Antartica
Classic Antarctica
Air-Land-Cruise
8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS
Highlights
· The most popular itinerary
· Complete Antarctic experience
Day 1 / Start of the Air-Cruise
Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile, before 2 PM where you are
welcomed by Antarctica21 staff and transferred to your hotel. In
the afternoon, you attend a mandatory briefing that provides
important information about your voyage and
reviews the essential guidelines for Antarctic visitors. Later,
gather for a welcome dinner and meet your fellow adventurers
while enjoying a typical regional menu.
Day 2 / Scheduled flight to Antarctica
Your Antarctic adventure begins with a two-hour flight from
Punta Arenas to King George Island, in the South Shetland
Islands. As you exit the airplane, the clear Antarctic air fills
your lungs for the first time. The 2-km (1.25-mi) walk to the
shore, where you board a Zodiac to embark your expedition
vessel, takes you through Chile’s Frei Station and Russia’s
Bellingshausen Station.
Day 3-6 / Exploring Antarctica
Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast
of the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and
among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of
seabirds, penguins, seals and whales. Each day, disembark by
Zodiac and explore the landscape together with expert polar
guides. On board the ship, attend an engaging program of
lectures and presentations, and enjoy spectacular views from the
lounge while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests.
No journey is the same and flexibility is the key to success in
Antarctica. The Expedition Team plans the voyage route to take
advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by Nature,
crafting a unique and extraordinary
experience each time. While the exact itinerary changes with
each expedition, you will explore several spots that offer the
best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment. Your
voyage may include visits to sites such as Paulet Island, Hope
Bay, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Deception
Island, the Lemaire Channel, or many other magnificent places.
Day 7 / Scheduled return flight from Antarctica
Return to King George Island and bid farewell to Antarctica
before boarding the flight back to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival,
transfer to your hotel for the night. (Note: Meals in Punta
Arenas are at your leisure and not included in
the program).
Day 8 / End of the Air-Cruise
After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your
onward flight.
Polar Circle
Air-Cruise
10 DAYS / 9 NIGHTS
Highlights
· In-depth Antarctic experience.Do more, see more.
· Sail farther south to try and reach the Antarctic Circle
· Limited number of departures
Day 1 / Start of the Air-Cruise
Antarctica21 staff welcome you in Punta Arenas, Chile, before 2
PM. Transfer to your hotel and attend a mandatory briefing that
provides important information about your voyage and reviews the
essential guidelines for
Antarctic visitors. A welcome dinner introduces you to the local
gastronomy as you meet fellow adventurers from around the world.
Day 2 / Scheduled flight to Antarctica
A smooth two-hour flight takes you efficiently from Punta Arenas
to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands. Your
Antarctic adventure begins as you exit the airplane and the
clear Antarctic air fills your lungs for the first time. The
2-km (1.25-mi) walk to the shore, where you board a Zodiac to
embark your expedition vessel, takes you through Chile’s Frei
Station and Russia’s Bellingshausen Station.
Day 3-8 / Exploring Antarctica
Sail along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs,
while enjoying the company of seabirds, penguins, seals and
whales. Visit the South Shetland Islands and the western coast
of the Antarctic Peninsula, disembarking by Zodiac each day. In
small groups, hike to extraordinary sites and take part in
exploratory Zodiac excursions to otherwise inaccessible areas.
Our expert polar guides share their passion for Antarctica
through an engaging program of illustrated presentations, and
lead you ashore to interpret the wildlife, the history and the
many wonders of the Antarctic environment. From the
glass-enclosed lounge, enjoy spectacular views while sharing
your daily adventures with fellow guests over a drink. The goal
of the expedition is to sail far south in the attempt of
reaching the Polar Circle. The Expedition Team plans the
specific voyage route based on local conditions, and takes
advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by Nature.
Flexibility will be the key to a successful voyage. Your
expedition may include visits to sites such as Port Lockroy,
Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, the Lemaire Channel, Prospect
Point or other magnificent places. Each voyage is unique and
each is crafted to provide the best possible overview of the
varied Antarctic environment.
Day 9 / Scheduled return flight from Antarctica
Back at King George Island, bid farewell to Antarctica as you
board the flight to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival, transfer to your
hotel for the night. (Note: Meals in Punta Arenas are at your
leisure and not included in the program).
Day 10 / End of the Air-Cruise
After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your
onward flight.
