MARINE MAMMALS OF ANTARCTICA MARCH 2017

Transcription

1 MARINE MAMMALS OF ANTARCTICA MARCH 2017

2 Itinerary Overview March represents a critical time for whales in Antarctic waters, as they feed on krill swarms to build energy stores for either a long migration north to tropical breeding grounds, or to maintain their energy as they struggle to survive in the ice-choked waters that soon will encapsulate the region. For humpback whales, there is growing evidence that while many whales migrate, some remain in areas that remain ice-free for long periods of time due to warming climates. This research adventure surveys several of the bays that are the focus of long-term and unique research projects to determine how the abundance of whales changes throughout the course of the Antarctic summer. The search includes elusive and cryptic minke whales in the far reaches and ice-choked passes and bays where they spend most of their time. "Killer whales", or Orcas, patrol the coastal waters for seals, smaller whales, and penguins that make up their diet. Of course, we will also participate in the usual discussions of other areas of interest in Antarctica, with presentations on the bird and penguin life as well as Antarctic history. Where there are penguins, there are most likely leopard seals at this time of year, so these locations will be of keen interest to seal enthusiasts. DAY DATE OVERNIGHT HOTELS/SHIP MEALS HIGHLIGHTS 1 TUESDAY, 3/14 BUENOS AIRES Own Palermo Hotel Arrival into Buenos Aires 2 WEDNESDAY 3/15 USHUAIA Tierra de Leyendas B Fly to Ushuaia, afternoon city tour and hiking 3 THURSDAY, 3/16 USHUAIA Tierra de Leyendas 4 FRIDAY 3/17 DRAKE PASSAGE Akademik Ioffe BD SATURDAY- SUNDAY, 3/18-19 MONDAY-FRIDAY, 3/20-24 SATURDAY- SUNDAY, 3/25-26 BL DRAKE PASSAGE Akademik Ioffe BLD GERLACHE STRAIT / ANTARCTIC PENINSULA/SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS 14 MONDAY, 3/27 BUENOS AIRES Akademik Ioffe BLD DRAKE PASSAGE Akademik Ioffe BLD Own Palermo Hotel B Hiking and canoeing in Tierra del Fuego National Park Free morning, embarkation and departure for Drake Passage On-board amenities and lectures, views from deck, Antarctic Convergence Zodiak excursions to Neko Harbor, Wilhelmina Bay or Petermann Island, whale watching, land excursions On-board amenities and lectures, views from deck, Antarctic Convergence Arrival in Ushuaia and flight to Buenos Aires 15 TUESDAY, 3/28 DEPARTURE B City tour + room for day use -2-

3 Antarctic Peninsula Adventure Voyage Route Map -3-

4 Itinerary in Detail DAY 1: BUENOS AIRES Buenos Aires airport reception and transfer to at the Own Palermo Hotel in one of Buenos Aires' trendiest district. DAY 2: USHUAIA Fly south over the rugged Patagonian landscape to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Sitting on the shores of the Beagle Channel, Ushuaia actually means 'the bay facing westward' in the language of the original Yamna inhabitants. Once a penal colony (the presidio was disbanded in the 1940s) for political prisoners as well as hardened criminals, Ushuaia is now a major tourist attraction, particularly for those embarking on an Antarctica expedition. The town of 40,000 is also a major ski resort area for both alpine and cross-country skiers and offers magnificent hiking in Tierra del Fuego National Park, the only coastal national park in Argentina. After arrival and transfer to the hotel, in the afternoon embark on an active exploration of the city. The hike starts in the El Mirador del Beagle area, a neighborhood located in the highest point of the city and an example of the development of the city in recent years. The trail takes you along the edge of the forest, featuring amazing views of the many landmarks which played a part in Ushuaia s interesting sea-faring history. Overnight at Tierra de Leyendas. [B] DAY 3: USHUAIA - TIERRA DEL FUEGO NATIONAL PARK Today is a full day exploration of the famed Tierra del Fuego National Park. Upon arrival in the park, you start a 7 km trek (3.5 hours) to a wonderful scenic point overlooking Lake Roca, Lagunas Verde and Negra, Rivers Ovando and Lapataia and Bahía Lapataia. Hiking through this beech forest keep your eyes peeled for the incredible bird life including the Magellanic woodpecker (the largest in South America), Austral parakeets, black-chested buzzard eagles, and Andean Condors. After lunch, embark on an easy, downstream canoe trip in the crystal-clear, quiet waters of the Ovando River, and into Green Lake, one of the most beautiful places in the park. Approaching your final destination at Lapataia Bay, you may encounter sea birds flying over, looking curiously at us: sea petrels, albatross, and steamer ducks, among others. At the end of the day, take in the gorgeous southern sunset at the end of the world. Overnight at Tierra de Leyendas. [BL] DAY 4: DEPART USHUAIA Enjoy a free morning and early afternoon to explore Ushuaia on your own. Join other Antarctic adventurers at the Albatros Hotel where you will transfer to pier in afternoon for embarkation. Check-in with the Akademik Ioffe beginning at 4:00PM where you will be greeted by the Expedition Leader and staff and shown to your cabin. Overnight aboard the Akademik Ioffe. [BD] -4-

