DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
Day 1 / Ushuaia
We board our Peregrine expedition vessel at Ushuaia on Tierra del Fuego, the southern tip of South America. In the early evening, we set sail travelling through the Beagle Channel. The long days mean plenty of evening light in which to experience the beauty of the channel, and to perhaps enjoy our first wildlife sightings.
Meals included: 1 dinner
Day 2 / At Sea
As we sail to the northeast, we have the chance to enjoy a series of presentations that will prepare us for all our Antarctic adventures to come. On deck, the first sightings of albatross and petrels are likely to add to the sense of excitement.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Days 3 - 6 / Falkland Islands
We arrive in the Falklands overnight and make our first shore excursion in the morning. Depending on conditions, we’ll explore the islands of the West Falkland Archipelago including West Point, Carcass or Saunders Islands, all rich in wildlife. We’ll find an abundance of land and seabirds with many migratory species in residence, such as the wandering albatross and its smaller relative the black-browed albatross.
The breathtaking cliffs at West Point are home to busy rookeries of rockhopper penguins and Magellanic penguins nest in the tall tussock grass on privately owned Carcass Island, where we may see a variety of land birds. Here, we’ll also hope to observe oyster catchers, geese and the endemic steamer duck along the rocky shores.
The next day we’ll visit Stanley, the capital of the Falkland Islands, with its brightly painted houses and renowned philatelic bureau and museum. We’ll learn about the historic importance of the harbour in Stanley that served as a major port during the 19th century for sailing vessels attempting to round the Horn, or seeking refuge after completing the formidable journey.
Meals included: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
Days 7 - 8 / At Sea
Leaving the Falklands, our journey continues southeast heading for the island of South Georgia. We’ll have a chance to learn about Antarctic conservation as well as the fascinating history of the area as our onboard presentations continue. Of course, there’ll be ample time to scan the seascape from the top deck in search of marine mammals and seabirds. We’ll cross the Antarctic Convergence on this leg of our journey and notice a dramatic drop in temperature.
Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
Days 9 - 11 / South Georgia
We arrive in South Georgia, the most rugged and mountainous of the many islands in the Southern Ocean. The towering, snow-covered mountains and glaciers are truly magnificent to behold. We’ll cruise the more protected eastern coast of the island, seeking out suitable landing spots as variable ice and weather conditions permit.
We’ll hope to get ashore at Salisbury Plain where colourful king penguins crowd the beaches in numbers that are simply astonishing. Hundreds of thousands of adult birds and their young literally carpet the vast area. Another 75,000 pairs of king penguins nest at St Andrews Bay. Everywhere, albatross, skuas and giant petrels wheel overhead and fur seals are found in good numbers along the shore or frolicking in the water.
At Grytviken, we’ll visit an old whaling station as well as the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton, one of the greatest Antarctic explorers of all time.
Meals included: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
Days 12 - 14 / Sea and South Orkneys
Crossing the Scotia Sea to the southwest, we’ll head for Antarctica. Along the way, if time and conditions allow, we’ll make a stop at the South Orkney Islands, linked to the Antarctic Peninsula by a massive range of sub-marine mountains. This area is usually surrounded by sea ice and often guarded by large icebergs.
We’ll attempt a landing at Coronation Island, known for its extensive moss beds, nesting penguins and beautiful snow petrels. We may also visit the Argentinean meteorological station located on the seldom-visited island of Laurie.
Meals included: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
Days 15 - 18 / South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Mainland
En route to the South Shetland Islands, we may be able to land at Elephant Island. It was from here that Sir Ernest Shackleton set out on a small boat for South Georgia in 1916, undertaking one of the most remarkable sailing journeys of all time and returning 132 days later to rescue his men.
We’ll spend several days cruising among the South Shetlands, an archipelago of bays, channels and some 20 islands off the Antarctic Peninsula. We’ll enjoy frequent shore excursions via zodiac boat, exploring various islands such as King George, Half Moon, Aicho or Livingston. Here on these beautiful islands, we’ll enjoy superb wildlife encounters with Adelie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins, as well as several species of seal.
