View Dates

Itinerary

Day 1 - Starting: Longyearbyen & Finishing: Longyearbyen

Drop off your checked luggage by 2pm at the joining hotel's luggage storage room and there will be a late afternoon transfer. Depart Longyearbyen in the evening.

Day 2 - Starting: Spitsbergen & Finishing: Greenland Sea

Over four full days, explore a small portion of the western coast of Spitsbergen. Entering the fall the days are getting shorter so try to take advantage of all of the sunlight possible to search for wildlife. Spend these days in search of the elusive polar bears as they hunt seals. Look out for Svalbard's unique subspecies of reindeer. Although much smaller than their southern relatives, they still carry impressive antlers. Keep a sharp lookout for Arctic foxes. By not having a set itinerary, we take on an expedition spirit and are free to take advantage of the best that Svalbard has to offer.

Day 3 - Starting: Spitsbergen & Finishing: Greenland Sea

Over four full days, explore a small portion of the western coast of Spitsbergen. Entering the fall the days are getting shorter so try to take advantage of all of the sunlight possible to search for wildlife. Spend these days in search of the elusive polar bears as they hunt seals. Look out for Svalbard's unique subspecies of reindeer. Although much smaller than their southern relatives, they still carry impressive antlers. Keep a sharp lookout for Arctic foxes. By not having a set itinerary, we take on an expedition spirit and are free to take advantage of the best that Svalbard has to offer.

Day 4 - Starting: Spitsbergen & Finishing: Greenland Sea

Over four full days, explore a small portion of the western coast of Spitsbergen. Entering the fall the days are getting shorter so try to take advantage of all of the sunlight possible to search for wildlife. Spend these days in search of the elusive polar bears as they hunt seals. Look out for Svalbard's unique subspecies of reindeer. Although much smaller than their southern relatives, they still carry impressive antlers. Keep a sharp lookout for Arctic foxes. By not having a set itinerary, we take on an expedition spirit and are free to take advantage of the best that Svalbard has to offer.

Day 5 - Starting: Spitsbergen & Finishing: Greenland Sea

Over four full days, explore a small portion of the western coast of Spitsbergen. Entering the fall the days are getting shorter so try to take advantage of all of the sunlight possible to search for wildlife. Spend these days in search of the elusive polar bears as they hunt seals. Look out for Svalbard's unique subspecies of reindeer. Although much smaller than their southern relatives, they still carry impressive antlers. Keep a sharp lookout for Arctic foxes. By not having a set itinerary, we take on an expedition spirit and are free to take advantage of the best that Svalbard has to offer.

Day 6 - Starting: Greenland Sea & Finishing: Ittoqqortoomiit

Frigid waters drain from the Arctic Ocean in a southwest current along the coast of Northeast Greenland. Often, drifting pack ice is pushed along the coast. We will attempt to approach and follow the pack ice edge to explore the polar seascape. Keep a lookout for sea mammals like seals and whales and also sea birds such as kittiwakes and fulmars.

Day 7 - Starting: Greenland Sea & Finishing: Ittoqqortoomiit

Frigid waters drain from the Arctic Ocean in a southwest current along the coast of Northeast Greenland. Often, drifting pack ice is pushed along the coast. We will attempt to approach and follow the pack ice edge to explore the polar seascape. Keep a lookout for sea mammals like seals and whales and also sea birds such as kittiwakes and fulmars.

Day 8 - Starting: Ittoqqortoomiit & Finishing: Denmark Strait

Sail through and land in some of the most spectacular fjord country in the world along down the coast of Greenland, while exploring rarely visited glaciers, bays and inlets. This is the largest national park in the world, nearly impossible to reach except on expedition ships. Spectacular geology combined with glacial features create steep mountains raising directly from the sea. Look out for picturesque scenery, wildlife and other interesting landing sites in this unspoiled wilderness. Depending on ice, spend these days exploring the massive fjord system of Northeast Greenland National Park, which includes portions of Scoresbysund. These intricate fjord systems are everything from wide and unimaginable to narrow and steeply spectacular with some of the best mountain scenery in the world. Walking over lush stands of colourful autumn tundra may lead to opportunities to see muskox grazing nearby.

