WELCOME to ANTARCTICA WHITE WILDERNESS

Welcome to OAT TRIP LEADERS ANTARCTIC TEAM BLOG!

The White Wilderness Expedition to Antarctica has been carefully designed by OAT in collaboration with your Trip Experience Leader for you to have the most unique and unforgettable Travel Experience.

This is not just another trip, this is an "expedition" and there will be an abundance of natural and human challenges - from airline delays to totally unpredictable weather. Flexibility and a positive attitude are crucial requirements for anyone embarking on this spectacular journey.

In order to accomplish our goals we need your commitment to our OAT philosophy:

Be prepared to travel overseas.

You will fly south for many hours, half across the world where the crowded and crazy Buenos Aires City will be waiting for you. 

Then we will fly south for four hours to arrive to Ushuaia, known as the southernmost city in the world, and the starting point of our Antarctic Adventure!

After a brief visit to Ushuaia, we continue further south to go to the most isolated place in our planet: ANTARCTICA!

If Ushuaia is famous for being "the End of the World", getting to explore the White Wilderness of Antarctica involves entering a whole different world ruled by the mighty ice and the furious winds.

Be ready in body and mind for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Every trip to Antarctica is different, as the Captain and our Expedition Leader on board, adjust the experience according to the weather and ice conditions. Our plan will surely suffer on-the-spot changes on a daily basis. Being 100% flexible and ready to turn each minus into a plus is essential.

Become part of a real team is also part of the deal!

Getting to know and take care of each other will be key to our success since we will be visiting one the most challenging places on Earth.

You will meet your Trip Experience Leader from the moment you arrive in Buenos Aires, until your departure back to the USA. Your Trip Experience Leader will be working with the big on-board team to ensure you have the most UNFORGETTABLE TRAVEL EXPERIENCE.

Our Ship

For this adventure we are sailing on the M/S World Traveller, of 172 passengers, which will be a private charter shared among 6 OAT groups of 25 travelers each, each one with its own Trip Experience Leader. 

GETTING READY TO GO

IS THIS ADVENTURE RIGHT FOR YOU?

This trip will reward you with very intense LEARNING experiences as well as the opportunity to DISCOVER a whole new world of natural wonders. To make it happen, it is important to be set on "expedition mode" and to expect the unexpected! 

Since it is an expedition, it requires a higher level of fitness than other OAT trips. 

• This adventure is not appropriate for travelers using wheelchairs, walking canes or other mobility aids. 
• You’ll spend 3-4 days sailing the Drake Passage, which is known for its strong winds and rough seas. It is imperative that you have a good sense of balance and strong “sea legs” in order to move unassisted and safely aboard a steadily rocking ship. 
• We travel to remote areas more than 2 days away from major medical facilities; travelers with medical conditions that might require immediate attention or evacuation may be denied boarding the ship in Ushuaia.
• You must be able to hike 3 miles unassisted over the course of each day, exploring uneven, snowy, and icy terrain on foot and standing for up to an hour at a time.
• Good balance and agility are required for climbing in and out of inflatable Zodiac boats from a gangway during “wet” landings on shore excursions.

• Visit your doctor

• Make sure you bring any Prescription Medications you may need, especially your regular antibiotic medication for gastrointestinal illness and pain medication.

• Have a dental check-up. There are no dentists in Antarctica.

• Consult with your doctor about Motion Sickness and bring your own Motion Sickness Patches (they are not sold in Argentina) or any other prescribed Motion Sickness Pills.

Do not forget to consult your doctor about wearing Motion Sickness Patches, as they can have side effects.

CAMERA GEAR

• Binoculars are a must, especially if you are a bird or wildlife watcher. They will be available on board, but you can also bring your own. 

• You should bring enough memory cards for your cameras, as they are quite expensive in Argentina. Be sure your batteries are working properly and, if possible, bring rechargeable ones. The cold weather shortens battery charge (even cell phones). And, if you have a new camera that you plan to use in this trip, please train yourself in advance on how to use it.

• UV filters to protect your lenses.

AIRLINES

• All domestic flights within Argentina are operated by government-owned Aerolineas Argentinas.

• Frequency of flights is low as it is the only airline flying there, and we will be travelling at the peak of the high season. 

Aerolineas Argentinas (domestic flights):

• Check in bag: free of charge up to 15kg (33lbs) per person.