Weather permitting, we’ll enter the flooded caldera of Deception Island and enjoy a spectacular walk to the higher points of the crater rim, or we may explore an abandoned whaling station nearby.
Finally, we’ll arrive at the Antarctic mainland in Paradise Harbour or Hope Bay. Here we’ll witness some of the most dramatic scenery on the planet. We’ll hope for temperate weather so we can undertake a shore excursion and set foot on the Antarctic continent.
Meals included: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
Days 19 - 20 / Drake Passage
Leaving the Antarctic Peninsula, we’ll head back across the Antarctic Convergence and the Drake Passage. The crossing is completed with the rounding of Cape Horn. Our final evening onboard is spent at a special Captain’s dinner where we’ll celebrate our extraordinary Antarctic adventures together.
Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
Day 21 / Ushuaia
In the early morning, we arrive back in Ushuaia where the cruise ends. You’re transferred to your hotel or to the airport for your onward flight.
Meals included: 1 breakfast
Itinerary Variation
Please note that due to the nature of this expedition, weather, ice, or other conditions may require changes be made to the itinerary and/or cancellation of certain shore excursions. Every effort will be made to adhere to the itinerary, within the limits of safety and time constraints.
A SELECTION OF ANTARCTIC SITES WE MAY VISITThis is a sampling of some of the sites we may visit during our expeditions to the Antarctic Peninsula. Your expedition may or may not include sites listed here. No expedition will include all the sites listed.
ANTARCTIC PENINSULAThe Antarctic Peninsula is an extension of the Transantarctic Mountain chain. The Peninsula was formed from uplifted submarine troughs that were filled with sediment about 220 million years ago. The Peninsula sits on a climate divide. To the east, it is exposed to the frozen Weddell Sea. The western shore is warmed by the Southern Ocean and buffeted by fierce winds.
Brown Bluff (63° 32’S, 056° 55’W)
Tabarin PeninsulaThe bluff that dominates the landscape towers 745 metres (2,225 feet) over Adélie and Gentoo Penguin rookeries. It is thought that Brown Bluff is the exposed portion of a volcano.
Cuverville Island (64° 41’S, 062° 38’W)
Errera ChannelA Gentoo Penguin rookery is situated on the north end of the island on a rocky beach that extends to a steep cliff that absorbs the summer sun. Southern Giant Petrels, and Kelp Gulls breed on the island.
Damoy Point (64° 49’S, 063° 32’W)
Wiencke IslandLocated in the Palmer Archipelago, Damoy Point is the northern entrance to the harbor on which Port Lockroy is located. It is located on the west side of Wiencke Island.
Danco Island (64° 44’S, 062° 37’W)
Errera ChannelThe island is 1.6 km (one mile) in length. At one time a British Antarctic Survey hut was located on the island, only a marker remains. Gentoo Penguins, Snowy Sheathbills, Kelp Gulls and Shags inhabit the island.
Enterprise Island (64° 32’S, 062° 00’W)
Gerlache StraitLocated in Wilhelmina Bay, the island was used by whalers. A Zodiac cruise around the island passes a wrecked whaling ship.
Lemaire Channel (65° 03’ 364”S, 063° 55’ 140” W) This strait runs between Booth Island and the Antarctic Peninsula, one of the most scenic locations on the western coast. The 11 km (6.8 miles) may become impassable when ice fills the narrow passageway.
Melchior Islands (64° 19’S, 062° 57’W)
Dallmann BayA group of low islands in Dallmann Bay, on which male fur seals haul out at the end of the breeding season to
recuperate from their battles for supremacy.
Neko Harbor (64° 50’S, 062° 33’W) Little evidence remains that this bay was once used by the floating whale factory ship Neko. You might see some whale vertebrae used by the resident Gentoo
Penguins as shelter from the wind. There is an unmanned refuge hut erected by Argentina. Climb past the hut and up a steep slope for spectacular views of the glacier
rimmed harbour.
