Jul 25, 2017 - Embark on a journey beyond your imagination to the icy wilderness of. Antarctica or the Arctic. These pol
ANTARCTICA & THE ARCTIC
2017/18
Exploring The Polar Regions
E
mbark on a journey beyond your imagination to the icy wilderness of Antarctica or the Arctic. These polar regions remain earth’s last great frontiers, with boundless landscapes of ice and snow, towering mountains, massive glaciers and unique wildlife. The only way to truly experience these remote and beautiful areas is by specially built expedition ships or with an expert land-based operator. Get close to the wilderness and the wildlife with daily excursions by Zodiac or on foot with expert guides. Sail around giant icebergs, walk amongst penguin rookeries, encounter humpback and orca whales and visit scientific research stations. The Arctic regions also have walrus, narwhal and many large land mammals like polar bears, caribou, reindeer and Arctic fox. Whichever polar adventure you choose it is sure to be the experience of a lifetime.
Y
Excursions & Activities
our polar experience begins as soon as your ship leaves port, with onboard lectures by the ship’s specialist expedition staff on history, geology, wildlife and ecology. At specially chosen locations you will go ashore by Zodiac inflatables to visit wildlife colonies, historic sites and scientific research stations. The long daylight hours usually allow time for two or three activities per day (conditions permitting). Landings can be “wet” or “dry”, so rubber boots and waterproof clothing are imperative. A reasonable level of agility is required, but the majority of activities are suitable for most travellers. Some departures offer the option for more adventurous explorations such as kayaking, climbing, scuba diving and cross country skiing.
Shore Excursions
Walk on the ice
© G Adventures
Sea Kayaking
Zodiac excursions
Zodiac excursion
© G Adventures
Cross Country Skiing
Happy exploring, Stephen and Sara Cameron - Founders
D
Testimonials
on’t just take our word for it. Here is what some of our clients have to say:
"Our cruise to Antarctica via The Falklands and especially South Georgia was far and away the pinnacle of our 50 years of travel worldwide.
The visual beauty of rugged, snow-capped mountains rising starkly from the ocean... the diversity and density of wildlife along the shores... the experience was much more emotional and spiritual than we expected. We left with a lasting belief that we were incredibly privileged to have shared this unique environment with its natural inhabitants." David & Diana Ward “Killer whales and humpbacks swimming around our Zodiacs. Huge colonies of nesting Adelie, Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguins with their chicks. Avalanches, glaciers calving and majestic icebergs. Natural Focus Safaris took care of all our bookings and transfers and everything went so smoothly. My second trip to Antarctica with Natural Focus Safaris – a once in a lifetime trip...again!” Rowena Mann “A trip of a lifetime has become a reality for us. This journey was all that we imagined, and more - a wonderful exhilarating experience.” Chris and Jack Cox Front Cover: © Amana Images
2
Kayak amongst icebergs
© Michael Sliwka
Camping
© Quark Expeditions
Mountaineering
Unique camping experience
© Polar Latitudes
Spectacular mountaineering
© Polar Latitudes
Diving
Helicopters
Explore inaccessible areas
Cross country skiing adventure
© Henry Malkiewicz/Oceanwide
The last frontier of diving
POLAR REGION EXPLORATIONS Please note that due to the exploratory nature of these voyages there is no set itinerary. Daily programs will make best use of local ice and weather conditions, spontaneous opportunities and wildlife.
Natural Focus Safaris – Experts in Independent, Tailor Made Tours
© Fernando Garcia
The inside pages of this brochure are printed on PEFC certified paper.
Antarctica
Gentoo Penguin encounter
Antarctic Peninsula
p10-19
Falklands, South Georgia & Peninsula
p20/21
In the Wake of Scott & Shackleton
p22
Sub-Antarctic Islands
p23
Ross Sea
p23
© Polar Latitudes
Conservation
A
s a specialist tour company tailormaking tours to Antarctica, the Arctic, South America, Canada, Alaska, Africa and India, Natural Focus Safaris and our parent company African Wildlife Safaris are committed to helping protect and preserve the wildlife of these precious wilderness areas. Over the years we have made significant contributions to wildlife societies and research projects around the world. When you book one of our tours we offer you the opportunity to join with us in supporting these projects by contributing $8 (or more) per person. Some of the current projects that we and our clients have provided funding for are Save the Albatross and The Orca Research Trust. For more information on these two important organisations please go to www.savethealbatross.net and www.akwic.org
Natural Focus Safaris is proud to be an Associate Member of IAATO, The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators. IAATO was founded in 1991 to advocate, promote and practise safe and environmentally responsible private-sector travel to the Antarctic. For more details please visit www.iaato.org
Questions to Ask
A
successful itinerary needs your involvement. The more we know about what you want from your visit the easier it will be to choose suitable arrangements. Here are some of the key questions to consider: •
Do you have a preference for a particular region or vessel?
•
What time of year do you wish to travel?
•
How much time do you have available?
•
How many people are travelling (any children)?
•
Do you have any particular interests eg. wildlife, adventure activities, exploration history?
•
Do you have an approximate budget?
•
Are you planning to travel anywhere else during this holiday, such as South America or Canada?
•
Do you prefer a particular style of travel eg. soft adventure, lots of physical activity, such as kayaking, climbing?
•
Would you consider paying more for a high-end experience and extra amenities eg. on-board spa, massage?
The Arctic
High Arctic
Greenland
Canadian Arctic
p26-31
p26/27, 30/31
p31/32
Land-Based Expeditions
p33
Russian Far East
p34
For assistance please call our experienced consultants on (03) 9249 3777 or 1300 363 302 or contact your travel agent.
web: www.naturalfocussafaris.com.au | email:
[email protected] | phone: 1300 363 302
3
Let the sights of Antarctica & The Arctic come to you. Natural Focus Safaris, wilderness your way.
atural Focus Safaris is a specialist tour company focusing on personalised itineraries to iconic wildlife and wilderness destinations. We are one of Australia’s oldest independently owned travel companies, and over the past 30 years with our parent company African Wildlife Safaris, have built up an enviable reputation for our in-depth 4
expertise and professionalism. Our dedicated staff are all passionate travellers who between them have travelled to all our destinations, including Antarctica and the Arctic. With their hands-on knowledge, they can help you design the perfect itinerary and assist with selecting the polar expedition vessel which best suits you.
Call our travel specialists on 1300 363 302 Natural Focus Safaris – Experts in Independent, Tailor Made Tours
© One Ocean Adventures
N
Tailor-Made, Luxury Cruises & Tours
Our Polar Adventure Specialists
M
any of our experienced team of consultants have travelled in Antarctica and/or the Arctic. They have the expertise and knowledge to help you design the polar adventure to best suit your style and budget.
Stephen & Sara Cameron Company founders Steve and Sara have both pursued their passion for wildlife and wilderness on journeys to Antarctica. A keen adventurer and photographer, Steve has undertaken 2 voyages and has kayaked around the icebergs, camped on the ice and taken the obligatory polar plunge. Sara journeyed to Antarctica with a private group of families which included many children. Sara has also travelled through much of South America, Canada and Africa.
Anne-Marie Zambelli General Manager of AWS and NFS and with more than 30 years’ experience in the travel industry, Annie loves the great wildlife and wilderness areas of the world. She has escorted clients to Antarctica travelling via Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls and Ushuaia. She completely fell in love with the penguins and a highlight was a night spent camping on the ice. Annie has explored historic haciendas of Ecuador and cruised The Galapagos Islands. She has also travelled extensively in Africa and India.
Taleen Gaidzkar Taleen’s Antarctic adventures have been some of the highlights of her very long travel career. Despite having seen most of the world’s most remote and beautiful places, she is completely in awe of the Antarctic landscapes and unique wildlife. Taleen has also travelled to remote Macquarie Island which is Australia’s sub Antarctic version of South Georgia. Having spent over 30 years in the travel industry she is one of our most senior travel specialists.
Angelica Sirenko Born in Mexico, Angelica’s expertise in all things ‘South American’ extends to the Antarctic region as well. She has extensive knowledge of Antarctic travel options and is well-placed to advise customers on the best cruise and holiday choices to this region. Angelica’s love and enthusiasm for wildlife and wilderness destinations shines through with every Antarctica enquiry she manages.
Kate Witton Kate’s bucket-list dream came true when she visited Antarctica – clocking up travel to all seven continents. Antarctica fills many travel ambitions for Kate including magnificent wildlife, an exciting adventure to (almost) the end of the Earth and beautiful and surreal landscapes. A highlight for Kate was spending a night off the boat camping, which she describes as ‘thrilling and unique – a must do!’ Kate is our reservations manager.
Leticia Meira Maia Born in Brazil, Leticia is an expert on her own country having travelled the length and breadth of it before venturing further afield into Chile, Peru and Argentina. With a great enthusiasm for adventure, Antarctica is at the top of her list of dream destinations to visit. Recently she travelled through the Canadian Rockies and enjoyed a bear encounter in British Columbia. Leticia's love of amazing landscapes and wildlife provides her with the perfect background to expertly plan your polar adventure.
Natasha Redondo Natasha has recently returned from an Arctic cruise exploring the magnificent Svalbard archipelago with views of sea ice as far as the eye could see, as well as gigantic glaciers, including one that was over one kilometre long! Natasha has also travelled extensively throughout Canada and Alaska, including living and working in Toronto. Natasha says her most thrilling experiences include exploring the coast of Svalbard by Zodiac and heli-hiking on the Mendenhall Glacier.
Michael Fitzgerald Michael’s recent travels have taken him to Canada and Alaska where he cruised the awe-inspiring Inside Passage, and took a land based trip through the untouched interior of Alaska. He visited small towns and got up close to nature and grizzly bears. His journey through this region has inspired him to travel further north to the Arctic to continue his explorations. Michael is passionate about the Arctic and has a thorough knowledge of polar cruise operators.
BEFORE YOU BOOK
contact us or ask your travel agent
The information contained in this brochure was correct at the time of publication. Since then however, changes beyond our control could have occurred. Please refer to our Booking Conditions on page 35, in particular with respect to prices, itineraries, tour duration, standard of services, tour content, airfares and airline schedules. Before you book please check with your travel agent or Natural Focus Safaris to ascertain if there are any alterations to the tour you have selected.
Call our experienced consultants to discuss your travel plans, or contact your travel agent. Call us now on (03) 9249 3777 or 1300 363 302 (interstate callers). Fax: (03) 9696 4937 E-mail:
[email protected] Web: www.naturalfocussafaris.com.au
web: www.naturalfocussafaris.com.au | email:
[email protected] | phone: 1300 363 302
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AKADEMIK IOFFE & AKADEMIK SERGEY VAVILOV
G Expedition
Finnish built in 1989 for hydro-acoustic research, these two vessels are exceptionally stable yet manoeuvrable and carry 92 and 96 passengers respectively. Both feature an ice-strengthened hull and outside expeditionstyle cabins. Departures include parka, photo journal and the loan of rubber boots and wet weather gear set.
Built for adventure the G Expedition is a sturdy ice-class 1B ship offering safety and stability. The ship carries a maximum of 134 passengers and all cabins have ocean facing windows or portholes and private facilities. There is an observation deck with panoramic views, restaurant and 14 Zodiac inflatables. Voyages include exclusive parka for every passenger, as well as loan of rubber boots.
Deck Plan (Ioffe)
Deck Plan
ENCLOSED LIFEBOAT
RADIO ROOM
POOL SAUNA
BRIDGE
LIBRARY
EXPEDITION INFIRMARY
ENCLOSED LIFEBOAT
DECK 6
Vessel Deck Plans
O
ur ice-strengthened ships are all small to medium in size, with a maximum of 50 to 199 passengers, ensuring an authentic encounter with the unique and untrammelled wilderness. Most of the ships are former research vessels that have undergone significant refurbishments and are staffed by an expert captain and crew, and professional expedition staff. Onboard specialists including historians, geologists and naturalists.
DECK 5
METEOROLOGICAL CHART LAB ROOM
Deck 4
RESCUE BOAT
FORWARD OBSERVATION DECK
DECK 4
Deck 3
BAR EXPEDITION MUDROOM
LOUNGE
PASSENGER MUDROOM
RECEPTION DINING ROOM
SERVICE BAR
DECK 3 One Ocean Suite with private facilities
Shackleton Suite with private facilities
Superior with private facilities
Twin with private facilities
Deck 2
Twin with semiMain deck triple private facilities *Note: On Akademik Sergey Vavilov Deck 6 features no cabins, and Deck 3 features 3 Superior cabins in place of the bar and lounge as illustrated above, and 2 additional Twin cabins with private facilities.
Suites with private facilities & large window
Twin with private facilities & porthole
Twin with private facilities & window
Triple with private facilities & porthole
Twin with private facilities & small window
Quad with private facilities & porthole
Note: For most vessels: Waterproof boots supplied for men’s USA sized 8-14 &
Ortelius
Plancius
Polar Pioneer
Deck Plan
Deck Plan
Deck Plan
Stern
521 520
520 519 518
518
517
516
515
513
512
511
519
522
523
524
525
526
527
529 509
445
447
446
Stern
439
438
436
435
434
433
437
448
449
450
451
453
454
455
452 432
431
430
456
337
Natural Focus Safaris – Experts in Independent, Tailor Made Tours
Mini Suite with private facilities Twin with private facilities Twin with shared facilities
DINING
334
338
339
341
340
342
343
GALLERY
Twin Deluxe with private facilities Twin Porthole with private facilities Triple Porthole with private facilities
DINING
300
302
HALL
304
HALL
303
306
301
305
308
344
400
429
401
402
404
403
405
428
CAPTAIN’S CABIN
406
307
Quadruple Porthole
Superior Suite with private facilities Twin Window with private facilities Quadruple Porthole with private facilities
H-deck 3
310
Triple Porthole
Twin Window
Deck 5
Deck 4 302 304 306 309
Twin Porthole
Twin Deluxe
301 303 305 307 309 311
408
Galley
J-deck 2
Superior
501
G-deck 4 Restaurant/ Lecture room
202 204 206
Lecture room
502
416 418 420 422 424 426 428
CLINIC
412 414
Observation deck
201 203 205
503
409
402 404 406 408 410
Deck 3
6
F-deck 5 411 413 415 417 419 421 423 425 427 429
312
WC
Bar
311
WC
WC
504
313
WC
Crew dining
606
401 403 405 407
Deck 4
Galley
502
Library
504
WC
604
503
505
EHBO
602
501
LOUNGE BAR
WC
603
E-deck 6
Deck 5
Hospital
601
Built in the 1980’s for polar and oceanographic research, the 54 passenger Polar Pioneer has an ice-strengthened hull enabling access to remote areas. The ship offers modern and comfortable accommodation with outside cabins above the waterline. Complimentary expedition parka and loan of rubber boots included.
506
510
M/V Plancius was built in 1976, originally serving as a research vessel for the Royal Dutch Navy. The icestrengthened ship accommodates 116 passengers in modern and stylish cabins. Loan of specialist gear such as snow shoes and rubber boots included.
507
528
Ideal for polar expeditions to remote areas the Ortelius has a highly experienced Russian nautical crew and the highest ice-class notation to navigate solid sea ice. The vessel offers comfortable accommodation for 116 passengers in twin, triple or quadruple cabins with private facilities. Loan of snow shoes and rubber boots included.
Deck 3
Captain's Suite with private facilities Triple with shared facilities
VESSEL DECK PLANS
Ocean Nova
Ocean Nova was built in 1992 in Denmark to navigate the ice-choked waters of Greenland and was refurbished in 2006. Features include a glass-enclosed observation lounge, open bar and 38 all-suite cabins accommodating just 78 passengers. Departures on this vessel include the loan of rubber boots and dry bag, as well as complimentary parka* (*not available on Antarctic Air-Cruise voyages).
