Traveller Information

We are thrilled that you have booked with Chimu for your incredible adventure to the White Continent. Here you will find the additional details that we require from you, information to help you plan for your trip, and some ideas on other destinations you might like to visit in South America before or after your Antarctica cruise. 

Covid-19 Restrictions/Vaccinations & Pre-Existing Medical Conditions 

Please note that some expedition ships still require proof of vaccination and/or testing prior to boarding a ship, but many have now removed these requirements for the 23/24 season and beyond. If you test positive for Covid-19 you may be required to isolate onboard or may not be able to partake in the voyage. If you are unvaccinated or have any concerns about Covid-19 and/or underlying health conditions that may impact your ability to partake in an Antarctic Expedition cruise, please speak to your booking agent at the time of booking. Please note: Certain conditions may preclude you from travelling to Antarctica and this is ultimately at the discretion of the operator. Chimu Adventures is not liable for additional costs if any pre-existing conditions are not disclosed at the time of booking and you are determined to be unfit to travel by the operator due to these conditions. 

Important Update on Avian Influenza in Antarctica:

Antarctica: Avian Influenza – Update as of June 2024: 
Since early 2024, the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza virus has been detected on the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands. This is a naturally occurring virus that can impact birds and marine mammals. The Avian Influenza arrival was anticipated by both IAATO and tour operator members, with increased biosecurity in place from 2022 to mitigate risk. Please be aware that any landing site suspected of being affected may require temporary closure. However, the extensive length and variety of Antarctic landing sites allow ships to flexibly avoid areas that may be potentially affected by Avian Influenza. With the help of enhanced biosecurity measures, pre-landing site inspections by your expedition team, and increased flexibility in selecting landing sites, we can safeguard the environment and preserve the wonders of Antarctica for future generations, all while ensuring a unique Antarctic experience for our travellers.

Please refer to the IAATO website or reach out to your booking agent or one of our Destination Specialists for more information. 

>WHAT HAPPENS NOW

Book your International Flights

International flights to join your Antarctica cruise will be available for booking approximately 11 months before departure. Please get in touch with your booking agent to discuss flight options. Please do not book your flight to depart from Ushuaia before 12 noon on disembarkation day. If you are arriving in or departing from another destination such as Punta Arenas or Montevideo, please confirm suitable flight times with your booking agent before purchasing your tickets. 

Please note some departures include an arrival day in Ushuaia or in other embarking cities or may include pre and/or post accommodation in other cities and charter flights, while others embark on the ship on day one. We highly recommend you spend at least one night in the city of embarkation prior to you cruise to allow for airline schedule changes or cancellations and baggage delays. If charter flights are included, you may wish to consider spending additional time in the city where the flights depart from or arrive to. Please contact your booking agent if you require additional information or advice. 

Often there will be a pre-cruise briefing held the night before your voyage and we highly recommend you arrive prior to this, as it will ensure you get all the information you need before you embark. 

Book your Pre & Post Cruise Arrangements

In South America, Chimu offers superior styled itineraries that have been refined, simplified and perfected, especially for the discerning traveller and their travel party. Check out our Signature Itineraries and Extensions.  
 

Organise Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is mandatory on all Antarctic voyages. This is a condition of carriage. Your final travel documentation cannot be released until you have provided us with your travel insurance details.

The requirements for travel insurance vary from operator to operator, but as a minimum we suggest that you ensure your insurance provides the following cover:

• > A minimum coverage of USD250,000 for medical expenses, evacuation (including ship to shore transfer) and/ or emergency repatriation.
• > Cover for COVID-19.
• > Cover for any pre-existing conditions.
• > Cover for any optional activities you wish to participate in eg. Kayaking, Day Paddle, Snowshoeing or Camping. Please ensure your policy has adequate cover for adventure activities if you are opting to partake. 

Please refer to your Antarctica Travellers Guide below for more information and reconfirm on your final documentation you receive that you have adequate insurance as required by the ship operator you are travelling with.  

Book your Optional Activities

Activities like kayaking and camping (if available on your expedition) have limited spots and can book out quickly.          
Contact your booking agent to confirm your spot to ensure you don't miss out. Sometimes there will be a ballot system onboard for additional spaces for selected adventure activities. Some activities may require snow or winter activity cover. If in doubt please check with your travel insurance company.  