Antarctica Express
Air-Cruise
6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS
Highlights
· Introductory and affordable expedition experience
· Combines visits to Cape Horn and Antarctica
· Short Antarctic experience
Day 1 / Start of the Air-Cruise
Your journey begins in Ushuaia, Argentina, at the pier. Board
your ship in the afternoon and sail along the Beagle Channel
towards Puerto Williams, Chile, the southernmost town in the
world. Explore the surroundings before
setting sail to Cape Horn.
Day 2 / Cape Horn and Drake Passage
After an overnight crossing of Nassau Bay, you awake in full
view of legendary Cape Horn! Weather permitting, board a Zodiac
and be one of the few privileged adventurers to step foot on
this famous and rarely visited island.
Back on board, set sail towards Antarctica and cross the famous
passage named in honour of Sir Francis Drake, the great 16th
century British explorer.
Day 3 / Drake Passage
As you sail through the Drake Passage en route to King George
Island, in the South Shetland Islands, attend an engaging
program of lectures and presentations. In the company of expert
guides, watch for wildlife from the lounge or from the outside
decks. You may spot magnificent seabirds, such as albatrosses
and petrels, as well as different species of whales on their way
south to Antarctica.
Day 4 / Drake Passage and Antarctica
After crossing the Antarctic Convergence, the environment
changes noticeably. Keep your camera ready, as this is the time
to watch for the first icebergs and the first sight of Antarctic
land. Reaching the South Shetland Islands, sail in ice-filled
bays, while enjoying the company of seabirds, penguins, seals
and whales. Board a Zodiac for your first
memorable shore visit to a penguin colony. Taking advantage of
the endless Antarctic daylight, exploration will continue well
into the evening.
Day 5 / Antarctica and scheduled return flight
Upon reaching King George Island, disembark at Fildes Bay. A
2-km (1.25-mi) walk takes you through Chile’s Frei Station and
Russia’s Bellingshausen Station to the aircraft. Bid farewell to
Antarctica as you board the flight back to Punta Arenas. Upon
arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night.
(Note: Meals in Punta Arenas are at your leisure and not
included in the program).
Day 6 / End of the Air-Cruise
After breakfast, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport for your
onward flight.
Note: The January 2-8, 2021 (HEB06-AE)
departure
on board Hebridean Sky is a day longer and operates in reverse,
with start in Punta Arenas and end in Ushuaia.
An itinerary description is available on request.
Inclusions
Included in the Rate for the above 2 itineraries
· For air-cruises starting in Punta Arenas, group transfers
airport/hotel on Day 1.
· For air-cruises starting in Punta Arenas, 1 overnight with
breakfast in Punta Arenas at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel or
similar, with a welcome dinner including drinks on Day 1.
· 1 overnight with breakfast in Punta Arenas at the Cabo de
Hornos Hotel or similar on the Day of the Scheduled Return
Flight from Antarctica.
· Group transfers airport/hotel on the Day of the Scheduled
Return Flight from Antarctica, and group transfers hotel/airport
on last Day of the Air-Cruise.
· Flight from Punta Arenas to Frei Station on King George Island
and/or vice versa as indicated in the program corresponding to
each voyage.
· Ship cruise along the Antarctic Peninsula as indicated in the
program corresponding to each voyage.
· Daily buffet breakfast and lunch on board ship offering a wide
choice of dishes.
· Daily served dinner on board ship offering a choice of three
main courses.
· Wine, beer, juice, and soft drinks served with lunch and
dinner on board ship.
· Coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water and snacks on board
ship throughout the expedition.
· All guided shore excursions.
· Lectures and entertainment on board.
· Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material.
· Loan of waterproof boots for landing in Antarctica.
· Contingency Plan as described further on.
· IAATO passenger fee.
Specifically not Included in the Rate
· Accommodation, meals, excursions and transfers other than
those included in the itinerary and the Contingency Plan
corresponding to each voyage. Specifically, dinner in Punta
Arenas upon return from Antarctica is not included.
· Beverages purchased at the ship’s bar.
· Personal travel insurance.
· Extra expenses (communication, laundry, souvenirs, etc.).
· Gratuities.
· Visas for Chile and/or Argentina, passport expenses, and any
arrival and/or departure tax, if applicable.
RATES 2023-2024:
Itinerary for the M/V PLANCIUS
Departure dates from Ushuaia, Argentina: (Please see below)
11 day/10 nights Expedition
Day 1
In the afternoon, we embark in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego,
Argentina, the southernmost city in the world located in the
shadow of the Andes and right at the Beagle Channel shore. We'll
sail through this scenic waterway during the afternoon.