HEBRiDEAN SKY
This modern, stable super-yacht carries a maximum of 189 passengers and all cabins have ensuite facilities and exterior views. This vessel features numerous adventure options plus onboard amenities such as a massage and wellness program, photography expert and well-stocked library. Complimentary parka and loan of rubber boots included.
Deck Plan
Deck Plan
Deck Plan
View obstruction from lifeboats*
416
414
412
410
408
406
404
402
415
413
411
409
407
405
403
401
Hebridean Sky (formerly Sea Explorer) is a perfect blend of luxury and adventure exploration. This all-suite yacht accommodates up to 111 guests. Refurbished in 2016, each suite features a sea view and sitting area. Onboard facilities include a jacuzzi and swimming/Zodiac platform. Includes the loan of rubber boots, and a complimentary parka* (*not available on Antarctic Air-Cruise voyages).
Beauty Salon
605
603
601
606
604
602
Observation Area
Bridge Deck
Ocean Diamond
Penthouse Deck 511 509 507 505 Bridge
Sun Deck
314
312
310
315
313
308
311
415 417 419
Upper Deck Stern
View obstruction from lifeboats on deck 6*
306
512 510 508 506
Veranda Deck
304
302 427 425 423 421
Library
Upper Deck Bow
Outdoor Cafe
309
307
320
318
305
303
419 417
415
428 426 424 422 420 418 416
414
Exercise Room
The Club
301
Promenade Deck 347 345 343 341 339
316
Lounge
348 346 344 342 340 338 336 334 332 330
321
319
Deck 3
317
261 259 257 255
Triple
Single with obstructed view
Twin with obstructed view
Suite
Single with porthole
Balcony Suite
335 333 331 329
Reception
Twin with private facilities Triple with private facilities
Restaurant
Single with private facilities
Hospital
262 260 258 256 254
Deck 2
Triple Suites
*Note: Ocean Nova cabin configurations differ for Arctic cruises. Please contact us for further information.
Twin with window
Veranda Suites
Porthole Suites
Penthouse Suites
Window Suites
Owner's Suite
Promenade Suites
Single Accommodations
Deluxe Suites
women’s USA sized 3-9. Please check with us for other sizes prior to departure.
4100 5018
5010
4005
4013
4021
4025
4035 5036 5032 5028 5026
4045
4055
4147
Upper Deck
4006
4014
4018
4026
4030
4050
4038
4042
4058 4156 4153
5048 5044 5040
4063 5052 5051
4067 5060 5059
4071 5068
4073
5072
4077 5080
Main Deck Twin Window
5067
401
5071
400
403
5079
402
Superior
505 509
510
521 518
517
Suite 513
5002
106 104 102 100 107 105 103 101
Lower Deck
DAYSPA
7005 7006 7003 7004
Middle Deck 7001 7000 7002
8001 8002
Upper Deck Twin Twin Window
7007 7008
(hot tub)
Bar
Hospital
411
413 415
426
421
420 418
Lounge / Library 425
309 310 311 312 313 314 315 Dining Room
Main Deck
5033
7019 7017
Superior Twin
8003 8004
206 204 202 200 207 205 203 201
210 208 211 209 108
Main Deck
109
112 110 115 111
119 117
116 114
231 229 227 225 223 221 219 217 215
228 226 224 222 220 218 216 214 212
Upper Deck
7022 7020 7018
7011 7012
Triple
Junior Suite
7013 7014
309 307 305 303 301
5019 5013 5007 5001
7015 7016
311
5045 5041 5037
Captain’s Deck 302 300
304
7009 7010
Lower Deck Twin
40604060A 4060B
MUD ROOM
Deluxe
Main Deck Twin Porthole
4070
Deck Plan
4074
Deck Plan 4064
Built in 1984 for polar and oceanographic research, and refurbished in 2004, this ice-strengthened vessel with stabilisers offers comfortable accommodation and high manoeuvrability for a maximum of 50 passengers. Departures on this vessel include a post-expedition log book, loan of parka and rubber boots.
4088
Suite
SPIRIT OF ENDERBY
One of the largest ships offered in our Antarctic product range, the Ocean Endeavour accommodates 199 passengers in cruise-ship style. The 137 metre long ice-strengthened ship features an outdoor pool, day spa, massage facilities, 2 restaurants and saunas. Complimentary expedition parka and loan of rubber boots included. 4078
Deck Plan
OCEAN ENDEAVOUR
4080
Ice-strengthened Sea Adventurer accommodates 117 passengers in well-appointed cabins. It also features a spacious forward lounge and bar, window-lined dining room and promenades. Departures on this vessel include expedition parka, a photographic journal and loan of rubber boots.
4084
Sea Adventurer
337 332 331 327 326 322 321
Dining Room
Twin Porthole Plus 1/Plus 2 Twin Porthole
Heritage Suite with private facilities
Superior Cabin with private facilities
Triple
Mini Suite with private facilities
Main Deck Cabin with shared facilities
Superior Plus Cabin with private facilities
Main Deck Triple with shared facilities
web: www.naturalfocussafaris.com.au | email:
[email protected] | phone: 1300 363 302
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ANTARCTICA Voyage with us to the world’s last great wilderness - the stunningly beautiful and unspoilt landscapes of Antarctica. Our itineraries include some of the most spectacular scenery and wildlife of these remote lands, from the Sub-Antarctic islands of South Georgia and the Falklands, to the magnificent Antarctic Peninsula, and the remote Ross Sea. The only crowds here are noisy colonies of nesting Gentoo, Chinstrap or Emperor Penguins, as well as boisterous gatherings of giant elephant seals. Our itineraries are designed to get you off the ship and into the wilderness as much as possible. You will get the chance to go ashore and walk amongst the penguins and seals, visit historic sites, and cruise by Zodiac around the base of ethereal icebergs. Some expeditions offer camping on the ice, kayaking, climbing or scuba diving. Getting There Most of our voyages depart from Ushuaia at the southern tip of Argentina. Qantas and LATAM fly from Australia to Santiago, with connections to Buenos Aires and Ushuaia. Air New Zealand flies from Australia to Buenos Aires via Auckland with connections to Ushuaia. Please contact us regarding voyages departing from other gateways. Weather Antarctica is the world’s 5th largest continent. Whilst the interior has a harsh climate, the coastal areas are considerably warmer. The Antarctic Peninsula, extending to within 1000km of South America, has the most moderate climate with temperatures averaging between 5°C to -5°C in the summer (Nov - Mar). On calm sunny days it can feel quite warm, however cold, windy and changeable weather must always be expected.
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Natural Focus Safaris – Experts in Independent, Tailor Made Tours
Antarctica The visual beauty... the diversity and density of wildlife... we left with a lasting belief that
we were incredibly privileged to have shared this unique environment with its natural inhabitants.
Andrew and Naomi Underwood
ARGENTINA Santiago
Falklands (Islas Malvinas)
CHILE
Sou th S h
Drake Passage
etla nd Is
Ushuaia
Punta Arenas
lan ds
Scotia Sea
SOUTH AFRICA
South Georgia Islands
Southern Ocean
South Orkney Islands
ARCTIC CIRCL ANT E
King George Is Snow Hill Is
Weddell Sea ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
Mawson (Aus)
Amundsen Sea Davis (Aus)
Ross Ice Shelf
McMurdo Sound
Ross Is
Ross Sea
Casey (Aus)
Commonwealth Bay Southern Ocean Campbell Is Auckland Is
NEW ZEALAND
Macquarie Is
AUSTRALIA
web: www.naturalfocussafaris.com.au | email:
[email protected] | phone: 1300 363 302
9
ANTARCTICA • Antarctic Peninsula
Meeting some of the locals
© Keith Gunnar
Antarctic Peninsula
E
Explore Antarctica up-close
10, 11 or 12 days Departs ex Ushuaia unless otherwise specified
xplore the vast wilderness of the Antarctic Peninsula, the most accessible area of the ‘Great White Continent’. Discover a huge diversity of birdlife, including Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adelie Penguins, storm petrels, Skuas and Terns. You are also likely to see polar mammals like Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals, orcas, humpback whales and minke whales. As the boat navigates through breathtakingly beautiful waterways, go ashore by Zodiac inflatables to visit penguin rookeries, historic sites and scientific research stations. For those with an adventurous spirit, some departures offer options to camp, mountaineer, cross-country ski, kayak or scuba dive (experience required). Most cruise ships depart from Ushuaia, however some departures include a flight to and/or from Punta Arenas to King George Island in the South Shetlands and avoid the crossing of the Drake Passage.
© Keith Gunnar
Featured ITINERARY (Hebridean Sky) Day 1: Arrival into Ushuaia with the remainder of the day free to explore the southernmost town in the world. Days 2-4: Embarkation onto the Hebridean Sky and commence sailing through the Beagle Channel to the Drake Passage for the crossing towards Antarctica. Days 5-9: Begin your true Antarctic adventure once you reach the South Shetland Islands. Take Zodiac excursions to explore bays, channels and landing sites each day. Look for wildlife including penguins, humpback and minke whales and search for a number of the southern seal species, including the cunning leopard seal. Witness dramatic landscapes of snow covered mountains, wind sculpted icebergs and giant glaciers, and hear the roar as huge chunks of ice calve into the sea in Neko Harbour. Days 10/11: Sail back through the Drake Passage via Cape Horn. Day 12: Disembark Ushuaia. Group transfer to airport. Tour ends. Leopard seal viewing by kayak
© Stephen Cameron
Gentoo Penguin feeding its chicks
10
© Stephen Cameron
Note: The 10 and 11 day departures spend less time exploring the Peninsula. Itinerary intended as a guide only. Weather or ice conditions may result in changes to the itinerary and activities. Each vessel will undertake a slightly different itinerary which may also include flight sectors, and some do not include pre-embarkation accommodation in Ushuaia. Please contact us for details.
Lounging crabeater seal
© Quark Expeditions
Natural Focus Safaris – Experts in Independent, Tailor Made Tours
ANTARCTIC PENINSULA • ANTARCTICA
Stunning Antarctic views from the ship deck
© Tim Morton
2017/18 Expeditions Ocean Diamond*
Triple
08 Dec 2017 (11 Days)Ω◊ 07 Jan 2018 (11 Days)Ω◊ 16 Jan & 21 Feb 2018 (11 Days)Ω
$8300 $10200 $10200
Sea Adventurer*
Triple
26 Nov 2017 (10 Days) 04 Dec 2017 (11 Days)Ω◊ 28 Feb 2018 (11 Days)Ω
$9100 $10200 $10200
Ocean Endeavour§
Triple
05 & 14 Nov 2017 (11 Days)Ω◊ 11 Dec 2017 (10 Days)Ω 19 & 28 Dec 2017 (11 Days)Ω◊ 11 & 19 Feb 2018 (10 Days)Ω
$10010 $9010 $10910 $9310
Ω
Triple SHARED $12625
Polar Pioneer Ω^ ‡
16 Dec 2017 (12 Days) Plancius†
09 Jan 2018 (11 Days) 07 Feb 2018 (11 Days)Ω◊ 19 Mar 2018 (10 Days)‡ Ω◊
Ortelius† 03 & 13 Jan 2018 (11 Days)Ω◊ 23 Jan 2018 (11 Days)Ω◊ Hebridean Sky†† 17 & 27 Nov 2017 (12 Days)Ω◊ 05 & 15 Jan 2018 (12 Days)Ω◊ 25 Feb 2018 (12 Days)Ω◊
Twin obst. view $12700 $15400 $15400
TWIN Window
lower DECK
main main superior deck deck Porthole window $11300 $12500 $13800 $12700 $14100 $15300 $12700 $14100 $15300
$10300 $11600 $11600
$13500 $16400 $16400
SINGLE Obst. view $16100 $19700 $19700
TWIN twin PORTHOLE PORTHOLE window plus 1/ PLUS 2 $15810 $16710 $18410 $14310 $14910 $16610 $17110 $17810 $19610 $14010 $14710 $16010 Twin SHARED $14752
Twin PRIVATE $16880
MINI SUITE $19149
Falkland Is
Single PortHOLE
SUITE
BALCONY SUITE
$16100 $19700 $19700
$14700 $18300 $18300
$16900 $20900 $20900
deluxe
Suite
upper deck twin $18710 $16710 $21010 $17010
$14900 $16500 $16500
$16400 $18200 $18200
SUPERIOR twin
JUNIOR SUITE
$19210 $17110 $21410 $17710
$20910 $18710 $23410 $18910
CAPTAIN'S SUITE $21135
QUAD Triple Twin Twin Porthole Porthole PortHolE window $11277 $12696 $13688 $14540 $11277 $12696 $13688 $14540 $7873 $8724 $10000 $10568
twin deluxe $15391 $15391 $11135
Superior
QUAD Triple Twin twin Porthole Porthole Porthole window $11277 $12696 $13688 $14540 $11277 $12696 $13688 $14540
TWIN DELUXE $15391 $15391
SUPERIOR
DELUXE SUITE $16022 $20986 $18149
VERANDA P'HOUSE SUITE SUITE $17724 $19284 $22688 $26660 $19568 $21979
Triple Suite $10348 $14178 $11341
PortholE WINDOW prom'ade SUITE SUITE SUITE $12759 $14887 $15596 $17015 $19852 $20277 $14178 $17015 $17724
$16809 $16809 $12199
$16809 $16809
Punta Arenas
Ushuaia
DRAKE PASSAGE
King George Is.
SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS
Antarctic Peninsula
BELLINGSHAUSEN SEA
South Georgia
SCOTIA SEA
Elephant Is. A N TA
RCTIC
CIRCLE
Antarctic Peninsula WEDDELL SEA © Natural Focus Safaris
OptionsAMUNDSEN available (additional cost on request): SEA Ω Kayaking, ◊Camping, ^Climbing, ‡Snorkelling/Diving. All prices shown are per person. Optional single occupancy is from 1.7 to 2 times the twin share rate. We may be able to arrange shared accommodation. Price per person includes: Onboard cabin accommodation, all meals, shore excursions and activities by Zodiac, lecture programs, comprehensive pre-departure materials, all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges. Please refer to pages 6/7 for additional vessel specific inclusions. Price excludes: Transfers, airfares, pre and post land arrangements, passport and visa expenses, government arrival and departure taxes, meals ashore, polar clothing, baggage, cancellation and personal insurance, excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges, emergency evacuation charges and tips. Fuel surcharges may apply in the event of an increase in world fuel prices. *These departures include one night at a hotel in Ushuaia, group transfers from airport-hotel on arrival and hotel-ship on embarkation. Additional cabin type available Sea Adventurer. Please contact us for details. § Departures on this vessel include one hotel night in Buenos
Aires, group transfer from hotel to airport for charter flight, charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, group bus city tour in Ushuaia, group transfer to ship, group transfer from ship to Ushuaia airport, charter flight from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires. Additional cabin types available for this vessel. Please contact us for details. †Includes
transfer from vessel to airport on disembarkation.
††Hebridean
Sky voyage includes one night at a hotel in Ushuaia, group transfer to ship on embarkation and shipairport on disembarkation. Please contact us for Owners Suite prices.
web: www.naturalfocussafaris.com.au | email:
[email protected] | phone: 1300 363 302
11
ANTARCTICA • ANTARCTIC Peninsula
Chinstrap Penguins
© Shutterstock
Antarctic Peninsula Adventure
T
11 days/10 nights Departs ex Ushuaia, Argentina
his classic cruise takes in the highlights of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. With regular shore excursions accompanied by highly trained expedition staff, you will discover an abundance of wildlife including massive Gentoo, Adelie and Chinstrap Penguin rookeries, many species of seals and a profusion of seabirds from albatross to Skuas. For those with an adventurous spirit these voyages also offer the chance to spend a night camping on the peninsula just like the early explorers.
