We are pleased to offer this intimate private-charter photographic expedition, including round trip flights across the Drake Passage, 13-nights aboard S/V Ocean Tramp, and instruction and guiding throughout by award-winning photographer and polar specialist Daisy Gilardini. This will be the third expedition that Daisy has led for Visionary Wild aboard the Ocean Tramp.
Ocean Tramp is a 20-meter motor-sail yacht (specifically, a ketch) which is operated by personal friends of Visionary Wild founder Justin Black, whose company Quixote Expeditions specializes in small-vessel Antarctic adventures. In an era when Antarctic expedition vessels are getting larger and larger, Ocean Tramp offers a wonderful way to go with a very small group of just six guests, on a comfortable vessel that can get into locations that bigger ships can’t reach.
Spend almost two weeks on location at Antarctica, rather than wasting precious days “rockin’ and rollin’” on the Drake Passage crossing. As master of the boat, Daisy will work with the captain to choose the best route to maximize the photographic opportunities at destinations along the way, responding to local conditions of weather and ice. Ocean Tramp’s experienced captain, first mate and cook have an excellent track record of delivering exceptional Antarctic experiences for their guests.
Ocean Tramp normally sleeps eight guests in four cabins, but we are limiting the group size to six to eliminate crowding on board, in the Zodiac, and at landing sites. The boat’s Shackleton Suite features an en-suite private bathroom, while the other three cabins share two bathrooms.
Itinerary
January 1: ARRIVAL DAY
Arrive in Punta Arenas. You will be met at the airport and transferred to Hotel Cabo de Hornos (meals not included).
Overnight at Hotel Cabo de Hornos
January 2: PUNTA ARENAS
You are free to explore Punta Arenas or relax in the hotel during the day. The group will meet for an introduction and orientation session in the late afternoon, followed by a group dinner at one of our favorite restaurants.
Overnight at Hotel Cabos de Hornos (B,D)
January 3: FLY TO KING GEORGE ISLAND, EMBARK ON OUR ADVENTURE
Group transfer to the airport for our quick and comfortable jet flight over Cape Horn and across the Drake Passage to King George Island at the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, where we board Ocean Tramp and begin our adventure.
Overnight aboard M/V Ocean Tramp (B,L,D)
January 4-15: ANTARCTIC PENINSULA
Aboard Ocean Tramp, photographing the wildlife, ice, and mountainous landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula, south to Lemaire Channel and Vernadsky Research Base, making the most of our vessel’s size and maneuverability to access compelling locations that larger ships can’t reach.
Overnight aboard M/V Ocean Tramp (B,L,D)
January 16: RETURN TO PUNTA ARENAS
Disembark Ocean Tramp for the flight back to Punta Arenas. Daisy will remain at King George Island to meet the next group arriving for our voyage on M/V Hans Hansson. In Punta Arenas, you will be met by a trusted local guide who will coordinate your transfer to Hotel Cabo De Hornos, where you will enjoy a final group dinner.
Overnight at Hotel Cabo De Hornos (B,L,D)
January 17: DEPARTURE DAY
Transfer to Punta Arenas airport to catch your departing flight. (B)