Paulet Island (63° 35’S, 055° 47’W)
South of Dundee IslandLocated in the northwestern Weddell Sea, it is home to a large Adélie Penguin rookery. The island has a volcanic cone 352 metres (1158 feet) high. A historic hut was erected here by members of the Swedish Antarctic Expedition 1901-04. A member of the expedition, Ole Wennersgaard, died on the island and was buried there.
A cross marks the grave site.
Petermann Island (65° 10’S, 064° 10’W)
Penola StraitThe southernmost breeding colony of Gentoo Penguins is situated on this 1.6 metre (1 mile) island located just below the Lemaire Channel. The dome of the island rises 200 meters (650 feet) above the sea. Adélie Penguins, shags and South Polar Skuas also inhabit the island.
Port Lockroy (64° 50’S, 063° 30’W)
Jougla Point, Goudier IslandThe harbour is on the west side of Wiencke Island. A secret base was built on the harbour during the Second World War as part of Operation Tabarin. Now designated an historic site, Port Lockroy is a museum and post office. Proceeds from the facility support the preservation of historic sites from the Heroic Age of Exploration.
Waterboat Point (64° 49’S, 062° 51’W)
Paradise BayAt low tide, Waterboat Point is connected to the Antarctic mainland. Zodiacs are used to explore the area when the tide is in. Two scientists studying penguin behaviour lived in a waterboat on the Point from 1921-22. The remains of their camp has been designated an Antarctic historic site.
FALKLAND ISLANDS (ISLAS MALVINAS) The archipelago consists of East and West Falkland, divided by Falkland Sound. The highest peak is Mount Usborne at 705 m (2,312 feet), located north of Darwin settlement on East Falkland.
Carcass Island (51° 17’ 0” S, 60° 33’ 0” W)
West FalklandThe 8 km (5 miles) island northwest of West Falkland is owned by Rob and Lorraine McGill. A picturesque island, songbirds nest amongst the luxuriant growth that covers the gently rolling landscape. The island is named for a Royal Navy ship, HMS Carcass, which arrived in 1766.
New IslandThe most southwesterly island in the archipelago is about 13 km (8 miles) long and 800 m (half a mile) wide. The western side of the island is a cliff 183 m (600 feet) high, while the eastern side slopes to the sea. The ownership of the island is held by Tony Chater and Ian Strange. Both men have turned their portion of the island into nature reserves.
Stanley (51° 42’S, 57° 51’W)
East FalklandThe deep-water harbor of Stanley was the economic mainstay of the community since the ports completion in 1845. Sailing ships damaged while rounding Cape Horn called in for expensive repairs as did the questionable vessels used to carry fortune seekers to the gold fields of California and Australia. The future of the port lies in the hydrocarbon deposits off the coast.
West Point Island (51° 21’ S, 60° 41’ W)
West FalklandThe Napier family has owned the island since the 1860s. Black-browed albatrosses nest in colonies on cliffs along the water’s edge on the western side of the island. Rockhopper Penguins share the cliffs. Commerson’s dolphins are often seen in the water surrounding the island.
SOUTH GEORGIASouth Georgia is roughly 160 km (100 miles) by 32 km (20 miles) wide. Legendary Captain Cook’s published account of his exploration of the area, set off a rush to harvest the abundant seals and whales he had observed.
Drygalski Fjord (54° 47’ S, 36° 03’W)
Southern coastSome of the peaks that rise straight out of the sea were not subjected to glaciation, and therefore are sharply peaked.
Gold Harbour (54° 37’ S, 35° 56’ W)
Eastern coastThe backdrop to this harbor is the hanging Bertrab Glacier. King and Gentoo Penguins, elephant and fur seals are known to frequent the area.
