Trip Dossier Ushuaia - Punta Arenas 4-15 December 2017 This new voyage encompasses two additional days of exploration in Antarctica without adding to the total length of the voyage. We achieve this by flying back from King George Island, Antarctica to South America at the end of the voyage in just two hours - saving two days on the return sea crossing. Those two days saved, are spent exploring in Antarctica. This equals more time on shore, more time in the Zodiacs and more time spent in the company of our expert guides. In early December, Antarctica s snow and ice will be in pristine condition, the penguin rookeries are busy with parents guarding precious eggs and in some locations, we witness nature at it s very best observing young penguin chicks emerging into the icy Antarctic world. Towering snow-covered mountains surround us and the sea ice is starting to break up, opening even more potential landing locations for us to explore. Our full range of activities will be on offer on this voyage walks on shore, visits to wildlife colonies, cruising amongst icebergs, visits to historic sites and possibly even a working science base. For the more adventurous, sea kayaking is a wonderful way to discover Antarctica and if weather conditions permit why not spend the night, camping on shore? This trip is the perfect way to maximise your time down on the ice! While travelling along the shorelines of Antarctica, We visit many of the classic landing locations along the Antarctica Peninsula such as Paradise Harbour, Neko Harbour and the Errera Channel. In the company of our expert guides, we spend our days exploring in small groups, by zodiac boat and on shore, enjoying walks and hikes to scenic locations and visiting busy wildlife colonies. Sea kayaking and overnight camping are also popular activities on this itinerary!1
Itinerary Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina Our journey to Antarctica commences this afternoon in Ushuaia, Argentina. We gather at our central meeting point and transfer to the pier and embark our expedition ship. After settling into our cabins and exploring the ship, we meet our expedition team and fellow passengers. Excitement is in the air as we enjoy a welcome cocktail, dinner and cast off, bound for Antarctica and the adventure of a lifetime. Days 2-3 : Drake Passage - at sea towards Antartica Sailing south towards Antarctica we will be joined by hundreds of seabirds including the wandering albatross. Giant petrels and smaller Cape petrels are also constant companions as we transit the Drake Passage. Photographing these magnificent birds from the deck of the ship takes patience and skill and our photography expert will be on hand to show you the best techniques. Join the ship s Captain on the bridge and learn about the operations of our modern expedition vessel. Throughout the day our onboard experts educate us with a series of presentations about the environment, wildlife and history and the locations we hope to visit in the coming days. Days 4-9: Gerlache Strait and Antarctic Peninsula We awaken today and the magnificent snowy peaks of continental Antarctica are laid out before us. Even our experienced expedition staff, some with more than 100 journeys south, will take a moment to pause and reflect on this incredible sight. Take a deep breath you have arrived. This is Antarctica. The waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula are home to deep bays, pristine coves and inlets and numerous small islands. The Gerlache coastline features heavily glaciated mountains permanently covered in ice and snow. Rocky outcrops, known as nunataks are home to gentoo, Adelie and chinstrap penguin rookeries and the waters are rich in marine life. We frequently encounter seals, including the powerful leopard seal, usually found hauled out on an ice floe. Curious humpback whales and the smaller minke whales are present much of the time as they feed on the vast schools of krill. Sightings of orca are not uncommon. Our activity program is in full swing and we encourage all guests to choose how their adventure unfolds. Every day we plan an exciting range of activities, including guided hikes on shore (both short and long), visits to wildlife colonies with our expert naturalist guides, as well as Zodiac cruising. The historic huts and science stations located along the peninsula provide a fascinating glimpse into the past and the present. Zodiac cruising among the ice, searching for seals and whales is a memorable activity. Meanwhile, our sea kayakers may range several miles from the ship experiencing Antarctica from an entirely different perspective. Our resident photography guide will be on hand to help you with your camera handling and image composition. Maybe what you really want to do is sit on a rock, simply watching the penguins come and go from the water. Make yourself comfortable and enjoy the show. Planned excursions along the Antarctic Peninsula may include Cierva Cove or Mikklesen Harbour, Danco Island, the Melchior Islands and Fournier Bay - or a cruise through the Errera Channel to visit the gentoo penguin rookeries at Cuverville Island. Wilhelmina Bay is another favorite location and one where we frequently encounter playful humpback whales. Nearby Paradise Harbour is a particular highlight and offers an excellent hiking route to a viewpoint providing expansive views. Andvord Bay and Neko Harbour provide yet another continental landing opportunity. It is somewhere along this stretch of coastline that we will we plan a night on shore, camping in Antarctica. We have all the right gear and equipment and an expert team to make it happen - all you need is an adventurous spirit! Camping always depends on the weather and we can never guarantee it on any voyage. If the weather is good and site characteristics suit our requirements, rest assured, we will always go for it. Camping is included and you can decide to participate while onboard. There is no need to pre-book. Day 10: South Shetland Islands, Antarctica!2
After several busy days of exploration along the Antarctic Peninsula, we head for the South Shetland Islands. The adventure is not over and, if the weather conditions allow, we sail the ship into the flooded volcanic caldera at Deception Island. This is a very dramatic location. History is all around us as we explore the old whaling station. On a sunny day, cruising along the pristine coast of Livingston Island is a memorable experience. There are several other landing sites in the vicinity including Half Moon Island, and the broad pebbly beach at Yankee Harbour, where we often encounter Weddell seals sunning themselves. This evening we enjoy a special diner attended by the ship s Captain, and we spend our final hours cruising towards King George Island. Upon arrival at King George Island, we drop anchor and will be in position for disembarkation in the morning. Day 11: King George Island return to Punta Arenas, Chile This morning we say goodbye to our expedition team and transfer ashore by Zodiac. We walk from the landing site up towards the airstrip preparing to board our flight. The two-hour journey from King George Island to Punta Arenas, Chile is included in the price of your voyage. Upon arrival into Punta Arenas a transfer from the airport into town is provided. We include a complimentary hotel night in Punta Arenas at the end of the voyage This evening is at your leisure. Punta Arenas is home to some cozy restaurants, cafes and bars including the historic Shackleton Bar at the Hotel Jose Nogueira a fitting location to reflect on your journey to Antarctica. Day 12: Punta Arenas After a leisurely breakfast and check-out, make your own way to the airport for your onward journey. (We recommend you book flights after midday). Otherwise, why not continue your exploration of Patagonia. Just a few hours north, lies the celebrated Torres del Paine National Park home to towering peaks, glaciers and spectacular wilderness - a paradise for hikers and nature lovers.!3
Tour Costs Per Person Cost: $ 9,695.00 USD pp Triple Share Cabin $11,995.00 USD pp Semi Private Twin Cabin $12,695.00 USD pp Twin Private Cabin $13,395.00 USD pp Superior Twin Cabin $14,695.00 USD pp Shackleton Suite $15,995.00 USD pp One Ocean Suite Tour Payments: Non refundable Deposit: 25% deposit is requited at time of booking. Non refundable Final Payment: 120 Days prior to departure. Included Shipboard accommodation. All shipboard meals All shore excursions Basic medical services, if required Comprehensive pre-departure information Return flight from King George Does Not include Return airfares to Ushuaia & from Punta Arenas Travel Insurance Pre & post cruise tours or additional accommodation. All other private expenses Cruse Information The Akademik Servey Vavilov is modern, comfortable, safe and ice strengthened. From small group sessions to briefings for all passengers, we have public spaces onboard the ship ideally suited for each and every need. A separate lounge and bar with panoramic views, as well as a library provide ideal places to sit and relax or catch up on some reading. A selection of movies and documentaries can also be watched in the lounge. The sumptuous meals prepared for you by our culinary team are enjoyed in our dining room, which can host all passengers in a single seating and will keep you feeling healthy and strong for the myriad of activities offered throughout the voyage. Other facilities include the theatre style presentation room, gift-shop, fitness room, massage room, hot water spa, sauna and plunge pool. There s also a dedicated expedition mud-room where you prepare for your offship excursions. Features Superior Comfort and Stability Highest standards of Marine Safety Comfortable Bar Bridge Communications Dining Room Fitness Room Gift Shop Wellness Centre Presentation Room Top Deck and Observatory Multimedia Room!4
Stability and Strength Our ships are considered by many to be the best polar expedition ships in the world. These vessels were purpose built to conduct sensitive hydro-acoustic research and science in the polar regions. The original design brief dictated that the vessels offer a very high level of stability. This is achieved through a sophisticated internal trimming system, controlled via a series of gyroscopic sensors around the vessel. The result? Our ships are the most stable vessels navigating polar waters. This stability feature is something you will greatly appreciate should you encounter less than ideal sailing conditions. Maneuverable, Quiet and Fast With both bow and stern thrusters and twin reversible propellers, the ship can spin on its own axis greatly assisting embarkation of the zodiacs in windy conditions. When you are listening to the underwater sounds of the ocean as this ship was built to do, you need quiet engines. You will notice there is little if any ambient noise or vibration, which makes for a quiet ship. These ships are fast, with a top speed of 14.5 knots in open water. Unmatched stability, coupled with superior speed allows for more time at your destination (rather than at sea ) and more flexibility with itinerary planning a critical factor in polar waters where ice and weather conditions sometimes dictate our daily itinerary. Superb Design and Layout Throughout the ship there are spaces ideally suited to every need. Spacious outer decks provide 360 degree views of the stunning polar landscapes as well as a great place for an outdoor barbecue, which usually happens once on every voyage. Inside there are comfortable presentation spaces for lectures and film screenings and there s a multimedia computer lab with several large screen workstations where guests can download and back up photos. Six Different Cabin Categories All cabins feature outside windows allowing ample natural light to filter in. Cabins all have lower berths (triple share cabins have one upper/lower bunk scenario and feature port holes). Specifics of cabins can be found on the DECK PLAN page. The Akademik Sergey Vavilov carries a maximum of just 92 guests making for true, small-ship expedition cruising. This is particularly important in Antarctica where visitor guidelines dictate that no more than 100 people can be on shore at any one time. We fall under this limit and that equals maximum time ashore at all locations. Ships carrying more than 100 guests compromise your time ashore Twin Private cabin Superior cabin Enjoy Great Dining? So do we The exciting schedule of onshore excursions, zodiac cruises and onboard activities are guaranteed to work up a serious appetite. Although the ship operates in some of the most remote locations in the world, you can expect an exceptional variety of tasty meals, prepared by a team of professional international chefs. Breakfasts are usually buffet style. Lunches offer a great choice of light meals - as well as more substantial options for those who are hungry - and each evening there is a hearty three-course meal offering both variety and choice. There s also an excellent wine list featuring a range of international wines. You can get a cup of tea or coffee at any time of the day or night and we always offer afternoon tea with cakes and biscuits. Guests with dietary restrictions or special meal requirements are also well catered for.!5
Join us on the Bridge There is an open-bridge policy and guests are welcome to meet the navigating crew at virtually any time of day; there s always something to learn from the officers on watch and the bridge is one of the best places on the ship for spotting whales and sea birds. Operational Safety There are no compromises here. The expedition staff and crew onboard the Akademik Sergey Vavilov have the deepest respect for changeable weather in the polar regions and the varying sea and ice conditions. That respect is apparent in every decision made throughout the voyage. The ship carries the most extensive inventory of safety equipment on all excursions and require leaders to undergo vigorous and effective safety training programs. Your expedition team are well prepared, so you can relax and enjoy your voyage. Relax You're on Holiday The ship also features a Finnish dry-heat sauna, a plunge pool, a hot water outdoor Jacuzzi, a small gymnasium and day spa with massage therapist. Polar expedition gear package included A journey to the Polar regions requires a fair bit of planning and some special items of clothing and equipment are needed. You will have use of an expedition wet weather gear package free of charge, which includes a quality waterproof/windproof jacket and bib-pants as well as insulated, comfortable rubber boots designed for extended walking. New for this season is the inclusion of a set of expedition binoculars and a walking pole in your kit. This saves you buying expensive items you may only ever use once and eliminates the need to carry such cumbersome gear all the way to the ship. If you do have your own gear, of course you are welcome to bring it. Make sure it is wind and waterproof. If you have questions about gear, feel free to ask. Comprehensive Pre-Departure Information After you have paid your deposit and confirmed your place on the voyage, you will be sent two important booklets. The Passenger Information Booklet will need to be filled in and returned to your booking agent. A second booklet, Preparing for your Voyage contains all the information you will need to get ready for the journey ahead. Information about clothing and equipment, camera gear, and life aboard the ship, will be found in this document. Print this out and refer to it as you ready yourself for the journey of a lifetime. Travelling Alone? No problem many expedition guests do If you are considering travelling solo on a polar voyage and wish to avoid paying a single supplement, you can be matched up with a fellow expeditioner of the same gender. It s a system that works well and saves you having to pay a single supplement. If we can t find someone suitable to share a cabin with, you ll have sole use of the cabin at no extra cost. You won t be forced to pay extra. Some guests however prefer to have exclusive use of a cabin. In this case, a single supplement does apply, which is 1.5 x times the cabin price. (2 x times in suites). Contact us to discuss your options. Triple share cabins are also a great option to consider.!6
To make a booking or further information please contact Sylvia Grove at Coates Wildlife Tours P.O. Box 4502 Myaree BC, Myaree, WA 6960 Phone: 08 9330 6066 Fax: 08 9330 6077 Free Call Country & Interstate: 1800 676 016 Email: coates@iinet.net.au Web: www.coateswildlifetours.com.au!7