Day 2 & 3
During these two days we sail across the Drake Passage. When we
cross the Antarctic Convergence, we arrive in the
circum-Antarctic up welling zone. In this area we may see
Wandering Albatrosses, Grey Headed Albatrosses, Black- browed
Albatrosses, Light- mantled Sooty Albatrosses, Cape Pigeons,
Southern Fulmars, Wilson's Storm Petrels, Blue Petrels and
Antarctic Petrels. Near the South Shetland Islands, we glimpse
at the first icebergs.
Day 4 - 8
A typical itinerary in Antarctic Peninsula could be as follows.
This is a sample only, the final itinerary will be determined by
the Expedition Leader on board.
We will sail directly to "High Antarctica", passing the Melchior
islands and the Schollaert Channel between Brabant and Anvers
Island. On Cuverville Island, a small precipitous island,
nestled between the mountains of the Antarctic Peninsula and
Danco Island, we will find a large colony of Gentoo Penguins and
breeding pairs of Brown Skuas. On Danco Island we can observe
Chinstrap Penguins and possibly Weddell and Crabeater Seals. In
Neko Harbour we will have the opportunity to set foot on the
Antarctic Continent in a magnificent landscape of huge glaciers,
other continent landings are for example possible on Portal
Point .
During the cruise we will also offer zodiac cruises such as near
Foyn Harbour on Nansen Island and Neko Harbour.
When sailing to Paradise Bay, with its myriad icebergs and deep
cut fjords, we will have the opportunity for zodiac cruising
between the icebergs in the inner parts of the fjords. In this
area we have good chances to see Humpback Whales and Minke
Whales. After sailing through the Neumayer Channel, we visit the
British research station and post office Port Lockroy on Goudier
Island. Close to Port Lockroy we can also offer a landing on
Jougla Point with Gentoo Penguins and Imperial Shags.
We sail through the spectacular Lemaire Channel to Pleneau and
Petermann Island where we can find Adelie Penguins and Blue-eyed
Shags. In this area there are good chances to encounter Humpback
Whales, Minke Whales and Fin Whales. A visit to one of the
scientific stations in Antarctica will give you an insight about
the life of modern Antarcticans working on the White Continent.
Further south we may visit the Ukrainian Vernadsky Station,
where we will receive a warm welcome from the station crew.
Sailing north through Neumayer Channel we arrive at the Melchior
Islands with a very beautiful landscape and again possibilities
for zodiac cruising among the icebergs, where we may encounter
Leopard Seals, Crabeater Seals and whales.
Day 9 - 10
In the Drake Passage we have again a chance of seeing many
seabirds and to take advantage of the knowledge of our lecture
team.
Day 11
We arrive in the morning in Ushuaia
and disembark.
(This is a sample only; the final itinerary will be determined by the Expedition Leader on board depending on weather, ice conditions)
DEPARTURE DATES: 2022-2023 - Please email us at: tara@taratours.com
for rates -please email us at: tara@taratours.com
RATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME AS WELL AS ITINERARIES
Information about the Plancius
Specifications
- Passengers: 114 in 53 cabins
- Staff & crew: 45
- Length: 89 meters (293 feet)
- Breadth: 14,5 meters (47 feet)
- Draft: 5 meters (16 feet)
- Ice class: 1D (Plancius has a Lloyds class notation 100A1 Passenger ship, Ice Class 1D at a draught of 5 meters.)
- Displacement: 3434 tonnes
- Propulsion: 3x Diesel-Electric
- Speed: 10 - 12 knots maximum
Single occupancy:
All cabins 1.7 times the share price
Fares include:
·
Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary.·
All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.·
Free use of rubber boots and snowshoes.·
Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation).·
All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac.·
Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.·
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.·
Comprehensive pre-departure material.
Not included:
Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights; pre- and post land arrangements; transfers to the vessel; passport and visa expenses; Government arrival and departure taxes; meals ashore; baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended); excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges; and the customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).
It is agreed that if world fuel prices will reach or exceed US Dollar 80 per Barrel Brent 90 days prior to departure Oceanwide Expeditions reserves the right to levy a fuel surcharge of US Dollar 25 per passenger per night, to be paid by the contracting party of Oceanwide Expeditions
PLANCIUS DECK PLAN
GENERAL NOTES
All rates are quoted per person in US Dollar, based on twin occupancy. US Dollar rates apply for all sales outside Europe. 5% discount will be granted for bookings for one or more consecutive voyages (except on legs within the Atlantic Odyssey). Please note that all dates & rates are subject to change. All voyages will operate subject to a minimum of 70 participants. ‘Plancius’ carries a maximum of 114 passengers.
For questions or further information on Antartica or about these programs
Have your Travel Agent call
Tara Tours at1-800-327-0080 or e-mail us at: