Is This Trip For Me?

FAQ’s

I’m a Photographer is this trip for me?

This is a great trip for photographers, especially those looking to get the perfect shot. Our size offers us incredible flexibility. We can help you get some great shots and we can take advantage of the weather and the light!

How will I know what to bring?

Don’t worry – we have put together a list of exactly what you need to bring – check it out here. If you have winter clothes, most of it you will already have. A must have are some Arctic Muck boots – insulated rubber boots. They are amazing.

I’m not a sailor – is that ok?

YES! Please join us. Anyone with a sense of adventure and a desire to spend quality time in Antarctica will find our trips enjoyable. In fact, most of our guests are not sailors, but are out for a special adventure. Sailors and non-sailors alike both have incredible experiences.

What are the cabins like?

Our cabins are some of the most comfortable available for sailboats and small motor yachts. We have private double cabins, and some with a private bathroom. Each cabin has a door that can be closed, they are fitted with warm and cozy duvets and storage space for your things. A luxury suite it is not, however each cabin gives you a place to call your own for the duration of the journey.

Will I get Seasick?

Everyone is a little different, but we highly recommend bringing seasickness pills with you. if you are on a Drake Passage trip – it is open water and the vessel will move. For those flying across the Drake, there may at timesm still be some movement, so we do reccomend brining some medication. We recommend having a chat with your doctor and bringing seasickness pills with you.

How will we explore Antarctica?

When we are in Antarctica Ocean Tramp will act like a base camp. Some days we will travel other days we will stay put. Once we are anchored we will launch the zodiac to explore. Sometimes we will cruise around the in the zodiac exploring the area, other times we will use the zodiac to bring us to shore. Sometime on shore we will be able to freely move around, explore and hike, other times we may be limited due to the wildlife and limiting our impact on them. We also bring kayaks and can use them to explore at eye level.

What sort of Food will we eat?

On-board you will eat hearty well-made delicious home cooked food. Lunch is often warm soups and sandwiches, while dinner is the big meal of the day and can be wide ranging based on the cook and crews’ favorites. The food might be described as healthy, comforting fare. We also always have snacks available during the day and water ready for coffee or tea. If you do have any special snacks or teas that you can’t live without, we recommend bringing some with you.
Passengers with dietary needs: The vessel is small and not a full-scale restaurant with multi options each meal. Our cooks will make their best effort to try to meet your needs, but some flexibility and understanding is also asked. We are a small boat, with only a fortnightly resupply by plane.

What is included?

Once you are onboard everything is included – port fees, excursions, meals, wine with meals, Kayaking, and on some departures camping. We also provide your basic safety equipment including life jackets. Flights to/from Punta Arenas to Antarctica.

What is not included?

Flights to/from Punta Arenas, airport transfers, and REQUIRED evacuation insurance. Accommodation before and after the trip is NOT included.

Do I need to fill out a medical form?

Yes. The places we go are quite remote and while what we do is safe, it does require some physical activity and advanced care could be days away. Once you sign up for a trip we will require you to fill out a medical form and have it signed by a doctor.

Will we have internet onboard?

One of the wonderful aspects of this trip is it allows you to unplug and get away from emails, phone calls, etc. We do have a connection to the internet via satellite. We use this for weather updates, email to update our position, emergencies, and facebook and blog updates. We encourage everyone to tell their friends and families to subscribe to our blog and like us on facebook. Then they can get updates while you are here with us. Our guests and their families have appreciated these “news” updates in the past. If it is necessary to stay connected, we will be offering some internet to guests, approx.1 hour per day at a cost.

What is the alcohol policy onboard?

Alcohol consumption is at the discretion of the captain. If we are underway sailing then we do not drink, as it is not in the interest of safety for crew and guests. If we are comfortably in a cove for the night then indeed, we all enjoy a nice glass of Argentine wine with our meal.
Inebriation will not be tolerated onboard and the Captain has the right to cancel a trip should guests not adhere to this policy.

Why is this trip so Expensive?

We recognize that this trip is not cheap. However our trips fly across the Drake, have only 8-12 passengers onboard, and have incredible flexibility to view wildlife and nature.
When shopping around for Antarctica Trips consider how many days a vessel is actually in Antarctica. Many have two days crossing the Drake each way (or 4 days each way in a sailboat). Our trips are 14 days in ANTARCTICA. If you look at cost per day of actually being in Antarctica – our costs aren’t so different. In addition, our vessels only carry 8 or 12 passengers and we need to charter a plane.

Sailing to remote areas means that we are away from everything! That also means that if we need medical assistance it can be days away. It also means that we have no access to emails, phone, facebook, etc, for the duration of the trip.

Sailing on an Expedition Yacht means that the cabins and common places are small and we all the crew and passengers share pretty much everything. It can be considered as an Adventure in its true meaning!

Having said that, with Ocean Tramp, we operate one of the biggest and more comfortable yachts in the area, with private double cabins, water maker, 4 bathrooms, hot showers now and then, and a 24/7 running heater keeping the inside dry, warm and cozy! With Hans Hansson, we have a comfortabale small motor vessel for up to 12 guests. Am I in good shape for participating on these expeditions? If your answer to the questions below are YES, then yes! You are fit to join us! Any questions, Please ask us!!

Can you stay without external medical assistance for the duration of the expedition? -it could be up to 20 days
Can you swim or float?
Do you have good balance: Can you stay standing on a bus/metro/train with little to minimum holding in normal conditions?
Can you embark/disembark from a zodiac to a beach with little swell?
Can you walk 10 blocks without getting exhausted?
Can you climb a 6ft / 2m vertical ladder?
Are you aware that you are going to a remote area, with no phone/email/contact/etc with external people/family/etc for the length of your trip? (note: we have a satellite phone and we can send out facebook updates to family and friends, although the Sat phone is only for Weather download and any emergency)

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