Antarctica Expedition

You can read all our Terms & Conditions here.

BOOKING.

Amarok Adventures ehf will provide the traveler with instructions on how to proceed with the trip booking process. To confirm a booking, the following requirements must be met:

• The traveler must fill out the online form with their personal information.
• The traveler must sign the travel agreement, which will be provided by Amarok Adventures ehf .*
• To secure a booking, the traveler must make a payment of a 30% non-refundable deposit of the total trip cost through the booking link that will be sent by email.
The remaining balance must be paid according to the following schedule:
a) A second non-refundable payment of the 30% of the total price no later than 9 months before the scheduled departure.
b) A final non-refundable payment of the 40% of the total price no later than 6 months before the scheduled departure.**

*If the client declines to sign the travel agreement, we interpret this as the traveler not accepting the general and specific terms and conditions of the trip. As a result, Amarok Adventures ehf will be entitled to cancel the reservation at the client’s own risk and expense.

** Bookings made within 6 months prior to the start date of the trip will require a 100% payment at the time of the booking.

You can read all our Terms & Conditions here.

SPECIAL CANCELLATION & CHANGE FEES FOR ANTARCTICA EXPEDITION.
Amarok Adventures ehf reserves the right to keep the below fee to cover costs in all of our tours. If clients formally cancel their participation:

• If canceled within 48 hours of booking: 100% of the total expedition price is refundable (including the deposit).
• If canceled before confirmation of the group: The 30% deposit is non-refundable.
• If a substitute participant is found to take over the booking: A refund may be issued, minus a USD 200 administrative fee.
• If canceled 9 months (270 days) or more prior to the departure date: 0% of the total expedition price is refundable, unless a replacement participant is found.
• If canceled 0-269 days prior to the departure date: 0% of the total expedition price is refundable, unless a replacement participant is found.

• If Amarok Adventures cancels the expedition more than 120 days before departure: 100% refund.
• If Amarok Adventures cancels the expedition within 120 days of departure: 60% refund, to cover non-refundable expenses (e.g., charter flights, fuel, permits & provisioning).
• If Amarok Adventures cancels the expedition after departure but before 40% of the trip has been completed: 30% refund.
• If Amarok Adventures cancels the expedition after 40% of the trip has been completed: 0% refund.

This multi-day tour cannot be rescheduled free of charge. If the client wishes to reschedule to another available date, the spot will only be secured upon payment of 30% of the total price at the time of the request (and therefore 60% of the total price would be non-refundable).

Important Considerations:
• The expedition itinerary may be altered due to weather, transportation delays, government intervention, or other unforeseen circumstances. No refunds will be issued due to such changes.
• If the expedition is affected by war, riots, industrial disputes, terrorist activity, natural disasters, government restrictions, mechanical failure, or other uncontrollable circumstances, no compensation will be provided.
• For this expedition, the departure date will be considered the time the aircraft takes off from Punta Arenas. If the flight is delayed, the default departure time will be 8:00 AM on the scheduled flight date.
• It is strongly recommended that all participants obtain full trip cancellation insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances.

Please be aware that the adventure trip you are about to embark on requires certain abilities and a flexible mindset to fully enjoy the experience. We are heading to remote areas, so preparation is key. To ensure your participation, please consider the following criteria.

Physical requirements

• You should be able to hike distances exceeding 20 kilometers (13 miles) for multiple consecutive days.
• You should possess the endurance to tackle elevation gains of over 900 meters (2950 feet).
• You should be able to walk 10 blocks (half a mile, or 1 km) without getting exhausted.
• You should be able to climb a 6ft (2m) vertical ladder.
• Given the variable weather conditions, it is strongly advised to bring high-quality waterproof mountain gear.
• You should be able to live for 10-20 days aboard an expedition yacht with other travelers.

Remote Nature of the Expedition

• Sailing to remote areas means we will be far from civilization, and medical assistance could be days away.

• There will be NO access to phone lines, and you’ll have limited access to emails, social media, etc. For the duration of the trip, internet access may be available through Starlink under normal conditions, but we cannot guarantee its functionality throughout the entire journey.

