9 DAYS SHIP EXPEDITION IN SUMMER ANTARCTICA VIA USHUAIA ITINERARY (NOVEMBER 2019)
Preparation: (payed full in cash upon my visit in Ushuaia 4 days before my schedule)
Freestyle Adventure – +54-92901609792 (WhatsApp)
Antarctica Travels – +54-92901486048 (WhatsApp)
Argentina Day 04: November 18, 2019 Monday / Ushuaia for Antarctica Payment
0405H ETD Buenos Aires; flight AR1684
0740H ETA Ushuaia; taxi to downtown
Antarctica 9-days trip walk-in full payment in cash $4,400 ($200 discount for paying in cash, $4,600 last price)
1010H ETD Ushuaia Downtown; taxi to Airport
Day 01: November 22, 2019 Friday
1600H ETA Ushuaia Port; Ship familiarization; Safety Drill
1800H ETD Ushuia Port
1930H buffet dinner; photo-ops with Filipino staff
Day 02: November 23, 2019 Saturday
0800H buffet breakfast
1130H Expedition photography lessons
1230H buffet lunch; souvenirs $63
1430H Mandatory IAATO & Zodiac Briefing
1630H Biosecurity checks & Captain’s Welcome Cocktail
1930H buffet dinner
Day 03: November 24, 2019 Sunday
0800H breakfast
0900H penguin and seal familiarization
1200H lunch
1500H zodiac to Great Wall Research Station (China)
1630H back to ship
1930H dinner
Day 04: November 25, 2019 Monday
0800H breakfast
0900H Zodiac to Port Lockroy (Jougla Point)
1130H back to ship
1230H lunch
1500H Necko Harbor canceled due to strong wind (>40 knots)
1930H lunch
Day 05: November 26, 2019 Tuesday
0800H breakfast
0930H Cuverville Island
1200H lunch
1400H Paradise Harbor
1900H dinner
Day 06: November 27, 2019 Wednesday
0800H breakfast
0930H Zodiac cruising in Lemaire Channel
1230H lunch
1400H Zodiac cruising in Lemaire Channel
1700H Polar plunge
1930H dinner
2100H Antarctica quiz night (we won with perfect score)
Day 07: November 28, 2019 Thursday
0800H breakfast
1300H lunch
2000H dinner
Day 08: November 29, 2019 Friday
0800H breakfast
1300H lunch
2000H dinner; envelope tip $150
Day 09: November 30, 2019 Saturday
0645H breakfast
0730H World Explorer check-out (claim passport / flash drive)
TOTAL: $4,400 + $150 + $63 = $4,613
MY ANTARCTICA TIPS AS A PINOY SOLO BACKPACKER
Visa Required: Antarctica (none), only on the Port of Entry (Argentina E-Visa for Philippine passport if you have US Visa). It depends on the territories to pass-by, confirm with Travel Agency.
01. Visit is allowed during summer season (Oct. to Mar.) and the minimum duration is 9-days (from/to Ushuaia Port)
02. Research the scheduled dates offered. I chose Nov. because it’s not peak yet. Peak season is Dec. to Mar.
03. As recommended by other Backpackers, the best way to save is the “last minute booking” walk-in in Ushuaia.
04. Walk-in booking is a gamble, your budget and itinerary should be flexible. My plan B was to hike Mt. Aconcagua in Mendoza, Argentina (South America’s highest peak and one of the 7 Summits)
05. Cash payment is advisable as you can negotiate for a discount (my Pinoy bargaining skill worked).
06. Travel Insurance is required, I used only my work insurance.
07. My plan was to go to Ushuaia right away. But during my Buenos Aires nights, I found budget Antarctica travel tour sites online which I don’t know why I didn’t see during my pre-planning. This was my back-up plan.
08. Upon arrival in Ushuaia, I did not find any travel agency that fits my schedule. So good thing I have item 7.
09. I don’t have my own full battle gear for the Antarctic chill as I knew that Travel Agency can lend their gears FOR FREE (waterproof jacket, pants, gloves). I brought only warmers, fleece jacket and gloves, wool socks, bonnet, and bubble jacket.
10. Bring our beloved Philippine flag for excellent photo-ops (raise our flag).
11. Lots of Pinoy Staff onboard, have a conversation/photo with them, they are proud of you as their guest.
12. For 9-days, the Drake Passage trip took only more than a day. Prepare for your worst ocean motion sickness.
13. Polar plunge challenge and Quiz night before Antarctica departure. It was -1’C and my group won the 1st place with a perfect score (my 1st time to join quiz night, beginner’s luck).
14. Buy souvenirs onboard. Though expensive, you will never find these at the Port.
Guest Contributor: Andie of The Viewing Deck
