Climate
Depending on your chosen itinerary, you are bound to encounter a wide range of climates. There will typically be crisp autumn-like weather in Patagonia and the Falkland Islands, and near-freezing temperatures on the Antarctic Peninsula. Really, Antarctica is a frozen desert where winds shape the surface of snow and ice, and average annual precipitation is only 10cm. If your journey continues to Buenos Aires or Rio de Janeiro, expect warmer, more humid conditions.
Key Destinations & Daily Temperatures (November - March)
- Buenos Aires, Argentina: 17°C to 28°C (63°F to 83°F)
- Ushuaia, Argentina: 9°C to 18°C (48°F to 64°F)
- Port Stanley, Falkland Islands: 7°C to 14°C (44°F to 57°F)
- Antarctic Peninsula: -2°C to 4°C (28°F to 39°F)
Packing Tips
Expedition Parka
As a thank you for exploring with us, as well as to ensure your safety and comfort, Albatros Expeditions provides each guest with a complimentary expedition parka, which will be distributed onboard the vessel and is your to keep. Note, only included on expeditions to Antarctica.
Rubber Boot Rentals
We offer sturdy, high quality boots for rent (free of charge) for the duration of your trip. These boots will be your private pair for the entire Antarctic voyage to wear during landings and hikes.
Clothing Recommendations
It is rather more important to wear the right clothes in order to adapt to the different weather conditions.
So, what's the secret of keeping warm in Antarctica, and adapting to the drastically different hot South American climate? Layers! They insulate trapped air, and you can adjust them as needed. Select lightweight technical fabrics engineered to wick away moisture, while keeping you dry and warm.
We suggest:
- Thermal base layer
- Mid-layer fleece
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof pants
- Expedition parka (complimentary gift to each guest in Antarctica)
- Sturdy rubber boots (rent onboard, free of charge in Antarctica and Arctic)
- Winter hat, scarf and ski gloves
- Wool socks
- Swim suit (for a relaxing dip onboard, or even a polar swim!)
- The dress code on board is casual. Ties, jackets and evening dresses you may leave at home; however, some guests choose to dress up for dinner.
- If you plan to extend your trip and enjoy a bit of city-life, be sure to bring extra clothing appropriate for your chosen itinerary.
Additional Gear
And, don't forget these important accessories:
- High-protection sunglasses
- Sunscreen and SPF lip balm
- Small waterproof bag
- Binoculars
- Camera
- Extra batteries / charger
- Extra memory cards
Activities
An essential element of any expedition is the ability to come in close contact with the natural surroundings. We aim to make this possible through our excursions and educational activities organized on a variety of interesting topics.
Zodiac Excursions
One feature of our expedition cruises includes landings and excursions aboard Ocean Atlantic's fleet of 20 inflatable, motorized rubber "Zodiac" boats. The Zodiac brand has earned a well-deserved reputation as the sturdiest and safest small watercraft available. These boats have a low draft and great stability. Zodiacs are constructed for professional use and are outfitted with a top-quality outboard engine, yet their design minimally impacts the environment.
The Zodiacs are designed to provide unrestricted access to the world’s last great frontier. Their versatility enables us to make landfall on remote shores, cruise along awe-inspiring coastlines and get lucky (and we usually are!) to share breathtakingly close encounters with whales, seals, penguins, seabirds and more. We will come within arm’s reach of icebergs and set foot on land discovered by pioneering explorers just over a century ago.
Your safety and comfort is our #1 priority, and your expedition leader will carefully plan for as many Zodiac excursions as possible, dependent upon the local weather and prevailing conditions. In each case, the expedition leader makes the final decision if the landing is possible or not. Particular safety regulations apply on landings. All guests receive a mandatory instruction of the safety guidelines. Life jackets are mandatory to wear.
Please note, we highly recommend the use of waterproof bags in order to protect your personal camera or binoculars, as both hands have to be free of everything during boarding. Participation is fairly easy and comfortable for able-bodied guests, but can be more challenging for those with physical handicaps.
