More Information
What’s Included
11 nts aboard the G Expedition. 1 nt hotel in Ushuaia. Arrival and departure transfers. Zodiac excursions with our expert expedition team. Lectures and educational programs. Waterproof boots supplied for USA size 6 – 16. Expedition parka.
Highlights
Spend six full days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands, conquer the notorious Drake Passage, learn from polar experts about the wonders of the Antarctic region, come face-to-face with amazing polar wildlife, marvel at immense icebergs, spend time on deck spotting whales and watching soaring albatross
Dossier Disclaimer
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
Important Notes
1. Please note: While it is our intention of adhere to the route described above , there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. On the first day onboard, your Expedition Leader will give you an expedition overview.
2. Flight Information: When packing your luggage please note that the weight restriction on the domestic flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia is only 15 to 23 kg (33 to 50 lbs) per person, depending on the airline. Please note that the airlines will generally charge for excess baggage. We recommend you try to leave luggage that you do not need at your hotel in Buenos Aires (if applicable).
3. Medical questionnaires are required for all passengers traveling to Antarctica.
4. The G Expedition is an adventure Expedition ship and does not offer an elevator
5. Please note:
BOOTS FOR ZODIAC LANDINGS:
– Complementary used waterproof boots will be supplied in the following sizes:
– USA size 6 -16
– EURO size 36 – 49
Please be advised that there are limited numbers of the smallest and largest sizes.
If you wish to bring your own boots, you should follow the guidelines below:
Rubber, waterproof boots that are just below your knees (12-16” high or 30-41cm) with a strong, ridged non-skid sole are essential for wet landings via Zodiac. You usually have to step from the Zodiac into water, which can be up to 1 ft or 30 cm high on most landings. Do not bring heavy, cumbersome boots that make it difficult to walk. Do not bring boots with metal cleats as they cannot be used for the landings. Try out your boots before your voyage.
Group Leader Description
A carefully chosen team will lead our voyage. Our expedition ships boast an international team of professional naturalists and lecturers. Their goal is to provide an informed and balanced interpretation of the destination, accomplished through stimulating lectures, day-to-day briefings, and informal discussions. Your lecturers and Expedition Leader will cover all aspects of the voyage including ornithology, marine biology, geography, geology, history and the environment, as well as practical things like photography. The expedition staff work conscientiously with you on deck and in the field, improving your observational skills to allow you to experience all that the destination has to offer. Their strong sense of ethics and ecological knowledge make for stimulating and mindful conversation whether onshore or at the dinner table. The Expedition Staff will pilot the Zodiac landing craft used for shore landings and Zodiac cruises; they are experienced drivers who operate the Zodiacs in a responsible manner.
Group Size Notes
Max 134 aboard the G Expedition.
Meals
Onboard our expedition ships you’ll find a diversity of gourmet international cuisines prepared and catered by professional chefs; all meals are included in the price of your expedition. Dining is casual, tables are unassigned and the dining room is capable of seating the entire passenger compliment at one time. There is always a selection of different meals available, and vegetarians will find plenty of options. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice, please advise us at time of confirmation. Coffee, tea and water are all provided free of charge. All other beverages, alcoholic and non-alcoholic are not included and can be purchased in the dining room, pub or the lounge.
Transport
G Expedition, Zodiac, private bus.
Local Flights
Local flights are not included in the price of this trip. Please make sure that you arrive into Ushuaia on Day 1. If you require assistance booking local flights please contact your G Adventures representative. From our experience we have found that there are regular delays in flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia.
Please note that internal flights in Argentina generally allow less luggage than international flights.
Solo Travellers
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Accommodation
Twin-share hotel (1 nt), aboard the G Expedition in quad-, triple-, twin-share cabins, or suites (all with en suite bathrooms and porthole or window) (11 nts). Please note that all cabins consist of twin-size berths and are ocean-facing. Suites have one queen-size bed.
My Own Room
Please note that if you have selected the Private Cabin option at the time of booking, you will receive your own room for the duration of this cruise. This includes the Hotel in Ushuaia.
