Antarctica

Embark on an extraordinary journey with Wild & Vulnerable Journeys, where the enchanting wilderness of Antarctica awaits. Picture this: colonies of penguins etching paths on icy shores, majestic whales navigating the crystal waters, and awe-inspiring landscapes stretching into the horizon. This is more than a trip; it’s a transformative expedition to the world’s final unspoiled sanctuary, designed to awaken your authentic self.

Our robust, ice-strengthened vessel is your gateway to this enigmatic icy realm. Staffed by experts in polar exploration, we ensure a journey rich in awe and understanding. As we traverse the Drake Passage, skirt the South Shetland Islands, and delve into the heart of the Antarctic Peninsula, each moment is an invitation to marvel and reflect.

This is not your typical cruise; it’s a personal odyssey into the wild, an opportunity to reconnect with nature and rediscover your true essence. Prepare to be not just a traveller but an explorer, engaging with the planet’s most secluded paradise. With Wild & Vulnerable Journeys, prepare for an adventure that transcends the ordinary, nurturing a profound connection with our planet and your inner self.

Most airlines allow one checked bag and two carry-ons per person. To avoid any problems at check-in and with possible excess baggage charges, please consult the airline for specific restrictions. For storage on board the expedition ship, soft compactible luggage makes storage much easier.

Dress on board is informal. Plan to bring comfortable, casual clothing for all activities. Bring wind and waterproof outer layers. Beware of tight clothing that leaves no room for trapped air, which is an excellent insulator. Wool, silk and some of the new synthetic fibers, like polar fleece, retain heat better than cotton. When packing, we suggest that you do not weigh yourself down with too many clothes or too much gear. Select informal, practical attire that can be worn in layers.

One of the important items that you will need to bring on your voyage is a pair of waterproof pants. It is possible to rent gear in Ushuaia for the Expedition, but the quantity and quality of gear varies greatly depending on the demand. For the location of a rental shop, consult with the front desk of the hotel where you are staying. If you arrive on embarkation day, you will NOT have time to rent the gear. You will also not have time to return the rental gear if you have a morning flight departing from Ushuaia.

In the world’s most remote destinations that the G Expedition travels to, we cannot offload our plastic, glass, or tin waste for recycling. Therefore, we try to reduce the single-use items that we use. You will see on the ship that every effort is being used to stop the use of single-use plastic containers, bags and other items. In an effort to prevent plastic waste from entering the waste stream, we are asking for your help. We offer exceptional drinking water on the ship with refilling stations for your re-useable water containers. You will be provided a complimentary water bottle to fill up as needed. Plastic Items such as single-use shampoo/conditioner plastic containers cannot be recycled, so please plan to bring any plastics back to your home country for recycling. Please do not bring single-use items that you intend to leave behind, such as plastic bags and throw-away razors. Your participation in helping to prevent pollution and promote recycling is greatly appreciated.

Itinerary Disclaimer

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary, and on occasion, it may be necessary or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region, and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trip visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Itinerary Notes

This trip is assigned as Physical Rating of 2 or lower physical activity level. It is accessible to most fitness levels and for those able to do extended walks and light hiking on various terrain. It is important to note that for landings in Antarctica, we use Zodiacs and wet beach landings in what can sometimes be extreme environments. This will require you to be able to safely navigate ice and snow on uneven ground, to lift your leg over the side of a Zodiac and push yourself up, walk on wet, rocky beaches and stand throughout the landing with no place to sit. Our expedition team is there to assist you if needed, but having good mobility is important for your safety and enjoyment. Please also note that the G Expedition does not have an elevator, and thus, staircases must be used to move between decks. And depending on the weather, the ship can sometimes find itself navigating rough and choppy sea conditions.

