We are pleased to offer this intimate private-charter photographic expedition, including round trip flights across the Drake Passage, 13-nights aboard S/V Ocean Tramp, and instruction and guiding throughout by award-winning photographer and polar specialist Daisy Gilardini.
Ocean Tramp is a 20-meter motor-sail yacht (specifically, a ketch). In an era when Antarctic expedition vessels are getting larger and larger, Ocean Tramp offers a wonderful way to go with a very small group of just six guests, on a comfortable vessel that can get into locations that bigger ships can’t reach.
Spend almost two weeks on location at Antarctica, rather than wasting precious days “rockin’ and rollin'” on the Drake Passage crossing. As master of the boat, Daisy will work with Captain David Roberts (U.K.) to choose the best route to maximize the photographic opportunities at destinations along the way, responding to local conditions of weather and ice. Captain Roberts and Ocean Tramp’s experienced first mate and cook have an excellent track record of delivering exceptional Antarctic experiences for their guests.
Ocean Tramp normally sleeps eight guests in four cabins, but we are limiting the group size to six to eliminate crowding onboard, in the Zodiac, and at landing sites. The boat’s Shackleton Suite features an en-suite private bathroom, while the other three cabins share two bathrooms.
If you have any questions at all, please let us know. We hope you will join us on this Antarctic adventure!
Itinerary
January 2: Arrive in Punta Arenas. You will be met at the airport and transferred to Hotel Cabo De Hornos. (Meals not included).
January 3: Explore Punta Arenas on your own (we are happy to provide suggestions). You will need to be back at the hotel by late afternoon for orientation and trip preparation, followed by a group dinner with Daisy at one of our favorite restaurants. (B,D)
January 4: Transfer to the airport for our quick and comfortable jet flight over Cape Horn and across the Drake Passage to King George Island in the South Shetland Islands, where we board Ocean Tramp and begin our adventure. (B,L,D)
January 5-16: Aboard S/V Ocean Tramp, photographing the wildlife, ice, and landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula, south to Lemaire Channel and Vernadsky Research Base, using our vessel’s size and maneuverability to access places that larger ships can’t get to. (B,L,D)
January 17: Disembark Ocean Tramp for the flight back to Punta Arenas. Daisy will remain at King George Island to meet the next group arriving for our voyage on M/V Hans Hansson. In Punta Arenas, you will be met by a trusted local guide who will coordinate your transfer to Hotel Cabo De Hornos. Final group dinner at one of Punta Arena’s best restaurants, and overnight at Hotel Cabo De Hornos. (B,L,D)
January 18: Transfer to Punta Arenas airport to catch your departing flight. (B)
IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT TRAVEL
It will not be possible to join the group once it departs for King George Island. The timing of the flight is weather dependent and is not decided until the day of travel, and it is possible that the group may need to leave on the night of January 3 if there is incoming bad weather. All guests should therefore plan to arrive in Punta Arenas on January 2. This will also allow some additional time in case of flight or baggage delays.
It is important to be aware that weather conditions may delay the flights to and from King George Island. We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance that provides coverage in the event of trip cancellation, interruption or delays that may impact your arrival or departure from this expedition. Visionary Wild is not responsible for additional costs related to travel delays.