Grytviken (54° 16’ 36”S, 36° 30’ 42”W)
Northern coastOnly a handful of people live, albeit temporarily, on South Georgia, a United Kingdom overseas territory. Two of them are curators of the South Georgia Museum, located in the former whaling station manager’s villa. The church was built for the whaling community and is the only building in Grytviken that is used for its original purpose.
Prion Island (54° 1’ S, 37° 15’ W)
Bay of IslesRobert Cushman Murphy named the island for the species of petrels that are seen there. Prion Wandering Albatross are also known to nest on the island.
Salisbury Plain (54° 03’ S, 37° 19’ W)
Bay of IslesOne of the largest King Penguin rookeries on the island is located on Salisbury Plain. The Murphy and Lucas Glaciers flank the plain.
St. Andrew’s Bay (54° 26’ S, 36° 11’ W)
Eastern coastAbout 75,000 breeding pairs of King Penguin breed at St. Andrew’s Bay. It is the largest King Penguin rookery on South Georgia. Reindeer introduced by Norwegian whalers are known to feed on the grass in the area.
Stromness (54° 9’ 22” S, 36° 42’ 58” W)
Eastern coastThis abandoned whaling station was in full operation the day that Ernest Shackleton and his companions staggered in after a 36 hour trek across the island of South Georgia.
There is a small cemetery with the graves of 14 whalers.
SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDSThe Bransfield Strait separates the archipelago from the
Antarctic Peninsula. The islands stretch for 540 km (335 miles) from northeast to southwest. In the 1820s sealers swept the islands’ beaches of seals. When the market collapsed, the sealers retreated, and, over the course of time, the seals returned.
Aitcho Islands (62° 24’S, 059° 47’W)
English StraitA group of small islands, some still unnamed, situated in the northern entrance of English Strait. Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguins have established rookeries, where you may find southern elephant and fur seals hauled out.
Baily Head (62° 58’S, 060° 30’W)
Deception IslandAlso known as Rancho Point is a rock headland on the southeastern shore of Deception Island. Chinstrap
Penguins build nests on slopes leading to a high ridge that dominates the natural amphitheatre.
Half Moon Island (62° 36’S, 059° 55’W)
East side of Livingston IslandThe crescent-shaped island was known to sealers, if no one else, as early as 1821. Sealers were notorious for keeping secret the location of valuable sites. Many Antarctic birds breed on the island – Chinstrap Penguins, Shags, Wilson’s Storm-petrels, Kelp Gulls, Snowy Sheathbills, Antarctic Terns and Skua.
Hannah Point (62° 39’S, 060° 37’W)
East side of Livingston IslandMacaroni, Chinstrap, and Gentoo Penguin rookeries are located on the point which is on the south coast of Livingston Island. Due to the rather congested area available to the nesting penguins, visits can only be made to this location from January 10 onwards.
Pendulum Cove (62° 56’S, 060° 36’W)
Deception IslandGeo-thermally heated water is found along the shoreline of this cove named for observations made in 1829 by a British expedition. Yellow algae and boiled krill may be floating on the surface of the water, because the hot springs generate scalding water.
Penguin Island (62° 06’S, 057° 54’W)
King George Bay, King George IslandAntarctica has two flowering plants, both can be found on Penguin Island: Deschampsia Antarctica and Colobanthus quitensis. Chinstrap Penguins, fur seals and southern elephant seals use the island for breeding purposes.
Robert Point (62° 28’S, 059° 23’W)
Robert IslandSealers knew the point as early as 1820. Chinstrap Penguins, Kelp Gulls, and Pintado breed here.
Telefon Bay (62° 56’S, 060° 40’W)
Deception IslandIt is here that the most recent evidence of volcanic eruption on Deception Island can be seen.
Turret Point (62° 05’S, 057° 55’W)
King George IslandChinstrap and Adélie Penguin rookeries are found on this point situated on the south coast of King George Island. Fur, southern elephant and Weddell seals haul out on the rocky beaches.