If you are a solo traveller and you have NOT selected the Private Cabin option, you will be paired with another solo traveller for all nights, including the hotel in Ushuaia.
For groups of 3 passengers travelling together who have booked a triple cabin, you will have a triple room in the hotel where available. If we cannot book a triple room, please note that one of you will be sharing with another solo traveller of the same gender for the hotel night in Ushuaia.
Joining Hotel
Hotel Albatros
Av Maipu 505
Ushuaia
Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
Tel: 02901 423206
Joining Instructions
A NOTE ON FLYING INTO USHUAIA
From our experience we have found that there are significant delays especially in high season on flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia. We highly recommend booking your travel arrangements to arrive into Ushuaia earlier in the day on Day 1. We are happy to book additional pre-tour accommodations should you want some additional time in Ushuaia.
All international flights flying into Buenos Aires arrive at Ministro Pistarini Airport (EZE) in Buenos Aires. Please check with your airline as to which airport your domestic flight will be flying out of.
Most flights that continue to Ushuaia depart from the domestic airport (J. Newberry – AEP). Please check with your airline to make sure which airport you are flying out of. On arrival at the International airport, there is an airport shuttle service, Manuel Tienda Leon, available at an approximate cost of USD $10.00 each way. It is about 30-40 minutes drive between the airports, so please allow yourself enough time.
Please also confirm the luggage restrictions for your flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia as domestic flights generally allow less luggage than international flights.
ARRIVAL INTO USHUAIA
G Adventures is happy to offer you a complimentary airport transfer if you are arriving on Day 1 of the tour or have booked pre-night accommodation through G Adventures.
Joining Instructions with complimentary transfer:
Upon arrival into Ushuaia City Airport (USH) please collect your luggage and look for a G Adventures representative. Please make sure you have advised your booking agent of your arrival flight details into Ushuaia so we are expecting you. Be sure to keep all your important documents (i.e. passport) and medication in your hand luggage, as your main luggage will be transferred separately to the hotel.
Joining Instructions without complimentary transfer:
Ushuaia City Airport (USH) is located only 5 km outside of the city. Local taxis can be hired at the airport for transportation into Ushuaia at a cost of about $10 USD. On your arrival to Ushuaia please make your way to the hotel listed on your voucher. Information will be available on the notice board at the hotel. Luggage tags and other information will be available for you 1 day prior to embarkation.
Your luggage will be transferred for you from the hotel to the expedition ship on the morning of Day 2. Please have your luggage in the lobby of the hotel by 9:00 am on the morning of Day 2. You will have the morning free to enjoy the city of Ushuaia and the surrounding countryside.
Embarkation time is set for 4:00 pm and passengers will not be able to board the ship before that time due to refueling, provisioning, and preparing the ship for your stay. For information on activities, restaurants and services you can consult either the tourist information office or your hotel. Due to new port security regulations you are no longer allowed to enter the port area on your own so make sure you are on time at the designated parking lot across the pier to catch the 4:00 pm group transfer to the ship. More details will be provided with your hotel welcome letter.
On embarkation day, you should dress for changeable weather. Once aboard, you will find your luggage stored in your assigned cabin, please ensure that all your luggage is accounted for on arrival.
Should you run into any delays please contact the starting hotel about your late arrival.
**If you have purchased the Antarctic Pre/Post Cruise Add-On, your first night hotel in Buenos Aires will be the following:
Hotel Boca Juniors
D. Tacuari, 243
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Tel: (+ 54 11) 5861 5010
Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, you will receive a welcome package that will confirm your flight times to and from Ushuaia. Please note that you will not receive tickets for these flights prior to departure.
Flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia normally depart between 5:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. These will arrive into Ushuaia between 9 a.m. and 7:30 p.m respectively.
Flights from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires normally depart between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. These will arrive into Buenos Aires between 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. respectively.
To ensure smooth connection times between the flight from Ushuaia and your onward international flight, we recommend that onward travel be booked after 8 PM.
