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
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.
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
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.