Hiking & Landfalls
Hiking the region’s trails are a joy experienced by a privileged few. Our goal is to organize two hikes, each lasting 2-3 hours, per day during morning and/or afternoon landings. Hikes will be designed to suit all levels from the casual explorer to the thrill-seeking hiker.
Polar Dip - Bathe in Antarctic Waters
Unbeknownst to most, two active volcanoes exist in Antarctica, and one is on Deception Island. In fact, this horseshoe-shaped island is the volcano’s caldera and one of the only places in the world where vessels can sail directly into the centre of an active volcano. What’s more intriguing, the island’s thermally warmed waters are even suitable for a polar dip!
Resident Photographers
The resident photographers will invite you to practical sessions out on the deck to enable you to master new skills and capture the best from your voyage.
Entertainment & Lectures
During all Albatros Expeditions cruises, the focus is placed on exploration and education. The expedition team will organize a series of interesting lectures concerning various topics such as history, biology, wildlife, marine life and geology.
Optional Excursions
With our selection of optional excursions, you can tailor-make your own unforgettable adventure. Participation is limited to ensure a personal, authentic experience. These may be reserved on board the ship for an additional fee.
Sea Kayaking
Sea kayaking in Antarctica is a captivating experience – paddle through calm, sapphire blue waters, glide beneath towering white icebergs and get up close (nearly eye-to-eye!) with inquisitive marine life. Led by a qualified kayak guide with cold-water experience and supported by a dedicated safety Zodiac.
Experience required: Sea kayaking and performing an emergency wet exit.
Available for select mid to late season voyages.
Snowshoeing
Take the road less travelled. Join us on this two-hour guided tour to admire the wondrous panoramic views as we trek inland, negotiating the Antarctic terrain just like the founding explorers. No previous experience is required. Available for select early season voyages.
Photography Workshop
Avid photographers can join the expedition team and resident photographers for extended shore excursions, aimed at preserving the spirit of Antarctica. Three workshops, approximately 1.5 hours each, are included. Speak with your travel agent for further details. Ideal for advance beginners to experts. Available on select departures.
Pre & Post-tour Extensions
Extend your expedition cruise and explore more of Argentina and Brazil with an exciting pre- or post-cruise tour. Refer to the trip itinerary for further details.
Who can participate?
Although we do not have an official requirement regarding personal fitness, you should be able to move on board and ashore without the help of others.
Children under 12 years of age will be taken into consideration on each landing. Due to safety precautions, it is entirely at the Expedition Leader’s discretion to permit children on excursions and shore landings.
Due to health and safety reasons, pregnant women may not participate in Alabtros Expeditions cruises after the 24th week of pregnancy. A medical certificate is required to document the length of pregnancy at the time of departure.
Health & Medical
Clinic
Each of our vessels has a small medical facility equipped with the necessary equipment and medicine to handle illness and small emergencies. The clinic is staffed at all times by a professionally licensed, English-speaking physician and nurse. Should a serious incident occur, the nearest hospital will be contacted. All guests must have personal travel/health insurance.
Seasickness
The ship is equipped with stabilisers in order to reduce the ship’s roll. However, these expeditions are hosted in remote regions, and it is possible to periodically encounter changing environments and climate patterns, including rough seas and large swells. Seasickness patches (Scopoderm or similar) work solely or in part to help cure nausea for most people. These medicines can cause sleepiness. If you are prone to motion sickness, consult with your doctor prior to departure to help ensure your comfort while travelling.
Sunscreen
We recommend that you bring sunscreen and lip balm (with a high SPF). Due to the nature and conditions of our southerly destinations and Antarctica, the sun's rays can be stronger than you are accustomed to.
Passport & Visa Requirements
Each passenger is responsible for ensuring that he/she meets the applicable passport and visa requirements for the duration of the trip. The passport is the only valid proof of identity for all trips with the Ocean Atlantic. An ID card is not sufficient.