Arrival Complications
We don’t expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to arrive into Ushuaia before embarkation time (usually 4pm) of Day 2 please use the emergency contact details in this dossier. We highly recommend arriving at least 1 day before sailing in order to make sure that delays do not ruin your trip as the ship is unable to wait for late passengers. If you are delayed in arriving to prebooked accommodations please contact the hotel to advise them when you will arrive. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your booking agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
Emergency Contact
Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Local Operator (if one is listed below) or our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.
EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS
G Adventures Office Buenos Aires, Argentina
During office hours (Weekdays 9am-6pm Local Time)
>From outside Argentina: +54 11 5252 3602
>From within Argentina, but outside of Buenos Aires: 011 5252 3602
After hours Emergency number
>From outside Argentina: +54 9 11 3425 0380
>From within Argentina, but outside of Buenos Aires: 15 3425 0380
Finishing Point Instructions
Upon completion of the 8:00 am disembarkation in Ushuaia, passengers will receive a complimentary transfer to either the airport or a central location where luggage can be stored.
For those on morning flights, the 8:00 am transfer will bring them directly to Ushuaia airport (USH). The rest of the passengers will be transferred to the luggage storage point and given time to explore the city. These passengers should then return to retrieve their luggage and board a second transfer to Ushuaia airport at 12:30 pm or 4:30 pm, depending on their flight times. Please note that the transfer times are subject to change according to flight schedules.
With the understanding that most will be needing to connect to their International flights in Buenos Aires, you can arrange departure flights from Ushuaia starting form 09:45am onwards. Although if possible, we suggest you consider booking after 11:00am as this will provide additional time to connect.
What to Take
Most airlines allow one checked bag and two carry-on per person. To avoid any problems at check-in and with possible excess baggage charges, please consult the airline for specific restrictions. For storage on board the expedition ship soft compactible luggage makes storage much easier.
Dress on board is informal. Plan to bring comfortable, casual clothing for all activities. Bring wind and waterproof outer layers. Beware of tight clothing that leaves no room for trapped air, which is an excellent insulator. Wool, silk and some of the new synthetic fibers, like polar fleece, retain heat better than cotton. When packing, we suggest that you do not weigh yourself down with too many clothes or too much gear. Select informal, practical attire that can be worn in layers.
One of the important items that you will need to bring on your voyage is a a pair of waterproof pants. It is possible to rent gear in Ushuaia for the expedition, but the quantity and quality of gear varies greatly depending on the demand. For the location of a rental shop consult with the front desk of the hotel where you are staying. If arriving on embarkation day you will NOT have time to rent the gear. You will also not have time to return the rental gear if you have a morning flight departing Ushuaia.
In the worlds most remote destinations that the G Expedition travels to we cannot offload our plastics, glass or tin waste for recycling. Therefore, we try to reduce what single use items that we use. You will see on the ship that every effort is being used to stop the use of single use plastic containers, bags and other items. In an effort to prevent plastic waste from entering the waste stream, we are asking for your help. We offer exceptional drinking water on the ship with refilling stations for your re-useable water containers. So bring your favorite water bottle! Plastic Items such as single use shampoo/conditioner plastic containers cannot be recycled, so please plan to bring any plastics back to your home countries for recycling. Please do not bring single use items that you intend to leave behind such plastic bags and throw away razors. Your participating in helping to prevent pollution and promote recycling is greatly appreciated.
Checklist
– Documents
– Passport (with photocopies)
– Travel insurance (with photocopies)
– Airline tickets (with photocopies)
– Cash, credit and debit cards
– G Adventures vouchers and trip details
– Any entry visas or vaccination certificates if required
– Warm clothing which can be worn in layers
– Thermal base layer
– Long underwear
– Fleece jacket or warm layer
– Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
– Shirts/T-shirts
– Long pants/jeans
– Waterproof pants – these are necessary for all Zodiac landings
– 2 pairs Warm gloves
– Waterproof gloves
– Warm hat
– Scarf
– Comfortable walking shoes
– Wool socks
– Sunglasses
– Day pack
– Drybag – to protect your bag, camera and belongings for Zodiac landings
– Camera with extra memory cards and batteries
– Personal Entertainment
– Outlet adapter
– Money belt
– Binoculars – We highly recommend bringing a good pair of binoculars with you. If you’re out on deck and someone spots wildlife at a distance, it’s best to have binoculars so you don’t miss anything!
