Detailed Itinerary classic Antarctica Discovering the Antarctic Peninsula Nov 12/18 Antarctica has been inspiring explorers for centuries. And this expedition offers you the chance to discover why, with an unforgettable journey through the spectacular wilderness of the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula. You ll encounter a world where nature creates the rules, her unpredictable temperament making each trip unique, exciting and personal. Imagine cruising in a Zodiac through crackling sea ice like shattered glass, witnessing penguins building their nests, or navigating through a maze of icebergs, each one uniquely shaped by its journey through the sea. You ll enjoy iconic Antarctic highlights, exhilarating adventures and be rewarded with memories to last a lifetime. Facts & Highlights 11 or 12 days at sea Start and finish in Ushuaia, Argentina or Buenos Aires, Argentina All meals on board included Pre-cruise hotel on a shared basis with breakfast included Cross the Drake Passage Explore Deception Island Whale watching Watch for gentoo, Adélie and chinstrap penguins; elephant, fur, Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals and many seabirds Please note: Adventure options available on some departures Departure dates and price For departure dates, please see page 12. from $5895 USD Please note: A single cabin may be available, on request, at 1.7 times the price of the twin share rate. Activity Level: 1 Comfort Level: Seas can be rough when crossing the Drake Passage. Zodiac landings required. Accommodations Travel aboard our adventure ships the M/S Ocean Diamond, Ocean Adventurer, or the World Explorer. US/CAN 1-800-741-7956 UK 0808-234-1714 INTL. 001-416-588-5000
This is not an ElderTreks operated tour. As such, participants on this tour are not exclusive Elder- Treks clients and it may not adhere to ElderTreks maximum size restrictions of our tours. Argentina Ushuaia Day 1 Ushuaia, Argentina With a population of more than 63,000 people, Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world. The city has grown over the past few years, yet it has retained an easy going and accessible feel. With the sea to the south and mountains to the north, Ushuaia is a spectacular departure point for your Antarctic cruise. If you arrive early, you can spend some time in the nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park, enjoy some Argentinean wines and barbeques in the city, or visit the many boutique shops and cafés before you leave for your expedition to Antarctica. Adélie penguin Deception Is. Lemaire Channel Petermann Is. danco coast Livingston Is. King George Is. South Shetland islands Port Lockroy Day 2 Ushuaia, Embarkation Day Embarkation will occur in the late afternoon, after which your vessel will sail down the historic Beagle Channel. This famous channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Expect an air of excitement as you depart - the next time you see land you ll be in the world s most southern continent! Days 3-4 Crossing the Drake Passage Prepare yourself for potentially rough water, but hope for a smooth sailing as the Drake is unpredictable and always changing. You ll spend these first days getting to know your shipmates, while we ll provide safety briefings and insights into what excitement lies ahead. Days 5-9 South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula When the Antarctic Convergence is left in our wake, you will truly begin your Antarctic adventure. It is perhaps the first sight of land itself that is embraced as the true beginning of any Antarctic expedition. You can begin to appreciate why this region has long captivated the attention of explorers and travelers alike. Every time we visit Antarctica we witness something new or unexpected, meaning your expedition will be unlike any other - creating a unique, personal experience. Tom Schandy 2
Tierra del Fuego National Park Ushuaia We will take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore bays, channels and landing sites each day. With wildlife always at the forefront of our minds you will visit penguin rookeries, scout for humpback and Minke whales and search for a number of the southern seal species, including the cunning leopard seal. The majesty of the Peninsula s mountains will enchant you as you scramble up snowy pathways to vantage points offering you 360 views of your surroundings. One of these in particular, in Orne Harbour, gives the opportunity to visit a chinstrap penguin colony high up on a ridge. Here you ll have the choice between going for a mountain hike or spending time sitting quietly on a pebbled beach to enjoy the antics of curious penguins. If you re feeling extra adventurous, participating in the Polar Plunge swim is about as crazy as it gets! Amidst the serene silence of Antarctica, noisy interludes now become indelible