Antarctica by Yacht II
Overview
A Fly-In – Fly-Out, Antarctic Photography Expedition Aboard S/V Ocean Tramp
We are pleased to offer this intimate private-charter photographic expedition, including round trip flights across the Drake Passage, 13-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, who specialize 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 explore shallower waters and get into locations that bigger ships can’t reach (including the more sheltered anchorages).
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 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 for more space 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.
If you have any questions at all, please let us know. We hope you will join us on this Antarctic adventure!
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 15: Arrive in Punta Arenas. You will be met at the airport and transferred to Hotel Cabo De Hornos (meals not included).
- January 16: Explore Punta Arenas on your own (we are happy to provide suggestions). You will need to be back at the hotel by late afternoon for orientation and trip preparation, followed by a group dinner with Michael at one of our favorite restaurants. (B,D)
- 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. (B,L,D)
- 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. (B,L,D)
- January 29: Disembark Ocean Tramp for the flight back to Punta Arenas. In Punta Arenas, you will be met by a trusted local guide who will coordinate your transfer to Hotel Cabo De Hornos. Final group dinner at one of Punta Arena’s best restaurants, and overnight at Hotel Cabo De Hornos. (B,L,D)
- January 30: Transfer to Punta Arenas airport to catch your departing flight. (B)
IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT TRAVEL
It will not be possible to join the group once it departs for King George Island. The timing of the flight is weather dependent and is not decided until the day of travel, and it is possible that the group may need to leave on the night of January 16 if there is incoming bad weather. All guests should therefore plan to arrive in Punta Arenas on January 15. This will also allow some additional time in case of flight or baggage delays.
It is important to be aware that weather conditions may delay the flights to and from King George Island. We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance that provides coverage in the event of trip cancellation, interruption or delays that may impact your arrival or departure from this expedition. Visionary Wild is not responsible for additional costs related to travel delays.
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
Clients who have participated in four or more Visionary Wild workshops or expeditions are eligible for a 5% discount on this trip. Enter coupon code 4ORMORE when you register to take advantage of this discount. Subject to verification.
- Shackleton Suite is only available for double occupancy. It is the second largest cabin on board and the only cabin with an en-suite bathroom. Sold out
- Cabins 2 (third most spacious cabin) and 4 (smallest cabin) are available for single occupancy booking only. Sold out
- Cabin 3 is the largest cabin, located in the bow. It is available for single or double occupancy booking.
All cabins have bunk beds. Cabins 2, 3, and 4 share two common bathrooms with showers, located very close to the cabins.
INDIVIDUAL TRAVELERS
Individuals traveling alone may book at the double occupancy rate and we will pair you with a cabinmate, however, due to the limit number of berths on this trip, we cannot guarantee that the cabinmate will be of the same sex.
PAYMENT SCHEDULE:
- A 50% deposit is required upon registration
- Remaining 50% balance due by September 19, 2019
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).
• Three hotel nights in Punta Arenas (Jan 15, 16 and 29)
• Breakfast on January 16 and all meals from dinner on Jan 16 to breakfast on Jan 29 (including wine/beer with dinners).
• All necessary transfers from arrival to departure in Punta Arenas, Chile.
Click here for our terms and conditions.
Highlights
- 12-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
- Punta Arenas, Chile, nights of January 15, 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.
- Antarctica: 12 nights from January 17 to 28, private charter vessel S/V Ocean Tramp
Travel