– Antibacterial wipes/gel
– Sunblock
– Toiletries – Shampoo, Conditioner and Shower Gel are provided on board.
– First-aid kit
– Motion sickness tablets
– Moisturizer/Lip balm
– Reusable water bottle
– Walking poles (Optional)
Suggested Reading
ANTARCTICA
Suggested Reading List
There are several dozen books on Antarctica that could be recommended, books dealing with various explorers and expeditions, scientific studies, etc.
________________________________________
Amundsen, Roald. The South Pole. John Murray, 1912.
Antarctica: Great Stories from the Frozen North. Reader’s Digest, 1985. Natural history, explorers, atlas and other miscellaneous information.
Asimov, Isaac. The Ends of the Earth. Weybright and Talley, 1975. General narrative of the polar regions of the world.
Bond, Creina and Roy Siegfried. Antarctica: No Single Country, No Single Sea. Mayflower Books, 1979. Photos by Peter Johnson.
Byrd, Richard E. Alone. G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1938.
Campbell, David. Crystal Desert. Houghton Mifflin, 1992.
Cherry-Garrard, Apsley. The Worst Journey in the World. Constable, 1922.
Chester, Jonathan. Antarctica: Beauty in the Extreme. Michael Friedman Publishing, 1991. Limited copies available from Mountain Travel-Sobek.
Fiennes, Ranulph. To the Ends of the Earth: the Transglobe Expedition. Arbor House, 1983.
Fuchs, Vivian and Edmund Hillary. The Crossing of Antarctica. Little, Brown, 1958. The Common wealth Trans-Antarctica Expedition 1955-1958.
Halle, Louis J. The Sea and the Ice: A Naturalist in Antarctica. Houghton Mifflin, 1973. Account of a journey on an icebreaker to Antarctica with an emphasis on bird observations.
Harrington, Richard. Richard Harrington’s Antarctic. Alaska Northwest Publishing Co., 1976.
Harrison, Peter. Seabirds. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1885.
Huntford, Roland. Scott and Amundsen. G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1980. Story of the two great rival explorers.
Huntford, Roland. Shackleton. Fawcett Columbine, 1985.
Huxley, Elspeth. Scott of the Antarctic. Atheneum, 1978.
King, Judith E. Seals of the World. Cornell University Press, 1983.
Lansing, Alfred. Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage. McGraw-Hill, 1959.
May, John. The Greenpeace Book of Antarctica. Doubleday, 1988.
Mear, Roger and Robert Swan. A Walk to the Pole: To the Heart of Antarctica in the Footsteps of Scott. Crown, 1987.
Moss, Sanford. Natural History of the Antarctic Peninsula. Columbia University Press, 1988.
Peterson, Roger Tory. Penguins. Houghton Mifflin, 1979.
Porter, Elliot. Antarctica. Dutton, 1978. Narration of his experiences on an NSF expedition to Antarctica; wonderful photographs.
Pyne, Stephen J. The Ice: A Journey to Antarctica. Ballantine, 1988. Geophysical examination of Antarctica and essays on the history and landscape of this continent.
Ralling, Christopher, ed. Shackleton. British Broadcasting Corp., 1983.
Ray, G. Carleton and M.G. McCormick-Ray. Wildlife of the Polar Regions. Harry N. Abrams, 1981.
Riedman, Marianne. The Pinnipeds: Seals, Sea Lions, and Walruses. University California Press.
Scott, Robert F. Scott’s Last Expedition. Dodd, Mead 1913. The personal journals of Captain R.F. Scott on his journey to the South Pole.
Shackleton, Ernest. South: The Story of Shackleton’s 1914-1917 Expedition. Heinemann, 1970.
Siple, Paul. 90 South. G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1959.