memories, such as penguins squabbling over prized pebbles, or the boom and crack of a calving glacier in Neko Harbour. Every day will be different, having been carefully crafted by your Expedition Team so as to entertain and educate you about this wonderful part of the world. * Please note: camping option available on selected departures. Please see pages 16-17 for more details. Days 10-11 Drake Passage to Ushuaia The journey back across the Drake Passage provides you with some final opportunities to enjoy the crisp Antarctic air. Spend time on the deck watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, enjoy a few final presentations by your Expedition Team or simply relax and reminisce about your experiences. Day 12 Disembarkation You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning allowing for you to continue your adventure on land or catch your flights home. For departures that begin and end in Buenos Aires, We will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning after breakfast. After disembarkation, we will taste a little of Patagonia by touring Tierra del Fuego National Park before we transfer to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires. Please note: Read this itinerary as a guide only; our exact route and program varies according to ice and weather conditions - and the wildlife we encounter. Flexibility is the key to the success of this expedition. Visits to research stations depend on final permission. 3
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Enjoy optional sea kayaking excursions 8
adventure OPTIONS on selected departures: Take the adventure cruises of Classic Antarctica and add sea-kayaking, camping, mountaineering or crosscountry skiing and you have our Antarctica Adventure! These voyages offer the ultimate introduction to the White Continent - with a unique twist. As with Classic Antarctica, they are designed to include as much wildlife viewing as possible, as well as visits to scientific bases and plenty of time to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of icy waterways, glaciers, icebergs and rugged mountains. With kayaking, camping, mountaineering and skiing options, they also offer a new opportunity for the more adventurous travellers to experience and explore this remote corner of the world. There will be two days of kayaking (two excursions per day) and one night camping during each voyage (subject to ice and weather conditions). Previous kayaking experience is required. Our carefully planned adventure options make our Classic Antarctica program all the more exciting for anyone wanting to put their energies and enthusiasm to use in this untrodden land. KAYAKING: A fantastic way to explore the little bays, waterways and the wide expanses of Antarctica! We use 5-meter (16 ft) Prijon double sea kayaks, equipped with rudders, which are very stable, surprisingly comfortable and incredibly tough - perfect for paddling through such an icy environment. Each trip is led by two experienced and highly qualified kayak instructors and a Zodiac safety boat stays in constant communication ready to assist should the need arise. lasting for two to three hours. With the long daylight hours of the southern summer, there may be opportunities for short evening paddles as well. What to expect: Antarctica is the last frontier for kayaking. Paddling in this pristine, icy wilderness is an overwhelming experience even for the most seasoned adventurer. Imagine paddling in a sea of ice floes or at a safe distance to beautifully sculptured icebergs, silently floating past rafts of penguins or cruising inside a flooded volcanic crater. With a little luck, we hope to see penguins flying through the water underneath our boats; curious seals poking their heads out of the water alongside and even inquisitive 30-ton whales coming over to investigate. It is a truly unforgettable and humbling experience. Kayaking sites: Possible kayaking sites during the trip include: Hannah Point/Aitcho Islands, where we will paddle among reefs, islets and gravel beaches looking for fur seals, elephant seals and penguins; inside the flooded caldera of Deception Island, where we follow the shore in front of an abandoned whaling station looking for fur seals hauled up on the warm volcanic beach; Port Lockroy, where gentoo penguins join us as we explore the sheltered bay; Neko Harbor, which usually has plenty of minke whales as well as exquisite ice floes, bergy bits and brash ice that are perfect for kayak cruising; Paradise Harbor, a spectacular sheltered bay with calving glaciers and a large population of crabeater seals; and even the beautiful Lemaire Channel. Group size and number of excursions: There will be a maximum of ten kayakers per departure. Weather and ice permitting we plan to make a minimum of four kayak excursions, each paddling over several miles and typically 9
