all Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program; formal and informal presentations by Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled; Photographic Journal on DVD, documenting the voyage; a pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings; an official parka to keep; coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock; hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin; comprehensive pre-departure materials, including a map and an informative Antarctic Reader; a group transfer upon disembarkation in Ushuaia from the ship to the local airport; all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program; all luggage handling aboard ship; Emergency Evacuation Insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $100,000 per person*.
Not Included:
Any airfare; passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes; any meals ashore with the exception of breakfast at the host hotel before embarkation; alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages; baggage, cancellation and medical travel insurance; excess baggage charges; laundry and other personal charges; telecommunications charges; voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew; supplements for adventure options; fuel surcharge may apply.
*Emergency Evacuation Insurance:
Emergency evacuation coverage to a maximum benefit per paying passenger of $100,000 is included in the cost of this expedition. Included coverage is applicable only to travel between the first and last day of the expedition purchased. Additional days of travel prior to the expedition and/or after the expedition are not covered by the included emergency evacuation insurance. We strongly advise all passengers to purchase medical, cancellation and baggage insurance, and additional emergency evacuation coverage.
Why does AntarcticConnection partner with ExpeditionTrips?
True experts with first-hand polar experience, the ExpeditionTrips staff has sailed on the ships they represent; with a combined amount of 100 Antarctic trips between them;and can help you thoroughly compare and contrast the expeditions.
Their approach to travel is highly personal and professional, offering unbiased travel assistance to ensure you choose the very best Antarctica trip to meet your needs!
ExpeditionTrips works only with the highest quality small ships-all under 200 passengers-ranging from a 48-passenger Russian research vessel to a 200-passenger luxury expedition ship.