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Chile Tours and Travel Packages
Multiple Destinations /
Santiago area / Patagonia / Lake
District Antarctic DreamThe Antarctic Dream was built in Haarlem, Holland launched as the Piloto Pardo in October of 1957, she was specially constructed for Ice - navigation. The ship was incorporated into the Chilean Navy in April of 1959. Well known by the maritime establishment and, renowned for its longtime service to the Chilean Navy, the ship was purchased with the aim of revamping it into an expedition cruise ship for passengers in search of an unforgettable experience. In 2003, 4 major investors joined the company bringing both Chilean and American capital, all of them mayor players in the real estate, agro-industry, telecommunications and communications markets. During 2004/2005 the Ship was completely rebuilt and refurbished into an Antarctic expedition cruise ship. During the refurbishment the classical lines of its constructors were kept, offering travelers a combined historical sense with a great inner comfort. An expedition cruise ship is designed to explore remote waterways. We feature zodiacs that are use for exploration and shore landings. We are focus in wildlife observation, environmental conscience and preservation. We offer onboard conferences and lectures about the destination, as well as relevant topics like glaciology, marine biology, geography, history and ornithology. Various activities can be done to have a closer contact with glaciers, mountains, fauna, icebergs and adventure.
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Ideal trip to the White Continent, starting
and ending in Punta Arenas, includes visits to the most spectacular attractions
in Patagonia, Cape Horn, Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula.
Day 1 : Ushuaia Argentina
Passengers board the "Antarctic Dream where you will be greeted
by our Expedition Leader and staff and shown to your cabin. - Antarctic
check-in at 2:30PM. Our departure is scheduled for 7:00 pm
Days
2 to 3 : Drake Passage
Wandering albatrosses, storm petrels and other seabirds will escort the
vessel as you sail south across this famous passage named after Sir Francis
Drake, the 16th-century English navigator. We will continue towards the
Antarctic Convergence, a biological barrier where cold polar waters sink
beneath the warmer waters of the more temperate zone. In 1819, the British
explorer William Smith
described the South Shetland Islands as "barren and covered with
snow, with seals in abundance". Yet, mosses and lichens thrive during
the short summer at the low-lying peninsulas of these rugged islands located
directly adjacent to the Antarctic Peninsula.
Day 04 : Aitcho Island
If conditions do not allow us to fly we will disembark
in Potter Bay and visit the Argentine scientific base, Jubany. Here there
will be great chances of finding marine elephants. In the afternoon we
will disembark at Aitcho Island which is in between Greenwich and Robert
Islands and is part of the South Shetlands. We should be able to see Gentoo
and Chinstrap penguins as well as Weddell Sea seals and sea elephants
before continuing with the crossing of the Bransfield and Gerlache Straits
to enter Andvord Bay where we find Neko Bay
Day
5 : Antarctic Peninsula & Neko Bay
Besides the magnificent scenery of mountains, snow and ice, in Antarctica
you can expect to see a wide variety of the native wildlife, including
thousands of nests of Gentoo, Chinstrap, and Adelie
penguins. Other birds to look out for are blue-eyed shags, gulls, cape
petrels, skuas, snowy
sheathbills and Antarctic terns. Marine mammals that you are likely to
see include Weddell crab-eaters and leopard seals while Orcas, humpback
and mink whales may be spotted at close range. This area is also of substantial
historical interest and was extensively explored by several expeditions
during the 19th century. Passengers should feel the same sense of excitement
as the early explorers as you keep a lookout from the Bridge or other
vantage points while your vessel threads her way through this dramatic
and pristine region. The program includes your first landing on the White
Continent (Neko Bay) and another on Port Lockroy (Gaudier Island). Neko
Bay was discovered by Adrian de Gerlache, a Belgian explorer between 1897
and 1899 and it is called Neko after the Norwegian whale ship which operated
in this area from 1911 to 1912 and from 1923 to 1924. Port Lockroy is
close to Wiencke Island in the Antarctic Peninsula and was the principle
base of the 1944 Tabarin Operation - the scientific research included
the Antarctics first ionosphere measurements and also the first
recording of an atmospheric whistle.
Day 6 : Pleneau - Petermann Island
We sail south through the narrow Lemaire Channel whose high, sheer cliffs
suggest that no passage could be found. Once through the channel, known
as one of the most beautiful places in the world, and provided climate
and ice conditions are good enough, we will be able to visit Petermann
Island which is the most southern land point of our expedition. Here we
will disembark and will be able to see the most southern colony of Gentoo
penguins which nest near our landing spot. On this island we will also
be able to see a colony of beautiful Adelei penguins, skuas and blue-eyed
shags. At Pleneau we should have the opportunity to take our zodiacs and
visit
impressive ice formations.