Your passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months after arriving home from your destination. Although some countries may require shorter periods, we implement this 6-month prerequisite to avoid situations where a country’s validity requirements may be amended between the time of your booking and departure. The name in your passport must be identical to the name in all travel documentation. Costs incurred due to insufficient travel documents are the responsibility of the passenger.
Please note that passports will be collected for clearing formalities at the beginning of the voyage. The passports will be kept safely by the crew during the whole voyage and will be handed out on the last day. We therefore recommend preparing copies of all documents before tour start.
Argentina
Visitors from other countries must have a valid passport, with or without a visa, depending upon nationality / the country that has issued your passport. To learn more about the documentation, possible vaccination requirements and procedures for granting visas, see the Argentinian embassy/consulate in your country of origin.
Brazil
Visas to enter Brazil are granted by the Brazilian consulates abroad. Citizens of countries that are members of the Mercosul do not require visas, only a valid passport or valid identity document are required. To learn more about the documentation, possible vaccination requirements and procedures for granting visas, see the Brazilian embassy/consulate in your country of origin.
Vaccination & Immunization
At the time of publication, no vaccinations or immunizations are required for travel to Antarctica, Argentina or Brazil.
However, we strongly recommend that you are up-to-date on routine vaccinations when planning any type of travel. Ideally 4-6 weeks before departure, speak with your doctor about vaccinations, immunizations and medicines that you may need.
Language
Aboard the ship
The official language aboard our vessels is English; however, our expedition leaders and crew are knowledgeable in a variety of languages. If there is a large group, who desires communication in their own language, we will make special arrangements to accommodate their needs.
Antarctica
There is no official language in Antarctica
Argentina
Spanish
Brazil
Portuguese
Money & Local Currency
Aboard the ship
At the time of embarkation, you will receive your personal cruise card, which you should always have with you. This card is used onboard as payment instrument (except in the boutique), key card and identity card. All onboard purchases from the bar, telephone, laundry, and the like are charged to your shipboard account.
To activate your personal cruise card account, we accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express credit cards. Alternately, you can deposit cash (US$ or EUR/exchange rate US$-EUR). At the end of the voyage, your account will be settled by the payment methods mentioned above. There is no currency exchange office onboard the vessel.
Argentina
In Argentina, the unit of currency is the Argentine peso (AR$).
Carrying cash and an ATM card is recommended.
Brazil
0Brazil’s currency is the Real (R$). Foreign currencies and travellers ‘ checks can be exchanged for Real (R$) in banks, travel agencies and authorized hotels. Carrying cash and an ATM card is recommended.
Time Difference
Antarctica
The time zone in Antarctica is the same as the time zone in New Zealand: GMT + 12 hours. Our operations follow the same time zone as Ushuaia, Argentina: GMT -3 hours.
Argentina
GMT -3 hours
Brazil
There are three time zones in Brazil. The most touristed areas of Brazil, such as Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, follow Brasília Time (BRT) which is GMT -3 hours.
Electricity
Aboard the ship
The ship has a 220v / 50 Hz cycle system. Please check your appliances before use. 110-volt appliances require an adapter prior to use aboard the ship.
Argentina
Electric current in Argentina operates on 220V / 50 Hz.
Brazil
The electricity voltage in Brazil is not standardized, and varies between 110V and 220V, depending on the location.
About the ship
This expedition cruise is offered aboard our ship, Ocean Atlantic. For further information about facilities, accommodation, safety, activities and more, refer to the ship's overview by clicking here.
Itinerary & Program Changes
As this is an expedition cruise to the world's most remote regions, we are at the mercy of Mother Nature. We have planned itineraries for each tour package, but to ensure the safety of our guests and crew, we may be forced to change the route.
The itinerary can and will be changed according to weather, ice and local conditions, and travellers should consider this part of the journey. We strive to conduct as many shore landings, Zodiac excursions and hikes (up to 11km) as possible and these can be adjusted as desired to ensure everyone's safety.
For these reasons no compensation will be paid for delays and changes to the ship’s course that cause less than 24 hours of disruption in any given period.