• Can you stay without external medical assistance for the duration of the expedition (up to 20 days)?
• Can you swim or float?
• Do you have good balance and can you stand on a bus, metro, or train with little to no holding in normal conditions?
• Can you embark/disembark from a zodiac to a beach with little swell?
• Are you physically prepared for the conditions, including limited hot water and shared spaces?
• Are you flexible and adaptable to changes in plans? (Note: in remote areas like Antarctica, everything is weather permitting, and plans can change quickly.)

If your answer to these questions is YES, you’re ready to join us on this unforgettable adventure! If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to us.

Upon booking the trip, you will receive detailed information regarding the essential hiking gear you’d need to bring. If the participant lacks the required equipment, the guide may limit their participation in daily activities or even the entire trip to ensure their safety.
Highly recommended: Arctic Muck boots.

There is no need for you to bring any additional technical mountain gear.

While the guide will have a first-aid kit, each traveler is responsible for carrying any personal items they deem necessary based on their own medical conditions, requirements, risks, etc. It is crucial to communicate such information to Amarok Adventures during the trip booking process.

In Antarctica, Ocean Tramp will serve as our base camp. Some days we’ll be on the move, while other days we’ll stay anchored and explore the surroundings. Once anchored, we’ll launch the zodiac to venture out. At times, we’ll cruise around in the zodiac to explore the area, while other times we’ll use it to bring us to shore. Once ashore, we may have the freedom to explore and hike, but at times, our movement may be restricted to protect wildlife and minimize our impact. We’ll also have kayaks on board, allowing us to explore the environment from a unique, eye-level perspective.

To fully enjoy a 14-day expedition in Antarctica, the traveler should possess a good level of fitness and a spirit of adventure. This trip involves a combination of sailing, kayaking, and hiking, with distances ranging from 5 to 8 kilometers (3 to 5 miles) on most days, though some days may exceed that. Expect to tackle elevation gains of up to 1000 meters (3280 feet) starting from sea level.

The journey will involve physical challenges, and you should have the endurance to meet them, as well as the mental resilience to overcome obstacles. Flexibility and adaptability are key, as the weather in Antarctica will heavily influence what we can and cannot do. A positive mindset, determination, and the ability to go with the flow will be essential.

Given the extreme conditions in Antarctica, it is highly recommended to bring good-quality waterproof mountain gear to stay dry, warm, and comfortable. Each traveler will also be expected to carry their own daypack throughout the trip.

As this expedition takes place in a very remote region, medical assistance may be days away. We will be living on an expedition yacht with other guests, sharing limited space and basic amenities. There will be minimal access to external communication, with no phone lines available, so be prepared for a truly adventurous experience in one of the most remote places on Earth.

Sailing through the captivating waters of Antarctica is an extraordinary adventure that reveals a tapestry of natural wonders at every turn. As we navigate the intricate fjords, the gentle undulations of the water embrace our vessel, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere. The sheltered passages between majestic cliffs offer a sense of calm, where the sway of the boat is minimal, providing a smooth and enjoyable sailing experience.

However, as we venture into the open sea, the character of the ocean changes, and there may be a noticeable swell. During these moments, some travelers may experience seasickness, as the ebb and flow of the waves challenge their equilibrium. It is important to be prepared for this, and sea sickness pills are highly recommended before departure to ensure your comfort throughout the journey.

The crew will ensure your safety and provide expert guidance in navigating these waters. Keep in mind that sailing in Antarctica is a true adventure, and the conditions can be unpredictable, adding to the raw beauty and thrill of this remarkable experience.

Antarctica is, on average, the coldest, driest, and windiest continent on Earth, with weather that can be highly unpredictable.

In January, Antarctica experiences its summer season, which is the warmest time of the year on the continent. However, even during this time, temperatures are still quite cold. Here’s an overview of the typical weather conditions:

Temperature:
• Coastal areas generally see temperatures ranging from about -2°C to 8°C (28°F to 46°F). The closer you are to the coast or on the Antarctic Peninsula, the milder the weather tends to be.
• Inland and at higher elevations, temperatures can be much colder, sometimes reaching as low as -20°C (-4°F) or lower.