Lemaire Channel. 10
Camping: This will be a great opportunity to enhance your appreciation of Antarctica as a wilderness and to experience a more personal and private connection with the continent. We aim to give you a sense of independence, while still retaining our high safety standards. Two experienced staff will supervise campers throughout the night. Group size and number of excursions: There is a maximum of 30 camping spots available on the Akademik Sergey Vavilov, 20 spots on Ocean Nova and Akademik Shokalskiy. Weather and ice permitting we plan to offer one night of camping during each voyage. All meals will be taken onboard the vessel. What to Expect: You will sleep in high quality mountain tents and sleeping bags provided by Quark Expeditions. Only emergency rations will be taken ashore and no cooking will be conducted. You are encouraged to use toilet facilities onboard prior to going ashore, but one portable chemical toilet will be available. Camp Sites: Our campsite close to Port Lockroy on the shores of Neumayer Channel will be selected away from vegetated sites and wildlife concentrations or pathways to avoid contamination or disturbance. Your expedition vessel will be out of sight, but close enough to respond in case of any problems. CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: Another unforgettable way to experience the spectacular landscapes of Antarctica is on a pair of cross-country skis. Traveling quickly and quietly under your own power, you can explore deeper into the White Continent than you d be able to reach on foot, while taking advantage of the long hours of daylight. We supply the equipment and expert guides, you provide the energy, enthusiasm and ideally a bit of previous experience-and together we break trail (subject to weather conditions, of course) through an incredible pristine world of snow and ice. Our adventure options offer unique experiences - kayaking to the boom and crack of a calving glacier, noisy penguins sqabbling over prized pebbles next to your campite, ice so pure you will remember this climb forever, the sound of breathing as your arms pump and your legs power you up an incline on cross country skis - the Antarctic silence so complete that these interruptions become indelible memories. Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy - and excitement of expedition travel and our adventure options. There are no guarantees that we can achieve everything we set out to accomplish. A measure of flexibility is something all of us must bring to a polar expedition. Mountaineering: If gazing up at spectacular Antarctic icebergs isn t awe-inspiring enough, you can always put your mountaineering skills to work and try climbing one of the ice cliffs. Our expert guides provide detailed briefings and all the equipment you need, then offer helpful direction as you climb. If you re up for the challenge, this will add a whole new dimension to your Antarctic adventure. 11
Ocean Endeavour Date Triple Twin Twin Upper Twin Porthole Superior Inside Top Deck Porthole Window Deck Suites Single Double Nov 5 - Nov 15, 2018 6695 9995 10395 10795 11295 11895 12095 12495 Dec 2 - Dec 11, 2018 5895 8895 9395 9795 10195 10595 10795 10995 Dec 10 - Dec 19, 2018 5895 8895 9395 9795 10195 10595 10795 10995 Jan 8 - Jan 18, 2019 6895 10295 10695 11095 11595 12095 12395 12795 Jan 17 - Jan 27, 2019 6895 10295 10695 11095 11595 12095 12395 12795 Feb 9 - Feb 19, 2019 6895 10295 10695 11095 11595 12095 12395 12795 Nov 5 - Nov 15, 2019 6695 9995 10395 10795 11295 11895 12095 12495 Dec 2 - Dec 12, 2019 6695 9995 10395 10795 11295 11895 12095 12495 Dec 11 - Dec 21, 2019 7295 11095 11695 12195 12695 13195 13395 13695 Jan 7 - Jan 17, 2020 7295 11095 11695 12195 12695 13195 13395 13695 Jan 28 - Feb 7, 2020 7295 11095 11695 12195 12695 13195 13395 13695 Feb 6 - Feb 16, 2020 6895 10295 10695 11095 11595 12095 12395 12795 Mar 7 - Mar 17, 2020 6895 10295 10695 11095 11595 12095 12395 12795 World Explorer Date Triple Infinity Veranda Suite Superior Deluxe Owner s Suite Suite Suite Suite Nov 3 - Nov 13, 2019 8495 12995 12995 14395 14995 15595 Dec 7 - Dec 18, 2019 9995 15195 15195 16795 17495 18395 Dec 17 - Dec 28, 2019 9995 15195 15195 16795 17495 18395 Ocean Diamond Date Triple Twin Twin (window) Suite Single Single Balcony (porthole) (obstructed) (window) Suite Nov 6 - Nov 16, 2018 6895 9995 10,395 11,295 12,295 12,295 11,395 Dec 9 - Dec 19, 2018 6895 9995 10,395 11,295 12,295 12,295 11,395 Dec 8 - Dec 19, 2019 8095 11695 12,195 13,195 14,395 14,395 13,295 Feb 7 - Feb 17, 2020 7295 10495 10,995 11,895 12,995 12,995 11,995 Ocean Adventurer Date Triple Lower Main Deck Porthole Main Superior Deluxe Suite Deck Window Dec 08 - Dec 18, 2018 7895 8895 9,795 10795 11,795 12,695 13,995 Feb 24 - Mar 07, 2019 8695 9795 10,795 11895 12,995 13,995 15,395 Nov 12 - Nov 22, 2019 7895 8895 9,795 10795 11,795 12,695 13,995 Nov 21 - Dec 1, 2019 7895 8895 9,795 10795 11,795 12,695 13,995 Dec 29 - Jan 8, 2020 8795 9895 10,895 11995 13,095 14,195 15,195 Mar 3 - Mar 13, 2020 7895 8895 9,795 10795 11,795 12,695 13,995 Please note: All prices are per person, based on twin occupancy. Standard twin cabins with private facilities are available for single occupancy at 1.7 times the share price. (See the color coded deck plans on pages 18-21 for more 16 information.) * - Sea kayaking (12 days) - $950 - Camping - $250 - Mountaineering - $575 - Cross country skiing - $575
