Antarctica Landing Expedition
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Description
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
What you will visit:
Villa Las Estrellas, a Chilean Antarctic settlement
Antarctica is the Earth's southernmost continent, encapsulating the South Pole. About 98% of Antarctica is covered by ice that averages at least one mile in thickness. Its mountains cover such a significant area that it makes it on average the highest of the seven continents. Villa Las Estrellas, is a Chilean Antarctic settlement. Tour the research center, one of the continent's oldest and most important meteorological stations and hike to the area's wildlife reserves and glaciers. Weather permitting, embark on a Zodiac to Ardley Island, where Papua penguin colonies live.
What you will see along the way:
Although wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, you may catch sight of the chinstrap penguin, recognized by the narrow band of black feathers that extends from ear to ear, just below the chin and the cheeks. Perhaps you'll see the gentoo penguin that sports a wide white stripe extending like a bonnet across the top of its head or the waddling Adelie penguin with its signature white "tuxedo shirt" front. You may even see a killer (orca) whale or baleen whale with its pair of blowholes.
Meals:
After takeoff, your morning flight to Antarctica includes a light continental breakfast and a welcome glass of champagne or juice. Energy bars and a beverage are provided on the Zodiac ride to Ardley Island and, on your return flight, enjoy a light meal served with cake and coffee.
Special Notes:
The tour is non-refundable unless cancelled 45 days prior to the cruise. Waitlisted requests also become non-refundable if confirmed either onboard or within the 45 day period prior to the cruise. Any cancelled requests inside of 45 days prior to the voyage (i.e. bookings cancelled on the Cruise Personalizer) will be assessed cancellation fees on your shipboard account. Waitlisted requests will be cleared in the order received and are subject to the same cancellation policy; waitlisted requests must be cancelled 45 days prior to the cruise to avoid cancellation costs in the case we are able to accommodate you on the tour.In the event weather conditions do not permit a landing in Antarctica (historically a 30% chance), an alternate itinerary to Paine National Park (see below) will be substituted. A price adjustment will be made onboard to reflect the revised route and price, which will be the same as tour PUQ-155 (Paine National Park). The tour ticket is still non-refundable, even if the substitution of the alternate itinerary is made.
PAINE NATIONAL PARK - Approximately 10 hours
Established in 1959, Paine National Park received Biosphere Reserve status from UNESCO in 1978. More than 30 miles of roads lead to lakes, ponds, rivers, and waterfalls. Framing the landscape are the imposing Paine Towers and Horns. The park's name comes from a Tehuelche word meaning pink, inspired by the park's multitude ravines. Your drive within the park offers incredible vistas. Across Nordenskjold Lake you have a view of the famous jagged spires, which grace numerous publications. Following lunch, proceed with your sightseeing drive to the Salto Grande Waterfall. Then continue to the Laguna Amarga before returning to Puerto Natales for the return flight to Punta Arenas.
Antarctic weather conditions are demanding. Passengers should wear sturdy trekking shoes suitable for snow. The following equipment is highly recommended:
* Two pairs of thin socks and two pairs of thick socks
* Long wool or polypropylene underpants
* Warm wool or pile pants
* Windproof Gore Tex pants
* Two wool or polypropylene undershirts
* Two thick undershirts
* Gore Tex winter parka
* Thin wool gloves and thick, ski-type gloves or mittens
* A scarf, snood, or cowl
* Ear muffs
* Ski hat
* Sunglasses
* Ski glasses
The following guidelines have been adopted by all members of the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators.
1 - Do not disturb, harass or interfere with the wildlife.
2 - Do not walk on or otherwise damage the fragile plants.
3 - Do not interfere with protected areas or scientific research.
4 - Historic huts may only be entered with authorized escort.
5 - Do not smoke during your visit to Antarctica.
6 - Stay with your group or with one of your guides.
7 - Leave nothing behind; take only memories and photographs.
Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.
Bring all needed medications and toiletries, sun protection, still and video cameras, film, batteries and binoculars.
Tour requires that the ship's call be at least 12 hours in length and that there are a minimum number of passengers booked to operate.
Motorcoach transportation may not be air-conditioned.
Child Price:
12 years and under onlyTour timeline may vary to avoid overcrowding, etc.
Depart from ship for a flight from Punta Arenas to the Antarctic Peninsula
- Transport type:
- Non Air Conditioned Transportation
- Transport Capacity:
- 38
- Travel time:
- 00:30
- Time at site:
- 02:30
- Inside visit:
- Yes
- Restroom available:
- Yes
Visit to the Villa Las Estrellas on King George Island
- Transport type:
- Aircraft
- Transport Capacity:
- 38
- Time at site:
- 05:00
- Inside visit:
- Yes
- Restroom available:
- Yes
Flight from the Antarctic Peninsula to Punta Arenas
- Transport type:
- Aircraft
- Transport Capacity:
- 38
- Time at site:
- 02:30
- Inside visit:
- Yes
- Restroom available:
- Yes
Re-board your transportation and return to your ship
- Transport type:
- Non Air Conditioned Transportation
- Transport Capacity:
- 38
- Travel time:
- 00:30