FEATURED Itinerary (Akademik ioffe) Days 1-3: Embark in Ushuaia and cross the Drake Passage. Days 4-8: Explore the waterways of the Peninsula by Zodiac. Highlights include Neko Harbour, Wilhelmina Bay and even the southerly Petermann Island, with the chance to observe Weddell, crabeater and elephant seals, Skuas and other seabirds as well as an abundance of penguins including large colonies of the Adelie Penguin. At Half Moon Island observe a breeding colony of Chinstrap Penguins that share their territory with fur seals and blue-eyed shags. You may also be lucky enough to observe humpback, orca and minke whales. Days 9/10: Sail back through the Drake Passage via Cape Horn. Day 11: Disembark Ushuaia. Tour ends. Cruising amongst the icebergs
Note: Itinerary intended as a guide only. Weather or ice conditions may result in changes to the itinerary and activities.
© One Ocean
ONE OCEAN FLY-CRUISE OPTIONS Short on time? Some of these voyages provide the option to fly from South America to Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands, where you board your cruise vessel. This flight conveniently reduces total sailing time by a day and a half. There are also selected trips where you can fly from Punta Arenas into King George Island, off the northern coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, saving you a twoday crossing of the infamous Drake Passage at the start of your adventure. Fewer hours spent travelling means more days exploring the ice!
12
Akademik Ioffe 18 Dec 2017 (11 Days) 20 Feb 2018 (11 Days) 02 & 22 Mar 2018 (11 Days) Akademik Sergey Vavilov 03 Mar 2018 (11 Days)
Triple Shared
Twin sEmi private
Twin private
superior PRIVATE
$13043 $13043 $11766
$16305 $16305 $14603
$17298 $17298 $16022
$18291 $18291 $17440
Triple Shared
Twin sEmi private
Twin private
superior PRIVATE
$11766
$14603
$16022
$17440
shackLEToN one ocean suite suite $20135 $20135 $19000
$21979 $21979 $21696
shackLEToN one ocean suite suite $19000
$21696
Options available (additional cost), must be pre-booked: Kayaking $1188. Camping complimentary (subject to weather conditions). All prices shown are per person. Optional single occupancy is from 1.5 to 2 times the twin share rate. We may be able to arrange shared accommodation. Price per person includes: Group transfer from central meeting point in Ushuaia to the ship on embarkation day, onboard cabin accommodation, all meals and afternoon teas, 24 hour coffee, tea and hot choc, shore excursions and activities by Zodiac, overnight camping, guided hikes/walks, loan of rubber boots and wet weather clothing, lecture programs, comprehensive predeparture materials, group departure transfer to the airport or hotel in Ushuaia at the end of your voyage, all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges. Price excludes: Airfare, pre and post land arrangements, passport and visa expenses, government arrival and departure taxes, meals ashore, baggage, cancellation and personal insurance, excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges, emergency evacuation charges and tips. Fuel surcharges may apply in the event of an increase in world fuel prices.
Natural Focus Safaris – Experts in Independent, Tailor Made Tours
ANTARCTIC Peninsula • ANTARCTICA
Excursions by inflatable Zodiac
© One Ocean
Antarctic Peninsula, Weddell Sea & The Falklands
M
12 days/11 nights Departs ex Punta Arenas, Chile
Falkland Is
Stanley
South Georgia
Punta Arenas Ushuaia
SCOTIA SEA
DRAKE PASSAGE
aximise your time exploring the Antarctic Peninsula, flying from Punta Arenas in Chile across the Drake Passage, to King George Island. Explore the South Shetlands before heading to the Antarctic Peninsula. Skirt around the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula and south into the icy Weddell Sea, hopefully as far as Snow Hill Island. Charting a northerly course to the Falkland Islands explore this stunning western archipelago before flying out from Stanley back to Punta Arenas.
ITINERARY Day 1: Fly Punta Arenas to King George Island. Embark your ship. Day 2: Explore the coast of the South Shetland Islands visiting a number of well established Chinstrap and Gentoo Penguin rookeries. Days 3/4: Head towards the peninsula where you can enjoy guided walks on shore, visit wildlife colonies, and Zodiac cruise among the ice. Days 5-7: Navigate the Antarctic Sound and venture into the Weddell Sea – home to huge tabular icebergs. Observe huge Adelie Penguin rookeries, Weddell and elephant seals, Skuas and other seabirds. Day 8: Sail to Elephant Island; the site of an impressive Macaroni Penguin colony. Days 9-11: Explore the Falkland Islands including West Point and Saunders Islands, home to four penguin varieties including the King Penguin. Day 12: Arrive at Port Stanley, fly to Punta Arenas. Tour ends.
King George Is. Elephant Is. WEDDELL SEA South Shetland Is.
Antarctic Peninsula Adventure Antarctic Peninsula, Weddell Sea & The Falklands
A N TA
RCTIC
CIRCLE
Antarctic Peninsula
BELLINGSHAUSEN SEA © Natural Focus Safaris AMUNDSEN SEA
Note: Itinerary intended as a guide only. Weather or ice conditions may result in changes to the itinerary and activities. Akademik Sergey Vavilov 09 & 30 Jan 2018 (12 Days) Akademik Ioffe 23 Jan 2018 (12 Days)
Triple Shared
Twin sEmi private
Twin private
superior PRIVATE
$16305
$19426
$21696
$22972
Triple Shared
Twin sEmi private
Twin private
superior PRIVATE
$16305
$19426
$21696
$22972
shackLEToN one ocean suite suite $25383
$27653
Up-close whale viewing
© D. Gilardini
shackLEToN one ocean suite suite $25383
$27653
Options available (additional cost, must be pre-booked): Kayaking $1188. Camping complimentary (subject to weather conditions). All prices shown are per person. Optional single occupancy is from 1.5 to 2 times the twin share rate. We may be able to arrange shared accommodation. Price per person includes: Group transfer from select hotels in Punta Arenas to airport on embarkation day, charter flights Punta Arenas to King George Island and Stanley (Falkland Islands) to Punta Arenas and transfer from airport back to select hotels in Punta Arenas at the end of your voyage, onboard cabin accommodation, all meals and afternoon teas, 24 hour coffee, tea and hot choc, shore excursions and activities by Zodiac, overnight camping, guided hikes/walks, loan of rubber boots and wet weather clothing, lecture programs, comprehensive pre-departure materials, all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges. Price excludes: Airfares (other than mentioned above), pre and post land arrangements, passport and visa expenses, government arrival and departure taxes, meals ashore, baggage, cancellation and personal insurance, excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges, emergency evacuation charges and tips. Fuel surcharges may apply in the event of an increase in world fuel prices.
Kayaking through pristine waters
web: www.naturalfocussafaris.com.au | email:
[email protected] | phone: 1300 363 302
© One Ocean
13
ANTARCTICA • ANTARCTIC AIR-CRUISES
Enjoying the stunning scenery of Antarctica
© Evelyn Pfeiffer
Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise
ANTARCTICA AIR-CRUISES Combining a short flight between Punta Arenas in Chile to King George Island and vice versa, these unique Antarctic journeys make it possible to explore the ‘Great White Continent’ while avoiding the often turbulent Drake Passage. Boarding the comfortable M/V Ocean Nova or Hebridean Sky, your time at the Peninsula will be well spent, sailing along ice-filled fjords and between spectacular icebergs in the constant company of seabirds, penguins, seals and whales. Your adventure will be very active, with several daily landings, cruises in Zodiac boats and walks along the shore to bird and seal colonies.
F
8 days/7 nights Departs ex Punta Arenas, Chile
ly from Punta Arenas in Chile to King George Island to step aboard your expedition ship and experience the magnificent Antarctic Peninsula. Planned highlights include Paulet Island, Hope Bay, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Deception Island as well as crossing the Lemaire Channel. Each day you’ll disembark by Zodiac and explore Antarctica’s natural wonders and incredible wildlife together with expert polar guides.
Itinerary Days 1/2: Arrive Punta Arenas with welcome dinner to meet your fellow travellers. Overnight Punta Arenas then fly to King George Island in the South Shetland Islands. Embark your expedition vessel. Days 3-6: Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of seabirds, penguins, seals and whales. Disembark by Zodiac each day in small groups, hike to extraordinary sites and take part in excursions to otherwise inaccessible areas. Expert polar guides share their passion for Antarctica through an engaging program of illustrated presentations, and lead you ashore to interpret the wildlife, the history and the many wonders of the Antarctic environment. Your expedition may include visits to sites such as Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, the Lemaire Channel, Prospect Point or other magnificent places. Day 7: Disembark at King George Island and fly to Punta Arenas. Overnight Punta Arenas. Day 8: Transfer to Punta Arenas airport. Tour ends. Note: The above information is intended as a guide only. Weather or ice conditions may result in changes to the itinerary and activities. Passengers should plan to be in Punta Arenas at 14:00 hours, at the latest on day 1. Pick-up at the Punta Arenas airport and transfer to the hotel cannot be guaranteed for travellers arriving later than 14:00 hours. These journeys include a pre and post cruise night spent in Punta Arenas.
Whale viewing by Zodiac
© Evelyn Pfeiffer
Ocean Nova 02, 07, 12 & 17 Dec 2017 (8 Days) 22 & 27 Dec 2017 (8 Days) 17, 22 & 27 Jan, 08 & 13 Feb 2018 (8 Days)
triple $15611 $17739 $16746
Hebridean Sky^
Triple Suite $18448 $19157
11 & 16 Dec 2017 (8 Days) 21 & 26 Dec 2017 (8 Days)
Exploring the Great White Continent
14
© Jamie Scarrow
Disembarking at King George Island
twin $16895 $20583 $19165
single* $22733 $29541 $26704
WINDOW prom'ade SUITE SUITE $20725 $21292 $20001 $23420
DELUXE SUITE $22711 $25264
© Antarctica XXI
Natural Focus Safaris – Experts in Independent, Tailor Made Tours
VERANDA P'HOUSE SUITE SUITE $24129 $28384 $26682 $31221
single SUITE $28407 $31243
antarctica air-cruises • ANTARCTICA
Kayak excursions
© Jonathon Zaccaria
Polar Circle Air-Cruise
S
10 days/9 nights Departs ex Punta Arenas, Chile
pend 6 full days exploring the Peninsula. After cruising between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, the goal of this expedition is to sail far south in an attempt to reach the Polar Circle. In small groups you’ll hike and take part in exploratory Zodiac excursions to otherwise inaccessible areas, abundant in wildlife and breathtaking scenery. Your expert polar guides will share their passion for Antarctica through presentations, and lead you ashore to see the many wonders of the Antarctic environment.
Itinerary Days 1/2: Arrive Punta Arenas for welcome dinner. Overnight Punta Arenas. Next day fly to King George Island in the South Shetland Islands. Embark your expedition vessel. Days 3-8: Sail along the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula southwards in an attempt to reach the Polar Circle. Icebergs and seabirds will become your regular daily companions and wildlife you may encounter include penguins, whales and seals. Venture out in Zodiacs for daily excursions to areas inaccessible by the expedition ship. Go ashore and hike to remote sites, taking in the amazing views as you look back beyond the shoreline to your ship. Learn from expert polar guides as they help you to interpret the wildlife, history and features of the Antarctic environment. During this expedition you may visit sites such as Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, the Lemaire Channel and Prospect Point. Days 9/10: Disembark at King George Island and fly to Punta Arenas. Overnight Punta Arenas. Transfer to Punta Arenas airport. Tour ends. Note: The above information is intended as a guide only. Weather or ice conditions may result in changes to the itinerary and activities. Passengers should plan to be in Punta Arenas at 14:00 hours, at the latest on day 1. Pick-up at the Punta Arenas airport and transfer to the hotel cannot be guaranteed for travellers arriving later than 14:00 hours. These journeys include a pre and post cruise night spent in Punta Arenas. Ocean Nova 01 Jan, 01 & 18 Feb 2018 (10 Days)
triple $20576
Cruising the beautiful waters of the Antarctic
twin $23845
single* $34080
© Evelyn Pfeiffer
Falkland Is
Port Stanley Punta Arenas
SCOTIA SEA
DRAKE PASSAGE
South Georgia
Frei Station Snow Hill I.
South Shetland Is
Classic Antarctica Polar Circle
Antarctic Peninsula WEDDELL SEA © Natural Focus Safaris
*Dedicated single cabin rate. Optional single occupancy in twin cabin is 1.85 times the twin share rate. We may be able AMUNDSEN to arrange shared accommodation. SEA ^Deck plan for the Hebridean Sky as appears on page 7 is representative of a different cabin configuration from this departure. Please contact us for deck plans pertaining to this voyage.
Price per person includes: Arrival transfer in Punta Arenas, Day 1 accommodation at hotel in Punta Arenas (B&B), one night post-expedition accommodation in Punta Arenas (B&B), welcome dinner, return flight Punta Arenas to Frei Station on King George Island, return airport/ hotel transfers, onboard cabin accommodation, all meals and drinks onboard (served with meals), guided shore excursions and activities, loan of waterproof boots for shore landings, lectures and entertainment onboard, comprehensive pre and post-expedition materials, all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges. Price excludes: Pre and post arrangements (other than mentioned above), passport and visa expenses, government arrival and departure taxes, additional beverages purchased at the ship's bar, meals ashore, polar clothing, baggage, cancellation and personal insurance, excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, telecommunication charges, gratuities. Fuel surcharges may apply in the event of an increase in world fuel prices.
Exploring Antarctica by foot
© Jonathon Zaccaria
web: www.naturalfocussafaris.com.au | email:
[email protected] | phone: 1300 363 302
15
ANTARCTICA • ANTARCTIC Peninsula
Antarctic Peninsula adventure
© G Adventures
Santiago, Chile Falkland Is
Port Stanley Ushuaia
DRAKE PASSAGE
South Shetland Is Classic Antarctic Peninsula
Classic Antarctic Peninsula
South Georgia
Y
SCOTIA SEA
Elephant I. Snow Hill I. Antarctic Peninsula WEDDELL SEA © Natural Focus Safaris
11 or 13 days Departs ex Ushuaia, Argentina
our adventure starts the moment you step aboard the G Expedition. Cruising through the Southern Ocean you will cross the nutrient rich Antarctic Convergence into the cold polar waters of the Antarctic Ocean where a variety of seabirds, whales and other marine life are waiting to greet you. As you reach the remote coastlines of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands you will discover amazing scenery, ice-choked waterways, blue and white icebergs, impressive glaciers, rugged snow-capped mountains and a multitude of wildlife.
Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Ushuaia and overnight in a hotel. Days 2-4: Board the G Expedition and begin your cruise. Sail through the Beagle Channel before crossing the Drake Passage and the Antarctic Convergence. Days 5-8: Experience unique wildlife viewing and inspiring scenery as you reach the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. Weather permitting, enjoy two shore landings per day with the chance to encounter Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adélie Penguin rookeries, Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals, and orca, humpback and minke whales. The expert guides and lecturers will also provide commentary on the human history of the continent. Days 9/10: Re-cross Drake Passage towards Ushuaia. Day 11: Disembark Ushuaia. Tour ends.