Stonehouse, Bernard. Animals of the Antarctic: The Ecology of the Far South. Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1972.
Watson, George. Birds of the Antarctic and Sub-Antarctic. American Geophysical Union, 1975.
Watson, Lyall and Tom Ritchie. Sea Guide to Whales of the World. Hutchinson, 1981.
Worsley, F.A. Shackleton’s Boat Journey. W.W. Norton, 1977.
Others:
Safina, Carl. Eye of the Albatross / Song for the Blue Ocean
Herzel, David. Sailor on Ice: Tom Crean with Scott in the Antarctic 1910-1913
Also available in: Kindle and Nook
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/245578
Laundry
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. Aboard the G Expedition laundry facilities are provided at a nominal charge.
Visas
All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. IT’S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THE CORRECT TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION.
ARGENTINA’S “RECIPROCITY FEE”:
Effective January 7, 2013 all US, Canadian and Australian citizens are required to pay a reciprocity tax in order to enter Argentina. This reciprocity tax must be paid in advance online with a credit card. Cash at the border or airport is not accepted.
ONLINE PAYMENT FORM:
https://virtual.provinciapagos.com.ar/ArgentineTaxes/
INSTRUCTIONS:
http://www.migraciones.gov.ar/pdf_varios/reciprocidad/Online_payment_instructions.pdf
COSTS:
US citizens: 160USD, valid for 10 years
Australian citizens: 100USD, valid for 1 year
Canadian citizens: 92USD for one entry and re-entries from bordering countries within 3 months
Detailed Trip Notes
Experience Counts
Accompanying the voyage is our dedicated and experienced expedition staff, naturalists and lecturers who share with us their knowledge, enthusiasm and commitment to the environment. Our ship is manned by officers and crew, all highly experienced in ice navigation.
Environmental Policy
We are dedicated to minimizing the impact of our expedition on wildlife and sensitive natural habitats. We operate environmentally responsible cruise and expeditions and follow all internationally agreed regulations of conduct ashore. We are all privileged visitors – and committed to the future of these extraordinary, icy realms.
Safety First
Although expedition cruising is adventurous by nature, the safety of our passengers and staff is paramount. Our ship is equipped and maintained to cope with the most challenging conditions and is manned by experienced and conscientious officers, crew and expedition staff. The Zodiac landing craft used for shore landings are rugged and versatile and are operated by experienced drivers in a responsible manner. Onboard you will be fully briefed on safety issues and our environmental policy and you will receive appropriate and detailed briefings before every landing.
Expedition Staff and Lecturers
A carefully chosen team will lead our voyage. They are chosen not only for their local knowledge and wealth of experience but also for their great love of the Antarctic. With formal lectures, as well as informal briefings and discussions, your lecturers and Expedition Leader will cover all aspects of the voyage including ornithology, marine biology, geography, geology, history and the environment, as well as practical things like photography.
Tips for Travellers
We are all privileged visitors to these extraordinary, icy realms. As a traveller, it is your responsibility to help ensure your impact on Antarctica’s flora and fauna is minimal.
The following are excerpts from the GUIDANCE FOR VISITORS TO THE ANTARCTIC:
Respect wildlife
Do not feed, touch, or handle birds or seals, or approach or photograph them in ways that cause them to alter their behavior. Special care is needed when animals are breeding or molting. Keep a minimum distance of 5 meters (15 feet) from all wildlife.
Respect vegetation
Do not damage plants, by walking or landing on extensive moss beds or lichen-covered scree slopes. They are fragile and take generations to grow.
Respect the environment
Do not collect or take away biological or geological specimens or artifacts as souvenirs, and do not dispose of litter or garbage on land.
Take photos with care
Keep low as you will appear less threatening to animals and it will also yield better photographs. Do not try to make an animal react for a photograph. If an animal’s behavior changes you are too close.
Stay Safe
Take note of, and act on, the advice and instructions from your leaders, and do not stray from your group.
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Money Exchange
Before and after the cruise:
Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work overseas. Check with your bank. You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies. Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of US dollars cash and cards is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don’t want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.
