Voyage Number	ANT1-2009
Voyage price	5200 euros
Voyage Dates	27/11/2009 - 17:00 - 18/12/2009 - 09:00
Depart from	Ushuaia Argentina
Finishing Port	Ushuaia Argentina
Voyage area	Antarctic
Voyage type	Adventure Voyage , Ocean Passages
Vessel	Europa
Availability	Available
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Voyage Description

Up Close with Penguins, Seals & Whales

Bark Europa is not a big ship compared with modern expedition ships with only about 3m freeboard in the middle of the ship, so when a humpback whale pops his head up to look at you they are damn close and you can feel the spray. You could be sipping a cup of coffee when a fur seal does a back flip right next to you and you may spend time trying to rescue a stunned Prion staggering around the deck after flying into the rigging at night. Being able to climb the rigging gives you a view from a different dimension. Look down on Weddle Seals resting on a slab of pack ice with shadows of the ships rigging cutting across the scene, or see whales diving under the ship to check out our barnacles.

Whilst sailing at 3-8 knots you can see penguins in their natural element as they porpoise in and out the water, or killer whales as they glide effortlessly by like sleek submarines and overtake a 300 ton sailing ship at speed.

Beach landings can be very entertaining with crowds of fur seals and penguins entering and leaving the surf around you. Europa’s wildlife guides will always brief you on what to see and how to behave around very curious animals ashore but it is still a pleasant shock when they come right up to you. (Penguins don’t read the rules).

Icebergs & Offshore Islands

After a few days crossing the infamously rough Drakes Passage, the excitement increases with the first sightings of icebergs. The first land you will see is the offlying South Shetland Island chain, and a very welcome first anchorage. The atmosphere is very clear so the spires and cliffs of these off lying ring of islands create photogenic silhouettes for very vivid sunsets. With katabatic winds off the mountains, and ice fall prone areas to avoid, Europa sometimes has to work hard to find the best anchorages and safe landings so no itinerary can be guaranteed. The Aitcho Islands are a favourite beach landing by the ships two zodiac inflatable boats and her ships lifeboat ‘Sloopy’. Chinstrap and Gentoo Penguins share the beach with you, Skuas and Giant Petrels swoop from above, and huge elephant seals can sometimes be seen. Other off lying island anchorages are Yankee Harbour, Hannah Point on Livingstone Island. At Trinity Island stranded icebergs are aground on the seabed or wedged between the dark basalt cliffs. The fluted ice shapes and colours range from sugary crystalline surfaces to smooth caves of turquoise and Leopard Seals often lurk. Further South is Deception Island where the ship sails right into a flooded volcanic crater through a narrow gap called ‘Neptune’s Bellows’ to anchor in Whalers Bay. Ashore are the rusting relics of a major whaling station and you can bathe in the steaming waters and black shingle - heated by volcanic activity.
 

Antarctic Explorers and the Mainland of Antarctica

Polar Explorers - Authentic Experience

If reading the exploits of Shackleton’s or Captain Scott have lured you to the highest, coldest and driest continent in the world, then you can begin to appreciate what they had to endure on similar sailing ships in an extreme environment, the dangers that they faced and why they were so magically drawn to the place.

Europa has a good library of books in many languages about other polar explorers like de Gerlache and the Australian explorer Mawson.

You will meet modern day scientists if you visit any of the bases. The Ukrainian research station Vernadsky is a regular stop and the oldest surviving British Station at Port Lockroy looks forward to the ships visit. It is run by a historic trust to preserve the buildings as they were in 1940’s. Three volunteers maintain the site over the summer with no heating and primitive living conditions. You can post letters home from Antarctica here with special stamps. Having sailed the ship and become used to working out on deck in the elements sets you apart from the duvet jacket cocooned tourists that arrive by cruise ship. There will be talks and slide shows on the wildlife, polar explorers and all range of nautical topics. Europa also records the weather for the Dutch Meteorological Office so the weather faxes you receive back are based on your readings !
 

The Antarctic Mainland – Mountains & Glaciers

Around the mainland peninsula Bark Europa sails in and out bays and deep water channels between awesome mountain scenery. The geology is an extension of the Andes mountain chain and it always surprises first time visitors to see such towering mountains which seem to get higher as you go further south. Near Govuvernoren Harbour or Cuverville Island there is plenty of krill, so prime whale spotting territory. Europa guests have even seen a few sightings of the Blue Whale – the worlds biggest creature. The shipwreck of a 1916 whaler still survives and her bows provide a home for Antarctic Terns. Ashore at Cuverville are 4500 breeding pairs of Gentoo Penguins. If the zodiacs can get through the broken brash ice from five glaciers you can step onto the mainland at Nekko Harbour and look back at the ship appearing to be stuck in the ice. Ice falls thunder into the sea and sometimes a whole ice wall will fall creating a large wave. Being in the middle of this awe inspiring natural wilderness is indescribable and standing a night watch listening to the ice tinkle down the side of the hull is a very strange feeling.
 

How far South ?