AMUNDSEN SEA
Note: The 13 day departure spends 2 days more exploring the Peninsula. Itinerary intended as a guide only. Weather or ice conditions may result in changes to the itinerary and activities. G Expedition Antarctic Zodiac exploration
© G Adventures
12 12 02 04 13
Nov 2017 (13 Days)Ω◊ Dec 2017 (11 Days)Ω◊ & 30 Jan 2018 (11 Days)Ω◊ Mar 2018 (11 Days)Ω◊ Mar 2018 (11 Days)Ω◊
QUAD Triple Twin Twin PORTHOLE PORTHOLE PORTHOLE WINDOW $8499 $9499 $10999 $11999 $7799 $8499 $9999 $11499 $8999 $9999 $11499 $12499 $7299 $7999 $9499 $10999 $6799 $7499 $8999 $10499
Twin WINDOW $13299 $12999 $13499 $12299 $11799
SUITE WINDOW $14999 $14499 $14999 $13499 $12999
Options available (additional cost - need to be booked in advance): ΩKayaking $1199 (11 Day), $1439 (13 Day), ◊Camping $419. All prices shown are per person. Optional single occupancy is 1.6 times the twin share rate (excluding category 1A & 1). Price per person includes: Arrival transfer from airport in Ushuaia to hotel, 1 night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast at hotel in Ushuaia, group transfer to ship, departure transfer from ship to airport in Ushuaia, all meals onboard, coffee, tea and water with meals, shore excursions and activities by Zodiac, loan of rubber boats for shore landings, expedition parka, lecture programs, comprehensive pre and post-expedition materials and all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges. Price excludes: Airfares, pre and post arrangements, passport and visa expenses, government arrival and departure taxes, meals ashore, polar clothing, baggage, cancellation and personal insurance, excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges, emergency evacuation charges and gratuities. Fuel surcharges may apply in the event of an increase in world fuel prices.
Gentoo Penguin rookery
16
© G Adventures
Kayaking excursion
© G Adventures
Natural Focus Safaris – Experts in Independent, Tailor Made Tours
Crossing The Circle • ANTARCTICA
Humpback whale breach
© Shutterstock
Crossing The Circle
Falkland Is
Southern Expedition 11, 12 or 14 days Departs ex Ushuaia, Argentina (unless otherwise noted)
V
enture south towards the Antarctic Circle navigating through remote waterways rich in wildlife and littered with stunning glaciers and imposing icebergs. Only a lucky few have journeyed into the striking blue waters beyond the Antarctic Circle. It is an area of breathtaking natural wonders and extraordinary wildlife including five seal species, massive penguin colonies, an abundance of seabirds and magnificent whales. Optional adventures include camping, kayaking and diving.
featured itinerary (G Expedition) Day 1: Arrive in Ushuaia for overnight. Days 2-4: Board your vessel and cross the Drake Passage. Days 5-11: Explore the western shore of the Peninsula with the possibility of regular landings by Zodiac and explorations of the fascinating coastlines and waterways as you cruise southward beyond the Antarctic Circle. Encounter wildlife including Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguins, whales, as well as elephant, leopard and crabeater seals. Days 12-14: Return to Ushuaia across the Drake Passage. Tour ends. Note: The above itinerary is a sample only. Weather or ice conditions may result in changes to the itinerary and activities. Each vessel will undertake a slightly different itinerary. Please contact us for details. Ocean Endeavour*§
Triple
27 Feb 2018 (14 Days)Ω◊
$13010
$19910
Sea Adventurer^
Triple
lower DECK
14 Jan & 16 Feb 2018 (14 Days)Ω
$13900
$15800
$17400
$19300
Ocean Diamond^
Triple
Twin obst. view $18600
TWIN Window
SINGLE Obst. view $22900
02 Mar 2018 (14 Days)
Ω
G Expedition** Ω◊
21 Dec 2017 (14 Days) 08 Feb 2018 (14 Days)Ω◊ 20 Feb 2018 (14 Days)Ω◊ Akademik Ioffe# 13 Jan 2018 (11 Days)Ω Akademik Sergey Vavilov# 30 Dec 2017 (11 Days)Ω 20 Jan 2018 (11 Days)Ω Plancius†
08 Mar 2018 (12 Days)Ω‡ Polar Pioneer 30 Jan 2018 (11 Days)Ω‡≈ 07 Feb 2018 (11 Days)Ω‡^^
$11700
TWIN twin PORTHOLE PORTHOLE window plus 1/ PLUS 2 $21310
$22410
upper deck twin
SUPERIOR twin
JUNIOR SUITE
$24210
$25110
$27510
deluxe
Suite
$21100
$22700
$25100
Single PortHOLE
SUITE
BALCONY SUITE
$22900
$21100
main main superior deck deck Porthole window
$20000
QUAD Triple Twin Twin Twin SUITE PORTHOLE PORTHOLE PORTHOLE WINDOW WINDOW WINDOW $11999 $12799 $13999 $15499 $16999 $18499 $11999 $12799 $13999 $15499 $16999 $18499 $11499 $12299 $13499 $14999 $15999 $17499 Triple Shared
Twin sEmi private
Twin private
$15171
$18008
$19426
Triple Shared
Twin sEmi private
Twin private
$15171 $15171
$18008 $18008
$19426 $19426
superior shack'ToN one ocean PRIVATE suite suite $20419
Twin SHARED $15887 $15887
Twin PRIVATE $19149 $19149
$24674
superior shack'ToN one ocean PRIVATE suite suite $20419 $20419
QUAD Triple Twin Twin Porthole Porthole PortHolE window $11277 $12696 $13688 $14540 Triple SHARED $13476 $13476
$22405
MINI SUITE $20568 $20568
$22405 $22405
$24674 $24674
twin deluxe $15391
Superior
SUITE $22554 $22554
$16809
$24300
Ushuaia
DRAKE PASSAGE
South Shetland Is
South Georgia
SCOTIA SEA
Elephant I.
Crossing the Circle
BELLINGSHAUSEN SEA
A N TA
RCTIC
CIRCLE
Antarctic Peninsula WEDDELL SEA © Natural Focus Safaris
Options available (additional cost on request): Ω Kayaking, ◊Camping, ‡Diving. AMUNDSEN
All prices shown SEA are per person. Optional single occupancy is from 1.5 to 2 times the twin share rate. We may be able to arrange shared accommodation. Price per person includes: Onboard cabin accommodation, all meals, shore excursions and activities by Zodiac, lecture programs, comprehensive pre-departure materials, loan of rubber boots, all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges. Please refer to pages 6/7 for additional vessel specific inclusions. Price excludes: Airfare, pre and post land arrangements, passport and visa expenses, government arrival and departure taxes, meals ashore, polar clothing, baggage, cancellation and personal insurance, excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges, emergency evacuation charges and tips. Fuel surcharges may apply in the event of an increase in world fuel prices. *Additional cabin types available for these vessels. Please contact us for details. § Departures on this vessel include one night pre-voyage hotel accommodation in Buenos Aires, group transfer from hotel to airport for charter flight, return charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, group bus city tour in Ushuaia, group transfer to ship, group transfer from ship to Ushuaia airport. Additional cabin types available for this vessel. Please contact us for details.
^Departures on these vessels include one night at a hotel in Ushuaia, group transfers airport to hotel on arrival, hotel-ship on embarkation and ship-airport upon disembarkation. **Departures on this vessel include one night at a hotel in Ushuaia (B&B) and return group airport transfers in Ushuaia. #Includes
group transfer from select hotels in Punta Arenas to airport on embarkation day, charter flight from Punta Arenas to Stanley (Falkland Islands) and from King George Island to Punta Arenas and transfer from airport .
†Departures
on this vessel include transfer from vessel to airport on disembarkation. ≈This voyage ends in Punta Arenas and includes charter flight King George Island to Punta Arenas and 1 night in Punta Arenas post voyage. ^^This voyage starts in Punta Arenas and includes 1 night in Punta Arenas pre voyage and charter flight Punta Arenas to King George Island.
web: www.naturalfocussafaris.com.au | email:
[email protected] | phone: 1300 363 302
17
ANTARCTICA • WEddelL Sea & Antarctic Peninsula
Emperor Penguins
© Heiner & Rosamaria Kubny
Weddell Sea & Antarctic Peninsula
J
11 days Departs ex Ushuaia unless otherwise specified
ourney to the wildlife-rich and remote eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula known as the Weddell Sea; a nature lover’s and photographer’s paradise. Observe huge glaciers, tabular icebergs and abundant wildlife including vast penguin colonies, whales and seals. Powerful ocean currents, unpredictable weather and a land and icescape more akin to East Antarctica make for an adventurous voyage. Emperor Penguins can be seen on Snow Hill Island mid November to mid December only.
Featured itinerary (Ortelius)
Zodiac landing at Neko Harbour
© Elke Linder
Day 1: Embark Ushuaia and sail down the Beagle Channel. Days 2/3: Cross the Drake Passage and arrive in the circum-Antarctic upwelling zone, where you get your first glimpse of icebergs and Antarctic wildlife. Days 4-7: Depending on ice conditions you will sail into the Weddell Sea and explore the Peninsula’s stunning east coast featuring huge tabular icebergs. Weather permitting you will have two days to visit the Emperor rookeries by helicopter for a once-in-a-lifetime expedition on foot*. Possible landing sites include: Brown Bluff, Duse Bay, Devil Island, Vega Island, Seymour Island, Gourdin Island or Snow Hill Island. Day 8: Sail to Deception Island for a landing at Pendulum Cove or Whalers Bay. Days 9/10: Cross the Drake Passage back towards South America. Day 11: Disembark Ushuaia. Note: The above itinerary is a sample only. Weather or ice conditions may result in changes to the itinerary and activities. Each vessel will undertake a slightly different itinerary. Please contact us for details. Ortelius* 26 Nov 2017 (11 Days) Polar Pioneer 17 Feb 2018 (11 Days)#Ω 25 Feb 2018 (11 Days)^Ω
Quad TRIPLE Twin Porthole PORTHOLE PortholE $16383 $18157 $19220 Triple Shared $13476 $13476
twin shared $15887 $15887
twin private $19149 $19149
twin window $20071
TWIN DELUXE $20993
mini suite $20568 $20568
CAPTAIN’S suite $22554 $22554
SUPERIOR $22128
*Voyage with Ortelius includes a minimum of 2 helicopters onboard for ship to shore activities. Helicopter transfers and excursions are subject to a range of conditions and can never be guaranteed. Also includes transfer from ship to airport on disembarkation. Options available (additional cost on request, must be pre-booked): Ω Polar Pioneer - Kayaking $1535. All prices shown are per person. Optional single occupancy is from 1.7 to 2 times the twin share rate. We may be able to arrange shared accommodation.
Ortelius helicopter excursion
South Georgia
Santiago, Chile Falkland Is
Port Stanley Ushuaia
DRAKE PASSAGE
South Shetland Is Weddell Sea & Antarctic Peninsula
Price per person includes: Onboard cabin accommodation, all meals, shore excursions and activities by Zodiac, lecture programs, comprehensive pre-departure materials, all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges. Please refer to pages 6/7 for additional vessel specific inclusions.
© Daniel Sendecki
Price excludes: Transfers, any airfare, pre and post land arrangements, passport and visa expenses, government arrival and departure taxes, meals ashore, polar clothing, baggage, cancellation and personal insurance, excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges, emergency evacuation charges and gratuities. Fuel surcharges may apply in the event of an increase in world fuel prices. #Includes
charter flight from Punta Arenas to Puerto Williams, transfer from Puerto Williams airport to Polar Pioneer, including Puerto Williams town and surrounds tour, charter flight from King George Island to Punta Arenas, transfer from Punta Arenas airport to hotel and 1 night accommodation in Punta Arenas post voyage.
SCOTIA SEA
^1 night accommodation in Punta Arenas pre-voyage, transfer from hotel to Punta Arenas airport, charter flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island.
Elephant I. Snow Hill I. Antarctic Peninsula WEDDELL SEA © Natural Focus Safaris
18
AMUNDSEN SEA
Natural Focus Safaris – Experts in Independent, Tailor Made Tours
ANTARCTIC Peninsula • ANTARCTICA
Kayaking in Antarctica
© Stephen Cameron
Antarctic Basecamp Expedition
E
12 days/11 nights Departs ex Ushuaia, Argentina
xperience a unique and adventurous voyage to “High Antarctica” and the protected waters of the Neumayer Channel. The “Plancius” or "Ortelius" will stay for two or three days in various locations to serve as a comfortable hub to allow passengers ample time to enjoy a wide range of activities including field camping, kayaking, hiking, snowshoeing, Zodiac cruising, shore excursions and a photographic workshop.
Itinerary Days 1-3: Embark in Ushuaia. Sail through the Beagle Channel and cross the Drake Passage. Days 4-9: Sail directly to ‘High Antarctica’ and the Neumayer Channel. The protected waters around Wiencke Island will become our playground for all activities, with a chance to scout the region on foot, by Zodiac and during kayak trips. Visit the British research station and the post office at Port Lockroy on Goudier Island. This area is rich with wildlife including penguins, leopard seals, crabeater seals and whales. At Neko Harbour you can set foot on the Antarctic Continent and take Zodiac cruises, hikes and kayak excursions. A small group of mountaineers may climb up on higher grounds of the glacier. There will be the opportunity for shore camping at Neko or near Paradise Bay. Sail via Melchior Islands towards the open sea of the Drake Passage. Days 10/11: At sea across the Drake Passage. Day 12: Arrival in Ushuaia and disembarkation.
Camping on the ice
© Elke Lindner/Oceanwide Expeditions
Note: Itinerary intended as a guide only. Weather or ice conditions may result in changes to the itinerary and activities. Plancius
QUAD
18 & 29 Dec 2017 (12 Days)
$11561
Ortelius* 04 & 15 Nov 2017 (12 Days) 03 Mar 2018 (12 Days)
Triple Twin PORTHOLE PORTHOLE $12979 $13972
Twin WINDOW $14894
Twin deluxe $15745
Superior
Quad TRIPLE Twin Porthole PORTHOLE PortholE $11277 $12696 $13688 $11277 $12696 $13688
twin window $14540 $14540
TWIN DELUXE $15391 $15391
SUPERIOR
$16880
$16809 $16809
All prices shown are per person. Optional single occupancy is from 1.7 times the twin share rate. We may be able to arrange shared accommodation. Price per person includes: Onboard cabin accommodation, all meals including snacks, coffee and tea, shore excursions and activities by Zodiac, free use of rubber boots and snow shoes, lecture programs, all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges, comprehensive pre-departure material and group transfer from vessel to Ushuaia airport (directly after disembarkation). All offered activities (camping, kayaking, snowshoe/hiking, mountaineering, photo workshop). Price excludes: Any airfare, pre and post land arrangements, transfers to the vessel in Ushuaia, passport and visa expenses, government arrival and departure taxes, meals ashore, polar clothing, baggage, cancellation and personal insurance, excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges, gratuities. Fuel surcharges may apply in the event of an increase in world fuel prices.
