INTRODUCTION

Trip Highlights 

• Fly from South America to the Antarctic Peninsula over Cape Horn and the Drake Passage.

• 5-night cruise in a small expedition vessel which include many zodiac landings and interesting lectures.

• Comprehensive itinerary visiting the key wildlife, scenic and historic sites along the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula

• See up to 4 penguin species and visit their huge breeding colonies.

• Great opportunities to see and photograph whales, seals and orcas.

This program is operated as a scheduled departure, leaving on a set date.

The Difference of Traveling with FS Expeditions:

• An Antarctic journey limited to a small group of up to 70 participants.

• Share and learn from a great and skilled group of Expedition leaders, wildlife experts and experienced lecturers.

• You will receive a free, signed copy of one of our great photo books for the Antarctic Peninsula.

• … plus a useful and comprehensive pre-departure information package.

Grand Antarctica can be combined with the following optional extensions:

• Patagonia Explorer (9 days, 8 nights) Discover 'the Best of Patagonia' on this in-depth nature tour and photo journey by visiting Torres del Paine and 'Perito Moreno Glacier', in Chile and Argentina, as well as the Straits of Magellan and Tierra del Fuego for King Penguins!.

• The Falkland Islands (8 days, 7 nights), penguin encounters and other fascinating wildlife photo opportunities in the 'Galapagos' of the South Atlantic.

• Torres del Paine Explorer (3 to 5-day private trips) superb private and flexible journey you to explore the eastern and western sectors of the park and have close encounters with the wildlife and its magnificent scenery.

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

Jump over Cape Horn and the mythical waters of the Drake Passage towards Antarctica! FS Expeditions invites you to a unique and epic journey of discovery that will take you to one of the most remote places on earth, the coldest, highest, windiest, driest, and most inhospitable continent - Antarctica.

In a short 90-minute flight from Punta Arenas (southern Chile) to King George Island, the largest Island of the South Shetland Archipielago, you will be at the gate of the vast 'White Continent'. From King George Island we will navigate for six days and five nights along the Antarctic Peninsula, visiting the most stunning places and enjoying the best wildlife sites of Antarctica. During the whole journey we will be giving different lectures to introduce and inform you about this wonderful and remote wilderness. We are sure this will for you a trip of a lifetime.

Day 1 • Arrival to Punta Arenas, Chile

Arrival to the city of Punta Arenas and transfer to your hotel. During the afternoon, before dinner, you will receive instructions in relation with the strict environmental guidelines that should be followed in Antarctica and about the embarkation and disembarkation procedures. Later, you will enjoy our welcome dinner at the Hotel José Nogueira, a centenary French-style mansion, where you will have the chance to meet your expedition companions.

Hotel José Nogueira, Hotel Rey Don Felipe or similar, Punta Arenas (4*).(D)(G).

NOTE: Passengers should be at Punta Arenas at 3pm at the latest.

Day 2 • Flight to South Shetland Islands - Board M/V 'Ocean Nova'

Our Antarctic adventure will begin with the flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island (South Shetland Islands). The flight takes a little over one and half hour. Upon arrival, we will be able of touring around the area where the 'Frei' Chilean Base and the 'Bellingshausen' Russian Base are located. We will gather at the beach on Fildes Bay for embarkation by Zodiac boats towards our expedition vessel.

O/N M/V 'Ocean Nova'. (B,L,D)(G).

While cruising between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and between spectacular icebergs, we will enjoy the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Our journey southwards will include visits to some of the most magnificent spots in the white continent, such as: Livingston Island, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Cuverville and Deception Islands amongst others. Our target will be the crossing of the Lemaire Channel at latitude 65° South.

Day 3 • Antarctic Peninsula

As we cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and between spectacular tabular icebergs, we will enjoy the company of seabirds, penguins, seals and whales. Our journey towards the south will include visits to some of the most magnificent spots in the white continent such as: Hannah Point, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Cuverville and Deception Islands amongst others. Our adventure will be full, with daily landings and zodiac cruises, selected lectures and enjoyable time on board.

O/N M/V 'Ocean Nova'. (B,L,D)(G).

Day 4 • Antarctic Peninsula

Hannah Point, on Livingston Island, home of the Antarctic and Gentoo penguins. Possible sighting of the Macaroni Penguin, Southern Elephant Seal and Antarctic Fur Seal. Visit to Aitcho Island and its Gentoo and Antarctic Penguin colonies. Sighting of other sea birds, like the Southern Giant Petrel. Sighting of other mammals like the Weddell Seal and the Southern Elephant Seal.

O/N M/V 'Ocean Nova'. (B,L,D)(G).

Day 5 • Antarctic Peninsula

Visit to Deception Island, of volcanic origin. Sailing into the flooded crater. Visit to the ruins of the former Norwegian Whaling Station and the BAS (British Antarctic Survey) shelter, evacuated in 1967 after a volcanic eruption. Guided tour to 'Neptune's Bellows', nesting site of the Cape Petrel. If the weather is suitable, there will be a dip in hot volcanic waters. Visit to Port Lockroy on Wiencke Island, used by whalers almost one hundred years ago, where you can still see remains of whale skeletons. It is now a museum extremely well kept by Great Britain. Whales and other mammals are frequently seen around the island. The abundant fauna includes Gentoo Penguins and King Cormorants, as well as Minke and Humpback whales. Afternoon visit to beautiful Paradise Bay. If the weather allows it, there will be zodiac boat expeditions to the icebergs. Visit to the Chilean base 'Gabriel González Videla'. The members of the base live surrounded by a huge population of Gentoo penguins. Among these it is possible to see some rare albinos.

