U L T I M A T E   A N T A R C T I C A
POLAR CIRCLE AIR EXPEDITION

Join us for a spectacular journey to explore the beautiful Antarctic Peninsula. On this special trip, rather then sailing across rough seas for two days to reach our destination, we enjoy a smooth two hour flight on a four-engine jet across the Drake passage to King George Island in Antarctica. We board our ship the Ocean Nova, and begin our voyage to one of the most spectacular, remotest places on earth- Antarctica. We slowly sail South exploring breath taking scenery and become one of the adverturous few to cross the Antarctic circle. Multiple award-winning nature and wildlife photographer, Robert Knight will be your guide on this journey as you encounter a variety of wildlife and explore some of the finest landscapes on earth. Prepare to be mesmerized on this adventure while creating memories to last a lifetime.

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HIGHLIGHTS

13-day Antarctic Adventure
World-class Expedition Leaders
Superb Landscapes and Wildlife
Icebergs, Penguins, Whales, Seals, Seabirds
Adventure ship with many amenities
Zodiac landings on the Peninsula

RATINGS

Wildlife: Excellent
Landscapes: Excellent
Accommodation: Excellent
Level of Difficulty: Easy

EXPEDITION LEADERS

Nature & Wildlife Photographer-Robert Knight
12 Additonal Expedition Leaders
A worldclass team of naturalists, historians, and adventurers sharing stories about the past, present and future of Antarctica, enriching our expereince through a variety of excursions and lectures during our voyage.

ITINERARY

Day 1 & 2 (Dec 30 & 31): International flights to Chile

Depart U.S. or home country in transit to Chile. Most flights pass through Santiago, Chile (+1 day on Dec 30th) where you can transfer to the city for an optional overnight in Santiago or continue straight to Punta Arenas for an extra night in advance at our four star hotel the Cabo De Hornos. You are on your own and at your leisure but transfers, and a list of recommended activities and restaurants will be provided for you. You can also depart from the US on Dec 30th if you prefer arriving on Dec 31, but it is advised you arrive no later then on Dec 31st into Punta Arenas.

Day 3 (Jan 1st): Punta Arenas, Chile

The trip "officially" begins today. We transfer together as a group from our hotel in Santiago to the airport to make our flight to Punta Arenas. If you are skipping the overnight in Santiago, please make sure that you are in Punta Arenas no later then 3:00pm on this day. Overnight in Punta Arenas at the four-star Cabo de Hornos hotel included. After getting settled in your rooms, we will meet for a gear review and for a trip meeting at 5:00pm followed by a delightful dinner at the famous local restaurant where polar explorers have frequented. After dinner, peruse Punta Arenas and return to our rooms to rest for next day departure. Dinner, accommodation and breakfast the following morning are included.

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Day 4 (Jan 2nd): Antarctic Flight & Embarkation Day

A smooth two-hour flight takes you efficiently from Punta Arenas to King George Island, in the South Shetland Islands. Your Antarctic adventure begins as you exit the airplane and the clear Antarctic air fills your lungs for the first time. Explore the area surrounding Chile's Frei Station and Russia's Bellingshausen station, before boarding a Zodiac to embark your expedition vessel.

Day 5-10 (Jan 3-8): Exploring Antarctica

Sail along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Visit the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, disembarking by Zodiac each day. In small groups, hike to extraordinary sites and take part in exploratory Zodiac excursions to otherwise inaccessible areas. Expert polar guides share their passion for Antarctica through an engaging program of illustrated presentations, and lead you ashore to interpret the wildlife, the history and the many wonders of the Antarctic environment. From the glass-enclosed lounge, enjoy spectacular views while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests over a drink. The goal of the expedition is to sail far south in the attempt of reaching the Polar Circle. The Expedition Team sets the specific voyage route based on local conditions, and takes advantage of the ever-changing opportunities provided by Nature. Flexibility will be the key to a successful voyage. Your expedition may include visits to sites such as Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, the Lemaire Channel, Prospect Point or other magnificent places. Each voyage is unique and crafted to provide the best possible overview of the varied Antarctic environment. A spiritual journey sure to rank amongst the best!

Day 10 (Jan 9): King George Island & Antarctic Flight

We return to King George Island, bid farewell to our ship and board our plane for the return flight to Punta Arenas. We transfer to the Cabo De Hornos hotel and spend the remainder of the day exploring Punta Arenas or at your leisure.

Day 11 (Jan 10): Flights Home

Transfer to the airport for our international return flights home. Arrive home Jan 11th.

EXPEDITION LEADERS

Robert Knight

Fine Art Photographer & Author - Robert will be returning to Antarctica for the sixth time in search of the transformative experiences only a trip of this nature can provide. Robert is enthusiastic about sharing artistic ways of documenting your unique Antarctica journey.

12 Additional Expedition Leaders

A world class team of naturalists, historians, and adventurers sharing stories about the past, present and future of Antarctica, enriching our experience through a variety of excursions and lectures during our voyage.