Day 9 - Starting: Ittoqqortoomiit & Finishing: Denmark Strait

Sail through and land in some of the most spectacular fjord country in the world along down the coast of Greenland, while exploring rarely visited glaciers, bays and inlets. This is the largest national park in the world, nearly impossible to reach except on expedition ships. Spectacular geology combined with glacial features create steep mountains raising directly from the sea. Look out for picturesque scenery, wildlife and other interesting landing sites in this unspoiled wilderness. Depending on ice, spend these days exploring the massive fjord system of Northeast Greenland National Park, which includes portions of Scoresbysund. These intricate fjord systems are everything from wide and unimaginable to narrow and steeply spectacular with some of the best mountain scenery in the world. Walking over lush stands of colourful autumn tundra may lead to opportunities to see muskox grazing nearby.

Day 10 - Starting: Ittoqqortoomiit & Finishing: Denmark Strait

Sail through and land in some of the most spectacular fjord country in the world along down the coast of Greenland, while exploring rarely visited glaciers, bays and inlets. This is the largest national park in the world, nearly impossible to reach except on expedition ships. Spectacular geology combined with glacial features create steep mountains raising directly from the sea. Look out for picturesque scenery, wildlife and other interesting landing sites in this unspoiled wilderness. Depending on ice, spend these days exploring the massive fjord system of Northeast Greenland National Park, which includes portions of Scoresbysund. These intricate fjord systems are everything from wide and unimaginable to narrow and steeply spectacular with some of the best mountain scenery in the world. Walking over lush stands of colourful autumn tundra may lead to opportunities to see muskox grazing nearby.

Day 11 - Starting: Ittoqqortoomiit & Finishing: Denmark Strait

Sail through and land in some of the most spectacular fjord country in the world along down the coast of Greenland, while exploring rarely visited glaciers, bays and inlets. This is the largest national park in the world, nearly impossible to reach except on expedition ships. Spectacular geology combined with glacial features create steep mountains raising directly from the sea. Look out for picturesque scenery, wildlife and other interesting landing sites in this unspoiled wilderness. Depending on ice, spend these days exploring the massive fjord system of Northeast Greenland National Park, which includes portions of Scoresbysund. These intricate fjord systems are everything from wide and unimaginable to narrow and steeply spectacular with some of the best mountain scenery in the world. Walking over lush stands of colourful autumn tundra may lead to opportunities to see muskox grazing nearby.

Day 12 - Starting: Ittoqqortoomiit & Finishing: Denmark Strait

Sail through and land in some of the most spectacular fjord country in the world along down the coast of Greenland, while exploring rarely visited glaciers, bays and inlets. This is the largest national park in the world, nearly impossible to reach except on expedition ships. Spectacular geology combined with glacial features create steep mountains raising directly from the sea. Look out for picturesque scenery, wildlife and other interesting landing sites in this unspoiled wilderness. Depending on ice, spend these days exploring the massive fjord system of Northeast Greenland National Park, which includes portions of Scoresbysund. These intricate fjord systems are everything from wide and unimaginable to narrow and steeply spectacular with some of the best mountain scenery in the world. Walking over lush stands of colourful autumn tundra may lead to opportunities to see muskox grazing nearby.

Day 13 - Starting: Denmark Strait & Finishing: Reykjavík

Enjoy the lecture series while watching the seas for whales. Head towards Iceland and the steaming hot springs of Reykjavík. The view is often complemented by soaring fulmars, kittiwakes, gannets, guillemots, and razorbills.

Day 14 - Starting: Denmark Strait & Finishing: Reykjavík

Enjoy the lecture series while watching the seas for whales. Head towards Iceland and the steaming hot springs of Reykjavík. The view is often complemented by soaring fulmars, kittiwakes, gannets, guillemots, and razorbills.