5 DAYS 5 & 6: DRAKE PASSAGE Crossing the Drake Passage, there is so much excitement in the air as you make your way ever closer to the white continent. Guests eagerly soak up the friendly atmosphere on-board as our numerous Polar experts prepare you for your adventures with presentations on everything Antarctic, from wildlife to history. Keep your eyes and binoculars at the ready, as you are likely to see wandering albatross, Giant petrals and their smaller brethren, Cape petrals. Photographing these acrobatic creatures from the deck of our expedition ship requires patience and skill, but our on-board photography expert is ready to assist with pointers and suggestions. Along the way, you will witness many spectacular sights from icebergs to possibly several whale species some of which are known on occasion to fully breach from the sea. Overnights aboard the Akademik Ioffe. [BLD] DAYS 7-11: ANTARCTIC PENINSULA Upon entrance to the Antarctic Peninsula, we plan your route primarily based on typical marine mammal movements and activity for this time of year. With our past knowledge of marine mammal feeding grounds, we can anticipate the areas in which to explore and the best order in which to do so. Based on weather conditions, you explore the southern Gerlache Strait area, working your way in and out of deep bays along the coast, looking for typical hot spots as you go. We hope to capitalize on time spent exploring in the inflatable Zodiac boats, marveling at Nature's glory up close! We find this time of year, whales are more social and demonstrative, which leads to exciting viewings from the ship and Zodiacs. Conditions permitting, you may visit Deception Island and Whaler's Bay, the site of a Norwegian whaling station from This site frames an historical view of whale exploitation a century ago. We plan our visits to some of Antarctica's best known locations to take advantage of magnificent scenery, observing Weddell, crabeater and elephant seals, skuas and other seabirds as well as a shocking abundance of penguins, including large colonies of the comical Adelie penguin. Of course we plan several great hikes in the area! Prepare to be dazzled by your first glimpse of the continent, as the scenery here is breathtaking. In particular, the oddly shaped icebergs resembling sculptures, and colossal "tabular" icebergs which have broken away from the continent's ice shelf. Granted mild weather, you may step foot on the White Continent itself! Some may wish to camp onshore overnight, we will do all in our power to make it happen! Whatever your vantage point, whether it is onboard or onshore, expect to feel utterly transformed as you experience twilight and the abundance of mammals and wildlife from the very bottom of the planet. Overnight aboard the Akademik Ioffe. [BLD] DAYS: 12 & 13: DRAKE PASSAGE As you make your way back, the educational programs continue, only now we all have a heightened appreciation and personal experience to bring to the lesson. Now is the chance to compare and revise notes, and take advantage of the media room and photography experts as you download and backup precious images. If weather conditions allow, we hope to make a rounding of legendary Cape Horn. This fabled stretch of water is home to legendary tales of exploration and early navigation. It's a fitting place to reflect on all we have seen and experienced. Approaching the opening of the Beagle Channel, the Captain salutes the expedition with a special Farewell Dinner. Overnight Akademik Ioffe. [BLD] -5-

