INTRODUCTION ITINERARY ANTARCTICA - SOUTH GEORGIA & ANTARCTIC ODYSSEY FROM STANLEY TRIP CODE ACTSSGAO DEPARTURE DURATION.

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1 INTRODUCTION Summer comes to South Georgia s remote, untamed landscape like a freight train. Famed for its abandoned whaling stations and Shackleton s heroic journey, South Georgia is home to millions of fur seals and penguins, wallows of elephant seals, and nesting albatross. We arrive at the breeding cycle peak, as chicks become juveniles, parents shuttle fish and seal pups thrill with mock charges. Retracing Shackleton s boat voyage, we visit Elephant Island before continuing south along the Antarctic Peninsula. Days remain long, and filled with humpback and minke whales, penguins and leopard seals, historic sites and scientific stations. ITINERARY

2 DAY 1: Embark Stanley, Falkland Islands/Malvinas You have the option of arriving in the Falkland Islands today and being transferred directly to Polar Pioneer OR arriving into the Falkland Islands earlier and exploring this very British outpost, and making your own way to the pier to board the ship. Please note: if you wish to arrive early the flights to Stanley operate once a week and are subject to availability and may involve an additional surcharge. If you choose to fly today, you will make your own way to the airport to embark your flight in either Santiago or Punta Arenas and arrive in Stanley in the early afternoon, where you will be met by a local guide at the Mount Pleasant airport and transferred directly to Polar Pioneer. The staff and the competent Russian crew will welcome you aboard Polar Pioneer in the afternoon. Sailing towards South Georgia, we settle into shipboard life and enjoy our first meal on board. Before our first landing we will be given guidelines for approaching the wildlife and talk about the implications of the Antarctic Treaty, as well as being briefed about using our Zodiacs (inflatable rubber boats) for excursions from the ship. DAY 2: At sea bound for South Georgia - Days 2 & 3 Between the Falklands and South Georgia you will be entranced by the ceaseless flight of the many seabirds that follow our wake. You may decide to join the whale watchers on the bridge, or just relax and read a favourite book. If time and weather conditions permit, we could pass close to Shag Rocks, a fascinating group of jagged rocky islets protruding from the sea. Blue-eyed cormorants fill the air; their precarious nesting sites are white with guano. The mood on board is definitely casual. A favourite pastime is to stand at the stern deck watching the many seabirds, including majestic albatrosses and giant petrels, following in our wake, skilfully using the air currents created by the ship to gain momentum. Feeling transformed, we approach South Georgia, receptive and open.

3 DAY 4: South Georgia - Days 4 to 8 To us, South Georgia is one of the most beautiful places in the world. The island is a tiny speck in the South Atlantic Ocean, located in one of the most desolate parts of our planet. A 3,000-metre mountain range traces the spine of this long, narrow island. Between the mountains, shattered glaciers carve their way through tussock grass to the deeply indented coastline. Though geographically speaking, the island lies in the subantarctic area, as do the islands of Macquarie and Heard, it has a climate more in keeping with the true Antarctic regions. This is because South Georgia lies wholly within the Antarctic Convergence. DAY 9: At Sea - Days 9 & 10 Leaving South Georgia we head across the Scotia Sea in a southwesterly direction. The ocean takes on a whole new perspective once we are surrounded by the surreal presence of floating ice sculptures. The memory of the sight of your first iceberg will remain with you forever. DAY 11: Elephant Island Today, if weather permits, we set course for Elephant Island, a half-submerged mountain cloaked with an ice sheet at the outer limits of the South Shetlands. En route, our recaps and lectures will resume and there will be time to gather energy for the busy days ahead. We ll learn the story of Shackleton and hear how his ship, the Endurance, was crushed in pack ice in the Weddell Sea, before him and his men climbed into three open boats, spending 16 months at sea, before finally making landfall on this tiny toe of rock and ice in the vastness of the Southern Ocean on 14 April As we commemorate the upcoming century of Shackleton s fateful expedition, we plan to sail past Cape Valentine to see the beach where the men first put ashore nearly 100 years ago. Weather permitting; we hope to follow the coastline six miles west to Point Wild, where the men eventually set up camp under two of their upturned open boats and some old tents. We will attempt to make at least one landing on historic Elephant Island.