Day 15 - Starting: Reykjavík & Finishing: Reykjavík

Transfers to the airport are available to all passengers who have flights booked on the disembarkation day. Immediately upon disembarkation there will be offered a transfer to the airport, that includes a stop en route at the Radisson Blu 1919 Hotel. Passengers planning on staying in Reykjavík post trip, may take this transfer, or hire a taxi at the pier for transfer to their accommodations. For those with flights later in the day, we will offer a luggage storage area at the pier, until 2pm, (timings to be confirmed onboard), at which time a transfer will be provided to the airport for those passengers with early evening and evening flights. Passengers taking advantage of this opportunity, will be able to explore downtown Reykjavík in the morning and early afternoon. All transfer arrangements will be confirmed while on board prior to departure, to ensure that all needs are met.

Instructions

View Dates

More Information

What’s Included

14 nts aboard the G Expedition. Transfer from meeting point to ship (Longyeaerbyen). Zodiac excursions with our expert expedition team. Lectures and educational programs. Visit to a local community (Greenland). Departure transfer (Reykjavik, depending on flight). Waterproof boots supplied for USA size 6 – 16. Expedition parka.

Highlights

Explore the edges of an ice floe by Zodiac, walk on the tundra searching for birds, keep an eye out for a variety of whale species and dolphins, learn about the Arctic from lectures and onsite briefings, sail through magnificent fjords and visit a local Greenland community in Ittoqqortoormiit

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

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.

The G Expedition is an adventure Expedition ship and does not offer an elevator

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 in the lounge.

Transport

G Expedition, Zodiac, local bus.

Local Flights

There are no local flights included in the price of this trip.

You are free to depart Reykjavik from the afternoon onward on Day 14. Do not book any morning flights out of Reykjavik.

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

Aboard the G Expedition in quad-, triple-, twin-share cabins, or suites (all with en suite bathrooms and porthole or window) (14 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 Instructions

Meeting Point:

Radisson Blu Polar Hotel Spitsbergen, 4pm transfer to G Expedition

P.O. Box 554
9171 Longyearbyen

Telephone: +47 7902 3450 


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 Longyearbyen airport please collect your luggage and look for a G Adventures representative who will direct you to the bus. Please make sure you have advised your booking agent of your arrival flight details into Longyearbyen 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 ship or hotel.

Joining Instructions without complimentary transfer:

The most cost effective way to travel from the airport to the city is by local bus that services all Longyearbyen hotels at a price of approximately 50 NOK. If you would like to take a taxi, they are available at the airport or by calling one of two taxi companies at either +47 7902 1305 or +47 7902 1375. 


On Day 1 of the tour, there will be a baggage drop available for all passengers who are already in Longyearbyen. Please make sure you drop your checked luggage off at the meeting point between 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. A local representative will be in the luggage storage room. They can provide general information about the town or your embarkation process. All passengers will be transferred to the ship as a group for embarkation at 4:00 pm. Please ensure that for embarkation you have your passport accessible (not in your luggage which is being transferred separately to the ship).

For those passengers arriving on Day 1, on a flight which lands after midday, please note that bags will be transferred with you to the ship at 4pm. 

If for some reason you cannot arrive at the meeting point, please make your own way to the Port of Longyearbyen no earlier or later than 4pm. Embarkation time is set for 4pm and passengers will not be able to board the ship before that time due to refuelling, provisioning, and preparing the ship for your stay.



On embarkation day, you may have to board the ship via Zodiac. You should bring clothing suitable for cold and wet conditions. Waterproof pants are recommended. Once aboard, you will find your luggage stored in your assigned cabin, please ensure that all your luggage is accounted for on arrival.

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 Representative (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 Local Reprsentative (Longyearbyen, Norway)
Barbara Fogden: +47 9500 6076

If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with our 24 hour Sales team, who will happily assist you.

Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from UK: 0844 272 0000
Calls from Germany: 01805 70 90 30 00
Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999

Finishing Point Instructions

Shortly after your breakfast, you will disembark in Reykjavik. Disembarkation is scheduled for 0800 at Midbakki Harbour, which is within walking distance to downtown Reykjavik.

Do not book any flights before, 1200 noon, on disembarkation day.

We will offer transfers to the airport to all passengers who have flights booked on the disembarkation day. Immediately upon disembarkation there will be offered a transfer to the airport, that includes a stop enroute at the Radisson Blu 1919 Hotel. Passengers planning on staying in Reykjavik post trip, may take this transfer, or hire a taxi at the pier for transfer to their accommodations.

For those with flights later in the day, we will offer a luggage storage area at the pier, until 1400, (timings to be confirmed onboard), at which time a transfer will be provided to the airport for those passengers with early evening and evening flights. Passengers taking advantage of this opportunity, will be able to explore downtown Reykjavik in the morning, and early afternoon.

All transfer arrangements will be confirmed while onboard prior to departure, to ensure that all needs are met.

What to Take

Most airlines allow one checked bag and two carry-on per person. To avoid any problems on check-in and with possible excess baggage charges, please consult the airline for specific restrictions.

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.

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

Arctic Dreams • Barry Lopez

Historical Atlast of the Arctic Derek Hayes

A Naturalists Guide to the Arctic E.C. Pielou

Circumpolar North / Greenland Map • ITMB • With the North Circumpolar region on one side, including Iceland, and a detailed map of Greenland on the other.

North Pole, South Pole Map • Canadian Geographic

Bradt Guide Lapland • James Proctor

Who Owns the Arctic?, Understanding Sovereignty Disputes in the North • Michael Byers

A History of Arctic Exploration • Juha Nurminen

Arctic Labyrinth, The Quest for the Northwest Passage • Glyn Williams

N by E • Rockwell Kent • Edward Hoagland

Ninety Degrees North, The Quest for the North Pole • Fergus Fleming •

The Last Gentleman Adventurer • Edward Beauclerk Maurice • Lawrence Millman

The Voyage of the Narwhal • Andrea Barrett

Ultima Thule, Explorers and Natives in the Polar North • Jean Malaurie

Weird and Tragic Shores: The Story of Charles Francis Hall, Explorer • Chauncey Loomis • Andrea Barrett

Frost on My Moustache, The Arctic Exploits of a Lord and a Loafer • Tim Moore

The Ice Finders, How a Poet, a Professor and a Politician Discovered the Ice Age • Edmund Blair Bolles

The Last Imaginary Place • Robert McGhee

Near Death in the Arctic • Ceci Kuhne

The Greenlanders • Jane Smiley

The Sagas of Icelanders • Jane Smiley • Robert Kellog

After the Ice • Alun Anderson

AntARCTIC, A Tribute to Life in the Polar Regions • Michael Poliza

Arctic Eden • Jerry Kobalenko

Arctic Eden • Jerry Kobalenko

Glacier Ice • Austin Post • Edward R. LaChapelle

Islands of the Arctic • Julian Dowdeswell

Planet Arctic • Wayne Lynch

Polar Bears • Ian Stirling

The Arctic, The Complete Story • Richard Sale

The Last Polar Bear, Facing the Truth of a Warming World • Steven Kazlowski

The World of the Polar Bear • Norbert Rosing

Through the Eyes of the Vikings, An Aerial Vision of Arctic Lands • Robert B. Haas

Vanishing World, The Endangered Arctic • Mireilla De La Lez • Fredrik Granath

Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises • Mark Carwardine

Laundry

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.

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.).

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.

Health

Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.

Please consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We require all passengers traveling on any one of our expeditions to review 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/

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.

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
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.

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 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

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

126

Group Leader

One Expedition team member per 10 guests.

Get Inspired