You will be traveling to coastal regions during the austral summer, when conditions are mild – mean coastal temperatures are seldom far below freezing. However, sunny conditions can swiftly shift to storms with very cold winds and snow flurries. Be prepared for rapid weather changes. Average daytime temperatures in mid season are between 25 and 35 Fahrenheit or -4 and +2 Celsius.

Wind and weather conditions, can make it seem colder. Daytime temperatures frequently drop below freezing.

Rubber boots are essential for an Antarctic expedition, but to eliminate these from your packing list we loan you a pair for the duration of the voyage.

Waterproof pants are essential for zodiac travel as well as activities on shore. These, over a pair of warm pants will provide the desired combination of warm and dry.

Pack a warm, woolen hat or cap that covers your ears, as well as a scarf, neck gaiter or other face protection. A peaked or brimmed hat helps protect against the sun but needs some kind of retainer for windy conditions.

Pack woolen, or fleece sweaters and tops; plus several turtlenecks for layering.

To keep your hands free for shooting photographs bring a water resistant or waterproof knapsack or backpack.

There may be an opportunity for a polar plunge during the voyage, so we recommend that you pack a swimsuit.

You must carry a passport during the expedition. Thepassport must be valid for six (6) months beyond thereturn date of your voyage. Please be sure that you have sufficient pages available for entry/exit stamps.

If you do not have a valid passport please apply for it well in advance of your departure.

In addition to the preliminary documents that accompany this booklet, you will receive final documents, which will be sent approximately four weeks prior to your departure. Please note that final documents will not be sent we have not received your payment and the completed, mandatory forms.

Informality is a hallmark of our expeditions. For outdoor wear, please bring wind and waterproof outer layers. Tight clothing is not recommended as it does not allow insulating air to be trapped.Wool, silk and some of the new synthetic fibers, like fleece, retain heat. We do
not recommend clothing made of cotton. Plan to dress in layers.

A complimentary parka will be provided on the ship.

To keep your hands warm and dry, pack a minimum of two pairs of gloves: a pair of thin polypropylene gloves to be worn underneath warm outer gloves.

For maximum warmth, we suggest that you wear wo pairs of socks to wear inside the rubber boots that we will loan you. In addition pack warm, long wool or cotton socks to be worn over a thin pair ofsilk or polypropylene socks.

Pack silk or polypropylene underwear since it will keep you warm without adding bulk. Many polar travelers prefer a lightweight version – but this depends on your own personal thermostat.

Non slip soles for walking around the vessel. Slip-on sandals are not suitable for use on board vessels.

Only on the day of embarkation, please clearly complete and attach to your luggage the cabins tags provided. Our porters will collect your luggage from the hotel lobby in the late morning of the day of embarkation. Properly tagging your luggage will assist our staff to readily identify your luggage and place it in the correct cabin. Full instructions will be given on your arrival.

Disembarkation is generally early morning, around 8am. Please arrange to fly from Ushuaia on the day of disembarkation after 9:30am.We encourage you to book your departure flight as late as possible. If you have booked a late departure flight, on disembarkation you may participate in an included group transfer from the pier to a central location where you may leave a bag, while you explore the city. The subsequent transfer to the airport will be at your own expense. If you booked an early flight, you and your luggage will remain on the bus, which will continue to Ushuaia airport.

The US Dollar is the standard currency on board. Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, Discover Card and American Express are accepted on board for settling your shipboard account.

At the time designated in the shipboard program, please give the Hotel Manager the credit card you would like to use for all your incidental expenses. An account will be opened for your cabin for purchases aboard ship.

This will include bar services, laundry, postage, and communication charges. A ‘chit’ system will operate for on board payments. You will sign for any bar, wine, communication charges, laundry, etc. An account for payment will be presented to you on the final day of the voyage. Final payment can be made using cash, travelers’ checks or major credit cards. Personal checks are not accepted on board. If you are sharing a cabin and would like separate accounts, you must advise the Hotel Manager.

The price of your voyage covers all gratuities/taxes for included meals, baggage handling, local sightseeing, drivers and/or guides.

The voyage price does not include the customary gratuity to the ship’s personnel, which is divided amongst the crew, Expedition Team and Hospitality Team.

We suggest this guideline for your convenience: aboard ship US $11 to US $13 per traveler, per day. The amount you choose to give is at your discretion. It can be added to your shipboard account.

Here are a few guidelines that you will be asked to follow. More detailed instructions (IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators) Recommendation XVIII-1 Visitors Guidelines) will be provided in your final documents.

• Always wash your boots on the ship before and after each landing.
• Standing still for long periods of time can be of great benefit when viewing wildlife. Protecting Fragile Vegetation
• Do not try to make an animal react for a photograph.
• Keep quiet – do not make loud or sudden noises.
• avion Birds flying or calling overhead signifies you are too close to a nest or young chicks. Retrace your steps the way you came.
• Avoid coming between an animal and the shore or ocean. Be Aware of your Surroundings
• Fur seals are usually dangerous, therefore keep a greater distance than 5 meters from them at all times.
• Keep a minimum distance of 5 meters (15 feet) from all animals – especially nesting birds.
• Anything that you carry to a landing should be returned to the ship. Safe Behavior Near Wildlife
• No littering, souvenir collecting, or urinating ashore.
• Do not walk onto glaciers – there may be hidden crevasses.
• If you hear the ship’s horn or a Team member asks, you must return to the landing site immediately.
• Do not delay others – return to the landing site prior to the appointed time of departure.
• Listen and obey Expedition Team instructions.
• Keep track of time.
• Never wander off alone or out of sight of the Team positioned ashore.
• Maintain visual contact with Team members.
• No smoking ashore.
• Avoid taking items ashore that could become accidental litter: film boxes, tissues, etc.
• Do not touch animals.
• If an animal’s behavior changes – you are too close. Although the animal may not show obvious fear, they could still be distressed. Remember, if a bird leaves its nest, the eggs or chicks are at risk.
• Always give wildlife the right of way.
• Move slowly and always check behind you.
• Do not make sudden movements.
• Keep low if possible – you will appear less threatening to animals and it will also yield better photographs for you.
• Patience yields the best rewards.
• Avoid walking on moss beds, lichens, or grasses. They are very delicate and slow growing.
• Leave nothing but foot prints.

Do not disturb wildlife, historical remains or the landscape.