Royal Albatross 13
The M/S Ocean adventurer details: All cabins aboard the ship are outside cabins with private bathrooms. The ship has advanced communications and navigation equipment, and newly installed, state-of-the-art Sperry Gyrofin stabilizers. Quark Expeditions color coded deck plan: Maximum: 122 passengers, Registry: Bahamas, Tonnage (GRT): 4364 tons The M/S Ocean Adventurer is a 122-passenger vessel specifically constructed for expedition voyages. Its ice-strengthened hull permits the ship to glide easily and safely through ice-strewn waters that are not accessible to conventional cruise vessels. Quark Expeditions Standard Cabin aboard the M/S Ocean Adventurer. Twin: lower deck - 2 lower berths, porthole Twin: main deck - 2 lower berths, porthole Twin: main deck - 2 lower berths, window Superior - 2 lower berths, windows Deluxe - 2 lower berths, windows Suite - 2 lower berths, windows Owner s Suite - 2 lower berths, private bathrooms with a bathtub, windows Quark Expeditions Library aboard the M/S Ocean Adventurer. 14
The Ocean Endeavour details: Maximum: 198 passengers Outfitted with twenty Zodiacs, advanced navigation equipment, multiple lounges and a top deck observation room, the Ocean Endeavour is purpose-built for passenger experiences in remote environments. The Ocean Endeavour boasts a 1B ice class, enabling her to freely explore throughout the Arctic summer. Launched in 1982, she has had numerous upgrades, most recently in 2010 and 2014. Aurora Lounge aboard the Ocean Endeavour. Exterior Twin Cabin aboard the Ocean Endeavour. 15
Questions & Answers 1. How big are the groups? The Ocean Endeavor carries 198 passengers, The Ocean Diamond carries 189 and the Sea Adventurer carries 122. 2. What is included in the tour price? Pre-cruise accommodation on a shared basis with breakfast as indicated in the itinerary All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship All shore excursions and Zodiac activities Program of lectures by noted naturalists, leadership by experienced expedition staff Transfers and baggage handling in Ushuaia between airport and hotel to ship for embarkation and from ship to the centrally located port exit or airport after disembarkation Comprehensive pre-departure materials Coffee, tea and cocoa around the clock onboard Hair dryer and bathrobe in every cabin No fuel surcharge guarantee on voyage All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges Photographic Album on DVD An adventure parka to keep & rubber boots to loan 3. Travel Insurance Medical and cancellation insurance are not included in the cost of the program, but is strongly recommended. Emergency Evacuation insurance (with a maximum benefit of $100,000) is included, however MEDICAL coverage is not. ElderTreks offers a fully comprehensive policy to insure you fully, please call for details. 4. Are these educational voyages? With formal lectures, as well as informal briefings, 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. 5. What are the meals like? The European chefs serve delicious international cuisine. The bar is stocked with a good selection of wine and spirits. 6. What about the weather? In very general terms, be prepared for temperatures that range from 5 F (-15 C) to 40 F (4 C). If you are properly dressed, even sub-zero temperatures can be quite comfortable. 7. When is payment due? A deposit of 30% (minimum $1200 USD per person) is required to confirm a reservation with final payment due 150 days prior to departure. Deposits can be made by credit card. Final payments can be made by check or credit card. Cancellation charges are applicable and are outlined in the Terms and Conditions section of our brochure. 8. What should I take on the trip? Once you have made your final payment, an Expedition Cruising-Preparing for your Antarctic Voyage primer will be sent to you. 9. Can you arrange my flights? We would be happy to take care of your air arrangements. ElderTreks offers personalized flight itineraries - not group flights. Stop over enroute, come in a few days early, or extend your stay. Call us for a customized itinerary. 10. What if I would like more information? Please feel free to contact our office for additional information. 16
March of Adélie penguins Tui De Roy/Minden Pictures