Whaler’s Bay (62° 59’S, 060° 34’W)
Deception IslandTo reach Whaler’s Bay it is necessary to sail through a narrow passage called Neptune’s Bellows. The bay was used by whalers from 1906 to 1931. It is part of a protected harbour created by a circular flooded caldera, known as Deception Island. Rusting remains of whaling operations can be seen on the beach. Watch for steam that may rise from hot geo-thermally heated water along the shoreline.
Yankee Harbor (62° 32’S, 059° 47’W)
Greenwich IslandGentoo Penguins have established a rookery on this harbour which is situated on the southwest side of Greenwich Island. There is an abandoned Argentine refuge hut and a large glacier can be seen along the east and north sides of the bay. An abandoned sealing trypot is all that remains of the activity that brought men thousands of miles in tall ships to seek their fortune.
About Peregrine
Peregrine has been operating adventure holidays since 1977. Today we can help you discover all four corners of the globe, from the Polar regions, to Africa, Latin America, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and beyond. We offer high-quality, excellent-value, small-group adventures to interesting areas of the world, in harmony with the local people and the environment.
Trip grade
Expedition Voyage
These trips involve voyages on board a sailboat, cruise boat or expedition ship and venture into fantastic marine or river environments.
Included
- Airport arrival transfer in Ushuaia
- Departure transfer on last day of the voyage from Ushuaia pier to airport or hotel
- Transfer from Peregrine meeting point to pier
- Ship-board accommodation
- Highly experienced expedition leader, crew and presenters
- All meals, afternoon tea most days
- Access to public viewing areas
- Shore excursions by zodiac boat
- Onboard presentations, videos, slide and film shows
- Onboard medical officer
- Port taxes and/or landing fees at Ushuaia, Stanley and South Georgia
- Comprehensive pre-departure manuals
Accommodation:
20 nights expedition voyage
Meals:
20 breakfasts, 19 lunches, 20 dinners
Transport:
expedition cruise ship
Not included
- All airfares
- Visa and passport fees
- Airport departure taxes
- Pre-cruise or post-cruise hotel accommodation
- Laundry, postage, telephone calls, drinks, medical expenses,
- Travel insurance and emergency evacuation charges
- Gratuities to staff and crew
Additional accommodation
Extend your holiday by booking some pre or post tour accommodation - ask us or your travel agent.
Other information
Notes: These notes should be read in conjunction with Peregrine’s Antarctica Pre Departure Information that is provided to you shortly after booking (or which can be requested prior to booking). A second manual, dealing with Antarctic history, geology, geography, marine and bird life will also be provided.
1. Itinerary: Please note that due to the exploratory nature of this expedition, weather, ice, wildlife or other conditions may require changes be made to the itinerary and/or cancellation of certain shore excursions. Every effort will be made to provide regular shore excursions, within the limits of safety and time constraints.
2. Budgeting: In addition to funds for on-board expenses, it is possible to purchase souvenirs such as books, t-shirts, stamps, windcheaters and caps at Stanley, Grytviken, and even at some of the research stations in the Antarctic Peninsula area. Visa and Mastercard are accepted in some locations but not all - $US cash may be required. British pounds will be needed if you wish to make a purchase on the Falkland Islands.
3. Clothes: Please read our Antarctic - Pre Departure Information carefully. Though you don’t need to make expensive, specialist-clothing purchases for this trip, you will need clothes that adequately protect against cold, wet conditions. (Sea spray is common onboard zodiacs). It’s recommended that you have warm, waterproof clothing available for use upon arrival in Ushuaia to protect against inclement weather.
4. Onboard: The waters of the Drake Passage can be some of the roughest seas in the world - at other times they are so smooth it is referred to as the 'Drake Lake'! Though our vessels, the Peregrine Mariner and the Peregrine Voyager are among the most stable ships in their class it is impossible to remove all motion. Unless you are certain you are impervious to the problem, you should take precautions against seasickness. Your doctor can advise you as to the best methods for avoiding this uncomfortable condition.