O/N M/V 'Ocean Nova'. (B,L,D)(G).

Day 6 • Antarctic Peninsula

Cruise through the Lemaire Channel, one of the most beautiful places in the world, known as the Kodak Gap. Landing and sighting of Petermann Island, the southernmost spot in our trip. In this island you will see the beauty of big granite walls and much snow. It is the home of Gentoo and Adelie Penguins and of a colony of King Cormorants. In the afternoon, we will explore Cuverville Island, nesting place of the Gentoo Penguin. Landing at Half Moon Island, habitat of large Antarctic Penguin colonies. Visit to the Henry Arctowski Polish Academy of Science Antarctic Base. The scientific personnel, a very warm, welcoming group, is engaged in the study of many species, birds and mammals, as well as the sea fauna of this area.

O/N M/V 'Ocean Nova'. (B,L,D)(G).

Day 7 • Flight to Punta Arenas - End of the tour

Return to King George Island where we will disembark, in Zodiac boats, at the 'Frei' Chilean Base, and head to the aerodrome to take the flight back to Punta Arenas. The program ends upon arrival at the Airport in Punta Arenas. Transfer to the city will be available for passengers staying overnight in Punta Arenas. (B,L)(G)

NOTES:

- Program subject to changes, depending on weather conditions.

- Flights scheduled and Antarctic itinerary may vary depending on weather conditions.

- At the end of the program, a free transfer to the city will be available at the airport for all passengers staying overnight.

- One complimentary night in Punta Arenas is offered upon request on Day 7 of the Travel Program.

MAP

DATES & PRICING

Dates and Rates for 2011-12 Scheduled Departures:

What the trip includes/excludes

The above price is per person in US$, based on double occupancy. All payments are in US Dollars.

Single supplement will be added if single accommodations are requested.

The trip price includes: Welcome dinner, one hotel night in Punta Arenas, airport transfers in Punta Arenas, flight Punta Arenas - King George Island - Punta Arenas, expedition cruise accommodations and activities on full-board basis, drinks, shore excursions in zodiac boats, lectures, shipboard entertainment and expedition guide services, loan of boots for landings in Antarctica, and comprehensive pre- and post-departure information.

The trip price excludes: Domestic flights (Santiago - Punta Arenas - Santiago or other route), tipping, visa and/or passport expenses, arrival and departure taxes, lodging and meals other than those offered in the program, personal insurance, extra baggage charges, additional expenses, such as: laundry service, telephone calls, use of Internet or other means of communication, etc.

Do you want us to arrange your flights from Santiago to Punta Arenas?

Domestic flights (Santiago - Punta Arenas - Santiago), approximately US$ 300-400 per person.

Duration of the flight: 3-4 hours approximately.

Tour Registration:

To book this tour, please complete our online registration form. We will process your booking form and will send you (within 24 hours) a note with space confirmation and a deposit invoice with payment instructions. The deposit amount is $500 per person. Full payment of the tour fee is due 60 days prior to tour departure.

NOTE: Inquires received on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays will be replied during the following working day.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Cancellation Policy:

Notice of cancellation can only be accepted IN WRITING from the person who signed the booking form and takes effect on the day such noticed is received by us.

Refunds are made according to the following schedule:

If cancellation is made 120 days or more before departure date, the deposit less US$ 200 is refundable.

If cancellation is made between 120 and 60 days before departure, the deposit is not refundable, but any payments covering the balance of the fee will be refunded.

If cancellation is made fewer than 60 days before departure date, no refund is available.

This policy and fee schedule also applies to pre-trip and post trip extensions, as well as any transfers from one tour to another. We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance to protect yourself.

THE PLANE

The Plane BAE-146

The aircraft BAE-146 was manufactured in the United Kingdom by British Aerospace (which later became part of BAE Systems). It is a high-wing aircraft with very short runaway requirements which make it particularly suited for these kind of destinations. It is operated by Aerovías DAP, which has more than 20 years of experience of flying in Patagonia and Antarctica.

MODEL: BAE 146-200

ENGINES: 4 turbofans Honeywell ALF 502R-5

CAPACITY: 70 passengers

LENGTH: 93 ft 8 in (28,55 m)

WINGSPAN: 88 ft 5 in (26,34 m)

CRUISE SPEED: 465 mph (750 km/h)

SERVICE CEILING: 31,200 ft (9,500 m)

THE VESSEL

M/V 'Ocean Nova'

The M/V 'Ocean Nova' is a modern and comfortable vessel. She was built in Denmark in 1992 to sail the ice-choked waters of Greenland, and her ice-strengthened hull is ideally suited for expedition travel in Antarctica. The M/V Ocean Nova has capacity for 68 passengers accommodated in comfortable outside cabins, all with private facilities, including dedicated single, twin and triple cabins. In addition to a glass-enclosed observation lounge and presentation room, a spacious dining room, a bar and library, she also has an infirmary and an exercise room. The ship has Zodiac boats that are well suited for disembarking and wildlife watching.

EXPEDITION STAFF & CREW: 38

PASSENGERS: 68

LIFEBOATS: 2, fully enclosed, capacity for 90 people

LENGTH: 73 m.

BREADTH: 11 m.

DRAFT: 3,7 m.

PROPULSION: engines - 2,000 HP

ICE CLASS: 1B, EO (Hull Ice 1A)

CRUISING SPEED: 12 knots in open water

PHOTOS

Check out our photo gallery with images from our recent expedition cruises to the Antarctic Peninsula