Cruise Enrolment/Medical Forms (available 4-12 months prior to departure)

These forms will be sent to you by your booking agent when they are available. Is is mandatory you fill these out and send them back to us as soon as possible. Your documentation will not be released by some operators until they are completed and if they are not filled in before you are due to embark you will be denied boarding on the ship.  
You will need to provide:

• > Travel insurance details
• > Information on any health problems, disabilities, or pre-existing physical health conditions that potentially require emergency care. Certain conditions may preclude you from travelling to Antarctica and this is ultimately at the discretion of the operator. Chimu Adventures is not liable for additional costs if any pre-existing conditions are not disclosed at the time of booking and you are determined to be unfit to travel. 
• > Sizing for your provided expedition gear
• > Optional Activity Information

You will be notified by your booking agent once these forms are available.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Expedition Gear

Once onboard you will generally be provided with Rubber Muck boots.

Most ships provide an outer waterproof jacket. These may be on loan, or yours to keep. Please check with your booking agent to provide more details.

You must bring your own waterproof trousers. These are essential for all Zodiac & Shore excursions - Please note that if the ship you are on offers helicopter excursions you will generally be required by IAATO regulations to wear a dry suit for safety reasons. We suggest that you opt for a larger waterproof pant size, as most expedition operators will ask that you have at least one layer over the dry suit.        

Expedition gear can also be rented online through our rental gear partner, New Headings, and picked up in either Ushuaia or Punta Arenas. 

Please note that life jackets, Expedition Parka, insulated Inner Jacket, and Muck boots are generally unavailable on board for minors under 16 years of age at the time of travel or for some smaller or larger sizes; please get in touch with your booking agent, who can provide more details. 

 

What to Pack

We have put together a checklist for What you should pack for an Antarctica cruise

Please refer to your Antarctica Travellers Guide for more information. 

Medical information

Antarctic expedition voyages travel to remote areas with limited or no sophisticated medical facilities. Should a medical emergency arise, we must be armed with the necessary information to help you. Hence, any health problems, disabilities, or pre-existing physical health conditions that potentially require emergency care must be covered by your travel insurance and brought to our attention before the voyage. Medical forms will be available 4-12 months prior to departure as part of your Cruise Enrolment (see above). Some conditions may preclude you from traveling aboard select vessels.  If you have a chronic illness or recent acute medical condition we ask that you let us know at the time of booking, as some operators may not allow you to travel or require a medical assessment. Please consider you are travelling to the most remote region of the world and it can be very difficult to obtain anything other than basic medical attention. If you have any concerns about your health the earlier you can let us know, the better placed we are to address any potential concerns and ensure you have a smooth, issue free trip.     
  
 

Fuel Surcharges

Please note that your cruise booking may be subject to fuel surcharges should world oil prices increase significantly before the time of your departure. Cruise operators do attempt to factor this price into your tour cost. However, unexpected rises in the cost of marine fuel can result in a fuel surcharge that will depend on the cost of oil per barrel. By booking a tour with us, you agree that this may be the case with your booking. If this situation arises, you will be advised of any surcharge once we have been notified of the surcharges.

Key IAATO Guidelines for Visitors

How we're helping to protect Antarctica         
We are an associate member of IAATO (International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators) and we fully support/comply with the guidelines for travel to the Antarctic. IAATO, in cooperation with ship operators, has established extensive procedures and guidelines that ensure safe and responsible Antarctica expeditions. In line with the Antarctic Treaty system, IAATO is committed to the principle that planned tourism activities will have no more than a minor or transitory impact on the Antarctic environment.

IMPORTANT: It is a mandatory requirement that all passengers review the IAATO documents below before embarkation:         
Expedition Cruising to Antarctica          
Antarctic Visitor Guidelines         
Reducing Waste Guidelines         
Don't Pack a Pest

Voyage Itineraries

All voyages are indicative only as the actual itinerary will be determined day to day by the Expedition Leader and ship’s Captain. They consider a number of factors including wind direction (and speed), rainfall, ice conditions and IAATO permitting requirements. The focus of the Expedition Leader and the Captain will be to deliver the best possible experience for the conditions on the day and that may mean going to a different location than originally intended. It’s important to understand that dynamic itineraries like this an essential difference between expedition cruises and traditional cruises.

If you are travelling from Punta Arenas to King George Island or vice versa by plane please note that the flights are subject to weather conditions and the timings may vary. 
 

Terms & Conditions

By making the booking, you confirm that you have read and agreed to be bound by our terms and conditions. Please click here to view.