If conditions permit and the channels are not blocked with icebergs, Europa will head for the Lemaire Channel – a narrow crack between 1000m mountains. The ship has a bow thruster so can perform quite delicate manoeuvres to slalom between bergy bits. Destinations may be the Argentine Islands and the Ukrainian base. At around 65 degrees South Europa is reaching the limit she can navigate as the pack ice gets thicker and we need a constant watch on the wind so the ice does not hem the ship into a bay or block an exit passage. On the return route Europa will try to sail a different path perhaps stopping at Petermann Island to see the Adele penguins fighting over nesting material, or Port Lockroy to look around the preserved 1944 British research base. The nearby anchorage of Dorian Bay is a good place for a stroll to admire the stunning mountain range and vast icecap stretching down to the sea. Schollaert Channel is another intense scenic experience and the Melchior Islands will have you reaching for your camera again. The open sea and routine of a watch system sailing back to Argentina may be a welcome break to absorb everything you have seen and done.
 

Protecting a Pristine Environment
 

The scale of the place is difficult to describe; Conservation of this pristine environment is taken very seriously by the 12 countries that share responsibility for the Continent under the 1959 Antarctic Treaty. In 1991 an Environmental Protocol was drawn up to introduce new regulations specifically for adventure tourism. You will find it hard to see any signs of other adventurous tourists and Bark Europa crew will work hard to ensure that the ship or the landing parties minimise the impact on the environment – from scrubbing boots before and after every landing, to briefing guest crew on how to walk amongst the penguins and fur seals. Classic Sailing hope that after your adventure you will all become ambassadors for Antarctica and help lobby Governments to ensure that this wildlife wonderland is not carved up for mineral rights, oil, fishing, whaling etc when the Atlantic Treaty runs out.

See Itinerary Page

 BARK EUROPA Experienced Antarctic Operators

In the Southern summer, from November to March, the 56 meter long three-masted barque EUROPA sails to the Antarctic Peninsula. These voyages will appeal to the sailing enthusiast, the birdwatcher, the photographer, the artist and the nature-lover who want to discover the unspoilt environment. The expeditions start in Argentina in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in South America, located alongside the Beagle Channel. From here, the ship must cross ‘the Drake Passage’, renowned by sailors the
world over. Albatrosses and petrels will accompany the EUROPA on her way to the Antarctic paradise.After passing the Antarctic Convergence Zone, the ship sails between the icebergs to the South Shetland Islands. The wildlife is overwhelming: seals, sea-gulls, cormorants and petrels use the Antarctic summer to raise their young.

21 Day Expedition Summary

In the Antarctic waters, the EUROPA will anchor in sheltered bays practically every day. The crew will take groups ashore in the dinghies to see glaciers, mosses and lichens, seals, birds and penguin rookeries. Ashore, visitors will often be welcomed by different kinds of penguins, such as the Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adelie penguins. Our experienced guide will give you information about the flora and fauna and will also tell you where to find bird and sea elephant colonies. The ship will sail further south. We expect the most loyal visitors of the Southern Ocean: enormous Humpback whales, Minke whales and even Orcas or Killer whales may well come close to us, curious to see who ventures into their waters. Ice masses will get bigger closer to the mainland. Steep glaciers, walls of ice with magical shapes and surreal colours will surround the EUROPA.

The daily program will vary, with new impressions every day. Then it is time to leave this paradise and set sail towards Cape Horn. On the last day of the voyage the ship will sail amidst the chaos of islands of Tierra del Fuego. This fjord area is wild and populated with Magellanic penguins, Sea lions, Imperial shags and Rock Cormorants. The greens of the fjords are a significant change to the whites and blues of Antarctica. But then it is time to leave the ship. Some of the sailors will have caught the Polar fever, something which will never really leave them.

Protecting the Last Great Wilderness

Unspoilt nature Antarctica is a huge, cold, white plain, which appeals to the imagination of many. Some people become interested in the North and South Pole after reading about the voyages of Willem Barentz and Shackleton. Others are more fascinated by the rich wildlife or the beauty of the unspoilt natural environment. Antarctica is one of the oldest continents on our planet, but man has always been unable to live here because of its extremely cold climate. It is the last great wilderness on Earth. Over the years, thousands of tourists visit this continent. A couple of thousand researchers spend the southern summer living in several research stations. During the southern winter, that number dwindles to less than 1,000. When winter grips this great, white desert, tourist activity is no longer possible. Several countries claim territorial rights over different parts of the continent, but no country has ownership or sovereignty over any part of Antarctica. Following the International Geophysics Year 1957/58, the Antarctic Treaty of 1959 was drawn up, sharing responsibility for the continent between twelve countries. It was agreed that Antarctica would only be used for scientific research activities and that free access to the results of all research would be guaranteed. No type of military activity is allowed on any part of this territory and territorial claims of any sort are prohibited. In 1991, an Environmental Protocol was drawn up to introduce new regulations applicable specifically to tourism. During our visit to Antarctica we will adhere strictly to these regulations. We consider it a great honour to be able to see this immense monument of Nature with our own eyes.

What is the Weather Like ?