4 DAY 12: Antarctic Peninsula - Days 12 to 15 Once we arrive in the calmer waters of the Bransfield and Gerlache Straits, we will generally make landings or Zodiac excursions two to three times a day. Days will be spent cruising along spectacular ice cliffs, following whales that are feeding near the surface and landing on the continent and it s off shore islands to visit penguin rookies and seal haul outs as well as a few of our favorite spots on the peninsula. Our chefs will prepare delicious meals that, accompanied by good conversation, will become a focal point of our shipboard life. There are many exciting places we can choose to visit. A simple of these follows: Half Moon Island. A wildlife rich island tucked into a neat bay at the eastern end of Livingston Island. On a clear day the glaciers and mountains of Livingston Island dominate the scene. There is a large chinstrap penguin rookery tucked in between basaltic turrets coloured by yellow and orange lichens. Gulls nest on these turrets and there are often fur seals and elephant seals hauled out on the pebble beaches. At one extremity of the island there is a large colony of nesting blue-eyed shags. At the other end lies a small Argentinean station that is sometimes occupied by scientists conducting research on the penguin colony and surrounding waterways. Paradise Harbour. A protected bay surrounded by magnificent peaks and spectacular glaciers, the rocky cliffs of this unforgettable piece of heaven provide perfect nesting sites for blue-eyed shags, terns and gulls. The serenity of Paradise Harbour envelops us once the sound of the dropping anchor fades from our ears. This is a haven for whales and we keep our eyes open for humpbacks, orcas and minkes, as well as crabeater seals, as we explore the bay in Zodiacs. Imagine being so close to a whale that when he surfaces to blow, the fishy spray of his exhalation momentarily blurs your vision. Words cannot describe this experience. Other places we may visit around the Antarctic Peninsula are: Pleneau Island, Neko Harbour, Vernadsky, a Ukrainian scientific base, Port Lockroy, a historic British base that is now a museum and post office plus a selection of our other favourite landing sites.

5 DAY 16: Drake Passage - Days 16 & 17 Time to head to Isla Navarino, Chile, with lectures and videos to complete our Antarctic education. This is a time for reflection and discussion about what we have seen and felt, and the impact this voyage has had on our attitude to life. As we approach the tip of South America, our Captain may sail close to legendary Cape Horn, weather conditions permitting. DAY 18: Puerto Williams to Punta Arenas During the early morning we cruise up the Beagle Channel, before quietly slipping into dock in Puerto Williams about 07:00. As soon as customs have cleared the ship, we commence our town tour of the world s southern-most town. Puerto Williams has been declared one of the 20 most pristine places on the planet by UNESCO. After our town tour and some morning tea, we ll board our shore 35-minute flight back to Punta Arenas, where we ll enjoy a birds eye view over the breathtaking landscape of Cordillera Darwin. In Punta Arenas we ll bid our fellow expeditioners and new found friends a fond farewell, before you continue on with your own arrangements. Please Note: At the conclusion of the expedition flights are not to be booked from Punta Arenas prior to 17:00 on the day of disembarkation. An overnight in Punta Arenas is recommended, but not mandatory. INCLUSIONS & DETAILS Accommodation Standard

6 Inclusions Flight from Santiago or Punta Arenas to Stanley (no reduced fare for starting in Punta Arenas) Transfer from Stanley airport to Polar Pioneer, including tour of Stanley Transfer from Polar Pioneer to Puerto Williams airport, including Puerto Williams town and surrounds tour Flight from Puerto Williams to Punta Arenas Accommodation during the voyage All meals, snacks, tea and coffee during the voyage All shore excursions and Zodiac (inflatable boat) cruises Educational lectures and guiding services from our expert team Access to our on board doctor and basic medical services Free gumboot hire during the voyage Daily cabin service An Aurora Expeditions' multi-purpose waterproof jacket Comprehensive pre-departure information Professionally produced voyage journal (one per booking) Port taxes and charges All entry fees to historic landings sites. Difficulty Rating Single Surcharge Notes Price Dependent upon 2 (light adventure) Available upon request Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and ice conditions. Contact us for more details. Availability and cabin type. SUSTAINABILITY GUIDANCE FOR VISITORS TO THE ANTARCTIC RECOMMENDATION XVIII-1, ADOPTED AT THE ANTARCTIC TREATY MEETING, KYOTO, 1994 Activities in the Antarctic are governed by the Antarctic Treaty of 1959 and associated agreements, referred to collectively as the Antarctic Treaty System. The Treaty established Antarctica as a zone of peace and science. In 1991, the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties adopted the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty, which designates the Antarctic as a natural reserve. The Protocol sets out environmental principles, procedures and obligations for the comprehensive protection of the Antarctic environment, and its dependent and associated ecosystems. The Consultative Parties have agreed that as far as possible and in accordance with their legal system, the provisions of the Protocol should be applied as appropriate. The Environmental Protocol was ratified in January 1998.