Important Notes

1. Please note: While it is our intention of adhere to the route described above, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary, and on occasion, it may be necessary or desirable to make alterations. On the first day onboard, your Expedition Leader will give you an expedition overview.
2. Medical questionnaires are required for all passengers travelling to Antarctica.
3. The G Expedition is an adventure Expedition ship and does not offer an elevator
4. Please note:
   BOOTS FOR ZODIAC LANDINGS:
   – Complimentary used waterproof boots will be supplied in the following sizes:
   – USA size 4 – 16
   – EURO size 35 – 49
   Please be advised that there are limited numbers of the smallest and largest sizes.

If you wish to bring your own boots, you should follow the guidelines below:
Rubber, waterproof boots that are just below your knees (12-16″ high or 30-41cm) with a strong, ridged, non-skid sole are essential for wet landings via Zodiac. You usually have to step from the Zodiac into the water, which can be up to 1 ft or 30 cm high on most landings. Do not bring heavy, cumbersome boots that make it difficult to walk. Do not bring boots with metal cleats, as they cannot be used for the landings. Try out your boots before your voyage.

6. The electricity onboard is 220AC electrical outlets, with European 2-pin round holes, as well as 110-volt shaving sockets in the bathroom for electric razors only. You may wish to bring an international adapter. A limited supply of electrical adapters are available to borrow free of charge at the Purser’s Desk.

CAMPING & KAYAKING EXCURSIONS
For the more adventurous, our kayaking and camping trips provide the opportunity to encounter the intimacy and power of the polar regions in ways very few people can lay claim to having experienced. For details about these optional activities, including prep notes and full terms and conditions.

Please note: Antarctica Camping (offered on select departures) and Kayaking Excursions (offered on all departures) must be confirmed prior to your trip. You may include these extras to your itinerary at the time of booking. If you wish to add these extras after you have confirmed your trip, please contact your travel agent.

8. Please check out our Parka page for details about the expedition parka.
9. The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO)
   The tour Operator holds Full Membership Status with IAATO (the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators), an organization that advocates, promotes and ensures safe and environmentally responsible private-sector travel to the Antarctic. All operations aboard our ship adhere to IAATO’s strict rules, regulations and guidelines for operating in Antarctica. The world has witnessed an increase in highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks, leading to the tragic deaths of hundreds of thousands of seabirds, including seals and sea lions, globally. IAATO is deeply concerned about the heightened risk of HPAI reaching Antarctica, and consequently, rigorous measures have been put in place.

Group Leader Description

A carefully chosen team will lead our voyage. Our expedition ships boast an international team of professional naturalists and lecturers. Their goal is to provide an informed and balanced interpretation of the destination, accomplished through stimulating lectures, day-to-day briefings, and informal discussions. 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. The expedition staff works conscientiously with you on deck and in the field, improving your observational skills to allow you to experience all that the destination has to offer. Their strong sense of ethics and ecological knowledge make for stimulating and mindful conversation, whether onshore or at the dinner table. The Expedition Staff will pilot the Zodiac landing craft used for shore landings and Zodiac cruises; they are experienced drivers who operate the Zodiacs in a responsible manner.

Group Size Notes

Max 134 aboard the G Expedition.

Meals Included

13 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 12 dinners

Meals

Onboard our expedition ships you’ll find a diversity of gourmet international cuisines prepared and catered by professional chefs; all meals are included in the price of your Expedition. Dining is casual, tables are unassigned, and the dining room is capable of seating the entire passenger complement at one time. There is always a selection of different meals available, and vegetarians will find plenty of options. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice; please advise us at the time of confirmation. Coffee, tea and water are all provided free of charge. All other beverages, alcoholic and non-alcoholic, are not included and can be purchased in the dining room, pub, or lounge.

Transport

G Expedition, Zodiac, private bus, walking.

Solo Travellers

We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel, so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently, and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Accommodation

Twin-share hotel (1 nt), aboard the G Expedition in quad-, triple-, twin-share cabins, or suites (all with en suite bathrooms and porthole or window, 12 nts). Please note that all cabins consist of twin-size berths and are ocean-facing. Suites have one queen-size bed.

My Own Room

Please note that if you have selected the Private Cabin option at the time of booking, you will receive your own room for the duration of this cruise. This includes the Hotel in Ushuaia.

