Ultimate Antarctica by Expedition Yacht

Limited to 12 travelers
Due to the limited capacity of our expedition vessel, this trip accommodates a maximum of just twelve travelers, plus our Natural Habitat Adventures Expedition Leader and crew. Such a small group guarantees an intimate and inimitable experience of Antarctica, with highly personalized guide and staff relationships.

• Trip price includes: Accommodations, services of Nat Hab's professional Expedition Leader(s), boat crew and local guides, all meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on final day, alcoholic beverages, some gratuities, airport transfers for those arriving by air on Day 1 and departing by air on the final day, all kayaking equipment, Wi-Fi on board when available, all activities and entrance fees, all taxes, permits and service fees.
• Internal air cost includes: Flight to and from King George Island (this will be listed separately on our invoicing).

Travel to and from the start and end point of your trip, some alcoholic beverages, some gratuities, passport and visa fees (if any), optional activities, items of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry and internet at hotels, etc.), airline baggage fees, airport and departure taxes (if any), required medical evacuation insurance, optional travel protection insurance.

Moderate - Remote
This is an expeditionary polar trip in an exceptionally remote wilderness area. Definitive care medical facilities can be days away depending on weather and transport logistics. All participants must be in good health and fully mobile without assistance, and with substantial physical stamina if they wish to participate in all activities. Daily activities include Zodiac excursions, hikes ashore and kayaking excursions, all of varying duration. Physical requirements include but may not be limited to:

- Ability to hike unassisted for two miles over a trailless landscape that can be rocky, snowy, muddy and steep. Hiking in snow may include soft or slushy snow, and post-holing in deeper snow. It is common to have to walk on surfaces and over small and large rocks that can be wet and slippery.

- Getting in and out of bobbing Zodiacs (rigid rubber boats), which requires flexibility and balance. Zodiac landings, via which we access the shore for exploration, can be unstable. Wet landings require walking a short distance in shallow water. Dry landings—disembarking directly onto shore—can include climbing and walking over rocks or large boulders that may be very slippery or snow covered.

- Kayaking excursions are included and optional. They require some physical stamina and upper body strength, though no prior kayaking experience is necessary.

- During the plane arrival and departure at King George Island, guests must walk one mile on a gravel road that may be muddy (luggage will be transported in a separate vehicle).

Note that while we expect to operate in generally calm waters, conditions in the Antarctic can change quickly and we may be exposed to cold, rainy, snowy or windy weather, with rough seas. Travelers will need be mentally and physically prepared to contend with less than perfect conditions at times. Travelers who are susceptible to motion sickness or who have back problems or other health issues that could be exacerbated by such conditions should take this into consideration and consult their physician before attempting this expedition.

Medical Form
Due to the extremely remote nature of this adventure, we require that all travelers submit a medical form before departure. This form must be completed and signed by your primary care physician.

Luggage Restrictions
For safety purposes on the charter flights, travelers will be limited on total amount of weight and must use fully soft-sided luggage (no wheels allowed). In addition, your carry-on must fit in the small overhead bin or under the seat in front of you; bags are not permitted on your lap during flights. Please keep this in mind if you are carrying bulky camera equipment. You will not be able to purchase additional weight allowance for this flight. Total baggage allowance information can be found in your pre-trip information.

Optional Sea Kayaking
Sea kayaking is offered; our intent is to paddle in largely calm seas, though weather can change with little notice, and excursions can take place in windy, snowy or rainy conditions. Shifting ice may also force us to alter our kayaking itineraries. Paddlers should be aware that kayaking in the weather, sea and ice conditions on the Antarctic Peninsula requires confidence and physical ability, and paddlers should ideally have previous kayaking experience in choppy conditions. Paddlers must also have the stability, strength and agility necessary to enter a kayak directly from a Zodiac. The paddling group will be accompanied by the Expedition Leader and followed by a Zodiac at all times, and if the weather deteriorates, we will return to the boat promptly. No one will be allowed to paddle on their own without the group and guide.

Flight & Sailing Delays
Guests will fly one way between Punta Arenas and Antarctica and sail the other direction across the Drake Passage. Please note that weather-related delays or changes to your scheduled flight and/or sailing departures may occur. In light of unpredictable weather and its potential impact on flight schedules and operations, guests are strongly advised to have sufficient travel insurance to protect against both flight cancellations and delays, as well as potential marine delays. It may be necessary, for instance, to spend an additional night in Ushuaia (if applicable) or an extra night aboard the boat on King George Island, in order to wait for favorable weather conditions for the Drake crossing or to fly back. Given the potential for such an event, we also recommend that guests consider booking an additional hotel night on the back end of their trip, in case of such a delay.

Environment & Weather
Summer in Antarctica can exhibit all kinds of weather—mostly governed by the prevailing westerly winds and the Antarctic ice sheet. The weather pattern is an unpredictable mixture of marine low-pressure systems and a more stable high-pressure inland climate. The weather is largely influenced by the immense ice sheet that covers the earth's southernmost continent. Temperatures typically range from 30 to 40°F. In other words, you should prepare for all kinds of weather—sunshine and milder temperatures as well as showers and snowstorms. Winds can be both fierce and shifting, and the Antarctic seas are famous for ferocious katabatic storms (rare, but possible).

Specialized Equipment
We provide all group gear such as life jackets, kayaking gear and a comprehensive first-aid kit and satellite phone for emergency communications. We will supply you with an individual and very comprehensive Clothing & Equipment list prior to your departure.

Safety
Your safety is of paramount concern to us. Toward that end, we provide highly competent guides, a premier polar sailing vessel manned by a world-class captain and crew with extensive experience in Antarctic waters, and the very best equipment. Our guides and crew are thoroughly trained in emergency wilderness first-aid techniques and maritime survival in polar waters. Ultimately, our guides make decisions with everyone’s comfort and safety in mind, while trying to maximize the adventure experience for each individual. We must stress that listening carefully to your guide’s instructions and directions is ultimately your responsibility and in your best interest and that of the group.

Mandatory Insurance

Please arrive in Punta Arenas by 5 pm on Day 1 in order to participate in our group welcome dinner. You are free to depart Punta Arenas at any time on the final day of the trip.

We can serve you best if our Natural Habitat Adventures Travel Desk makes your reservations, as we are intimately familiar with the special requirements of this program and can arrange the most efficient travel. Also, in the case if you are delayed at King George Island and must spend an additional night on the yacht, we would be able to make international flight changes on your behalf. Please call us at 800-543-8917. Note that while we offer you the best possible rates available to us on airfare and additional nights' accommodations, you may find better fares online.