Exploring the Peninsula
Ushuaia
Anvers Island
Wiencke Island Basecamp
© Sandra Pertowitz
South Shetland Islands
ic
ct
ar
t An
n Pe
Neko & Paradise Harbour
la
su
in
Brabant Island
Basecamp Expedition Antarctic Peninsula
© Natural Focus Safaris
web: www.naturalfocussafaris.com.au | email:
[email protected] | phone: 1300 363 302
19
ANTARCTICA • FALKLANDS, SOUTH GEORGIA & PENINSULA
Walking amongst King Penguins, South Georgia
© Gary Arndt
Falklands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia & The Antarctic Peninsula
18, 19, 20 or 21 days Departs ex Ushuaia, Argentina (unless otherwise noted)
T
Black-Browed Albatross
© Polar Latitudes
hese are the ultimate in Antarctic voyages, exploring the Sub-Antarctic islands of South Georgia and the Falklands, as well as the Antarctic Peninsula. Cruise to the Falkland Islands where you will encounter a profusion of birdlife and visit the historic capital, Stanley. Continue cruising to South Georgia, an island of unique beauty virtually unspoilt by man, and renowned for its incredible scenery, the grave of Ernest Shackleton and thousands of King Penguins which you won’t see further south. Reaching the Antarctic Peninsula you will cruise through quiet bays and inlets where huge glaciers meet the sea, visit colonies of Gentoo, Adelie and Chinstrap Penguins, and scientific stations. The emphasis is on wildlife encounters, personal contact with the environs and visiting sites of historical interest. This journey combines the best of the Sub-Antarctic with the beauty of Antarctica.
featured itinerary (AKADEMIK IOFFE)
Incredible whale breach
© Quark Expeditions
Day 1: Embark in Ushuaia. Sail through the Beagle Channel. Day 2: Cruise to the Falkland Islands. Days 3/4: Explore the Falkland Islands enjoying a hike along the shore of Carcass Island to view Magellanic Penguins, a visit to Stanley, explorations of the nesting grounds of the Black-browed Albatross as well as encounters with penguins and a variety of other seabirds. Days 5-9: Continue on to South Georgia to view a King Penguin colony, the largest in the world, abundant birdlife and incredible scenery. Days 10-12: Venture into Antarctic waters via the Scotia Sea, encountering sea ice and a multitude of seabirds. Days 13-16: Sail to the Weddell Sea on the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula, where weather permitting, you may land at Deception Island, Whalers Bay, Half Moon Island and Neko Harbour. Enjoy a range of activities from close up wildlife photography to hikes. Days 17-19: Return to Ushuaia across the Drake Passage. Tour ends. Note: Journeys longer than 19 days will spend more time exploring the Antarctic Peninsula. Weather or ice conditions may result in changes to the itinerary and activities. Each vessel will undertake a slightly different itinerary which may also include flight sectors and accommodation. Please contact us for details.
South Georgia And Antarctic Odyssey 18 days Polar Pioneer Departs Ushuaia 27 Dec 2017 and Santiago or Punta Arenas 13 Jan 2018 Fly from Santiago or Punta Arenas in Chile to the Falkland Islands and embark the Polar Pioneer for your journey to South Georgia, home to millions of penguins, fur seals and elephants seals and the spectacular Antarctic Peninsula. Alternatively embark in Ushuaia for your cruise before flying from the Falklands back to Santiago or Punta Arenas. Elephant seals sparring
20
© Polar Latitudes
Tour cost per person from: $26242 (twin cabin with shared facilities). Please contact us for further details.
Natural Focus Safaris – Experts in Independent, Tailor Made Tours
FALKLANDS, SOUTH GEORGIA & PENINSULA • ANTARCTICA
Unique encounters with wildlife
© Polar Latitudes
2017/18 Expeditions Ocean Diamond†
Triple
Twin obst. view $28400
TWIN Window
main main deck deck Porthole window $25600 $28800
25 Jan 2018 (20 Days)Ω
$20000
Sea Adventurer†
Triple
lower DECK
08 Nov 2017 (20 Days)Ω
$20000
$23300
Ocean Endeavour§
Triple
23 Nov 2017 (20 Days)Ω∞ 06 Jan 2018 (20 Days)Ω Hebridean Sky^ 25 Jan 2018 (20 Days)Ω Ortelius# 16 Dec 2017 (19 Days) 02 Feb 2018 (19 Days) Plancius# 29 Nov 2017 (20 Days) 19 Jan 2018 (20 Days) 17 Feb 2018 (20 Days) Akademik Ioffe* 18 Oct 2017 (20 Days)Ω 30 Nov 2017 (19 Days)Ω 03 Feb 2018 (18 Days)**Ω G Expedition† 23 Nov 2017 (21 Days)Ω◊ 11 Jan 2018 (21 Days)Ω◊
$30600
SINGLE Obst. view $35800
Single PortHOLE
Falkland Is
SUITE
$35800
$33400
$37600
superior
deluxe
Suite
$31600
$34200
$42600
upper deck twin $31610 $31610
SUPERIOR twin
JUNIOR SUITE
$17810 $17810
TWIN twin PORTHOLE PORTHOLE window plus 1/ PLUS 2 $25710 $26910 $29810 $25710 $26910 $29810
$32310 $32310
$36410 $36410
Triple Suite $23540
PortholE WINDOW prom'ade SUITE SUITE SUITE $28362 $31625 $32334
DELUXE SUITE $33043
VERANDA SUITE $37298
P'HOUSE SUITE $41128
Quad TRIPLE Twin twin Porthole PortHOLE PortHOLE window $18724 $20710 $22625 $24043 $20213 $22199 $23972 $25391
TWIN DELUXE $25249 $26809
Superior
QUAD Triple Twin Twin PortHOLE PortHOLE PortHOLE window $18582 $20284 $22341 $23405 $21206 $23405 $25320 $26809 $20213 $22199 $23972 $25391
twin deluxe $24823 $28298 $26809
Superior
Triple Shared
Twin sEmi private
Twin private
$19426 $19426 $23256
$22263 $22263 $27511
$25100 $25100 $30206
superior shackLE'N PRIVATE suite $26376 $26376 $31908
$29071 $29071 $34036
$27518 $29504
$27614 $31135 $29504 one ocean suite $31908 $31908 $36873
QUAD Triple Twin Twin Twin SUITE Porthole PORTHOLE PORTHOLE WINDOW WINDOW WINDOW $13999 $17999
$14999 $18999
$19999 $22999
$21999 $25999
$25999 $28999
$29999 $30999
Port Stanley
BALCONY SUITE
Ushuaia
SCOTIA SEA
South Georgia
DRAKE PASSAGE
South Shetland Is
Falklands, Sth Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula
A N TA
RCTIC
CIRCLE
Antarctic Peninsula WEDDELL SEA © Natural Focus Safaris
Options available (additional cost on request): Ω Kayaking, ◊Camping, ∞Mountaineering and Cross-Country Skiing. AMUNDSEN
SEA are per person. Optional single occupancy All prices shown is from 1.5 to 2 times the twin share rate. We may be able to arrange shared accommodation.
Price per person includes: Onboard cabin accommodation, all meals, shore excursions and activities by Zodiac, lecture programs, comprehensive pre-departure materials, all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges. Please refer to pages 6/7 for additional vessel specific inclusions. Price excludes: Transfers, any airfare, pre and post land arrangements, passport and visa expenses, government arrival and departure taxes, meals ashore, polar clothing, baggage, cancellation and personal insurance, excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges, emergency evacuation charges and gratuities. Fuel surcharges may apply in the event of an increase in world fuel prices. †This
departure includes one night at a hotel in Ushuaia (B&B), transfer airport to hotel on arrival, group transfer hotel-ship on embarkation and ship-airport on disembarkation.
§ Departures on this vessel include one hotel night in Buenos
Aires (B&B), group transfer from hotel to airport for charter flight, charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, group bus city tour in Ushuaia, group transfer to ship, group transfer from ship to Ushuaia airport, charter flight from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires. Additional cabin types available for this vessel. Please contact us for details. ^Includes one night at a hotel in Ushuaia (B&B), group transfer hotel-ship on embarkation and ship-airport on disembarkation. Please contact us for Hebridean Sky Owners Suite prices. # Includes
transfer from vessel to airport on disembarkation.
*These departures include group transfers from central Ushuaia-ship on embarkation and ship-airport on disembarkation.
Magnificent King Penguins
© Hanneke Dallmeijer-Veda
**Departures on this vessel include a transfer to Punta Arenas airport on embarkation day from a central meeting point, one way scheduled flight from Punta Arenas to Stanley (Falkland Islands) & group departure transfer to Ushuaia.
web: www.naturalfocussafaris.com.au | email:
[email protected] | phone: 1300 363 302
21
ANTARCTICA • IN THE WAKE OF SCOTT & SHACKLETON
Adelie Penguin encounter from Zodiac
© K Ovsyanikova
In The Wake of Scott & Shackleton 30 days/29 nights Departs ex Invercargill
V
enture into the unspoiled heart of Antarctica, aboard either The Akademik Shokalskiy or Spirit of Enderby, both fully ice-strengthened and custom-built for expedition travel. This epic voyage follows in the footsteps of legendary polar adventurers Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Shackleton, traversing inspiring landscapes unchanged for over a century. Encounter seals, whales, seabirds and penguins, as you explore historic huts, scientific research bases, impressive ice shelves and towering icebergs.
Baby Weddell seal
Shackleton's Hut
Featured Itinerary (Spirit of Enderby – 10 Jan 2018)
© K Ovsyanikova
Day 1: Arrive in Invercargill, New Zealand’s southernmost city. Day 2: Transfer to the Port of Bluff for embarkation. Day 3: At North East Island, view Crested Penguin, Cape petrel and Buller’s albatross by Zodiac – The Snares shelter more seabirds than the entire British Isles. Days 4/5: Go ashore at Enderby Island for wildflowers and rare sea lions. Day 6: Bird-watch on deck or attend informal lectures as you cross the Southern Ocean. Days 7/8: At Macquarie Island, be welcomed by four penguin species at ‘Penguin City’, observe elephant seal and visit the Australian Antarctic Base. Days 9-12: See icebergs and prolific birdlife as you cross the Antarctic Circle. Days 13-22: Depending on ice and weather conditions in the pristine Antarctic Ross Sea region, you may make shore landings, drop in at research stations or sail past towering ice cliffs. Possible stops include: Cape Adare, Cape Hallett, Scott and Shackleton's huts, Ross Ice Shelf, Scott and McMurdo stations. Days 23-26: Enjoy life on board. Days 27-28: At Campbell Island, drop anchor in whale-rich Perseverance Harbour, visit an albatross nesting site and inspect unusual Antarctic fauna. Day 29: Reflect on a remarkable journey over a farewell feast. Day 30: Disembark Bluff, and transfer to Invercargill. Tour ends. Note: The above itinerary is a sample only. Weather or ice conditions may result in changes to the itinerary and activities. Each vessel will undertake a slightly different itinerary. Please contact us for details.
© JJ L'Heureux
Spirit of Enderby 10 Jan & 08 Feb 2018 (30 Days) Akademik Shokalskiy* 02 Feb 2018 (30 Days)
MAIN DECK SUPERIOR Twin $32963 $35374
SUPERIOR PLUS $39630
MINI SUITE $41048
HERITAGE SUITE $44169
MAIN DECK SUPERIOR Twin $32963 $35374
SUPERIOR PLUS $39630
MINI SUITE $41048
HERITAGE SUITE $44169
*Please contact us for deck plans pertaining to this voyage. All prices shown are per person. Optional single supplement is from 1.8 to 2 times the twin share rate. We may be able to arrange shared accommodation. Price per person includes: Pre/post cruise transfers, one night hotel accommodation in Invercargill in a twin share room (including dinner/breakfast), all on-board ship accommodation with meals, all expedition shore excursions and landing fees. Price excludes: All items of a personal nature, laundry, drinks, gratuities, international/domestic flights, visas and travel insurance. Fuel surcharges may apply in the event of an increase in world fuel prices.
Royal Penguin, Macquarie Island
22
© Shutterstock
Antarctic killer whales
© K Ovsyanikova
Natural Focus Safaris – Experts in Independent, Tailor Made Tours
SUB-ANTARCTIC ISLANDS & ROSS SEA • ANTARCTICA
Young elephant seal amongst a King Penguin colony on Macquarie Island
© Heritage Expeditions
Galapagos of the Southern Ocean
F
13 days/12 nights Departs ex Dunedin 01 Dec 2017 & ex Invercargill 21 Dec 2017
ew travellers have heard of the Subantarctic Islands that lie to the south of Australia and New Zealand, yet their astounding biodiversity has afforded them the highest conservation status and protection, with access by permit only. The name given to this voyage reflects the archipelago’s natural splendour and wealth of unique wildlife. On this inspirational, informative journey, you will visit four important islands: The Snares, Auckland, Macquarie and Campbell.
Featured Itinerary (01 DEC DEPARTURE) Day 1: Overnight in historic Dunedin. Day 2: Embark your vessel at Otago Harbour. Day 3: Zodiac cruise The Snares’ rugged bird-rich coastline encountering a vast array of species including Snares Crested Penguin, Fernbird and Tomtit. Days 4/5: Explore the Auckland Islands, another excellent birding location whose bays shelter rare sea lion and are loaded in human history. Hear tales of castaways and shipwrecks as you approach Carnley Harbour. Day 6: Face the Furious Fifties traversing the tumultuous Southern Ocean. Days 7/8: The only breeding ground of Royal Penguin, Macquarie Island has three other resident penguin species – this is where you will experience the unforgettable clamour of ‘Penguin City’. Day 9: Continue sailing through whale-rich waters with lectures to entertain. Days 10/11: Drop anchor at lonely Campbell Island, exploring sea stacks and rocky islets. Look for megaherbs in the hills of Northwest Bay and seek out sea lions on the beaches. Day 12: Recall the highlights of your adventure over a final celebratory dinner. Day 13: Disembark after breakfast, with transfer to downtown Invercargill/airport. Note: The above itinerary is a sample only. Weather or ice conditions may result in changes to the itinerary and activities. Each vessel will undertake a slightly different itinerary. Please contact us for details. Spirit of Enderby 01 Dec & 21 Dec 2017 (13 Days)*
MAIN DECK SUPERIOR Twin $11995 $12988
SUPERIOR PLUS $13697
MINI SUITE $14406
HERITAGE SUITE $15257
Royal and King Penguins, Macquarie Island
Spririt of Enderby, Sub-Antarctic Islands
"All prices shown are per person. Optional single supplement is from 1.8 to 2 times the twin share rate. We may be able to arrange shared accommodation. Price per person includes: Pre/post cruise transfers, one night hotel accommodation in a twin share room (inc. dinner/ breakfast), all on board ship accommodation with meals, all expedition shore excursions and landing fees.
his epic exploratory voyage takes in the southern section of the Antarctic Peninsula, the Bellingshausen, Amundsen and Ross seas. The Ortelius has two helicopters and Zodiacs on board for shore landings throughout the journey. Highlights include impressive icebergs and sea ice, Campbell Island and McMurdo Station, the huts of Scott and Shackleton, the immense Ross Ice Shelf, minke whales and orca, and islands inhabited by fur seals and penguins Please contact us for further details.
WEDDELL SEA
AMUNDSEN SEA BAY OF Ross Ice WHALES Shelf ROSS McMurdo Stn SEA
Scott Is SOUTH PACIFIC OCEAN
Cape Adare
Campbell Is (N.Z)
CIRCLE
T
Peter I Is (Norway)
Antarctic Peninsula
CTIC
32 days – 2019 departure dates yet to be announced.
SCOTIA SEA
DRAKE PASSAGE
TA R
ROSS SEA
Ushuaia
AN
Price excludes: All items of a personal nature, laundry, drinks, gratuities, international/domestic flights, visas and travel insurance. Fuel surcharges may apply in the event of an increase in world fuel prices.
© A Russ
South Georgia
*The 01 Dec 2017 cruise departs ex Dunedin and the 21 Dec 2017 cruise departs from Invercargill. Options Available (additional cost & must be pre-booked): Kayaking $1426 (available only on 21 Dec 2017 departure).
