PRE & POST TOUR ARRANGEMENTS
In due course EPIC will provide options for those interested in undertaking pre and post cruise touring. Being on the doorstep of Chilean Patagonia, you have a treasure trove of options available. EPIC can tailor-make an itinerary to suit.
FLIGHTS & ACCOMMODATION IN SANTIAGO
Santiago is the entry and exit point for this journey. Most international flights arrive into Santiago in the afternoon thereby requiring an overnight stop. In some cases an overnight stop may be necessary on the way out depending on the timing of your international departing flight.
EPIC will assist with arrangements in Santiago and will book your return flights to Punta Arenas, the stepping off point for the Antarctic adventure.
EPIC can assist with your international flights if you wish.
You must plan to arrive into Punta Arenas on Day 1 of the Air-Cruise before 2.00 pm.
That afternoon all passengers must attend a mandatory safety and Antarctic guidelines briefing and an information session covering important practical details. You must also attend a fitting session for your expedition boots. Participation in these activities is essential for the success of the expedition.
Additionally, by arriving before 2.00 pm you can take advantage of the welcome service at the airport and the hotel transfer. Pick up at the airport and transfer to the hotel cannot be guaranteed for travellers arriving later than 2.00 pm. Remember that scheduling a tight connection is never wise when travelling to remote places with limited services. Protect your travel investment by building some buffer in your travel plans in case of problems with luggage delivery, flight delays etc.
EPIC strongly suggests that a flexible air ticket be held for your journey home in case you need to change your travel arrangement following a delay of the return flight from Antarctica.
See also the sections on possible flight delays and related contingency plans.
ITINERARY
Every effort will be made to adhere to the planned programme. However, with this type of adventurous travel to Antarctica, changes to the itinerary may occur due to severe and unpredictable weather. We need to emphasize the fact that weather conditions are unpredictable and that safety is always the paramount concern on any Antarctic voyage.
For this reason EPIC reserves the right to change the itinerary described due to weather conditions or other factors beyond EPIC’s control without consulting the participants.
POSSIBLE FLIGHT DELAYS & CONTINGENCY PLAN
Flights to and from Antarctica operate based on weather conditions. While historically only a minority of flights have experienced a delay, you should be prepared for that possibility.
Antarctica XXI has been organizing Antarctic air-cruises since 2003. Over these years they have gained extensive experience in the delicate coordination of land, air and sea operations in the extreme Antarctic environment. In the unlikely event that the flight to Antarctica is delayed or cannot take place due to unfavourable weather conditions, Antarctica XXI will apply a Contingency Plan.
The Contingency Plan is included in the cost of your expedition. The primary goal of the plan is to provide an engaging and comfortable travel experience while we wait for the weather to improve. A flight delay can impact travel to Antarctica or return back to Punta Arenas, and the plan includes a range of activities determined by the specific nature of the delay.
Additionally, the Contingency Plan offers you financial protection by providing a refund should weather conditions prevent us from reaching Antarctica.
THE DETAILS
In case the outbound flight to Antarctica is delayed the group will remain in Punta Arenas while waiting for an improvement in the weather and for the opportunity to fly to Antarctica. Included are accommodation at the Cabo de Hornos Hotel or similar, meals, and guided excursions to local attractions. If by 2 PM on Day 4 of the itinerary it is still impossible to reach Antarctica, the trip will be interrupted and the cruise fare will be refunded.
In case the return flight to Punta Arenas is delayed the group will remain in Antarctica and wait for the opportunity to fly to Punta Arenas. Included are meals and accommodation on the ship, and local excursions. Upon arrival in Punta Arenas, accommodation at a 3-star hotel or better, and transfer to the airport the next morning are included.
Travellers are responsible for any expenses associated with the rescheduling of their airline tickets or onward travel plans.
PARTICIPATION FORM
Participants are required to fill and sign an on-line Participation Form, and to return it to EPIC at least 120 days prior to departure.
MEDICAL & CANCELLATION INSURANCE
EPIC requires participants to be adequately covered by a medical insurance, including aero-medical evacuation from Antarctica, as well as adequate cover for trip cancellation and interruption insurance
For Australians
Should you require insurance cover, EPIC uses Aussie Travel Cover underwritten by Allianz Insurance. Please copy this link into your browser to make an on-line insurance application - AussieTravelCover - https://aussietravelcover.agaassistance.com.au/?AgencyId=13433
For all other nationalities
Epic has an affiliation with Travelex. Please copy this link into your browser to obtain a quote and process an application - Travelex Insurance -
http://www.travelex-insurance.com/index.asp?location=05-0733&go=bp
EXERCISE
Walks on the beach or further inland, with some low hill climbing can be expected. You should be reasonably fit to be able to do so.
BINOCULARS
To see the wildlife you should have a good pair of lightweight binoculars (the suggested magnification is 7x or 8x).
PHOTOGRAPHY
Whilst in Antarctica there will be many opportunities for photographing the stunning scenery and the incredible abundance of wildlife. To help you get the best out of your photographs, we suggest the following:
• There are some excellent compact cameras with zoom lenses. Still, for the best photographs consistently, you cannot beat Single Lens Reflex (SLR) cameras. However, the camera does not the photographer make! Whatever your preference, take reliable equipment with already proven results.
• If you are a SLR camera user, definitely take a standard zoom lens (for example with a range of 18-70mm or 24-85mm) so you do not have to change lenses continually. Antarctica is vast, and it is good to have a standard lens which offers some wide angle range. If you are gear-crazy, bring along a wide angle lens. In addition, a tele zoom (for example with a range of 70-200mm or 70-300mm) is recommended, especially for wildlife shots. An image stabilizer is worth the investment. Lenses beyond 300mm will rarely be used, except by serious photographers or professionals.
• Think about bringing a back-up camera/camera body.
• Even more important than a back-up camera is to take extra batteries/battery packs (since cold temperatures reduce their life span considerably). Rechargeable batteries are a great idea (but do not forget the battery charger).
• Do bring plenty of memory cards (twice the amount you think you will be using!) or, alternatively, a laptop or a photo tank.
• If you are serious about getting excellent shots, a tripod gives you more potential but it certainly is not mandatory.
• Do bring a UV filter (mostly to protect your lens from the elements).
• The use of a polarising filter is not recommended. It takes a real expert to be adept enough to use a polarising filter to reduce glare and darken the sky without ruining the rest of the photograph. Mostly, it darkens the image and takes the sparkle away from the ice and snow, which is what brings it to life.
• When photographing wildlife, respect the minimum distance recommended by our guides. This helps to prevent unpleasant situations and stressing out the wildlife – or yourself.
• Be aware that Antarctic conditions can be very harsh on camera equipment. Carry plenty of protection for your camera against salt spray, snow, or rain. Please bring sealable cases, waterproof day packs or ‘dry bags’ but do not bring lightweight plastic or rubbish bags as these can be easily blown away and are contrary to our environmental obligation under the Antarctic Treaty.
If you need to or are interested in hiring a lense to take with you, here are a couple of websites for you to take a look at:
In the USA
https://www.lensrentals.com
In Australia
https://rentalens.com.au/index.php or http://www.camerahire.com.au/hire/digital-slr