Day
7 : Paradise Bay Cuverville Island
At this point of our program we will begin our return voyage. During the
morning and, stressing again that if weather permits, we will
disembark or use our zodiacs in Paradise Bay. This is one of the most
striking places of the whole Antarctic Peninsula. Here glaciers tumble
into the sea; icebergs break off and are later carved into wonderful shapes
by the wind and the sea. In the evening we will visit Cuverville Island.
Beside its dramatic scenery it is home to one of the largest colony of
Gentoo penguins and skuas. This rocky island is on the north side of the
Errera Channel, between Ronge Island and the Arctowski Peninsula. It has
been noted that reproduction of Papua penguins, giant petrels, Wilson
petrels, skuas, and shags take place on Cuverville Island. Most visitors
find the viewing of such abundant wildlife is every bit as rewarding as
the magnificent Antarctic scenery, and you will be enchanted by these
waterways. Navigating and exploring these channels is certainly one of
the highlights of a visit to the Peninsula. Unfortunately on some trips
they may be choked with icebergs and pack ice.
Day 8 : Deception Island Whalers
Bay Pendulum Cove
We continue sailing to Deception Island which is at the northwest side
of the Peninsula. Deception Island is the largest active volcano in the
area and one of the main sources of seismic and volcanic activity in the
Antarctic. Sailing through the narrow passage into its huge flooded crater
is a thrilling experience. Do not forget to bring your bathing suite as
swimming in this water is a unique experience.
During the morning we will try to disembark in Whalers Bay and Pendulum
Cove. In the afternoon and depending on weather conditions we will disembark
at Hannah Point (Livingstone Island). This is one of the best places in
the Antarctic to see fauna and we should see Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins,
giant petrels, Wilson petrels, skuas and blue-eyed shags. With luck we
should also see sea elephants.
Days 9 to 10 : Drake Passage
Today, we will leave the Antarctic and head north back across the Drake
Passage. Now is the chance to compare and revise notes and dwell on the
adventures of the past week, to take in the final lectures and to enjoy
the delicious gastronomy on board as you return to Ushuaia.
Day 11 : Ushuaia, Argentina
After and early breakfast we will land at 9:00 am and bid farewell to
our guests. Thus ends an incredible and unique expedition.
Please note that you should regard this itinerary as a guide only; our exact route and program varies according to the weather conditions we encounter. Flexibility is the key to success for all expedition of the M/V Antarctic Dream. The vagaries of conditions in the south compel us to draw to your attention that helicopter services are provided by an external company. The flights are dependent on weather conditions on King George Island (day 4 of the program). The flight will be approximately 10 minutes and it will have no extra cost for those passengers who have paid full fare. We. will use reasonable efforts to provide passengers with this service but is not responsible if the service is not fulfilled for any reason. We highly recommend scheduling your arrival in Ushuaia with at least one day in advance in order to avoid any flight delays
We are happy to announce these special
discounts:
Unique rate of US$ 6900 per person or as a willing to share, FOR
ALL TYPES OF CABINS, for the classic Antarctic Dream Expedition program
(11days / 10 nights). Valid for the Nov 01, Nov 11, Nov 21 & Dec 11
, 2011, departures
This promotion applies in any type of cabin upon availability and is applicable
only to new bookings. Double occupancy basis. First come, first served
bookings
Departure Dates 2011-2012:
Low Season - Nov. 1, Nov.
11, Nov. 21, Dec. 1, Dec. 11, Feb. 25, March 6
High Season - Feb. 5, Feb. 15 (2012)
See info about Special Guest Lecturers
2011-2012 Price per person double occupancy in US$:
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Deck
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Cape Horn
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Piloto Pardo
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Shackleton
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Amundsen
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||||
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low
|
high
|
low
|
high
|
low
|
high
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low
|
high
|
|
|
double
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11,450
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14,200
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10,450
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12,900
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8250
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10,200
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6900
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8550
|
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single
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17,200
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21,300
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15,570
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19,300
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12,410
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15,350
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10,300
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12,800
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Deposit = US$1500 per person. Final
payment due 90 days before departure
Single Occupancy = 50% surcharge . Children under 14 not recommended
Add $990 per person for camping program (offered on Dec. 1 and Feb. 25 departures):
Day 1.