© S Blanc
Ross Sea In the Wake of Scott & Shackleton Galapagos of the Southern Ocean
Macquarie Is (AUST) Bluff Dunedin Invercargill
N.Z.
web: www.naturalfocussafaris.com.au | email:
[email protected] | phone: 1300 363 302
© Natural Focus Safaris
23
THE ARCTIC Journey with us northwards to the ethereal beauty of the Arctic, where you will discover dreamlike landscapes of snow and ice, rugged mountains, dazzling glaciers and the tranquil shores of sheltered fjords and inlets. This is a region of spectacular wildlife, from huge polar bears measuring 11 feet in length, muskox and massively tusked walrus, to giant colonies of birds and seals. White beluga whales glide silently through the cold waters, which are also home to humpback and bowhead whales, bearded seals, and the mysterious narwhal. Our ships are the same sturdy, icestrengthened polar expedition ships used in Antarctica, and we also offer some exciting land-based expeditions. All our journeys are designed to get you close to the action with daily excursions by Zodiac, kayak or on foot along the shore. Itineraries are flexible and depend on ice and weather conditions and the movements of wildlife. Getting There Most of our journeys in the Arctic depart from Canada, Longyearbyen in Spitsbergen, Olso in Norway and Reykjavík in Iceland. Flights to these locations are available from most Australian capital cities. Please contact us for further details. Weather The Arctic climate is characterised broadly by long, cold winters and short, cool summers. There is a large amount of variability in climate across the Arctic. Some parts of the Arctic are covered by ice year-round, and nearly all parts of the Arctic experience long periods with some form of ice on the surface. Average July temperatures range from about -10 to +10 °C, with some land areas occasionally exceeding 30 °C in summer (Jun - Sep).
24
Natural Focus Safaris – Experts in Independent, Tailor Made Tours
The Arctic
A trip of a lifetime has become a reality for us. This journey was all that we imagined, and more - a wonderful exhilarating experience. Kelly and Steven Davidson
RUSSIAN FEDERATION
IC CIRCLE ARCT
FINLAND SWEDEN
Oslo
Copenhagen
DENMARK
NORWAY
SPITSBERGEN
Longyearbyen
ICELAND Reykjavik
Arctic Ocean
Alert
Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky Bering Is
ELLESMERE IS.
GREENLAND Uummannaq
Tasiilaq
Ilulissat Sisimiut
Wrangel Is
Grise Fiord
Anadyr Resolute Bay
BAFFIN IS.
Nome
Pangnirtung Iqaluit
Cape Dorset
ALASKA (USA)
CANADA
web: www.naturalfocussafaris.com.au | email:
[email protected] | phone: 1300 363 302
25
HIGH ARCTIC • JEWELS OF THE ARCTIC
Giant walrus with the G Expedition in the background
© G Adventures
Jewels of the Arctic
SPITSBERGEN Longyearbyen ARC TI
C CI RCLE
GREENLAND
Kulusuk DENMARK STRAIT
Reykjavik Keflavik
E
SCORESBY SOUND
ARCT IC CIRCLE
ICELAND
NORWAY
Jewels of the Arctic Oslo © Natural Focus Safaris
Magnificent icebergs
© Visit Greenland
Shore landing, Svalbard
26
© G Adventures
Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland 14 or 15 days Departs ex Longyearbyen or as specified
xplore fjords and glaciers by ship and Zodiac, hike in the mountains, visit remote Inuit settlements and photograph dramatic landscapes, huge icebergs and Arctic wildlife. This voyage highlights the dramatic contrasts across the Arctic region as you cruise between Spitsbergen, and the ‘land of fire and ice’, Iceland. You’ll encounter some of the iconic symbols of the Arctic including Inuit villages, muskox, giant glaciers and explorers’ camps.
Featured itinerary (G Expedition) Day 1: Arriving in Longyearbyen, the capital of Spitsbergen, board in the afternoon for an early evening departure. Days 2-5: Taking advantage of local ice and weather conditions, explore beautiful Svalbard and the west coast of Spitsbergen. Enjoy stunning landscape and glacier views, with possible sightings of reindeer, polar bears as they hunt seal, and the elusive Arctic fox. Days 6/7: Cross through possible pack ice towards the east coast of Greenland. Keep an eye out for majestic whales which are known to feed here in the summer months. Spot orca, humpback and minke whales as well as dolphins. Enjoy lectures by expedition staff. Days 8-12: Cruise the Greenland coast visiting beautiful fjords filled with massive glaciers and icebergs, remote Inuit communities, and look out for walruses, seals, narwhals, polar bears, muskoxen, wolves, foxes, ermine, Arctic hares, lemmings as well as a variety of birds. Board Zodiacs to get a closer look at some of the birdlife and to walk on the tundra. Days 13/14: Cruise across Denmark Strait towards Iceland, on the lookout for whale blows and diverse seabirds such as Soaring Fulmars, Kittiwakes, Gannets, Guillemots, and Razorbills. Day 15: Disembark Reykjavík, Iceland before a group transfer to the airport in Keflavik. Tour ends. Note: Itinerary intended as a guide only. Weather or ice conditions may result in changes to the itinerary and activities. Each vessel will undertake a slightly different itinerary which may also include flight sectors or operate in reverse. Please contact us for details.
Picturesque coastal Greenland
© Visit Greenland
Natural Focus Safaris – Experts in Independent, Tailor Made Tours
JEWELS OF THE ARCTIC• HIGH ARCTIC
Arctic fox in winter coat
Polar Pioneer†
G Expedition
02 Sep 2017 (15 Days) Plancius* 29 Aug 2017 (14 Days)
All prices shown are per person. Optional single occupancy is 1.6 to 2 times the twin share rate. We may be able to arrange shared accommodation.
Triple shared
twin shared
twin private
mini suite
CAPTAIN'S suite
$8870 $8870
$9975 $9975
$12285 $12285
$13750 $13750
$14850 $14850
QUAD Porthole $6499
Triple PORTHOLE $7499
Twin PORTHOLE $8499
Twin WINDOW $9499
Twin WINDOW $10999
SUITE WINDOW $11999
QUAD porthole $8440
Triple Porthole $10908
Twin PortHolE $12710
Twin window $13830
twin deluxe $14724
Superior
05 Aug 2017 (14 Days) 18 Aug 2017 (14 Days)^ #
© Shutterstock
$17433
Price per person includes: Onboard cabin accommodation, all meals onboard ship, shore excursions and activities by Zodiac, lecture and guide services, comprehensive pre and post-expedition materials, all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges. Please refer to pages 6/7 for additional vessel specific inclusions. Price excludes: Transfers, any airfare, pre and post land arrangements, passport and visa expenses, government arrival and departure taxes, baggage, cancellation and personal insurance, excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as bar and beverage charges, polar clothing, laundry, telecommunication charges, and gratuities. Fuel surcharge may apply in the event of significant fuel price increases. Options available (additional cost): Kayaking - Polar Pioneer: $1225. †
Includes one-way transfer between ship and Reykjavík (or vice versa), group Longyearbyen town tour and transfers between Longyearbyen airport and ship (or vice versa). ^This departure starts in Reykjavík and ends in Longyearbyen.
#Includes
airport transfers in Longyearbyen and Reykjavík depending on flight times.
Polar bear
Unforgettable whale encounter
© Shutterstock
Kayaking in the High Arctic
© Oceanwide Expeditions
*Disembarkation point for this voyage is Akureyri. Includes transfer from vessel in Akureyri to specific hotels in Reykjavík by coach (approximately 6 hours).
© Caroll Hall/Aurora Expeditions
web: www.naturalfocussafaris.com.au | email:
[email protected] | phone: 1300 363 302
27
HIGH ARCTIC • Spitsbergen Explorer
Grazing reindeer
© Shutterstock
Spitsbergen Explorer
GREENLAND
Moffen Island Smeerenberg Ny-Alesund
Seven Islands
8, 10, 11, 12 or 13 days Departs ex Longyearbyen or Oslo as specified
ARC T
L
IC C IRCLE
NORDAUSTLANDET
SVALBARD
Vibebukta
SPITSBERGEN
Longyearbyen Hornshund GREENLAND SEA
BARENTSOYA
Kapp Lee EDGEOYA
Diskobukta From Oslo
© Natural Focus Safaris
ush tundra between jagged peaks on the west coast, formidable pack ice in the north and polar desert in the east, Spitsbergen is a truly unspoilt wilderness. This exploratory voyage along the coast of Spitsbergen will take you within 600 nautical miles of the North Pole, and will feature a stunning variety of landscapes and abundant wildlife including the mighty polar bear, walrus, grazing reindeer and prolific birdlife. Always on the lookout for wildlife you’ll explore this landscape not only by ship but also on foot and by Zodiac. You’ll discover ice covered seas, fjords with breathtaking mountain scenery and glaciers flowing into the sea around you.
Featured itinerary (G Expedition)
Auks, Svalbard
© Renato Granieri
Day 1: Embark in Longyearbyen, the capital of Spitsbergen. Depart cruising along beautiful Isfjorden, a wonderland of bird cliffs, sweeping glaciers and majestic mountains. Days 2-10: With no set itinerary the next nine days will be spent visiting various sites around Spitsbergen including Krossfjord, Konigsfjord, Monaco Glacier, Hinlopen Strait, Ny-Ålesund, Northeast Land, Edgeoya, Hornsund and Bellsund. Discover ice covered seas, fjords with snow-capped mountains and calving glaciers. Keep a constant look out for hunting polar bears, the rare Ivory Gull and walrus as they haul out on ice floes or sandy beaches. Spectacular bird cliffs filled with thousands of Guillemots, as well as Kittiwakes and Glaucous Gulls may also be on the agenda. Conditions permitting there will be opportunities to walk on the shore with armed guides or cruise along the ice edge by Zodiac and observe and photograph the Arctic flora and fauna. At one or more of our stops, we hope to see Svalbard’s unique subspecies of reindeer. Day 11: Arrival back in Longyearbyen and disembark. Group transfer to airport. Tour ends. Note: Itinerary intended as a guide only. Weather or ice conditions may result in changes to the itinerary and activities. Each vessel will undertake a different itinerary which may also include flight sectors. Some of the departures don’t circumnavigate the archipelago. Please contact us for details.
Incredible glaciers of Svalbard
28
© G Adventures
Kayaking exploration
© G Adventures
Natural Focus Safaris – Experts in Independent, Tailor Made Tours
Spitsbergen Explorer • HIGH ARCTIC
Polar bear and cub
© Alexander Kutskiy
All prices shown are per person. Optional single occupancy is 1.5 to 2 times the twin share rate. We may be able to arrange shared accommodation.
QUAD Triple Twin Twin Twin SUITE Porthole PORTHOLE PORTHOLE WINDOW WINDOW WINDOW 14 & 21 Jun 2017 (8 Days) $4299 $4999 $5999 $6999 $8249 $9499 28 Jun 2017 (11 Days)Ω $5999 $6799 $7899 $8799 $9999 $10999 08 Jul 2017 (8 Days)Ω $4299 $4999 $5999 $6999 $8249 $9499 15 Jul 2017 (11 Days)Ω $5999 $6799 $7899 $8799 $9999 $10999 25 Jul 2017 (8 Days)Ω $4299 $4999 $5999 $6999 $8249 $9499 01 & 11 Aug 2017 (11 Days) $5999 $6799 $7899 $8799 $9999 $10999 G Expedition#
Polar Pioneer* 06, & 16 Jul 2017 (11 Days)Ω 26 Jul 2017 (11 Days)Ω Akademik Ioffe#
Triple SHARED $6995 $6995
Twin SHARED $8400 $8400
Twin PRIVATE $10200 $10200
Triple Shared
Twin sEmi private $9781 $10632
Twin private
08 & 17 Jun 2017 (10 Days)Ω 26 & 07 Jul 2017 (12 Days)Ω
$7795 $9781
Ortelius#
Quad
31 May 2017 (8 Days)◊§ 07, 14 & 21 Jun 2017 (8 Days)§ 03 Aug 2017 (10 Days) 12 & 21 Aug 2017 (10 Days)
$5532 $5532 $6951 $6951
$11199 $13752
MINI SUITE $10800 $10800
$14036 $17298 TWIN DELUXE $8724 $8724 $11206 $11206
Superior
Quad TRIPLE Twin Twin Porthole PortHOLE PortHOLE window 08, 15 & 22 Jun 2017 (8 Days)§ $5532 $6667 $7859 $8227 $5532 $6667 $7859 $8227 29 Jun 2017 (8 Days)§ 24 Jul 2017 (10 Days) $6951 $8511 $9930 $10568 11 & 20 Aug 2017 (10 Days) $6951 $8511 $9930 $10568
twin deluxe $8724 $8724 $11206 $11206
Superior
Ocean Nova‡^
QUAD
TRIPLE
UPPER/ LOWER
05 & 23 Jun 2017 (11 Days)Ω 03 Jul 2017 (11 Days)Ω 13 Jul 2017 (13 Days)Ω
$8800 $8800 $10800
$9900 $9900 $12200
$12200 $12200 $14900
BRIDGE DECK TWIN $13600 $13600 $16700
Sea Adventurer‡
Triple
lower DECK
28 Jun 2017 (11 Days)Ω 08 & 26 Jul 2017 (11 Days)Ω
$8500 $8500
$11100 $11100
UPPER DECK TWIN $12900 $12900 $15700
Price excludes: Airfares, pre and post land arrangements, optional activities, passport and visa expenses, government arrival and departure taxes, cancellation and personal insurance, excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as bar and beverage charges, polar clothing, laundry, telecommunication charges, gratuities and emergency evacuation charges. Fuel surcharge may apply in the event of significant fuel price increases.
one ocean suite $15596 $19142
TRIPLE Twin twin PortHOLE PortHOLE window $6667 $7859 $8227 $6667 $7859 $8227 $8511 $9930 $10568 $8511 $9930 $10568
Plancius#
Price per person includes: Onboard cabin accommodation, all meals onboard ship, shore excursions and activities by Zodiac, lecture and guide services, comprehensive pre and post-expedition materials, port taxes and charges.
CAPTAIN’s SUITE $12900 $12900
superior shackLE'N suite $12759 $15596
Options available on request (additional cost may apply): Ω Kayaking, ◊Diving, §Snowshoeing.
main main superior deck deck Porthole window $12300 $13700 $15200 $12300 $13700 $15200
#Includes
roundtrip Longyearbyen airport group transfers depending on flight times. *Includes group transfer to and from airport to ship (when arriving on recommended flights only) and sightseeing tour in Longyearbyen on arrival pre-voyage.
$9717 $9717 $12554 $12554
‡Includes
return group transfers to/from airport or hotel in Longyearbyen. ^Deck plan for the Ocean Nova as appears on page 7 is representative of a different cabin configuration from this departure. Please contact us for deck plans pertaining to this voyage.
$9717 $9717 $12554 $12554
deluxe
Suite
$16800 $16800
$18600 $18600
Bearded seal
© Oceanwide
web: www.naturalfocussafaris.com.au | email:
[email protected] | phone: 1300 363 302
29
HIGH ARCTIC • GREENLAND
One of the best Aurora displays in the world
© Visit Greenland
Greenland's Northern Lights
T
13 days/12 nights Departs ex Reykjavík
his journey gives you a front row seat to see some of the best Aurora displays in the world. You will have a chance to walk and hike across the pristine wilderness of Greenland whilst also exploring the magnificent Scorsbysund Fjord. Likely wildlife sightings include Arctic fox, muskox, white-beaked dolphins and humpback, minke and blue whales, as well as myriad seabirds. The scenery of this region is characterised by massive icebergs, soaring cliffs and rolling tundra plains carpeted with wildflowers. You will visit East Greenland’s most northerly community at Ittoqqortoormiit and see one of the world’s last remaining living hunter societies.
Featured itinerary (07 SEP DEPARTURE) Zodiac excursion amongst the icebergs
Muskoxen
© Quark Expeditions
GREENLAND SEA
© Quark Expeditions
(Kalaallit Nunaat)
Illuissat Kangerlussuaq DAVIS STRAIT
Nuuk
Tasiilaq
SCORESBY SUND
ATLANTIC OCEAN
Constable Point
DENMARK STRAIT
Nanortalik Reykjavik Greenland’s Northern Lights
30
Ocean Nova^
QUAD
TRIPLE
07 & 24 Sep 2017 (13 Days)*
$10800
$11500
UPPER / lower $14400
UPPER DECK $14900
BRIDGE DECK TWIN $15700
*Note: 07 Sep departure (as featured above) cruises north and flies south. 24 Sep departure itinerary operates in reverse - flies north & cruises south. Options available (additional cost, must be pre-booked): Kayaking $945. All prices shown are per person. Optional single occupancy is 1.7 to 2 times the twin share rate. We may be able to arrange shared accommodation.