5. Gratuities. We suggest you allow the equivalent of $US10 a day for gratuities for the crew and expedition staff. This is usually collected just prior to the end of the cruise. The amount can be paid by Visa or Mastercard if you wish.
6. Sea kayaking: There are separate trip notes for the sea-kayaking option. Please note that this option must be booked prior to your departure from home: it cannot be booked on the ship. Some prior experience is required.
7. Safety is paramount on a Peregrine voyage. Due to new International Security Regulations, you will not be able to come to the ship on your own. You will have to arrive with the rest of the group and Peregrine Representative. Full details of embarkation/disembarkation procedures will be supplied with your final documentation. Onboard you will be asked to participate in the obligatory lifeboat drill. We will also conduct important briefings on landing procedures and zodiac operations.
Peregrine Voyage DocumentationOnce you have booked your voyage to the Polar regions with us, you will be required to complete a Medical Information Form. This form must be completed, signed and returned to us no later than 90 days prior to departure. This can be downloaded from our website at
www.peregrineadventures.com/pdfs/PolarMedicalForm.pdf
Linking Trips
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Easter Island Stopover
www.peregrineadventures.com/trips/PSEA3
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Easter Island Stopover Premium
www.peregrineadventures.com/trips/PSES3
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Easter Island Stopover
www.peregrineadventures.com/trips/PSEA4
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Easter Island Stopover Premium
www.peregrineadventures.com/trips/PSES4
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Santiago Stopover
www.peregrineadventures.com/trips/PSST
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Santiago Stopover Premium
www.peregrineadventures.com/trips/PSSS
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Buenos Aires Stopover
www.peregrineadventures.com/trips/PSBR
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Buenos Aires Stopover Premium
www.peregrineadventures.com/trips/PSBS
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Tierra del Fuego National Park
www.peregrineadventures.com/trips/PSTF
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Perito Moreno Glacier
www.peregrineadventures.com/trips/PSPM
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Perito Moreno & Upsala Glaciers
www.peregrineadventures.com/trips/PSPU
Travelling responsibly
We care about the places and people that we meet on our journeys, and we try to ensure that we give something back, as well as taking away so many incredible memories. For more information on our commitment to responsible tourism, visit www.peregrineadventures.com/rt
Peregrine Community Trust
The Peregrine Community Trust, a division of Peregrine Adventures, provides funds for local community projects and initiatives that promote responsible and sustainable tourism development in the destinations in which we operate. First and foremost, but not exclusively, the Trust supports projects and initiatives that advance education and employment within the tourism and hospitality industry. The Trust operates on a not-for-profit basis, with funds donated by us, our staff and our travellers, with every cent going to the nominated projects.
By donating to one on the projects supported by The Peregrine Community Trust you will help promote responsible and sustainable tourism and make a positive difference for communities and travellers right now, and for the future. For online donations go to: www.peregrineadventures.com/trust
Subscribe to e-news
About once a month, we send out an electronic newsletter with news, specials and interesting articles. Subscribing is easy, and you can unsubscribe just as easily at any time.
Visit http://www.peregrineadventures.com/subscribe to subscribe to our enews and for your chance to win a great adventure!
Passport
Well before travelling, please ensure that you have a current passport, with an accurate photo, that is valid for at least six months after your scheduled return home. Also check that your airline tickets are in exactly the same name as your passport. Some countries may require that you have a return air ticket, or have sufficient funds to purchase such a ticket.
Insurance
On all Peregrine holidays you must have comprehensive travel insurance. Your own domestic government medical insurance and private health schemes will not cover you in most overseas countries. Peregrine or your agent can recommend a policy designed to cover participants on these cruises. You may take other cover, of course, but we require you to be adequately insured before you can join the voyage.
Please check the terms of your policy carefully, particularly with regard to limits of cover (eg, replacement of photographic equipment, baggage loss, claims procedure, costs due to airline delays, etc). Also ensure you are familiar with the procedure for making claims (for example, most policies stipulate that claims must be made within a certain time after completion of your journey).
