Antarctica is one of the most beautiful and unexplored places in our planet. For over two centuries, the White Continent has attracted scientists and adventurers for its unmatched natural beauty. Nowadays, this frozen land has opened its doors to world travellers who have become mesmerized with its unique wildlife, its majestic icebergs and its superb scenario. The austral summer, from November to March, with its endless daylight renders the exploration unique. The expedition leader will take voyagers to remote locations where only a few men have set foot on. While landing in zodiacs, large penguin colonies, magnificent whales, and breathtaking icebergs and glaciers will be at sight. Voyages can usually last 11 days, and even if the itinerary might be the same for all of them, its changing climate and the whims of stranded icebergs prevent the possibility that two voyages could be alike, the overwhelming and sometimes awesome views are never the same. If you ever decide to come back, the scenery will be different.

* The voucher and information about Ushuaia, like nice restaurants, things to see

Arrive in Ushuaia, southernmost city in the world. Its a nice place and it have the atmosphere of a ski resort. You enter the earth of the Yahgan-indians, the mysterious “Fire land”. The name fire land is made by the Spanish people when they see from they’re boats the red sky in the evening. Ushuaia (Argentinia), is on the Beagle-channel . The mountains around Ushuaia are snow-capped white all year around. Its the most southern city in the world.

Expedition cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands. Aboard the ‘Ushuaia’

 Short boat expedition / full pension
* with often (land) excursions
* English speaking expedition
* min. 30 / max. ca. 75  passengers  /  international clients
* possible to extend your stay in Argentinië, Chili

These adventure cruises offer the ultimate introduction to the White Continent. Departing from and finishing in the port of Ushuaia, Argentina, they include many of the wildlife and scenic highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. They are designed to include as much wildlife viewing as possible but also incorporate visits to scientific bases and allow plenty of time to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of icy waterways, glaciers, icebergs and rugged mountains. The itinerary shown here is for the 11-day voyage along the Antarctic Peninsula. However, no two voyages can ever be exactly the same and so this itinerary is for guidance only. The Captain and Expedition Leader continually assess daily weather conditions and wildlife opportunities to take full advantage of the almost continuous daylight and to maximize time ashore. Although it is impossible to guarantee precisely what we will see because sightings and encounters inevitably vary from trip to trip, we are confident that no-one will be disappointed. Few people have ever set foot on Antarctica but those fortunate few treasure precious memories of a unique, unforgettable experience.

Embark the in the afternoon and meet your expedition and lecture staff. After you have settled into your cabins we sail along the famous Beagle Channel and the scenic Mackinlay Pass

We hope to navigate some of the most beautiful waterways (depending on the ice conditions): the Gerlache Strait, the Neumayer Channel, and the Lemaire Channel, the latter are narrow passages between towering rock faces and spectacular glaciers. We plan to make at least two landings per day. Possible landing sites may include:

Paradise Bay is perhaps the most aptly named place in the world and we attempt a landing on the continent proper. After negotiating the iceberg-strewn waters of the Antarctic Sound, we hope to visit the bustling Adélie Penguin (over 100,000 pairs breed here) and Blue-eyed Cormorant colonies on Paulet Island. The Nordenskjöld expeditionbuilt a stone survival hut here in 1904. Today its ruins have been taken over by nesting penguins.

Further exploration may take you to Melchior Island, Cuverville Island, Portal Point, Neko Harbour, Pléneau Island and if ice conditions permit, to Petermann Island for a visit to the southernmost colony of Gentoo Penguins

We leave Antarctica and head north across the Drake Passage. Join our lecturers and naturalists on deck as we search for seabirds and whales and enjoy some final lectures. Take the chance to relax and reflect on the fascinating adventures of the past 10 days on the way back to Ushuaia

DATES 2009-10

• We advice to travel as light as possible, around15kg a person ,we prefer a  travel bag.
• Clothes , in this tour you go to real cold places so it can be cold at night ,so prepared for cold and warm , good walking shoes ,sunscreen, waterproof clothing ,alarm clock ,lip salve, personal medication  and don’t forget , if there is something you miss , you always can buy it  cheaper in Argentina ,there are many outdoor shops in Ushuaia  !   

Money and Passport

• We advice to bring with you around 300 EURO pocket money, this in a combination of cash/andcredit card. This money is for the cost of the meals in the restaurants, entrée fee and your souvenirs, its just an indication to eat normal, everybody spend different!
• The money in Argentina is the Peso ,EURO is widely accepted around Argentina , you better bring around 100 USD to pay the airport tax and entrée fee ,the rest in Euro .
• Credit cards like Master card /Visa are widely accepted; everywhere in Ushuaia are ATM machines.
•  No visa is necessary for countries of Western Europe /Asia/North or South –America/Australia/New Zealand/South Africa. With a valid passport the tourist card allows you up to 90  days in Argentina    

Climate

The mountains have a lot of influence at the climate in Ushuaia .High temperatures in springtime/daytime from November if the sun shines ,In the evenings it can be cold .The best time to travel: dry season, from October to march .Showers of rain, can be all year around! 

Medication 

PS: People who have hart or Long problems, better contact first a doctor before travelling.

Argentina don’t ask officially vaccinations,

We advice that you take some vaccinations like :

- Hepatitis-A

- DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, polio);

You have to start with these vaccinations about 6 weeks before departure

• It is possible to arrive earlier, also to depart later. This you have to tell us in advance together with your reservation, so we ca arrange something for you.
• We can arrange some extra nights ,before or after the tour .Let us now your date ,time ,flight number and carrier of arrival , so we can arrange the transfer in Ushuaia to the hotel ,always included . We also can arrange things in Buenos aires or in other parts is Patagonia

Insurance
Clients are obligated and responsible for ensuring that they have adequate cover for the full duration of the tour in respect of medical expenses, injury, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment. It is our policy to check the validity and cover of your insurance policy and we hold the right to refuse travel to anyone whose insurance does not satisfy these criteria .We strongly advice to take a cancellation insurgency !

For reservation we ask 35 % deposit and the 65 % /100 days before departure

We need the following information

v       Full name as it is written in your passport 

v       Date of birth

v       Nationality

v       Passport number

v       Flight nr and date of arrival

WE HOPE THAT YOU ENJOY THIS COUNTRY JUST AS MUCH AS WE DO!

Some pictures are made by Antarpply expedition /claudio suter