• OAT will cover the difference from 33 lbs to 50 lbs.  This will be paid on site by your Trip Experience Leader.

• Carry on luggage: One piece of up to 8 kgs (17lbs) plus one personal item such as a purse or laptop

This is the right place for your camera gear, binoculars, sunglasses, reading glasses, credit cards, cash, mobile device, chargers, extra batteries for hearing aids, prescribed medication (make sure to bring the generic name of it), medical emergency network (1-800 numbers do not  work outside US, so you should ask for a number that will work overseas), store photocopies separated from the originals or give this information to a trust friend or relative to whom you may phone if necessary. 

CLOTHING

Comfortable and practical clothes are the rule. We will experience a wide range of temperatures during the expedition and as you probably know, weather is unpredictable in Patagonia and Polar regions.

KEEP IN MIND: THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS BAD WEATHER, ONLY INAPPROPRIATE CLOTHING!

Buenos Aires / Pre and Post bag:

• Pack all the lighter, mostly cotton, clothes such as jeans or light pants / t-shirts or shirts / shorts / light walking shoes.

• Our Pre trip is in northern Patagonia where sometimes temperatures may be in the 50s/60s F so some heavier clothing for the evenings are necessary. Also, for the included activities, hiking gear (boots, pants and fleece) is necessary!

• Hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and mosquito repellent

• Bathing suit, hotels have swimming pools you may enjoy

Antarctica Bag:

• Pack all the heavy stuff for both Ushuaia and Antarctica: insulated underwear, cotton shirt or t-shirt, sweater or fleece, windbreaker or extra fleece, waterproof parka and waterproof pants (GoreTex, eVent, or similar quality), warm socks, warm hat. This will make a total of 5 layers although you don't need to wear them all at the same time...

• All ships used are centrally heated and have an average temperature of around 70F.

• Take into account that we start in Buenos Aires where it is summer (80-100F) and then we fly to Ushuaia and onto Antarctica where temperatures drop to 50s and 40s F, and, if windy, it can drop even to the low 30s F, so please read the handbook Guidelines (pages 21-23)

• Please remember that we are going on a real Expedition so all the Staff / Crew and travelers on board will dress casual at all times.

• You might want to bring one slightly dressier outfit for the Captain Reception on board.

• Expensive jewelery (especially gold and diamonds) is not recommended at all.

PARKAS

• OAT will send a parka to your home before your start your adventure. You should bring that parka along with you to Buenos Aires and it is yours to keep.

BOOTS

• Muck boots up to the knee will be provided on board for your use during voyage.

IMPORTANT NOTE: In case you have special request size (6 women or smaller, over 13 for men, wide calves) we recommend you to bring your own. Please make sure you try them on first with the socks you will be wearing for the landings in Antarctica so that you know for sure that they will be comfortable.

• After the last landing in Antarctica the Expedition Staff will collect your boots.

PERSONAL ITEMS

• One photocopy of your passport  for you to keep with you instead of your original passport 

• One copy of your Travel Protection Plan if other than Trip Mate 

• TIP: keep a photo of these documents under favorites in your cellphone photo album.

OTHERS

• Reusable water bottle: OAT is working to eliminate single-use plastic bottles on all of our trips, so we encourage you to bring your own. There will be water provided on board and also a reusable bottle for you to keep. 

• Walking poles: very handy for hikes in landings. There will be available on board for you to borrow. If you prefer to bring your own, bring them folded in your checked in suitcase since they are not allowed on carry ons. 

• Binoculars: very useful for your expedition. There will be available on board for you to borrow, but you can bring your own if you prefer.

• Hand and foot warmers if brought, must be packed in your checked luggage. They'll be confiscated at the airport if you carry them in carry on or hand luggage.    

• Do not forget some family/pets/house/city pictures to share and a list of your best jokes since humor and funny travel anecdotes to share with fellow passengers. 

ELECTRICITY, CONVERTERS AND PLUG ADAPTORS

• Electricity is 220V in Argentina so check if your electrical devices are for both 110v - 220v, if not, you need a Converter. 

• Electricity on board M/S World Traveller is 110 V and plugs are American style.

• Plug Adaptors are necessary in Buenos Aires, Ushuaia and hotels in Pre and Post extensions. Please make sure you bring your own adaptor. Front desks run out of them quickly.

• In Argentina we mostly use (see picture below)

Hairdryer

• In most hotels and on-board you will have a hairdryer available in your room/cabin. Ironing or curling devices are not allowed on board since they compromise the electrical circuit of the ship.

INTERNET AND MOBILE PHONES

• Most hotels have free Wi-Fi available.

• If you have a Tri-band cell phone you can use it in Argentina.

• Please be aware that overseas cell phone roaming charges can be very high.

• There is Wi-Fi on-board the ship, only 1G is included and whatsapp text messages.

• Satellite phone is also available, please ask for prices on board.

CREDIT CARDS

• Call your bank and Credit Card and let them know about your trip to Argentina as most banks in the USA will block your transactions abroad unless notified well in-advance.

• You must have the details of your credit card number and emergency phone numbers handy to report any stolen or lost Credit Cards.

• Keep them somewhere other than your wallet to make sure you can call them immediately if needed.

• It is OAT policy worldwide that we cannot accept cash, American Express or traveler checks for our Optional Tours.

• VISA, Master Card, and Discovery card are the only ones we can accept.

• Keep in mind that a 24 hour cancellation policy for all Optional Tours still applies. 

NOTE: • In Argentina, U.S. dollars might be accepted for payment at tourist-related businesses or in a large city like Buenos Aires. Bills must be in perfect conditions, torn, marked or stained bills are not accepted.


TIPPING

Shipboard Crew

M/S World Traveller: Hotel/Crew tip is included. 

Expedition Staff

Tips for Expedition Team on board are included.  

Not included

Housekeeping in land hotels and Trip Experience Leader, cash only.

PASSPORT & VISAS

US Passport should be valid for at least six months following your scheduled return to the United States.

Argentina does not require reciprocity tax or Visa.

Post Extension:  You need Visa for entering Brazil during the Brazilian side of the Iguassu Falls Extension.   

A NOTE ABOUT OPTIONAL EXPEDITION EXPERIENCES 

There will be two Optional Excursions on board M/S World Traveller that are Kayaking and Camping. 

Please note that these activities will be sold and operated by Atlas Ocean Voyages directly.

Once onboard, the expedition team will provide the description and rigors of these activities and you will be able to sign up. 

Given the nature of this expedition, keep in mind that these activities are subject to weather conditions. 

CAMPING 

DEPARTURES: After dinner until breakfast the next

morning. When weather permits.

AVAILABILITY: Captain's Choice, weather permitting.

PRICE: $750 per guest.

You could spend a night camping in Antarctica for a once-in-a lifetime

experience that you will never forget. This is one of the few

encounters that truly brings you as close to the continent and its raw

beauty as possible.

Before settling in for a night in the camp, you have one last chance to

grab a hot meal and shower on board. As you do so, the expedition

team will scout ahead and prepare the boundaries for the camp site.

Once the Zodiac brings you to shore, it’s a truly wild experience.

Equipped with shovels, you will dig your own hole for bragging rights

to the ultimate adventure. You will be provided a bivy sack and

waterproof bag for sleeping, as well as two blow-up mattresses for

warmth and comfort. Get ready for a true adventure.

NOTE: This excursion may not be offered on every expedition and is

subject to weather conditions for availability. Guests must have mobility to

dig their own sleeping holes and get in and out on their own.

KAYAKING 

DEPARTURES: AM and PM whenever weather

permits.

AVAILABILITY: Captain's Choice, weather permitting.

PRICE: $200 per guest, per outing.

Alongside a kayak master, experienced kayakers have the opportunity

to set off through Antarctica’s unspoiled waters in tandem ocean

kayaks. Our kayak masters help you navigate the ice floes as you make

your way through the water channels that bring you close to nature.

With their guidance, you can safely cruise through the waters, perhaps

even coming close to penguins as they dive from the ice floes into the

sea. Kayaking offers a unique point of view of The White Continent as

each paddle stroke takes you further from the ship and deeper into the

heart of Antarctica. As you rush through the waters with your kayak,

the astonishing blues and whites of the icebergs take your breath

away. But take a few minutes to be still as well, because that’s when

incredible moments can take place, like the possibility of a whale

breaching the water’s surface mere feet away from your kayak.