- Setting up Camp1 - Snowshoeing workshop - Trekking using ropes workshop
- Safety workshop (using GPS) - Back to Camp 1. Dinner.
Day 2.
- Climb Jabet Peak, or any other mountain near Camp 1, Weather depending.
- Back to Camp 1. - Traverse preparation. Gear Check (snowshoes, sledges,
etc) - Dinner rest.
Day 3.
The Small Island Traverse. From Camp 1 we will trek 8 kilometers
north to catch up with the Antarctic Dream.
Kayaking is also available (on Dec.
1 and Feb. 25 departures)
During our kayak excursions we will silently approach penguins, seals
and sea lions that are resting on the icebergs or the snow-covered coast,
getting a closer view of them in their natural state with a minimum impact
on the environment. We will only launch under safe sea conditions. Each
participant will have the option of dropping out any time they want. The
activity will be performed using extremely stable and comfortable kayaks,
and we will provide the continued assistance of our staff of professional
guides and support zodiacs, assuring a totally safe experience. (4 double
occupancy kayaks)
All programs include:
Accommodation in cabin of choice.
Breakfast, lunch, tea, dinner and welcome cocktail
Use of the library.
Use of gym and sauna.
On board lectures and exhibits.
Information on the region.
Expedition in zodiac boats.
Transfers airport / hotel / port.
Emergency medical attention on board.
Programs do not include
Flights to boarding ports
Passports or visas
Taxes or boarding taxes at airport/ports
Transfers not specified in the program
Laundry
Telephone calls
Use of the internet
Meals or beverages not included in the menu
Fines or Flight Cancellation Assistance
Travel or Health Insurance
Medical attention off board
Tips
Rates
Rates in US dollars, at valid exchange
rate.
Rates per person based on double cabin occupancy.
Cabin rates vary depending on deck.
Single occupancy rates carry 50% surcharge on published rates.
Rates may vary without prior notice.
15 persons will be considered a group, one free or Tour Conductor
applicable (Antarctica Programs).
Children under 14 not recommended.
Procedures
Full rate paid before boarding.
Antarctic Program, please indicate date and mean of transport to
Punta Arenas, transfers included to Hotel.
Special dietary requirements must be requested upon booking, in
writing and with all the necessary information.
Mail sent from the ship must be coordinated with crew members and
passengers must pay the stamps.
Safety rules for disembarking must be abided by passengers.
Clothing
We suggest you bring appropriate clothing
for the regions temperatures.
For disembarking, crew members will give passengers special clothing
which must be worn (jackets and boots).
Casual clothing on the ship.
Thermal clothing, not synthetic is recommended. Comfortable walking
shoes.
Physical fitnessis recomended for our expeditions.
LECTURERS
Roger Benedict, Geologist
He acquired his love of the outdoors from his father
David, a legacy of their trips together skiing and hiking in the Sierra
Nevada Mountains. His work as a guide and naturalist is an extension of
this early avocation. Roger began working in the expedition cruise industry
in 2003, and has travelled to Alaska, New Zealand, Russia and the Aleutian
Islands, and the Caribbean. Roger earned a degree in Geology from Humboldt
State University in Arcata California.
John Arthur Harrison, Historian
Born in Liverpool, John is an award-winning travel
writer and the author of more than six books, including Where the Earth
Ends, A Journey Beyond Patagonia reflecting the extensively sailed experience
in the Chilean Fjords, Falklands and southwards. A fellow of the Royal
Geographical Society, he has worked for twenty years on environmental
matters in local government. He continually lectures at national and international
conferences. Zodiac driver.
Julio Preller, Expedition Leader
This Chilean and British leader began his career
twenty five years ago. Due to his experience, he is skilled in challenging
situations with limited resources in remote locations giving us a plus
over security measures. Fluent in Spanish and English speaking. His first
voyage to Antarctic was in 1980 and since then, He has travelled extensivily
around the world, and has specialized himself in Polar areas .
René Preller, Naturalist and Zodiac
Driver
Three years of residence in Falkland Island and
twenty six years of experience doing trips and excursions in Antarctic
and the Islands give René a position in the history of the area.
He has completed 150 voyages to Antarctic what give him a vast acknowledge
about flora, fauna and history of the total area including South Georgia
Islands and Chilean Fjords.
Booking info needed:
Passenger Information - Family Name
- Passport Number
- Nationality
- Date of Birth
- Sex
- Marital State
- Home address
- Home and Office Phone
- E-mail address
- Contact Name
- Contact Phone
- Medical Information (medical information and illness that required special
assistance)
- Name of Medical Assistance Company