GREENLAND
BAFFIN BAY
Day 1: Overnight Reykjavík. Days 2-4: Fly from Reykjavík to the northern Iceland town of Akureyri, embark and sail through Denmark Strait en route to Greenland, keeping an eye out for seabirds above and whales below. Days 5-8: Explore the beautiful landscapes of Greenland National Park, an Arctic paradise with walks and hikes across the tundra and Zodiac cruises through spectacular Antarctic Sound – home to azure icebergs, and craggy, colourful cliffs. Continue onto Apelfjord, a wonderland of fjords and sounds. Days 9-11: We reach Scorsbysund Fjord, the largest fjord system in the world. This area is great for seeing the Northern Lights and you will gain an appreciation for the Inuit way of life in the town of Ittoqqortoormiit. Further into the fjord you will marvel at the towering cliffs and icebergs the size of an apartment building. Day 12: Disembark Constable Point then fly to Reykjavík. Day 13: Check out from your hotel. Tour ends.
ARCTIC CIRCLE
Akureyri ICELAND
© Natural Focus Safaris
Price per person includes: One night pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Reykjavík with breakfast, group transfer from hotel to domestic airport, charter flight from Reykjavík to Akureyri on embarkation day, group transfers to and from ship, charter flight from Constable Point to Reykjavík on disembarkation day, group transfer from airport to hotel, one night postexpedition hotel accommodation in Reykjavík with breakfast, onboard cabin accommodation, all meals onboard, coffee, tea and cocoa, guided shore excursions and activities by Zodiac, lectures and entertainment onboard, comprehensive pre-departure expedition materials, photographic journal documenting the expedition, service taxes and port charges, complimentary expedition parka to keep and loan of rubber boots for shore landings, emergency evacuation insurance. Price excludes: Airfares (other than mentioned above), pre and post land arrangements (other than mentioned above), transfers (other than mentioned above), passport and visa expenses, government arrival and departure taxes, meals ashore, polar clothing (other than mentioned above), baggage, cancellation and personal insurance, excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as bar charges, medical expenses, laundry, telecommunication charges, tips, emergency evacuation charges. Fuel surcharges may apply in the event of an increase in world fuel prices. ^Deck plan for the Ocean Nova as appears on page 7 is representative of a different cabin configuration from these departures. Please contact us for deck plans pertaining to this voyage.
Natural Focus Safaris – Experts in Independent, Tailor Made Tours
GREENLAND & CANADIAN ARCTIC • HIGH ARCTIC
Walrus on the ice-floe edge
© Quark Expeditions
Incredible whale breach
© Quark Expeditions
Canada to Greenland
13 days/12 nights Departs ex Ottawa, Canada, ends Ottawa, Canada Departs 12 Sep 2017
E
xplore two incredible, rarely visited destinations on this in-depth expedition: Baffin Island and Greenland. Visit impressive Sam Ford Fjord, wildlife-rich Monumental Island and the World Heritage Site of Ilulissat. Gain insight into the history and lifestyles of the Inuit and Greenlandic people, and encounter iconic species such as polar bear, walrus and whale are you traverse breathtaking arctic scenery by Zodiac and on foot. Day 1: Arrive Ottawa, Canada. Day 2: Charter flight to Iqaluit and transfer to ship. Day 3: Scout Monumental Island’s rocky shores for walrus and polar bear. Day 4: Cross the Arctic Circle and inspect Kekerten, an abandoned whaling station. Day 5: Look for whales and seabirds on this full day at sea. Day 6: Navigate Cumberland Peninsula, landing where conditions permit. Day 7: Enter the icy playground of Sam Ford Fjord, where sheer rock faces shoot straight out of the sea. Day 8: Visit the ghost town of Qilaqitsoq, where eight mummies were found in 1972. Day 9: Trace a calving glacier, taking in the dramatic sights and sounds as ice crashes into the sea. Day 10: Be awed by Ilulissat today, home to a massive tidal fjord and the world’s fastest-moving glacier. Day 11: Interact with villagers in Itilleq Day 12: Disembark in Kangerslussuaq, a former US military base, and fly to Ottawa. Day 13: Tour ends Ottawa. Sea Adventurer
Triple
LOWER DECK
12 Sep 2017
$11400
$14100
MAIN MAIN SUPERIOR DECK DECK PORTHOLE WINDOW $15300
$16700
$18200
DELUXE
SUITE
$19800
$21600
Kayaking amongst the ice
Inuit child
© Phil Wickens
© Quark Expeditions
Options available (additional cost & must be pre-booked): Kayaking ($945). All prices shown are per person. Optional single occupancy is 1.7 to 2 times the twin share rate. We may be able to arrange shared accommodation. Price per person includes: Charter flights Ottawa to Iqaluit & Kangerlussuaq to Ottawa, Pre and post hotel in Ottawa including breakfast, group transfer hotel to Ottawa airport pre-cruise and Ottawa airport to hotel post-cruise, transfers to and from ship, onboard cabin accommodation, all breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks onboard, coffee, tea, cocoa, guided shore excursions and activities by Zodiac, lectures and entertainment onboard, comprehensive pre-departure expedition materials, photographic journal documenting the voyage, service taxes and port charges, complimentary expedition parka and loan of rubber boots for shore landings, emergency evacuation insurance. Price excludes: Airfares (other than mentioned above), pre and post land arrangements (other than mentioned above), transfers (other than mentioned above), bar beverages, passport and visa expenses, government arrival and departure taxes, meals ashore, polar clothing (other than mentioned above), baggage, cancellation and personal insurance, excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as medical expenses, laundry, telecommunication charges, tips, emergency evacuation charges. Fuel surcharges may apply in the event of an increase in world fuel prices.
Picturesque Greenland township
© Quark Expeditions
CLASSIC NORTHWEST PASSAGE & GREENLAND
GREENLAND (Kalaallit Nunaat)
13 days/12 nights Akademik Ioffe Departs ex Edmonton, Canada 24 Aug 2017 Chart a course into the Northwest Passage, the fabled sea route connecting Europe and Asia. See stunning fjords along the Baffin Island coastline as well as Greenland’s colossal icebergs. Follow in the footsteps of legendary arctic explorers such as Sir John Franklin, as you navigate the islands and channels of Canada’s high Arctic, with plenty of opportunity to spot polar bear, baleen whales and seabirds. Tour cost per person from: $18514 (twin cabin with shared facilities). Please contact us for further details.
BAFFIN BAY
BAFFIN ISLAND
CANADA
Ilulissat Sisimiut Kangerlussuaq
Pangnirtung Iqaluit
HUDSON’S BAY From Ottawa
Frobisher Bay Akpatok Island
web: www.naturalfocussafaris.com.au | email:
[email protected] | phone: 1300 363 302
To Ottawa
DAVIS STRAIT
Canada to Greenland © Natural Focus Safaris
31
Arctic • CANADIAN ARCTIC
Polar bears
Incredible scenery
© Shutterstock
© One Ocean Expeditions
Baffin Island - Jewel Of The High Arctic
F
12 days/11 nights Departs ex Ottawa, Canada, ends Edmonton, Canada Departs 25 July 2017
rom traditional north Canadian Inuit culture to riveting early explorer history, incredible wildlife and a legendary Arctic Circle crossing, this epic adventure packs some serious punch. Search for polar bear and walrus along the Davis Strait, visit the picturesque village of Pangniqtuuq – gateway to gorgeous Auyuittuq National Park and explore the gloriously rich waters of icy Baffin Bay. Day 1: Depart Ottawa on scheduled flight to Iqaluit. Town walking tour before transfer to ship. Day 2: Navigate Davis Strait by Zodiac, seeking out walrus and polar bear around Monumental Island. Day 3: Gain insight into Inuit lifestyle and culture in Pangniqtuuq, a beautiful village set between mountains and sea. Day 4: Cross the Arctic Circle on foot, by ship or Zodiac. Sunshine Fjord offers terrific hiking and kayaking opportunities. Day 5: Venture into stunning Auyuittuq National Park with a guide to interpret local flora, fauna, geological and glacial features. You may stop at Qikiqtarjuaq, a tiny traditional settlement. Day 6: Search for whales in Isabella Bay, where polar bears, ring seals, snow geese and narwhal are also common. Day 7: Sail Gibbs Fjord, where towering cliffs dwarf your vessel. Day 8: Today’s highlight is the Natinnak Centre, with its Inuit art and craft displays. Call in at a remote Pond Inlet community before entering Sirmilik National Park, the crown jewel of Canada’s Arctic Park system. Day 9: Cross the wildlife ‘super highway’ of Lancaster Sound. At Croker Bay, you may see glacier calving. Day 10: View countless avian species at Prince Leopold Island, an important migratory bird sanctuary. Beluga and bowhead often frequent surrounding waters. Day 11: Final shore landing at Beechey Island, where Sir John Franklin’s ill-fated expedition spent their last winter before mysteriously disappearing. Day 12: Disembark Resolute and transfer to airport for Edmonton flight. Tour ends Edmonton. Akademik Ioffe 25 Jul 2017
Triple Shared
Twin sEmi private
Twin private
superior PRIVATE
shackLE'N suite
one ocean suite
$13647
$15160
$17430
$18186
$20455
$22725
Kayaking excursion
© One Ocean Expeditions
Zodiac exploration of the glaciers
© One Ocean Expeditions
Options available (additional cost, must be pre-booked): Kayaking $1068. All prices shown are per person. Optional single occupancy is from 1.5 to 2 times the twin share rate. We may be able to arrange shared accommodation. Price per person includes: Transfer from central downtown location in Ottawa to airport at the start of voyage, charter flight Ottawa to Iqaluit & Resolute to Edmonton, group transfer from the meeting point in Iqaluit to the ship, and transfer from the ship to the airport in Resolute Bay, onboard cabin accommodation, all meals and afternoon teas, complimentary tea and coffee, access to multimedia room, shore excursions and activities by Zodiac, guided hikes and walks, loan of rubber boots and wet weather clothing, lecture programs and educational presentations, comprehensive pre-departure materials, group transfer from Edmonton airport to a central downtown location at the end of the voyage, all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges. Price excludes: Airfares (other than mentioned above) and taxes, pre and post land arrangements, optional activities, passport and visa expenses, government arrival and departure taxes, meals ashore, cancellation and personal insurance, excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges, emergency evacuation charges and gratuities. Fuel surcharges may apply in the event of an increase in world fuel prices..
Cruise otherworldly landscapes
Resolute
© One Ocean Expeditions
Beechy Island Devon Island
Prince Leopold Island To Edmonton
CANADA
Pond Inlet
GREENLAND (Kalaallit Nunaat)
BAFFIN BAY
BAFFIN ISLAND
Auyuittuq National Park Iqaluit From Ottawa
Close-up walrus encounter
32
© One Ocean Expeditions
HUDSON’S BAY
Natural Focus Safaris – Experts in Independent, Tailor Made Tours
DAVIS STRAIT
Lower Savage Is. © Natural Focus Safaris
LAND-BASED EXPEDITIONS • Arctic
Incredible photographic opportunities
© Arctic Kingdom
Arctic Kingdom
E
mbark on a land and ice-based adventure with Arctic Kingdom and discover the true nature of the Arctic. These highly personalised explorations will get you close to icebergs, glaciers, pods of whales, walrus, polar bears, and the rich culture of the Inuit. Trips are led by professional Arctic Kingdom leaders and Inuit guides, with transportation by snowmobiles or dog teams. Accommodation at the floe-edge is in comfortable eco-friendly camps. Other activities might include hiking, kayaking and dry suit diving. Group size 8-14.
Kings OF THE ARCTIC
7 days/6 nights Tented Safari Camp Departs ex Ottawa
Tour cost per person: 19 & 26 Jul 2017
Twin
Single*
$15732 $24663
* Request to share when booking and you will not pay the single supplement. Contact us for further details.
Stunning Premium Safari Camp location
© David Briggs
GREAT MIGRATIONS OF THE NORTHWEST PASSAGE
8 days/7 nights Hotels/Premium Safari Camp Departs ex Ottawa Tour cost per person: 03 & 10 Jun 2017
Twin
Single*
$26990 $42474
Narwhal and Polar Bear Safari
8 days/7 nights Hotels/Premium Safari Camp Departs ex Ottawa Tour cost per person: 21 & 28 May, 04 & 11 Jun 2017
Twin
Single*
$20110 $32019
* Request to share when booking and you will not pay the single supplement. Contact us for further details.
* Request to share when booking and you will not pay the single supplement. Contact us for further details.
Price per person includes: Services of expedition leader & Inuit guides, 6 nights in premium safari camp & 1 night in Victor Bay (15 minutes from Arctic Bay), all meals, drysuit, mask, fins, hood, gloves for snorkelling, return transfers in Arctic Bay, return flight Ottawa/Arctic Bay (via Iqaluit).
Price per person includes: Services of expedition leader and Inuit guides, all transportation for duration of trip, accommodation from Pond Inlet (1 night in Pond Inlet; 5 nights in a Premium Safari Camp and 1 night in Iqaluit), all meals while in camp, a welcome dinner in Pond Inlet, a lunch in Pond Inlet and breakfast and dinner in Iqaluit, unlimited use of kayaks, drysuit, mask, fins, hood, gloves for snorkelling, return flight Ottawa/Pond Inlet, return transfers in Pond Inlet.
Price excludes: Accommodation meals and transfers in Ottawa, medical, evacuation and baggage insurance, tips and gratuities.
E
xperience the ultimate scenic and wildlife safari with a chance to witness the migratory patterns of some of the most exceptional animals the Arctic has to offer, including the mystical narwhal and beluga. Explore the ice floe edge by snowmobile, kayak, and on foot with experienced Inuit guides.
Price per person includes: Services of expedition leader and Inuit guides, 6 nights in a standard Safari Tented Camp, all day trips by land or boat, all meals at camp, return airport transfers in Igloolik, return flight from Ottawa/Igloolik.
Price excludes: Meals, accommodation and transfers in Ottawa, medical, evacuation and baggage insurance, tips and gratuities.
T
his complete Arctic experience takes in Inuit culture, glaciers, icebergs and abundant wildlife along the ice floe edge as spring comes to an end. From base camps at Lancaster Sound you will search for the unique migrating of narwhal whales as well as polar bears, seals, bowhead and beluga whales.
Price excludes: Meals, accommodation and transfers in Ottawa, medical, evacuation and baggage insurance, tips and gratuities.
J
ourney onto and beyond the ice floe edge overlooking wildlife rich Foxe Basin to view rare bowhead whales, inquisitive walrus and amazing panoramas. Experience all aspects of the high Arctic from Inuit culture to spectacular wideELLESMERE open landscapes. ARCTIC OCEAN
Kayaking amongst the Arctic ice
© Arctic Kingdom
Observing polar bear on foot
© RJ Sauer
ISLAND
BAFFIN BAY
Resolute Bay
Dundas Harbour
LANCASTER SOUND
Arctic Bay
Pond Inlet BAFFIN ISLAND
Igloolik
Yellowknife
Iqaluit
FOXE BASIN
ARCTIC CIRCLE
NUNAVUT
Ivajivak ALBERTA
CANADA Churchill
Ottawa
Hudson Bay
Kuujjuaq QUEBEC
© Natural Focus Safaris
Tented Safari Camp on the ice floe edge
© Arctic Kingdom
Narwhal whales
© Arctic Kingdom
MANITOBA SASKATCHEWAN
Edmonton Calgary
Lake Winnipeg
Saskatoon
web: www.naturalfocussafaris.com.au | email:
[email protected] | phone: 1300 363 302 ONTARIO
33
RUSSIAN FAR EAST
Across The Top Of The World
R
15 days/14 nights Departs ex Anadyr, Russia*
emote Wrangel Island supports the highest level of biodiversity in the High Arctic. It is home to huge bird colonies such as Snowy Owl, Russia’s only remaining Snow Geese, reindeer, muskox, Arctic fox, walrus, grey whales, and the world’s largest concentration of breeding polar bears.