7 The Environmental Protocol applies to tourism and non-governmental activities, as well as governmental activities in the Antarctic Treaty Area. It is intended to ensure that these activities, do not have adverse impacts on the Antarctic environment, or on its scientific and aesthetic values. This Guidance for Visitors to the Antarctic is intended to ensure that all visitors are aware of, and are therefore able to comply with, the Treaty and the Protocol. Visitors are, of course, bound by national laws and regulations applicable to activities in the Antarctic. PROTECT ANTARCTIC WILDLIFE Taking or harmful interference with Antarctic wildlife is prohibited except in accordance with a permit issued by a national authority. Do not use aircraft, vessels, small boats, or other means of transport in ways that disturb wildlife, either at sea or on land. 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. Do not damage plants, for example by walking, driving, or landing on extensive moss beds or lichen-covered scree slopes. Do not use guns or explosives. Keep noise to the minimum to avoid frightening wildlife. Do not bring non-native plants or animals into the Antarctic, such as live poultry, pet dogs and cats, or house plants. RESPECT PROTECTED AREAS A variety of areas in the Antarctic have been afforded special protection because of their particular ecological, scientific, historic, or other values. Entry into certain areas may be prohibited except in accordance with a permit issued by an appropriate national authority. Activities in and near designated Historic Sites and Monuments and certain other areas may be subject to special restrictions. Know the locations of areas that have been afforded special protection and any restrictions regarding entry and activities that can be carried out in and near them. Observe applicable restrictions. Do not damage, remove, or destroy Historic Sites or Monuments or any artifacts associated with them. RESPECT SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH Do not interfere with scientific research, facilities or equipment. Obtain permission before visiting Antarctic science and support facilities; reconfirm arrangements hours before arrival; and comply with the rules regarding such visits. Do not interfere with, or remove, scientific equipment or marker posts, and do not disturb experimental study sites, field camps, or supplies. BE SAFE Be prepared for severe and changeable weather and ensure that your equipment and clothing meet Antarctic standards. Remember that the Antarctic environment is inhospitable, unpredictable, and potentially dangerous.

8 Know your capabilities and the dangers posed by the Antarctic environment, and act accordingly. Plan activities with safety in mind at all times. Keep a safe distance from all wildlife, both on land and at sea. Take note of, and act on, the advice and instructions from your leaders; do not stray from your group. Do not walk onto glaciers or large snow fields without the proper equipment and experience; there is a real danger of falling into hidden crevasses. Do not expect a rescue service. Self-sufficiency is increased and risks reduced by sound planning, quality equipment, and trained personnel. Do not enter emergency refuges (except in emergencies). If you use equipment or food from a refuge, inform the nearest research station or national authority once the emergency is over. Respect any smoking restrictions, particularly around buildings, and take great care to safeguard against the danger of fire. This is a real hazard in the dry environment of Antarctica. KEEP ANTARCTICA PRISTINE Antarctica remains relatively pristine, the largest wilderness area on Earth. It has not yet been subjected to large-scale human perturbations. Please keep it that way. Do not dispose of litter or garbage on land. Open burning is prohibited. Do not disturb or pollute lakes or streams. Any materials discarded at sea must be disposed of properly. Do not paint or engrave names or graffiti on rocks or buildings. Do not collect or take away biological or geological specimens or man-made artifacts as a souvenir, including rocks, bones, eggs, fossils, and parts or contents of buildings. Do not deface or vandalize buildings or emergency refuges, whether occupied, abandoned, or unoccupied.