Camping (C)

On some Antarctic voyages we offer an exciting ‘open air’ camping option, which gives an intensive experience of the Antarctic wilderness. Special gear and field equipment will be provided: tents, wind and waterproof bivouac bags (lightweight alternative to a tent system). This shelter will protect you from the elements during the night in the open air of Antarctica. Mattresses and polar sleeping bags provide comfort during the night. The maximum number of participants for this camping option is 30 participants per night. One expedition guide will conduct the activity ashore. Camping is always subject to weather, local site and environmental regulations. 1 night has to be booked prior to the trip; any extra nights (if those are possible) must be arranged onboard. There is no guarantee that a second night can be implemented. Additional nights will be charged by the Hotel Manager. For more details please refer to the activity manual.

Diving (D)

Divers must be advanced and experienced in dry suit and cold water diving. We hope for 1-2 different dives per day parallel to all other activities. Diving depends on local ice and weather conditions. Dive masters and dive guides are responsible for safety during operation. Basic equipment is onboard (scuba tanks, compressors, weights and diving essentials). Divers bring their personal gear. A supplement will be charged for the activity package. For prices please refer to Dates & Rates. For more details please refer to the activity manual.

Hiking (H)

During voyages with hiking options we hope to be able to exceed on our normal shore excursion walking Program. The possibilities to hike longer distances in de Antarctic are limited by mountains and glaciers. In general the longest hikes can last up to two hours. We aim at one or two hikes per day during morning and / or afternoon landings. The final decision on those hiking options will be met by the Expedition Leader on the day of the excursion. We recommend bringing a proper pair of ankle high hiking boots (illustration in Basecamp acitivity selection form) and gaiters. Hiking is free of charge; more details can be found in the activity manual and the day by day Programs.

Kayaking (K)

In general we plan to at least offer 4 kayaking days. Basic kayaking experience is required and physical fitness is essential. Parallel to all other activities we are planning on offering kayaking excursions during morning and / or afternoon landings. The final decision on those excursions will be met by the Expedition Leader. Oceanwide will provide kayaks, neoprene wet suits, booties and gloves. Kayakers will bring their own personal gear. Kayaking is subject to weather and prevailing ice conditions. A supplement will be charged for the activity package (except “Basecamp Plancius” voyages). For prices please refer to Dates & Rates. For more details please refer to the activity manual.

Photo workshop (P)

On selected voyages and “Basecamp Plancius” voyages Oceanwide Expeditions is going to offer photo workshops for beginners and advanced photographers under the supervision of a photo expert on board. Everybody is welcome to participate, no previous experience required. The workshop group (up to 20 participants per guide per landing, and up to 14 participants per guide on supplemented voyages) will be accompanied by the photo expert during activity ashore. Participants with a special interest in photography will bring their personal photo equipment. During cruise days everybody will be able to listen into photo lectures and workshops in order to learn more about objects, exposures and photo composition. The workshop does not intend to instruct on how to use specific camera models, but more to give an insight on better photo results by respecting basic rules of photography. Photographers can also take part in other activities of their choice. Photo workshops are free of charge on Basecamp voyages, and supplemented on other activity coded voyages. The photo workshop must be pre-booked with

Oceanwide’s reservation departments prior to departure.

Character of photo workshops: Basecamp Plancius and other non supplemented voyages: free “try out” activity for everybody, participants also dip into other activities, group size up to 20 participants per photo guide and landing, daily changing groups, workshop content not too specialised, target group “beginners to experts” who wish to receive daily photo tuition. During photo workshops powered by Leica Akademie (see attached dates & rates), participants can test Leica camera equipment free of charge.

Activity coded & supplemented voyages: Leica Akademie photo workshop, up to 14 participants will be instructed by a photo guide lecturer of Leica Akademie, homogeneous group, progressive workshop sessions specialise on improving specific photo skills, Leica photo equipment can be tested (cameras and objectives), target group “experts and those who want to become experts”.

Snowshoeing/hiking (S)

Especially on early departures at the beginning of the season there are still snow covered hills and mountains further inland. During voyages to the Antarctic we are planning on offering hiking excursions with snowshoes. Snowshoe walking is easy and does not require any technical skills. With the use of snowshoes it is easier and safer to walk on snow surfaces. Snowshoes will be provided to everyone on board. Those will fit all boot sizes and can be used in combination with Oceanwide’s rubber boots. Snowshoe hiking is free of charge; more details can be found in the activity manual and the day by day programs.

Ski Trekking (T) – Shackleton Traverse

A group of up to 12 ski trekkers will pull their own sledge (approx. 30 - 35 kg) with personal and shared equipment (food, stoves, fuel) in challenging mountainous terrain. The sledge can be carried as a backpack on stretches without snow. Ski trekking involves elements of ski mountaineering, glacier travel and winter camping. In general participants must be physically conditioned and experienced in order to participate in this strenuous exercise in alpine environments facing sometimes extreme weather. In addition, ski trekkers must be familiar with skiing and crevasse rescue techniques which can be learned in Alpine Introductory Courses. The group will access sometimes difficult, glaciated, heavily crevassed and potentially hazardous alpine terrain. There is no real climbing on this trip, but the extreme weather conditions and very strong winds can make this crossing a very challenging undertaking. There is a possibility that due to stormy weather the expedition members must remain in tents for several days at a time. Fully approved UIAGM mountain and ski guides are responsible for safety and will lead the group during this multiple day expedition. A medically qualified person will be appointed. The minimum client to guide ratio is 1 guide to 4 clients. Basic equipment is available onboard (sledges, snowshoes, field camp and alpine mountaineering essentials). Ski trekkers only bring their own ski equipment (Randonées or Telemark skis, skiing boots) and personal expedition clothing. In order to be considered for this ski trekking expedition all participants are required to fill in a Personal Information / Medical form. Furthermore participants need to submit a report summarizing their personal ski mountaineering/trekking history preferably in an expedition setting. Applications will be reviewed for interview. A supplement will be charged for the ski crossing package. For prices please

refer to Dates & Rates. For more details please refer to the activity manual.