NOTE: This excursion may not be offered on every expedition and is

subject to weather conditions for availability. The onboard crew will provide

a brief tutorial for proper use of the equipment that will also help determine

your physical ability to operate it safely and properly.

Antarctica's Visitors Guidelines

General Guidelines for Visitors to the Antarctic

The General Guidelines apply to all visitors and all activities in the Antarctic Treaty area^[1]. All visits to Antarctica should be conducted in accordance with the Antarctic Treaty, its Protocol on Environmental Protection, and relevant Measures, Decisions and Resolutions adopted at Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings (ATCM). All activities must be subject to an Environmental Impact Assessment and must have prior approval/permission or meet all the requirements of the relevant National Competent Authority. 

These Guidelines provide general guidance for visiting any location, with the aim of ensuring that visits do not have adverse impacts on the Antarctic environment, including wildlife and ecosystems, or on its scientific, wilderness and aesthetic values. ATCM Site Guidelines for Visitors provide additional site-specific advice for some locations. Guidelines concerning particular risks such as aircraft use, or avoiding the introduction of non-native species may also apply.

Consult these Guidelines before you visit Antarctica and plan how to minimize your impact.

If you are part of a guided visitor group, abide by these guidelines, pay attention to your guides, and follow their instructions. If you are the organizer of your own visit or the visit of a group and respective activities, you are responsible for abiding by these guidelines. You are also responsible for identifying the features of the sites you visit that may be vulnerable to visitor impacts, and for complying with any specific requirements related to protected areas, historic sites and monuments, activities or risks. Specific requirements can be included within ATCM Site Guidelines, Antarctic Specially Protected Area (ASPA) and Antarctic Specially Managed Area (ASMA) management plans, or station visit guidelines.

PROTECT ANTARCTIC WILDLIFE

 

WILDLIFE	●     The taking of, or harmful interference with, Antarctic wildlife is prohibited. ●     When in the vicinity of wildlife – either on land or at sea, move or maneuver slowly and carefully and keep noise to a minimum. ●     Maintain an appropriate distance from wildlife to avoid disturbance. While in many cases a greater distance may be necessary, in general keep at least 5 m from wildlife on land. Abide by any guidance on distances in species- or site-specific guidelines. ●     Always give animals the right of way and do not block their access routes between the sea and land, nesting places or other destinations. ●     Animals may alter their behavior if disturbed. Observe wildlife behavior. If wildlife changes its behavior (standing when it was sitting, moving its head around alerted, start vocalizing when it was silent, etc.) stop moving, or slowly increase your distance. ●     Stay outside the margins of a colony and observe from a safe distance. Animals are particularly sensitive to disturbance when they are breeding (including nesting) or moulting. ●     Every situation is different. Consider the topography and the individual circumstances of the site, as these may have an impact on the vulnerability of wildlife to disturbance. ●     Watch your steps for eggs, chicks or nest materials of skuas, penguins or petrels. ●      Unmanned aerial vehicles must not be used in the vicinity of wildlife. ●     Do not feed wildlife or leave food or scraps lying around.
VEGETATION	●     Vegetation, including mosses and lichens, is fragile and very slow growing. Do not walk, drive or land on any moss beds or lichen covered rocks, in order to avoid damage. ●     When travelling on foot, stay on established tracks whenever possible to minimise disturbance or damage to the soil and vegetated surfaces. Where a track does not exist, choose your route carefully, taking the most direct route while avoiding vegetation, fragile terrain, scree slopes, and wildlife.
INTRODUCTION OF NON-NATIVE SPECIES AND PATHOGENS	●     Do not introduce any plants or animals into the Antarctic. ●     In order to prevent the introduction of non-native species and disease, carefully wash boots and clean all equipment including clothes, bags, tripods, tents and walking sticks before bringing them to Antarctica. Pay particular attention to boot treads, velcro fastenings and pockets which could contain soil or seeds. Vehicles and aircraft should also be cleaned. ●     In order to prevent the transfer of non-native species and disease between locations in Antarctica ensure all clothing, boots and equipment are cleaned thoroughly before moving between sites and regions.

