Explore Antarctica
4-15 March, 2011 -Spotlighting Antarctica aboard the MV Plancius for Divers, Kayakers, and Explorers!
Tue, Sep 07, 2010
Date Posted: 2010-07-07
Close Date: 2011-03-04
Price: starting at USD 7,690.00
LiveWell Ventures invites you to join this incredible value to Dive, Kayak and/or Explore Antarctica
Mar 4-15, 2011 aboard the new MV Plancius
Weddell Sea and Antarctic Peninsula - Day by day itinerary 11 night escorted dive photo-expedition
Please join us on the M/V Plancious for this exciting Expedition to jump into these wildlife filled waters~ Options are extremely limited and in demand for diving Antarctica, and we encourage you to confirm early. Non divers are also welcome!
Itinerary
All promoted itineraries are for general guidance only. Programs may vary depending on local ice and weather conditions and ad hoc decisions by Expedition Leader to take advantage of opportunities to see wildlife. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises. Landings are always subject to weather, local site availabilities and environmental regulations (IAATO). Official sailing plans and landing slots will be scheduled with IAATO approx 5 months prior to the start of the season. The final sailing plan will be determined by the Expedition Leader on board. The implementation of the sailing plan is subject to the capability of the vessel and the discretion of the Master.
Taking the exorbitant high fuel prices into account, it is agreed that M/V Plancious has the right to reduce the speed of the engines (incl. sailing on one engine) wherever possible, unless this affects the character of the intended voyage substantially and jeopardizes the safety of the vessel, its crew, staff and passengers.
Rubber Boots and Expedition Jackets
Onboard Plancius all passengers are entitled to use a pair of sturdy rubber boots for free. Sizes need to be pre ordered with Live Well Ventures at least 8 weeks prior to departure. A voucher will be sent with final travel documents approx 4 weeks prior to departure. Laying claims on equipment items without pre order and voucher can not be accepted when boarding the vessel. Boots will need to be returned to the expedition team at the end of the voyage. Rubber boots are of high quality, which keep your feet dry, warm and comfortable for all landings. Expedition jackets can also be pre ordered for a special price. Terms and conditions on the pre order form.
Shore Excursions and Zodiac Cruising
Guided shore excursions, walks and wildlife spotting and zodiac cruises are included in the fare and will be offered to all passengers during the voyages. We put our emphasis on active wildlife and nature experience.
Kayaking (K)
In general we plan to offer 4 kayak days at least. Basic kayak experience is required and physical fitness essential. Parallel to all other activities we are aiming at kayak excursions during morning and / or afternoon landings. The final decision on those excursions will be met by the Expedition Leader. Oceanwide will provide kayaks and neoprene wet suits. Kayakers will bring their personal gear. Kayaking is subject to weather and prevailing ice conditions. For prices please refer to our Dates & Rates and more details please refer to the activity manual.
Polar 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. For prices please refer to our Dates & Rates and more details please refer to the activity manual.
Weddell Sea & Antarctic Peninsula
Day 1
In the afternoon, we embark in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world located at the Beagle Channel and sail through this scenic waterway for the rest of the evening.
Day 2 & 3
During these two days we will sail across the Drake Passage. When we cross the Antarctic Convergence, we arrive in the circum-Antarctic up-welling zone. In this area we may meet Wandering Albatrosses, Grey Headed Albatrosses, Black-browed Albatrosses, Light-mantled Sooty Albatrosses, Cape Pigeons, Southern Fulmars, Wilson’s Storm Petrels, Blue Petrels and Antarctic Petrels. If the winds are favorable we might do our first landing in Antarctic waters in the evening of the third day at Aitcho Island or Penguin Island at the South Shetlands.
These volcanic islands are windswept and often shrouded in mist and fog, but do offer subtle pleasures. There is a nice variety of flora (mosses, lichens and flowering grasses) and fauna, such as Gentoo Penguins, Chinstrap Penguins and southern Giant Petrels.
Day 4 – 9
A typical itinerary in the Weddell Sea and Antarctic Peninsula could be as follows. This is a sample only, the final itinerary will be determined by the Expedition Leader on board.
Time and conditions allowing we hope to sail to Neko Harbour and Paradise Bay to reach the southernmost area of our voyage, where we have again the opportunity to set foot on the Antarctic Continent in a magnificent landscape of huge glaciers. In this area we have good chances to see Humpback Whales and Minke Whales.
Deception Island is a huge volcano of which the crater opens into the sea, creating a natural harbour for the ship. Here we find hot springs, an abandoned whaling station, Cape Pigeons and Dominican Gulls, Brown and South Polar Skuas and Antarctic Terns. Wilson’s Storm Petrels and Black-bellied Storm Petrels nest in the ruins of the whaling station in Whalers Bay. We continue to Hannah Point, which has a very rich wildlife featuring Elephant Seals, Cape Pigeons, Southern Giant Petrels, Macaroni Penguins and Gentoo Penguins.
Day 10 & 11
In the Drake Passage we have again a chance of seeing many seabirds.
Day 12
We arrive in the morning and disembark in Ushuaia.
Your Unique Adventure
Our goal is to see, photograph, and interact with the most imposing inhabitants of the animal kingdom, and to observe special behavior such as predation, migration, nursing, and parenting. Each journey's departure is carefully timed to coincide with peak behavior displays that occur only during two to four week periods each year. All of our trips are guaranteed to assure a high quality level of photographic opportunities and logistical services.
On-Board lodging:
Cabins available; 1 Superior with double bed, 6 Twin cabins with 2 beds and 1 Triple share cabins.
Deposites:
20% deposits due at time of booking, balance due 90 days in advance.
USD RATES per person sharing USD 9,990.00 TWIN PRIVATE USD 8,790.00 TRIPLE USD 7,690.00
All rates are quoted per person in US Dollar, based on twin occupancy. US Dollar rates apply for all sales outside Europe. 5% discount will be granted for bookings for one or more consecutive voyages (except on legs within the Atlantic Odyssey). Please note that all dates & rates are subject to change. All voyages will operate subject to a minimum of 70 participants. ‘Plancius’ carries a maximum of 110 passengers.
Diving and Kayaking
Special interest diving and/or Kayaking is an added expense: 50 hours logged drysuit diving, plus drysuit certification are required.
KAYAK DIVING USD 750 USD 1.190
TRANSFER VESSEL TO AIRPORT AROUND 08.30 HRS - 09.00 HRS INCLUDED ON MARCH 15 ONLY/INBOUND TRANSFERS TO VESSEL ON MARCH 4 NOT INCLUDED
It is agreed that if world fuel prices will reach or exceed US Dollar 80 per Barrel Brent 90 days prior to departure Oceanwide Expeditions reserves the right to levy a fuel surcharge of US Dollar 25 per passenger per night, to be paid by the contracting party of Oceanwide Expeditions.
Fares include:
• 11-night voyage aboard the MV Plancius as indicated in the itinerary.
• All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
• Free use of rubber boots (must be reserved).
• Pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation).
• All Zodiac shore excursions.
• Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
• All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.
• Comprehensive pre-departure material.
Not included:
• any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights
• pre- and post land arrangements
• transfers to the vessel
• passport and visa expenses
• Government arrival and departure taxes
• meals ashore
• baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended)
• excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges
• customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided)
Space is extremely limited!
Call us now at (877) 357-0022 or email info@livewellventures.com
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