While on board our Expedition ships, cash and most major credit cards (VISA, Mastercard and AMEX) are accepted to clear incidental bills at the end of the cruise by the ship’s Purser (ie. bar bills, laundry etc.).
Emergency Fund
Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an ’emergency’ fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Departure Tax
USD $5.00 from Ushuaia
USD $18.00 from Buenos Aires
Tipping
Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. It is an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your expedition. The industry standard and suggested amount is USD $10 – 15 per person per day spent on board. Of course, tipping is a personal choice and the suggested amount is set only as a guideline. The money is collected by the Hotel Manager at the end of the voyage and distributed amongst the crew and Expedition Staff. The Officers choose not to participate in the tipping pool.
Optional Activities
All prices are per person in US dollar amounts. Pricing can vary based on currency conversion rates.
USHUAIA (activities require additional time in Ushuaia and can be booked upon arrival):
Estancía Harberton $100 USD
Horseback riding $50-70 USD
Ski lift $15 USD
Bus to Park Entrance (return Tierra del Fuego National Park) $20 USD
Walk With Penguins – $140 USD (6 hours)
Museum Entrance $7 USD
Mountain Biking $10 USD
Ushuaia Heli Tours – Pricing from $100 USD (7 minute Helicopter flight) to $510 USD (45 minute Helicopter flight)
Entrance to Spa $40 USD
Fly Fishing $20 USD
Health
Please consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We require all passengers traveling to Antarctica to complete and submit our medical questionnaire. The questionnaire can be found online at:
www.gadventures.com/online_medical_form
Passengers with preexisting medical conditions are required to submit a medical form signed by a physician to their booking agent. It is very important that we are advised of any special meal requirements, food allergies, or prescribed medication when you confirm your tour. The ship is equipped with a small infirmary with typically required medications and limited equipment. The ship’s doctor is available for visits during the day and is available 24 hours per day for emergencies.
In case of an emergency, please also bring with you a signed and dated letter from your physician (to be given to our doctor on board, as well as for any medical authorities) stating any health problems and dosage requirements. International health regulations do not currently require any inoculations for the countries that you will visit on our voyage. We suggest that you confer with your own physician to be sure your routine immunizations, such as tetanus, diphtheria and hepatitis A, are up-to-date before traveling. Older travelers, in particular, may wish to consider preventive measures against influenza and pneumonia.
Safety and Security
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government’s advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers’ cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home – you won’t need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your CEO has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your CEO will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.
Protests and Demonstrations- Protests and demonstrations, even those that are well intended, have the potential to turn violent with no warning. Counter protests can also turn violent. Action by security forces to disperse demonstrators and protesters may occur at any time. If you are in an area where demonstrators or protesters are gathering, avoid the temptation of staying for a good photo opportunity and leave the area immediately.
Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards) have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).
Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk.
We take all prudent measures in relation to your safety. For ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling, please visit:
www.gadventures.com/travel-resources/safety/
Trip Specific Safety
We recommend that you wear minimal jewelry and that you keep valuable items safely stored in our complimentary safety deposit box, which is located at the Purser’s Desk.
Medical Form
Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility’ is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travellers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our CEOs work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day’s activities unaided. Please refer to the physical ratings in this Trip Details document for more information.
Please note that all passengers traveling to Antarctica are required to fill out this questionnaire.
The medical questionnaire can be found online at:
www.gadventures.com/medical-form.
A Couple of Rules
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Trip Specific Responsible Travel
OUR COMMITMENT TO RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL IN ANTARCTICA
As a leader in Sustainable Tourism, we are committed to ensuring that all of our marine expeditions operate in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. All expeditions aboard the expedition ship meet and exceed all environmental regulations and protocols in the regions that we visit.
The International Association of Antarctic Operators (IAATO)
G Adventures holds Full Membership Status with IAATO, an organization that advocates, promotes and ensures safe and environmentally responsible private-sector travel to the Antarctic. All operations aboard our ship adhere to IAATO’s strict rules, regulations and guidelines for operating in Antarctica. For more information visit www.iaato.org
Staff & Crew:
Our crew and expedition team act as stewards of the environment and are well versed in the strict environmental protocols on board and on land. All of our travellers are thoroughly briefed in these protocols before being allowed to participate in excursions and are always supervised by our team when on shore.