EXPEDITION NOTES

Please note there is a strict maximum luggage weight limit of 44 pounds per person for hand luggage and checked luggage combined. This restriction is due to operational requirements. Unfortunately there is no way to purchase overweight allowance. Expedition boots will be provided for your use on your voyage and we can offer suggestions as to how to easily make this madatory weight requirement including photography equipment.

Be prepared for a visual feast on this voyage! Sightings of Gentoo, Adelie, and Chinstrap Penguins, Orcas, Minke and Humpback Whales, Weddell, Leopard and Crab-eater Seals, and a variety of Sea birds are not uncommon. Throughout the expedition you will make indelible memories as you interact with a variety of beautiful wildlife, landscapes and fascinating people from around the world. After a memorable day we then return to our comfortable ship. Dinners will be delicious and served with views of Antarctica through large expansive windows. There will be a variety of lectures throughout the voyage to enrich our experience.

All experience levels and non-photography spouses are welcome. This is an extraordinary trip whether you want to photograph, or just experience the best that Antarctica has to offer. Of course, the trip is at your pace with flexibility to attend every event or opt to relax for a session or two with a good book. You decide as there are options available for every participant.

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OCEAN NOVA - ADVENTURE SHIP - AMENITIES

• All Cabins have exterior views.
• 34 Outside Cabins, all with private facilities.
• Hair dryer and bathrobe in every cabin.
• Spacious dining room with unreserved seating, where you'll enjoy buffet-style breakfast and lunch with table service; and table service dinner with main courses changing daily and cakes served mid-afternoon daily.
• 24 Hour coffee, tea and hot chocolate self serve station.
• Glass enclosed observation lounge and presentation room.
• Lounge and bar open late afternoon and evening, with a wide selection of wines and spirits.
• Exercise room.
• Library with a collection of polar-themed books.
• Ship-to-shore communications via satellite.
• Clinic with licensed doctor.

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EXPEDITION COST

• Twin Cabin (with private bath): US$17,995
• Triple Cabin (with private bath): US$15,495
• Single Cabin (with private bath): US$24,995

Payable by wire transfer or check only.

DATES TO REMEMBER

Now: Non-refundable deposit of $5,000 per person to reserve a place on the expedition.
08/01/2019: Non-refundable balance due of $12,995 (twin), $10,495 (triple), or $19,995 (single).

CANCELLATION POLICY

If Earth Expeditions is forced to cancel the departure due to unforeseen circumstances beyond its control, including non-delivery of the vessel, Earth Expeditions agrees that the only remedy is full refund of all monies paid for the cancelled voyage. Under no circumstances do participants have rights to any additional compensation including but not limited to airline tickets, travel insurance, cancellation penalties for pre-paid travel services, or any to other expenditures made by participants. All payments to Earth Expeditions are otherwise non-refundable. Evacuation insurance is mandatory. Additional Travel insurance is highly recommended in the event a participant must cancel and can include a refund of payments made to providers. We are happy to help with selecting insurance.

WHAT IS INCLUDED

• Expert photographic instruction.
• One pre and one post night expedition hotel accommodation with breakfast.
• Dinner in Punta Arenas on Day 1 of the program.
• Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping.
• All breakfasts, lunches and dinners on board the ship throughout journey.

Click map to enlarge
• All shore landings and Zodiac excursions per the daily program.
• Formal and informal presentations by Expedition Team.
• Online Photographic Album documenting the voyage.
• A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings.
• Coffee, tea, cocoa, water, soft and beer or wine with dinner
• Comprehensive pre-departure materials, map and reader.
• Group transfers from airport to hotel on Day 9.
• Baggage handling aboard ship.
• All service taxes and port charges.
• Experienced leadership throughout the voyage.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

• Airfare and transportation between your home and Punta Arenas.
• Optional evening in Santiago.
• Passport and visa expenses.
• Any meals ashore with the exception of breakfast at host hotel and dinner on Day 1.
• Mandatory evacuation insurance, and optional travel, medical insurance.
• Laundry, and other personal charges.
• Telecommunications charges.
• Alcohol in the bar onboard.
• The customary gratuity for staff at the end of the voyage.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

• Kayaking $895 per person for the entire excursion.
• Snoeshoeing/Hiking: $85 per person, per excursion.

Please make sure your International flights arrive in Punta Arenas no later than 3 PM on 01/01/2020. If you would like to arrive a day or two earlier, then please let us know as we can book extra nights stay prior to the scheduled trip. You must stay at the same hotel as the group since we are traveling together to Antarctica and sometimes need to change departure times based on weather.

RESERVE YOUR PLACE

Do not hesitate. The demand for this top notch, all-inclusive Antarctic Expedition is high. Space is limited, so if the thought of this is exciting, then get in touch with us immediately. To keep this trip intimate and of the highest quality, once the trip is filled, unfortunately we cannot accept additional enrollment. Call us at the gallery 831.626.1230 or email us at info@earth-expeditions.com (reference "Antarctic Adventure" in your e-mail) to reserve your place.

Robert Knight was the "Wild Places" Winner of the 2007 Wildlife Photographer of the Year hosted by the BBC for his work in Antarctica. More of his award-winning photography can be viewed by visiting the Fine Art Photographs page of this site.