Antarctica by Yacht II
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Overview
A Fly-In – Fly-Out, Antarctic Photography Expedition Aboard S/V Ocean Tramp
Note: As this opportunity has developed on very short notice, and availability of berths is limited, this expedition may be booked directly through our office only. Please either call us at +1-202-558-9596 or email Director of Operations Jennifer Woolley at jennifer@visionarywild.com to book this trip or be added to the waiting list. Online bookings for this expedition are not enabled at this time.
We are pleased to offer this intimate private-charter photographic expedition, including round trip flights across the Drake Passage, 12-nights aboard S/V Ocean Tramp, and instruction and guiding throughout by National Geographic photographer Michael Melford.
Ocean Tramp is a 20-meter motor-sail yacht (specifically, a ketch) which is operated by personal friends of Visionary Wild founder Justin Black, whose company Quixote-Expeditions specializes in small-vessel Antarctic adventures. In an era when Antarctic expedition vessels are getting larger and larger, Ocean Tramp offers a wonderful way to go with a very small group of just six guests, on a comfortable vessel that can get into locations that bigger ships can’t reach.
Spend almost two weeks on location at Antarctica, rather than wasting precious days “rockin’ and rollin'” on the Drake Passage crossing. As master of the boat, Michael Melford will work with Captain David Roberts (U.K.) to choose the best route to maximize the photographic opportunities at destinations along the way, responding to local conditions of weather and ice. Captain Roberts and Ocean Tramp’s experienced first mate and cook have an excellent track record of delivering exceptional Antarctic experiences for their guests.
Ocean Tramp normally sleeps eight guests in four cabins, but we are limiting the group size to six to eliminate crowding onboard, in the Zodiac, and at landing sites. The boat’s Shackleton Suite features an en-suite private bathroom, while the other three cabins share two bathrooms.
Travel insurance and medical evacuation insurance are required for this trip.
If you have any questions at all, please let us know. We hope you will join us on this Antarctic adventure!
Contact info@visionarywild.com or +1-202-558-9596 to register or for more information.
VIDEO OF S/V OCEAN TRAMP IN ANTARCTICA
https://youtu.be/jAPXU7DH1ik
VIDEO TOUR OF INTERIOR OF S/V OCEAN TRAMP, by our friend Laura Smith of Quixote-Expeditions: https://youtu.be/YNpsYLosl3M
Itinerary
- January 16: Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile, by late morning for airport pickup and transfer to Hotel Cabo De Hornos, followed by a group dinner with Michael at one of our favorite restaurants.
- January 17: Transfer to the airport for our quick and comfortable jet flight over Cape Horn and across the Drake Passage to King George Island in the South Shetland Islands, where we board Ocean Tramp and begin our adventure.
- January 18 – 28: Aboard S/V Ocean Tramp, photographing the wildlife, ice, and landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula, south to Lemaire Channel and Vernadsky Research Base, using our vessel’s size and maneuverability to access places that larger ships can’t get to.
- January 29: Disembark Ocean Tramp for the flight back to Punta Arenas. In Punta Arenas, after transferring to Hotel Cabo De Hornos, the group will enjoy a celebratory final dinner at one of Punta Arena’s best restaurants. Overnight at Hotel Cabo De Hornos.
- January 30: Transfer to Punta Arenas airport to catch your departing flight.
Instructors
Michael Melford
- National Geographic Photographer Michael Melford has worked with the Society for over 30 years. He has produced 19 feature stories for National Geographic magazine, and over 30 stories for National Geographic Traveler ...
Gallery
Pricing
Shackleton Suite
Cabin #2
Cabin #3
Cabin #4
PRICING:
• Shackleton Suite (perfect for a couple, with en suite bathroom) – Double-Occupancy at $21,500 per person – Booked
• Cabin #3 (a fairly spacious cabin in the bow) – Double-Occupancy: $18,500 per person, or Single-Occupancy for: $25,750 per person – Cabin available
• Cabin #2 (Twin bunks, third most spacious) – Double-Occupancy: $16,500 per person; Single-Occupancy for $24,750 – 1 bunk available
• Cabin #4 (Twin bunks, allocated for a single occupant only) – Single-Occupancy only for $22,495 – Cabin available
Note: Single-Occupancy bookings are limited to two guests total. Group size is limited to six guests total.
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
• Attentive and personalized photographic instruction throughout by Michael Melford
• Use of S/V Ocean Tramp and its Zodiac, as well as the services of the experienced crew
• Specially arranged round-trip flights on DAP Antarctic Airways, aboard a four-engine BAE 146 jet, from Punta Arenas to King George Island (seats on these flights typically cost between $6,000 and $8,000 per person).
• Two hotel nights in Punta Arenas (Jan 16 and 29)
• All meals from dinner on Jan 16 to breakfast on Jan 30 (including wine/beer with dinners).
• All necessary transfers from arrival to departure in Punta Arenas, Chile.
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
- A 50% deposit is required upon registration
- The remaining 50% balance is due by September 6, 2018
MODIFIED CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY
Please note that due to the significant commitments involved in chartering the vessel for this trip, the following cancellation and refund schedule will apply, based on date cancellation notification is received:
- 121 or more days prior to expedition start date: Full refund (less any non-recoverable credit card processing fees)
- 120 to 91 days prior to start date: 25% of package cost non-refundable
- 90 to 61 days prior to start date: 50% of package cost non-refundable
- 60 days or less before start date: No refund
Highlights
- 13-night private charter of S/V Ocean Tramp, a comfortable and capable 20-meter ketch perfectly suited to small-group Antarctic exploration
- Small group size, limited to no more than 6 guests
- Includes round-trip flights across the Drake Passage aboard a BAE 146 Jet. Flight duration is about two hours, which frees up an extra four days on location in Antarctica, significantly reduces the potential for seasickness, and increases general safety.
- Frequent landings to make the most of photographic opportunities along the coast and on the islands
- Excursions by Zodiac among the icebergs
- Generous and personalized photographic instruction throughout by Michael Melford
Accommodations
- January 16 and 29: Hotel Cabo De Hornos, an excellent and modern hotel located in central Punta Arenas, conveniently close to the best restaurants and the waterfront.HAB
- January 17 – 28: private charter vessel S/V Ocean Tramp
Travel
Antarctica by Yacht II
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