6 DAY 14: DISEMBARK IN USHUAIA & BUENOS AIRES After an early breakfast, arrival in Ushuaia is around 9:00AM. Thus ends an incredible and unique expedition. You ll be met at the dock and transferred to the airport for your afternoon flight to Buenos Aires. Upon arrival, transfer for overnight at Own Palermo Hotel. [B] DAY 15: BUENOS AIRES & DEPARTURE Spend the morning and early afternoon exploring one of the most atmospheric cities in South America - Buenos Aires. With our local guide, discover historical sites such as the Barrio Norte with its splendid old homes; San Telmo where the artist and musicians live and work; La Boca, a neighborhood of brightly painted Italian family homes and restaurants; and the Avenida 9 de Julio with its towering obelisk as much a symbol to Buenos Aires as the Eiffel Tower is to Paris. On your own free time you may also take in a tango show or visit some of the more than 150 art galleries and museums. In the evening, transfer to airport for your international flight home. [B] END OF SERVICES As with all our polar expeditions, safety is the top priority. For that reason, weather, ice or other conditions may require us to change our itinerary and shore excursions as we progress. But that is half the fun of polar exploration! Predictability is a word with no relevance in this environment! -6-

7 For pricing click here: Pricing ONLY ONE DATE FOR 2017: MARCH INCLUDED SERVICES Hotel and boat accommodations as indicated English-speaking naturalist guides Guided tours and excursions Airport-hotel transfers and land transportation Meals as specified [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner] Services of in-bound land operator for airline reconfirmation, and tour operations Wildland Adventures travel consultation and pre-departure services. NOT INCLUDED SERVICES International airfare Local airfare: Buenos Aires-Ushuaia round trip Argentina reciprocity fee - $160, must be paid in advance Airport taxes ($6.50 from Ushuaia). Airport taxes can be paid in Argentine Pesos or USD cash, or by debit card. Optional Kayaking: $795 per person where available Tips and gratuities Drinks, alcoholic beverages, and meals other than listed above Personal expenses for extra services, optional activities, or changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control Travel insurance for trip cancellation, medical services, or evacuation Any other items not mentioned above -7-

8 Accommodations EXPEDITION VESSELS: AKADEMIK IOFFE AND AKADEMIK SERGEY VAVILOV The 96-passenger Akademik Ioffe/One Ocean Navigator, and the 92-passenger Akademik Sergey Vavilov/One Ocean Voyager are perfect small expedition cruise ships catering to your adventurous spirit as well as the concept and implementation of ecologically responsible travel and personalized service. Both vessels are modern, comfortable, safe, and ice-strengthened. From small group sessions to briefings for all passengers, public spaces onboard the ship are ideally suited for each and every need. A separate bar and lounge located on deck 6 with expansive 180 degree views, as well as a library provide ideal places to sit and relax or catch up on some reading. A fitness room, bouldering wall, and wellness center allow guests to stay active during the days at seas. These ships have state-of-the-art radar, communication, and other navigational equipment as well as modern fire and flood prevention systems. To help us customize your trips, these vessels have maximum maneuverability to get in and out of the most interesting places, safely, not to mention generous outdoor deck space and a large inclusive bridge for ease of passenger use. Paired with twin engines, twin (controllable pitch) propellers, a bow thruster, and stern multidirectional thruster (aqua-master) these ships lead the way with point specific movement and operational support. The benefits of these features are greatly appreciated when a 'lee at the gangway' is requested by our staff for safe and easy embarkation and disembarkation of passengers via zodiacs. Not to mention a pod of whales popping up to our stern, thus suggesting an immediate spin of the vessel by 180 degrees on its own axis. Green Voyaging: Sustainable Tourism in the Polar Regions We burn cleaner fuels and treat our waste in the greenest way possible. We have also implemented an industry leading responsible purchasing system, taking great care to ensure the products we buy are not derived from endangered species nor does the use of these products contribute to loss of sustainability in the region from which they came. We aim to use green products wherever possible. We are confident our overall practices concerning environmental responsibility and sustainability are unrivalled in the expedition cruise industry. -8-