If you are a solo traveller and you have NOT selected the Private Cabin option, you will be paired with another solo traveller for all nights, including the hotel in Ushuaia.

For groups of 3 passengers travelling together who have booked a triple cabin, you will have a triple room in the hotel where available. If we cannot book a triple room, please note that one of you will be sharing with another solo traveller of the same gender for the hotel night in Ushuaia.

Joining Hotel

Please note your first night hotel in Ushuaia is based on your cabin category:

Category 1/1A and 2

Las Lengas
Address: Goleta Florencia 1722, V9410 Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
Phone: +54 2901 43-6100

Category 3, 4 and 5

Albatros Hotel
Address: Av. Maipu 505, V9410 Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
Phone: +54 2901 43-7300

Joining Instructions

A NOTE ON FLYING INTO BUENOS AIRES

Most international flights flying into Buenos Aires arrive at Ministro Pistarini Airport (EZE) in Buenos Aires.

On arrival at the International airport, there is an airport shuttle service, Manuel Tienda Leon, that can take you from Ministro Pistarini Airport (EZE) to Jorge Newberry Airport (AEP), available at an approximate cost of USD $16.00 each way. It is about 1 to 1.5 hours between the airports, so please allow yourself enough time.

ARRIVAL INTO USHUAIA

We are happy to offer you a complimentary airport transfer if you are arriving on Day 1 of the tour or have booked pre-night accommodation through Wild & Vulnerable Journeys.

Joining Instructions with complimentary transfer:

Joining Instructions without complimentary transfer:

Ushuaia City Airport (USH) is located only 5 km outside of the city. Local taxis can be hired at the airport for transportation into Ushuaia at a cost of about $10 USD. Upon your arrival in Ushuaia, please make your way to the hotel listed on your voucher. Information will be available on the notice board at the hotel. Luggage tags and other information will be available for you 1 day prior to embarkation.

Your luggage will be transferred for you from the hotel to the expedition ship on the morning of Day 2. Please have your luggage in the lobby of the hotel by 9:00 am on the morning of Day 2. You will have the morning free to enjoy the city of Ushuaia and the surrounding countryside.

Embarkation time on Day 2 is set for 4:00 pm, and passengers will not be able to board the ship before that time due to refuelling, provisioning, and preparing the ship for your stay. For information on activities, restaurants, and services, you can consult either the tourist information office or your hotel. Due to new port security regulations, you are no longer allowed to enter the port area on your own, so make sure you are on time at the designated parking lot across the pier to catch the 4:00 pm group transfer to the ship. More details will be provided with your hotel welcome letter.

On embarkation day, you should dress for changeable weather. Once aboard, you will find your luggage stored in your assigned cabin. Please ensure that all your luggage is accounted for on arrival.

Arrival Complications

We don’t expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to arrive in Ushuaia before embarkation time (usually 4pm) of Day 2, please use the emergency contact details in this dossier. We highly recommend arriving at least 1 day before sailing in order to make sure that delays do not ruin your trip, as the ship is unable to wait for late passengers. If you are delayed in arriving at prebooked accommodations, please contact the hotel to advise them when you will arrive. If you have prebooked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your booking agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.

Finishing Point Instructions

Upon completion of the 8:00 am disembarkation in Ushuaia, passengers will receive a complimentary transfer to either the airport or a central location where luggage can be stored.

For those on morning flights, the 8:00 am transfer will bring them directly to Ushuaia Airport (USH). The rest of the passengers will be transferred to the luggage storage point and given time to explore the city. These passengers should then return to retrieve their luggage and board a second transfer to Ushuaia airport at 12:30 pm or 4:30 pm, depending on their flight times. Please note that the transfer times are subject to change according to flight schedules.

With the understanding that most will need to connect to their International flights in Buenos Aires, you can arrange departure flights from Ushuaia starting from 10:00 am onward. However, if possible, we suggest you consider booking flights after 11:00 am.