4-Stroke Outboard Engines:
In an effort to drastically reduce environmental pollutants 4-stroke outboard engines have been installed on all of our zodiacs. Our 4-stroke outboard motors use less fuel and produce less noise pollution than 2-stroke engines. Since there is no mixing of oil and gas the exhaust is intrinsically much cleaner and friendlier to the environment.
Planeterra Foundation
Through our commitment to responsible tourism we have developed the Planeterra Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports local community projects and international charities around the world.
Sea Chart Auction:
At the end of each Antarctica departure, the Captain’s Sea Chart is auctioned and all proceeds are donated to international organizations through Planeterra.
Our end goal is to minimize the potential negative impact of tourism in the areas we operate while maximizing the positive impact of instilling a widened understanding and appreciation of these regions. During our voyages, we ask all our passengers that they see their visit to these areas as a privilege and that they share their newfound knowledge and experiences with others when they return home. We also hope that by bringing people to these regions that they continue to act as ambassadors and stewards of these areas.
Planeterra-The G Adventures Foundation
Through our commitment to responsible tourism we have developed the Planeterra Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of people and communities around the world through support of international charities, local organizations and community projects in the places that we visit on our tours. G Adventures matches all individual donations and pays all administration costs, which means that 100% of each donation is doubled and goes directly to support our projects. For more information about Planeterra and the projects we support, or to make a donation, please visit www.planeterra.org
Planeterra Dollar-A-Day Program
Our Dollar-A-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to help us give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar per day for the duration of their tour. 100% of these proceeds will go directly to support our G Adventures for Good projects.
To participate in this program please indicate at the time of booking that you would like to participate in G Adventures’ Dollar-A-Day program, either by clicking the check box online, or by advising your G Adventures specialist or travel agent. (Note: Donation will be charged in the currency of your booking)
Associated Planeterra Project
Planeterra Foundation, G Adventures’ non-profit, is working with our Marine Team to support an Ocean’s Health Fund. Our mission is to help support education, research, and take action in the global clean-up and protection of our planets’s oceans by restoring natural habitats and supporting projects that eliminate waste such as plastic from our waterways.
Through our partners, we are raising funds to restore habitat preservation in Antarctica. We are working to eradicate the invasive rat population on the island of South Georgia. South Georgia is known for its rich diversity of wildlife and is home to over 100 million breeding birds, including the albatross. Through the introduction of Norway rats brought over by whaling and sealing vessels, severe damage to the island’s ecosystem has deteriorated the habitat of hundred of thousands of these birds. We are working to eradicate the rat population on this island, supporting helicopter baiting techniques that has so far cleared the most populated 12,800 hectares, and the area of the island most inhabited for bird breeding. Through your donations, we have started Phase 2 which will clear 1,000 square kilometres and return the island to it’s native form.
Working with research scientists,we are also raising funds to support an oceans cleanup program in the Pacific Gyre. Using sailing vessels to remove pollution directly from the ocean and to conduct research on fish and marine organisms we hope to help restore the oceans environments we love to explore.
For more information on these projects and/or to make a donation please visit our website at www.planeterra.org or contact us at info@planeterra.org
Feedback
After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that you’ll receive a special discount code for free online prints and we’ll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Please visit http://www.gadventures.com/evaluations
Newsletter
Travel Forum – The Watering Hole
Be sure to stop by The Watering Hole, our adventure travel forum. If you’re interested in meeting others booked on your upcoming trip, check out the Departure Lounge section of our forum and introduce yourself. Otherwise, just drop in at anytime to share some travel tips, ask questions, meet other travellers and quench your thirst for travel. Our forum is located at wateringhole.gadventures.com.
Keeping in Touch on the G Expedition
Max Pax
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Group Leader
One Expedition team member per 10 guests.