Daylight:
• January offers almost 24 hours of daylight in the southern parts of Antarctica, with the sun never fully setting. This is a prime time for exploration, as the extended daylight allows for more activities like hiking, kayaking, and sailing.

Wind:
• Winds can be quite strong, especially near the coast and in open waters. Gusts can exceed 50 km/h (31 mph), adding to the chill factor. In some areas, especially closer to the Antarctic Circle, the wind chill can make temperatures feel much colder.

Precipitation:
• Snow is common, although it tends to be lighter and less frequent in coastal regions. It’s not unusual to experience snow showers, but Antarctica’s dry conditions mean that precipitation is generally low.
The weather can also be unpredictable, with periods of clear skies followed by storms.

Overall, while January is the warmest time in Antarctica, it’s still a harsh and extreme environment. Proper cold-weather gear is essential for staying comfortable and safe.

The weather in Antarctica plays a crucial role in determining the duration of the trip, particularly when flying to and from King George Island off the Antarctic Peninsula. Weather conditions can sometimes prevent travel as scheduled, requiring us to wait for improved conditions either at our departure point or upon arrival. In some cases, flights may need to be rescheduled to stay ahead of incoming weather.

While historical weather patterns suggest delays are typically no longer than a few days, we cannot predict exactly when or if the weather will clear for travel. As a precaution, we have allowed extra time in our itinerary to account for potential delays. However, we strongly recommend that all guests purchase trip cancellation and interruption insurance to cover any costs in the event that your adventure is delayed or canceled due to weather-related issues.

Our groups stay during the whole trip in 2-people bunk bed rooms aboard the Ocean Tramp expedition sailboat under the deck. We will have 3 double rooms & 1 single room for the participants.

Each cabin features a door for privacy, warm and cozy duvets, and storage space for your belongings. While not a luxury suite, each cabin provides you with a comfortable, personal space to call your own for the duration of the journey.

One of the great benefits of this trip is the opportunity to unplug and escape from emails, phone calls, and other distractions. While we do have internet access via our satellite phone, it’s primarily used for essential purposes such as weather updates, position reports, & emergencies. We encourage you to let your friends and family know to subscribe to our blog and follow us on Facebook so they can stay updated while you’re with us.

On board, you’ll enjoy hearty, well-prepared, and delicious home-cooked meals. Lunch often consists of warm soups and sandwiches, while dinner is the main meal of the day, varying based on the cook and crew’s favorites. The food can be described as healthy and comforting. Snacks are always available throughout the day, along with water for coffee or tea. If you have specific snacks or teas you can’t live without, we recommend bringing some along.

For passengers with dietary needs: Please keep in mind that the vessel is small, and we don’t have the capacity of a full-scale restaurant offering multiple meal options. Our cooks will do their best to accommodate your dietary requirements, but flexibility and understanding are appreciated. Resupply is limited, as we only receive deliveries by plane every two weeks.

Alcohol consumption is at the discretion of the captain. While sailing, we do not drink, as safety is our top priority for both the crew and guests. However, when we are anchored comfortably in a cove for the night, we may enjoy a nice glass of Argentine wine with our meal.
Inebriation will not be tolerated onboard, and the captain reserves the right to cancel the trip if guests fail to adhere to this policy.

If you have any allergies or intolerances, it is vital to inform Amarok Adventures in advance during the trip booking process or, if not possible, before reaching the destination.

Travelers who require vegetarian, gluten-free, or vegan menus throughout the entirety of the trip must notify the agency. Amarok Adventures & Ocean Tramp will make efforts to accommodate the dietary needs of the traveler. However, if it is not possible to fully meet the requirements, the agency will communicate the limitations accordingly. Open communication regarding dietary restrictions ensures a safe and enjoyable trip for all participants.

The gluten-free & vegan products in Argentina & Antarctica are very limited & might be impossible sometimes to get all the needed supplies.

Yes, the locations we visit are quite remote. While our activities are safe, they do involve physical exertion, and advanced medical care could be days away. Once you sign up for a trip, we will ask you to complete a medical form, which must be signed by your doctor.