Antarctica: Fly & Sail Expedition

Rolling seas and windy conditions require you to be stable on your feet, especially when walking on slippery decks or up and down steep gangways. Shore excursions often require hiking over uneven terrain without the benefit of a developed trail. Some agility is required for getting in and out of the Zodiac landing crafts. Most Zodiac landings require that you step in the water to get ashore. Zodiac and shore excursions are weather permitting.

The Antarctic summer begins in November and ends in March -- no tourist ships visit in the winter. December through February are the best times to visit as they bring long daylight hours and milder temperatures. You'll experience a variety of weather conditions including rain, snow, sleet, and sunny skies no matter when you visit. Temperatures can change quickly and range from the high 30s to below freezing, sometimes with a significant wind chill. We recommend packing warm layers, hats, gloves, waterproof boots, and a good pair of sunglasses.

All meals will be taken on board. All ships we offer have the capacity to seat everyone at a single, open seating in the main dining room. In some cases outdoor buffet breakfast and lunch options are also available. Please let us know of any special dietary needs; the ship will accommodate as best as possible.

Contingency Plan: Fly/Sail and Fly/Fly Voyages
For Fly/Sail and Fly/Fly voyages (where a voyage commences with a flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica) Aurora Expeditions will deploy the following Contingency Plan.

Every effort will be made to fly our expeditioners to Antarctica to start their voyage, as long as it safe to do so. This requires suitable weather conditions at both the departure point and the arrival point in Antarctica. For each day of the itinerary after Day 1, if there is a flight delay, Aurora Expeditions' ground staff will update all expeditioners on the flight status. During the delay, we are waiting for a break in the weather allowing us to depart, and are often required to leave with very little notice. All expeditioners and staff will be on standby during this time.

Days 1 & 2
After breakfast, there will be a briefing regarding new flight departure time from Punta Arenas (in case there is a confirmed flight time) or new briefing time (in case there is no confirmation of flight time). If the flight has been scheduled to depart early afternoon, an updated transfer bus departure time will be advised to expeditioners. If the flight is delayed until the evening, lunch will be provided and an afternoon excursion will be offered to expeditioners. If the flight has been delayed until the following day, a briefing will occur to advise expeditioners of the new flight departure time from Punta Arenas the following day. Aurora Expeditions will provide all meals and guided tours to sites of historic and wildlife interest in Punta Arenas as well as additional night(s) of hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas with breakfast included.

Day 3
If by 2:00 pm authorization to fly to Antarctica is not provided, the voyage will be cancelled. Aurora Expeditions will provide accommodation and all meals. No other services are included after Day 3.

Contingency Plan: Sail/Fly Voyages and Fly/Fly Voyages
At the end of a Sail/Fly and Fly/Fly voyage, if the return charter flight from King George Island to Punta Arenas is delayed, expeditioners already in Antarctica will remain on board the ship until the return flight to Punta Arenas is authorized to depart. If the flight from Punta Arenas is cancelled after up to 72 hours of attempting to depart, the ship will transport expeditioners from King George Island to Puerto Williams or Ushuaia for disembarkation. Full board is included. Strictly no refund will be provided for any reason.

Important Note: No refund will be provided to you for the voyage if the flight is successfully completed regardless of which day it was executed up to 72 hours after the originally scheduled flight time, or if the voyage is fully cancelled after unsuccessfully attempting to depart for up to 72 hours after the originally scheduled flight time. Aurora Expeditions will not be liable for and does not accept any claims for any costs made by you including but not limited to international airfares, domestic airfares, accommodation, any additional services purchased, or change fees impacted by or as a result of the delay or cancellation of a Fly & Sail voyage. Aurora Expeditions will provide a trip interruption letter to be submitted by the expeditioners to their insurance company for the airfare, change fees, re-booking fees, and other expenses incurred due to the trip interruption or cancellation.

This exciting Antarctic Adventure offers optional add-on activities for an additional cost. You are only permitted to participate in one add-on activity for the duration of the voyage and space is limited. The Expedition Team tries to get you off the ship to participate in these activities up to two times per day (except for sea days). However, you are always at the mercy of the weather and changes to the voyage and itinerary. Embracing the unexpected is part of the excitement of expedition-style travel!

Sea Kayaking: One of the most exhilarating ways to experience Antarctica. Each small group of kayakers (up to 10 per guide) will have their own intimate exploration of the small hidden bays and coasts that are inaccessible to Zodiacs. You do not need to be an expert or know how to roll, however you will need to have some kayaking experience and be fit enough to paddle for up to three hours,. getting in and out of the kayak, wearing a spray skirt, and must be able to swim.

Paddling: This activity is suitable for novices and no prior experience is required to participate. The inflatable kayak is larger and sturdier for novices. However, you must be able to swim independently for up to 25 meters and be confident in water.

Snorkeling: Discover the amazing mobility and speed of penguins, marvel at the beauty of icebergs below the water, and witness marine life such as crustaceans, isopods, starfish, and nudibranchs. This activity utilizes state of the art equipment including drysuits, gloves, hood, fins, mask and snorkel for a comfortable and exciting experience. Participants will be provided with all of the training and equipment needed to experience Antarctica from this unique angle. You must be able to swim and complete a medical form that will be reviewed by the snorkel team. The initial snorkel will be a "check-out" snorkel so each participant can check and adjust their equipment. If the snorkel leader feels that you do not meet the necessary experience, they have the right to exclude you from participating in the program. This decision is made for your safety and the safety of the other divers.

Polar Diving: Aurora Expeditions has been operating scuba diving in the polar regions for more than 20 years—the first expedition cruise operator to offer this ultimate polar adventure. Diving is not for beginners. You must be at least an Advanced Open Water Diver and Drysuit Specialty certified diver with at least 30 drysuit dives. You are also required to complete a minimum of 10 dives in the 12 months before your trip, with a minimum of 5 of those dives in a drysuit.

Before departure you must show an internationally accepted diving certificate, diver's logbook, and a current diving medical (no more than 6 months old) from your doctor confirming that you are in suitable physical health to participate in the diving activity. A divemaster will review your form for suitability and experience before approving your diving spot. The initial dive will be a "check-out" dive so each diver can check and adjust their weights and equipment. If the divemaster feels that you do not meet the necessary experience, they have the right to exclude you from participating in the dive program. This decision is made for your safety and the safety of the other divers.