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Congratulations on booking your expedition to Antarctica on board the Ocean Endeavour.

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.  


 

Important Update on Avian Influenza in Antarctica


Update as of 15 November 2023
Unfortunately, the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus has recently been detected in birds and marine mammals on the islands of South Georgia and the Falklands. These instances represent the initial documented cases within the Antarctic region. It is noteworthy that as of now, no confirmed cases have been reported on the Antarctic Peninsula.

In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in HPIA outbreaks, resulting in the loss of hundreds of thousands of seabirds on a global scale. These outbreaks have also had an impact on marine mammals, such as seals and sea lions. 
In response, a coalition of Antarctic Treaty parties, scientists, National Programs, and the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) has been established to proactively address the potential spread of Avian Influenza in Antarctica. As an IAATO Operator, we fully comply with and endorse all measures to prevent the spread of this disease in the region, and we kindly request that travellers on our expeditions adhere to the guidelines attached to help us all protect this fragile ecosystem. 
Please be aware that any landing site suspected of being affected may require temporary closure. In such instances, we are committed to providing flexible solutions and alternative landing sites that prioritise responsible exploration. Our ultimate goal is to safeguard the environment and preserve the wonders of Antarctica for future generations, all while ensuring a unique Antarctic experience for you.
Please refer to the IAATO Biosecurity Protocols regarding Avian Influenza for the 2023/24 season for more information.
You can find a further update from us here.

 

Our Travel Safe strategy

COVID-19 vaccination is a pre-embarkation requirement for all guests, staff, and crew on all Ocean Endeavour voyages. We will request a copy of your COVID-19 vaccination status on Day 1. It is all guests' responsibility to ensure they have the correct vaccination status paperwork. Please produce the proper paperwork to avoid being denied boarding. Some travelers may be eligible for a COVID-19 Vaccine Exemption for their Antarctica voyage on the Ocean Endeavour; please speak to your booking agent to discuss this.

Additionally, we will implement a range of health protocols to ensure the safety of our guests, staff, and crew onboard the Ocean Endeavour. Please refer to our Travel Safe Strategy. for more information.

If you have a chronic illness or recent acute medical condition, please contact your booking agent as soon as possible to discuss your medical history with our Medical Team and ensure you meet our requirements for travel.


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.

Your itinerary includes one night's hotel accommodation in your embarkation city. An arrival transfer from the airport to your hotel is included if you are arriving on Day 1. 

 

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.

Your travel insurance must provide cover with:

  • > 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. Some activities may require snow or winter activity cover. If in doubt please check with your travel insurance company.  

Please refer to your Antarctica Travellers Guide below for more information.


Book your Optional Activities

Activities like Kayaking and Camping have limited spots and can book out quickly. View our full list of optional activities here.        
Contact your booking agent to confirm your spot to ensure you don't miss out. 


Cruise Enrolment Forms (available 4 months prior to departure)

Required forms must be returned 90 days before departure.         
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 
  • > Sizing for your provided expedition gear

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


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

Expedition Gear

Once onboard you will be provided with:

outer jacket, boots and insulated jacket
  • > Outer layer Expedition Parka (on loan)
  • > Rubber Muck boots (on loan)
  • > Insulated Inner Jacket, yours to keep at the end of your voyage.

Waterproof trousers must be worn for all Zodiac & Shore excursions       
 

Please note that life jackets, Expedition Parka, insulated Inner Jacket, and Muck boots are unavailable on board for minors under 16 years of age at the time of travel; 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

You can also watch our What to Pack Guide below:

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 approximately four months before departure as part of your Cruise Enrolment (see above). Some conditions may preclude you from traveling aboard the Ocean Endeavour. If you have a chronic illness or recent acute medical condition, please contact your booking agent as soon as possible to discuss your medical history with our Medical Team and ensure you meet our requirements for travel.     
 

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.

Protecting Antarctica's Wildlife 
 

In recent years, a highly pathogenic variant of avian influenza (HPAI) has affected seabirds and marine mammals across the globe. In response, a collaborative initiative involving Antarctic Treaty parties, scientists, National Programs, and the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) has been formed to mitigate the potential spread of avian influenza to Antarctica. To ensure the wellbeing of this delicate ecosystem, travellers on our expeditions are kindly requested to adhere to specific guidelines during their shore visits which are outlined in the following IAATO document: Avian Influenza 
While we hope avian influenza does not reach the continent, there is a possibility that any affected landing sites may require temporary closure. We remain dedicated to offering adaptable solutions and alternative landing sites that prioritise responsible exploration. Our aim is to protect the environment and preserve Antarctica's wonders for generations to come while still delivering you a unique Antarctic experience.
 

Key IAATO Guidelines for Visitors

How we're helping to protect Antarctica        
We are an IAATO (International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators) Operator and comply with the organisation’s 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:        
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.

PAID OPTIONS

Optional Activities

See our range of optional activities that can take your adventure further.

PDF DOWNLOAD

The Ocean Endeavour Ship Booklet

This comfortable and well-appointed ship expertly engineered to explore the Polar Regions has a facilities that incorporate a focus on health and wellness. 

PDF DOWNLOAD

Travellers Guide

Check out our Antarctica Travellers Guide to help you prepare for your Antarctica adventure. Includes information about joining cities, what to pack and more.

Beyond Antarctica
South America Add-ons

There are many incredible places to explore in South America. Let us inspire you with our top itineraries to add pre or post your Antarctic cruise.

Travellers Guide
Latin America

Useful traveller information about each country in Latin America, from the climate, visa requirements, local currency and everything in between.

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