9 OWN GRAND PALERMO SOHO The 63 large and modern rooms and suites reflect the sophistication, fashion, and avant-garde atmosphere of the surrounding neighborhood. Within the doors of this hotel, guests are spoiled by personalized attention, modern and spacious rooms, high tech spa and gym, and a rooftop swimming pool with expansive city views. Spacious rooms are equipped with mini wine bar, individual A/C, hair dryer, luxurious bathrobes and towels, free Wi-Fi, and 42" LCD TV, and large safety box. TIERRA DE LEYENDAS, USHUAIA Run by a well-traveled husband and wife team from the Buenos Aires hotel scene, Tierra del Leyendas attracts hedonists, foodies, and coastal walkers and is widely considered one of the best (and least well-known) boutique hotels in all of Argentina. An open-plain ground floor invites guest interaction in a spacious lounge and reception area overlooking the bay. The five rooms are named after local fables and indigenous artifacts, sheepskin throws, comfortable elegance, and the surrounding mountains and water on the outskirts of Ushuaia make for a very Patagonia feel. Be sure to have dinner here the cuisine is excellent. -9-

10 Booking your Wildland Adventure HOW TO RESERVE A TRIP You can book online using our Reserve a Trip form or by calling Your space on a trip is confirmed once we receive your reservation form and initial trip deposit. All travelers must sign and submit a Release of Liability. Deposit requirements are as follows:* $500 per person for all trips in Central America. $700 per person for all trips in South America, the Middle East, Asia and the Far East and the Mediterranean. For the Galapagos this deposit is non-refundable. $1500 per person for Antarctica. This deposit is non-refundable. $1000 per person for all trips in Alaska. 20% of land cost for all trips in Africa. This deposit is generally non-refundable. *Some trips require additional non-refundable deposits, especially when yachts have been chartered, or if permits to visit archaeological or wildlife sites have been purchased in advance. CUSTOM TRAVEL This trip isn t exactly what you re looking for? We are happy to design a private custom itinerary to accommodate your travel dates, interests and style of accommodations. Call us at , send an to info@wildland.com, or use the Ask The Program Director button on our website. PAYMENTS, CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS Full payment of the trip balance is due 90 days prior to departure. If you must cancel before departure, money will be returned less the cancellation fees charged by WA Inc. plus any additional non-refundable cancellation fees and payments already advanced to airlines, hotels and local operators: Days Prior to Departure: Fee per person 91 or more: $ days: Initial deposit amount days: 50% of land cost 30 or less: 100% of land cost PRE-DEPARTURE SERVICES Upon receipt of your deposit and completed reservation form, we will send you a comprehensive Predeparture Dossier. This contains important information to help you prepare including immunizations, visas, trip insurance, packing checklist, reading list, maps, cross-cultural information, optional trip extensions and more. You will receive a final trip packet including Final Reminders and local contact information in your destination 2-3 weeks prior to departure. REFERENCES AND QUESTIONS Have any questions or concerns? Call us a or info@wildland.com. We re here to help and are happy to provide you with references from previous Wildland travelers. TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Wildland Adventures, Inc. has arranged your trip utilizing the travel services of local in-country ground operators who are independent contractors. These local outfitters, lodges, hotels and other suppliers of your travel services will make every effort to conduct this trip as described in the itinerary. It is however possible that due to transportation schedule changes, weather, delays and unforeseeable acts of God, humans or nature, this itinerary may vary from what is described. Participants must assume all risks whether identified in advance or unforeseen. All optional activities are at your own risk. Extra costs due to unexpected changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control are not included. We highly recommend purchasing traveler s insurance for trip delay, trip cancellation, baggage, accident or sickness. Representatives are available for assistance at any time during your trip. If preferred hotels are not available, every attempt will be made to reserve alternative accommodations of similar quality. (If upgrade is necessary, higher rates may apply.) All information and services provided are subject to our Terms and Conditions -10-