Incredible mountainous landscapes on the Kamchatka Peninsula
Day 1: Embark Spirit of Enderby. Day 2: Sail down the Anadyr estuary and explore some spectacular bird cliffs in Preobrazheniya Bay. Day 3: Visit the whale bones of Yttygran Island and look out for grey whales. Cruise by Nuneangan and Arakamchechen Islands where seabirds nest and walrus can be found. Day 4: Land at Cape Dezhnev the north-eastern most point of Eurasia. Visit Uelen Village and the bone-carving workshop. Day 5: See the spectacular bird cliffs of Kolyuchin Island. Days 6-10: Explore Wrangel and Herald Islands in search of polar bears, muskoxen and other wildlife. Day 11: Explore the lagoons and inlets of the remote North Siberian Coast. Day 12: Visit the vast Kolyuchin Inlet with its rich birdlife and grey whales. Day 13: Traverse the Bering Strait. Look for wildlife in the tundra of the Chukotka coast. Day 14: Sail across Anadyrskiy Bay. Day 15: Disembark Anadyr.
© Shutterstock
The Ring Of Fire
13 days/12 nights Departs ex Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy, Russia
V
oyage along the Ring of Fire in Russia’s Far East, through the Kamchatka Peninsula, the Commander Islands and the Kuril Islands. Discover active volcanoes, the remains of Ainu villages, and an astounding diversity of wildlife, including seabirds, sea lions, otters and whales. Days 1/2: Embark and sail for the Commander Islands. Days 3/4: Explore the Commander Islands and visit Bering and Medny. View rich birdlife, whales, seals, sea lions and otters. Day 5: Cruise the scenic Zhupanova River looking for birds. Day 6: Possible brown bear sightings at Bukta Russkaya fjord, as well as orcas and sea lions. Day 7: Visit Atlasova and the Onekotan Islands for wildlife and wildflowers. Day 8: Ekarma and Toporkovy Islands offer ducks, cormorants and puffins. Day 9: Enter a flooded caldera on Simushir Island. Day 10: See volcanic landscapes on Chirpoy Island. Day 11: Iturup Island offers thermal hot pools and more volcanic landscapes. Day 12: Explore the woodlands and walking trails of Kunashir Island. Day 13: Journey ends at the Port of Korskov on Sakhalin Island.
*Note: It is also possible to start and end this expedition in Nome, Alaska one day earlier. In this case you will fly from Nome to Anadyr. Contact us for details and rates.
Volcanic activity on Kamchatka
© Shutterstock
Puffin in mid flight
Brown Bear, Kamchatka Peninsula
© Heritage Expeditions
© Shutterstock
The Ring Of Fire Spirit of Enderby 30 May 2017 (13 Days)*
MAIN DECK SUPERIOR Twin $12834 $13826
SUPERIOR PLUS $14678
MINI SUITE $15245
HERITAGE SUITE $16380
Across The Top of The World Spirit of Enderby 07 & 21 Aug 2017 (15 Days)
MAIN DECK SUPERIOR Twin $16663 $17373
SUPERIOR PLUS $18507
MINI SUITE $19217
HERITAGE SUITE $20351
Walrus haul-out
© Heritage Expeditions
Kolyluchinskaya Estuary
RUSSIA
iy BERING ksk SEA rya t Ko Coas Govena Peninsula Karaginskiy Is.
*Option available (additional cost, must be pre-booked): Kayaking $1498
Price per person includes: Pre/post cruise transfers, onboard cabin accommodation, all meals onboard ship, shore excursions and activities by Zodiac, lecture and guide services and landing fees. Price excludes: Laundry, postage, gratuities, flights to and from the port of embarkation, medical expenses, personal travel insurance and items of personal nature such as bar charges and phone calls, emergency evacuation charges.
34
SAKHALIN IS.
PetropavlovskYuzhno Kamchatsky Sakhalinsk Korsakov KUR
IL I
SL
Natural Focus Safaris – Experts in Independent, Tailor Made Tours
AN
BERING STRAIT
Uelen
Anadyr
Itineraries intended as a guide only. Weather or ice conditions may result in changes to the itinerary and activities. All prices shown are per person. Optional single supplement is from 1.8 to 2 times the twin share rate. We may be able to arrange shared accommodation.
ALASKA (USA)
Wrangel Is.
DS
Nome
PACIFIC OCEAN
Bering Is. Commander Is.
The Ring of Fire Across the Top of the World © Natural Focus Safaris
GENERAL CONDITIONS Trading Names Natural Focus Safaris is a trading name of African Wildlife Safaris Pty Ltd (the company). Before you book The information presented in this brochure was correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. However, changes beyond our control may have occurred since then with respect to prices, itineraries, duration of holidays, standard of services, tour content, fares and airline schedules. Please check with your travel agent or the company to ascertain if there are any alterations to the tour you select before you book. Booking Procedure/Security Deposit The receipt of a security deposit will be taken as an understanding by the company that the participant has read, understands and agrees to abide by the conditions set out in this brochure. To make a reservation for Antarctica please forward a non-refundable deposit of 20% of the total tour cost for departures onboard Sea Adventurer (min $1000), Ocean Endeavour (min $1000), Ocean Diamond (min $1000), Plancius, Ortelius, G Expedition, Akademik Sergey Vavilov and Akademik Ioffe, 25% of the total tour cost for Ocean Nova, Akademik Shokalskiy, Hebridean Sky (min $2500) and Spirit of Enderby, or 30% of the total tour cost for Polar Pioneer (min $2500). To make a reservation for the Arctic please forward a non-refundable deposit of 20% of the total tour cost for departures onboard G Expedition, Plancius, Ortelius, Sea Adventurer (min $1000), Ocean Endeavour (min $1000), Ocean Diamond (min $1000) and Ocean Nova (min $1000), 25% of the total tour cost for Spirit of Enderby, 25-40% for the Polar Pioneer (min $2500), 20% of the total tour cost for Akademik Sergey Vavilov, 20-30% for Arctic Kingdom tours (min $2000) together with a completed Reservation Form (available from www.naturalfocussafaris.com.au). Clients on Antarctic and Arctic tours will also be required to sign a Cruise Contract. Final Payment Final Payment is due 120 days prior to departure for Antarctica and the Arctic. If payment has not been received by the due date we reserve the right to treat the booking as a cancellation. Client Names - Exactly as per Passport For security reasons, airlines and the majority of our tour operators require your name exactly as it appears in your passport. It is your responsibility to advise these details. If you or your Travel Agent do not advise the correct information and we have to re-issue airline tickets or other documentation, then we will bill you for all costs incurred, such as airline cancellation charges and courier fees, in addition to our own administration fee. Goods & Services Tax (GST) The Australian Goods & Services Tax (GST) does not apply to international travel. GST does not apply to administration charges such as amendment fees, hotel and late booking fees where these are made prior to travel. Amendment fees charged after travel, for example, in the case of a refund will attract GST. Insurance It is a condition of booking that you are adequately insured for the full duration of your tour. Your policy must include emergency evacuation cover. It is advisable to insure expensive camera equipment separately. Insurance policies rarely cover for loss of cash. We strongly recommend that insurance be purchased at the time you pay your security deposit as our cancellation conditions will be strictly enforced. The choice of insurer is at the sole discretion of the client. Cancellations and Refunds^ If it is necessary to cancel your holiday, you should notify us immediately in writing and this will take effect the day it is received by us. All monies will be forfeited as follows: Number of days before departure: Antarctica & the Arctic More than 120 days Loss of deposit 119 - 0 days No refund†* ^ Some tour operators charge higher cancellation fees for some tours. These will be advised with our quote letters and confirmation accounts. †If you cancel your Antarctic or Arctic cruise and you have not yet paid in full, you will be required to pay any cancellation fees levied. *Except those amounts that can be refunded, such as airfares (less those amounts forfeited under airline regulations and the company’s loss of profit). Insurance premiums are non-refundable, but if the reason for your tour cancellation falls within the terms of the insurance cover, cancellation charges will normally be refunded by the insurance company. The non-issuance of an invoice or the non-payment and/or non-receipt of a security
deposit or a major event such as a terrorist related incident, civil unrest or outbreak of a flu type epidemic etc will not exempt passengers from these cancellation and administration penalties. Cancellation fees are designed to cover the cancellation fees charged by overseas tour operators as well as Natural Focus Safaris loss of profit and to cover our time and effort for work completed. Please note that employees of our overseas tour operators are not authorised to make any undertakings on behalf of the company regarding refunds or other matters. After travel has commenced, additional costs incurred due to changes in your itinerary (eg due to airline schedule changes) must be settled directly by you and any requests for refunds must be made on your return. Amendments Due to the extra administrative costs, there will be an automatic minimum charge of $75 per amendment, in addition to any cancellation fees levied. Deferring Travel Normal cancellation fees apply if you wish to postpone your departure. Late Bookings Bookings made less than 30 days before departure from Australia must be accompanied by full payment. Late bookings will incur a minimum $50 charge to cover extra administrative expenses. Minimum Stay The company is a specialist tour operator and not a hotel booking service. We therefore will not normally accept reservations under 5 nights for any one booking. Exceptions may be made at our discretion and subject to a booking fee being charged. Tour Costs Tour costs stated in this brochure are indicative only, based on ground costs, airfares and exchange rates as at 03/08/2016. Actual prices will vary with changes in costs and exchange rates at time of quotation. Natural Focus Safaris uses a strategy of hedging (purchasing Forward Exchange Contracts) to stabilise prices. No adjustments will be made for exchange rate variations once full payment is received by the company. However we reserve the right to amend your tour costs up to the date of departure should there be fluctuations in airfares, fuel costs, park fees, departure taxes, hotel rates, government charges or other costs and any increases in price must be paid by you before the departure date. Airline Ticket Taxes & Surcharges We charge a service fee of 5-10% on airfare taxes and surcharges to cover our costs associated with the collection and administration of these mandatory fees. Included in Trip Cost Please note that our tours generally include transportation, accommodation with private facilities, sightseeing, park fees where applicable and services of expedition leader/driver/guide. Where these items are not included we advise accordingly. All meals are provided for the duration of the cruise. Not included in the Trip cost International and domestic airfares and airport/hotel transfers unless specifically stated. Passports, visas, passenger taxes, insurance, emergency evacuation costs, extra meals not shown in the itinerary, laundry, tips, items of a personal nature including medication and excess baggage charges. 2018/2019 Prices Prices are shown in Australian Dollars (AUD) and are generally valid from 01/01/2017 - 31/03/2018 although some tours and lodges have different periods of validity and where possible these are highlighted in the brochure. 2018/19 prices will be available approximately July 2017. Airlines LATAM, Air New Zealand and Qantas do not by virtue of their endorsement of this brochure represent themselves as either contracting with any purchaser of a holiday from the company or as having any other legal relationship with such purchaser.
Important Information Pre-departure Information On receipt of your security deposit, a copy of our Pre-departure Information will be forwarded to you. Some of the more important details are shown below. Passport You should be in possession of a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay overseas. Visa requirements Australian Nationals do not require a visa to enter Greenland, Iceland, Canada, Norway or New Zealand for stays of less than 90 days for tourism purposes. Under Canada’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) program,
citizens from countries other than the United States (U.S.) who do not require a visa to enter Canada will need to obtain an online authorisation before flying to Canada at a cost of CAD $7. A Tourist Card is required to enter Chile and costs $117 USD payable locally. A reciprocity tourist charge of $100 is required to enter Argentina and must be paid through an online system prior to arrival. A visa is required to enter Russia and must be obtained prior to travel. Other nationalities should check with us for their visa requirements. Foreign nationals require a re-entry visa for Australia, which should be obtained before departure. The company will not be held responsible for passengers travelling without the correct travel documents. Vaccinations & Health A Yellow Fever Vaccination is recommended for most South American countries and compulsory if arriving from an infected area. Anti-malarial prophylactics will be necessary for many South American countries. No vaccinations are required for travel to North America. Please check with your doctor for up to date advice on any other vaccination requirements. It is the client’s responsibility to ensure he/ she has the appropriate vaccinations and documentation. Consular Advice The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs issues travel advice for many countries. This is available by calling 1300 555 135 or by visiting their website: www.smartraveller.gov.au Age Limits Some of our tours have age limits, depending on the type of tour selected.
Responsibility Natural Focus Safaris and African Wildlife Safaris are trading names of African Wildlife Safaris Pty Ltd (“the company” which expression includes its employees, subsidiaries and agents) accepts bookings subject to the following conditions: 1. A booking is accepted only after the receipt of the required security deposit, a Reservation Form and after the company issues a written confirmation account. 2. Final balance is due 120 days prior to departure for Antarctic and Arctic cruises, otherwise the company may treat the booking as being cancelled by the client. 3. The company is not itself a carrier or hotelier nor does it own aircraft, hotels or vehicles. The company exercises every care in the selection of carriers, hotels, tour operators and the suppliers of the travel services used in this brochure (all of which carriers, hotels, tour operators and other suppliers are called “the other suppliers”). 4. All bookings with the company are subject to the terms and conditions and limitations of liability imposed by the other suppliers some of whom limit or exclude liability in respect of death, personal injury, delay and loss of or damage to baggage and may require the participant to complete a release of indemnity form prior to commencing the arrangements. 5. All tickets, vouchers and documents are issued subject to the terms and conditions under which the other suppliers provide their services and the company is not responsible for carrier caused delays. The terms of your contract are those terms and conditions under which the other suppliers provide their services. 6. The company is not liable in any way for the acts, omissions or default whether negligent or otherwise of the other suppliers pursuant to a contract between the other suppliers and you (which may be evidenced by a ticket, voucher or other document) because the company has no control over the other suppliers. 7. The participant is aware that the tours may operate in remote or inaccessible areas, and that wild and potentially dangerous animals move freely in the areas where the tours are conducted. These areas are not zoos and wildlife viewing is not guaranteed. 8. The participant further acknowledges that where the tour is conducted in an area without proper medical services the company and its servants and agents are expressly authorised to take such action as thought necessary for the provision of medical services and all associated costs are to be paid for by the participant. 9. Should the company or its other suppliers deem it desirable for political, climatic, overbooking of hotels/lodges or other reasons to amend or vary any itinerary it may do so by shortening, varying or completely re-routing the trip in which case no objection or claim for compensation will be made by the participant. The company advises that it is compulsory to take out insurance against the above mentioned risks for your protection. 10. These terms and conditions are incapable of alteration or waiver by any servant agent or representative of the company or of any person providing services on the tour.
web: www.naturalfocussafaris.com.au | email:
[email protected] | phone: 1300 363 302
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Inspir ational Journeys
NATURAL FOCUS SAFARIS A division of African Wildlife Safaris Pty Ltd A.C.N. 006 516 285
HEAD OFFICE - MELBOURNE 1st Floor, 333 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne VIC 3205 All Reservations & Enquiries
Tel: (03) 9249 3777 or 1300 363 302 Fax: (03) 9696 4937 Email:
[email protected] www.naturalfocussafaris.com.au FOR TRAVEL AGENTS ONLY Brochures available from Tifs at: www.tifs.com.au TRAVEL AGENT STAMP