 

RESPECT PROTECTED AREAS AND STRUCTURES

 

HISTORIC SITES AND MONUMENTS (HSMs) AND OTHER STRUCTURES

●     Do not damage, remove, destroy or change any historic site, monument, or artefact, or other building or emergency refuge (whether occupied or unoccupied). ●     Consult relevant ATCM Site Guidelines for Visitors for specific rules concerning historic sites, monuments, items or buildings and other structures in the vicinity. ●     Before entering any historic structure, clean your boots of snow and grit and remove snow and water from clothes, as these can cause damage to structures or artefacts. ●     Take care not to tread on any artefacts which may be obscured by sediments or snow when moving around historic sites. ●     If you come across an item that may be of historic value that authorities may not be aware of, do not touch or disturb it. Notify your expedition leader or NCAs.

 RESPECT SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

●      Some Antarctic stations may accept visitors. ●      Comply with any site-specific rules or visitor guidelines in place when visiting Antarctic stations. ●      Do not interfere with or remove scientific equipment or markers, and do not disturb experimental study sites, field camps or stored supplies

 

KEEP ANTARCTICA PRISTINE – LEAVE NO TRACE OF YOUR VISIT

WASTE

●     Do not deposit any litter or garbage on land nor discard it into the sea. ●     No smoking except in designated areas at stations or camps, to avoid litter and risk of fire to structures. Collect ash and litter for disposal outside Antarctica. ●     Ensure that all belongings, equipment and waste is secured at all times in such a way as to prevent dispersal into the environment through high winds or wildlife foraging.

WILDERNESS VALUES

●     Do not disturb or pollute lakes, streams, rivers or other water bodies (e.g. by walking, washing yourself or your equipment, throwing stones, etc.) ●     Do not paint or engrave names or other graffiti on any man-made or natural surface in Antarctica. ●     Do not take souvenirs, whether man-made, biological or geological items, including feathers, bones, eggs, vegetation, soil, rocks, meteorites or fossils.

 BE SAFE

 

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS/ PREPARATIONS

●     Be prepared for severe and changeable weather. Ensure that your equipment and clothing meet Antarctic standards. Remember that the Antarctic environment is inhospitable, unpredictable and potentially dangerous. ●     Know your capabilities, the dangers posed by the Antarctic environment, and act accordingly. Plan activities with safety in mind at all times. ●     Keep a larger safety distance from potentially dangerous or territorial wildlife like fur seals, both on land and at sea. Keep at least 15-25 m away where practicable. ●     Be careful where you walk as seals can lie camouflaged on and among rocks. Keep a safety distance from sea ice edge and be cautious when stepping over cracks in the sea ice. ●     Skuas are very territorial birds and will attack anyone approaching their nests by plummeting down on intruders. If this happens, retreat away from the point when the attack started. ●     Any wildlife, even penguins, can cause serious harm. Do not underestimate risks. ●     If you are travelling in a group, act on the guidance and instructions of your leaders. Do not stray from your group as survival in Antarctica can be a matter of minutes (especially in case of acute hypothermia). ●     Do not walk onto glaciers or large snow fields without proper equipment and experience. There is a real danger of falling into hidden crevasses. ●     Be vigilant in the vicinity of calving glaciers. Breaking pieces of ice can generate dangerous waves. ●     Pay special attention when climbing rocks and/or boulders, as melting permafrost with changing temperatures lead to an increased risk of avalanches. ●     Do not expect a rescue service. Self-sufficiency is increased and risks reduced by sound planning, quality equipment and trained personnel. ●     Enter emergency refuges only in case of an actual emergency. If you use equipment or food from a refuge, inform the nearest research station or the National Competent Authority that has approved/permitted the visitors activity in Antarctica once the emergency is over. ●     Respect any smoking restrictions. Use of combustion style lanterns and naked flames in or around historic structures is strictly discouraged. Take great care to safeguard against the danger of fire. This is a real hazard in the dry environment of Antarctica.

• Existing protocols, including daily biosecurity procedures and maintaining minimum distances from wildlife, are an essential part of protecting Antarctica.

                                           In addition, it is required that you: 

                                ●       Do not sit, kneel or lay down.

                                ●      Do not place any equipment on the ground or snow. 

 

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[1]   It is acknowledged that exceptions to the application of elements of these guidelines may be made for scientific and official governmental activities if the realization of these activities so require and if prior approval has been given by the National Competent Authority and the activity meets all requirements of the relevant national authority.

[2] A ship is defined as a vessel which carries more than 12 passengers.