Your policy MUST provide cover for you for medical costs in case of hospitalisation, emergency travel and repatriation. It is essential that you check carefully the limits of your cover as insurance policies can differ significantly in this regard.
Once you have paid your deposit or full payment, certain fees will apply if you have to cancel your holiday (see the cancellation provisions contained in our brochure). For this reason you should take out insurance at the time of paying your deposit, which should then protect you in such a situation.
If you are covered by a policy arranged through your credit card company you will be asked to provide evidence of this cover, as well as a 24-hour emergency contact number. Many credit card companies do not provide an insurance policy number. In this instance, the tour leader will need to record your credit card number, as this is required to activate any request for emergency assistance. You should also bring along the travel insurance information booklet provided by your credit card company. It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet the requirements set out by your credit card company in order to be effectively covered and that the cover offered is of a suitable standard.
Visas
Visitors from the EEC, USA, Australia, Canada, Cyprus, New Zealand or South Africa do not need Visas. Check with the relevant Embassy or Consulate in their country for up to date visa information.
Check with the relevant Embassy or Consulate in their country for up to date visa information.
Australians, Americans, British, Canadians and New Zealanders, do not currently require a visa for Argentina. For all other nationalities please reconfirm your visa requirements with your travel agent.
No visas are required to visit the Antarctic continent or its offshore islands. However, you will need to have your passport with you on the ship, as port authorities will wish to inspect passports on departure from Ushuaia or Port Stanley (as the case may be) and also again at the end of your voyage. (To facilitate matters, our ground operators in Ushuaia or Port Stanley will usually collect your passport prior to departure in order that all passengers’ passports may be kept together for the duration of the voyage. After completion of port formalities on the return to Ushuaia or Stanley on the final morning, they will be handed back to you prior to your disembarkation from the ship.)
For most departures, your ship departs for the Antarctic continent from the port of Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, at the southern tip of Argentina. At the time of printing, no visas for Argentina are required by holders of Australian, New Zealand, British, Canadian, U.S.A. or European passports. Passengers holding passports issued by other countries should carefully check the situation with their travel agent or Argentinean consular authorities.
If your flight to Ushuaia travels via Santiago, tourist visas are required for Chile for some nationalities. Please check with your travel agent.
For a side trip to Iguassu Falls, Australian, USA and British passport holders also require a Brazilian visa if visiting the Brazilian side of the falls. However, New Zealanders and Canadians do not require a visa for this. This visa must be obtained prior to entering the country and, at the time of printing, costs $US60. Please check carefully with your travel agent or your nearest appropriate consulate for up-to-date information before you leave your home country. (There have been suggestions that passengers entering Brazil from Argentina for just a few hours at Iguassu may be able to do so without holding a visa, but we cannot give any guarantees. The only certain way is to hold a visa issued as above.)
For the trip scheduled to depart from Port Stanley (and those departures scheduled to visit the Falkland Islands), visitors from Britain, the Commonwealth, North America, Chile and the European Community do not need visas as at the time of printing.
Visitors should check their particular situation with us, their travel agent, the nearest British Consulate, or contact the Travel Co-ordinator at the Falkland Island Government Office in London (tel: 020 7222 2375).
It is your responsibility to ensure you have all required visas for your trip. Rules and regulations governing the issuance of visas are constantly changing, and vary for different nationalities and you should check visa requirements with your travel agent or relevant consular authority well before travel.
About this information
It is important that you should read these notes in conjunction with the detailed trip specific Pre Departure Information. This information is supplied to you at the time of booking and contains extensive information about subjects such as climate, clothing and gear, medical and visa matters, currencies, and other information about the countries visited.
The information provided here is given in good faith and has been compiled with all reasonable care. However, things change and some of the information may become out of date. Please keep this in mind when you read it and check with us if you want to be sure about something. The document was correct at time of printing, but you can check online for the most up to date version. If you have any queries, please contact your travel agent or our staff in Australia. We are here to help you!
Last Updated
20 June 2008