The climate Antarctica is the driest and coldest continent on the Earth, and is surrounded by a wild ocean. The central plateau is a desert with temperatures as low as -50°C and -60°C but don't panic - there is no need to dress up like a polar explorer. EUROPA will visit the impressive lower coastline where it is much less cold. The sun often shines and temperatures can reach an average of 5°C, a pleasant temperature. When there is no wind, you may come on deck or go ashore wearing just a warm jumper and trousers. When it is rainy or windy however, a warm waterproof jacket really is necessary. Remember that we are in Antarctica, even though it is summer.

As we approach the Antarctic Peninsula, we will probably come across large tabular icebergs. Icebergs are normally visible on the radar, but on our passage to Antarctica we will be extra alert during the short night watches and in bad weather. A good lookout will be kept at all times. Once an iceberg was seen which was 335 km long and 97 km wide, roughly the same size as Belgium. It takes years for an iceberg of that size to melt. When icebergs calve off the Antarctic ice cap, they drift north where they are caught up in the tidal streams which carry them east at a speed of 13 km per day. A large iceberg drifting into warmer waters breaks up into smaller parts. Eventually it reaches the Antarctic Convergence Zone, where it melts. The limit of permanent and, for EUROPA impenetrable pack ice, lies to the south of the places we like to visit, but fields of densely packed icebergs might still block the way to a planned destination.

Ashore It will not always be easy to find good landing places. Steep icefalls, cliffs and the swell of the sea might hinder safe landings, but as long as luck is on our side the Antarctic world will be open to us. The terrain is often hilly and there is a lot of snow. You might sink up to your ankles in snow. There are no customs authority, no police force; we will voluntarily adhere to the Environmental Protocol. We have to take extra care when provisioning to ensure that we create as little waste as possible. Our crew will sort our daily rubbish separating paper,glass, plastic, cans, etc that we will take back to South America. Food waste will only be disposed of overboard when we are far out at sea.

Day to Day Itinerary

These voyage details are based on experiences from previous expeditions of the EUROPA to Antarctica. In putting together this year’s itinerary we have included the most impressive places we have visited in the past. However this description is an example of what the voyage may look like. It is important to realize that our day-to-day activities will depend on several circumstances. A change in the rules and
regulations for visiting Antarctica might limit the visit to a specific site. Ofcourse our route will depend on wind, weather and ice. This is the true Antarctic experience! It is therefore likely that the actual itinerary will be different from the following description. When, due to circumstances, a site cannot be visited, other options will be sought. To give you an idea of what to expect of your voyage: we aim to visit
at least 1 station and most of the sites mentioned in this description.

Day 1: End of The World: Start of the Adventure

Signing on in Ushuaia you are welcome on board at five p.m. The EUROPA is moored at the pier ‘Puerto Comercial’in Ushuaia. It is highly recommended that you will arrive in Ushuaia 1 day before embarkation, leaving room for flight delays or late arrival of your luggage. We can assist you with your hotel reservations in Ushuaia. In this small town, also known as “El Fin del Mundo – the end of the world”, you can make beautiful hikes in the mountains and National Park and you will meet travellers
who have just returned from an expedition or from any other part of South America to come to the most southern city of the World. A short taxi ride will take you to the harbour. After signing on to the crew list and taking your luggage to your cabin, you will enjoy your first meal on board. The Captain and the expedition leader will inform you about the plans. Usually we will stay in port overnight, but occasionally we already depart during the night.

Day 2: Beagle Channel

Casting offrom Ushuaia In the morning, we cast off our mooring lines. Once underway, the crew will show you how to put on the life jackets and introduce you to the many lines on board. Between steep green mountains with snow-covered peaks, we sail through the Beagle Channel under square sail if we find the prevailing westerly winds. During the evening we leave the Beagle Channel and head southwards along the sheltered coast of Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire).

 Days 3 and 4: Drake Passage & Albatrosses

The crossing of the Drake Passage is approximately 450NM from the lighthouse on Cape Horn. The seas around Cape Horn have the reputation to be stormy but in between the lows they are calm. The wind varies from southwest to northwest; it should, therefore, be possible to have a good crossing under sail. Cape petrels,White-chinned petrels and Albatrosses are our companions. Albatrosses are well equipped for a permanent stay at sea. Their territory is the open ocean. During the crossing everybody can help the crew to steer, set, shorten, take away and stow sails.

Day 5: Icebergs in Antarctic waters

As we sail south, the likelihood of seeing icebergs increases. Large ice plateaus are visible on the radar, but sometimes smaller ones are not; we keep a good lookout so that we avoid them. Fortunately, the nights are short in the latitudes of 59° to 61° south. It is amazing when we see the brilliant white shapes of the floating icebergs on the horizon. They are huge, and very high! This is the first sign that we are really approaching the great white mass of Antarctica! We hope that we can drop our anchor in the evening in the sheltered bay of the Barrientos Island. Day 6: Anchoring near Barrientos Island, one of the Aitcho Islands Everywhere around the ship we see penguins jumping out of the water. The crew will take us ashore with the dinghies. We share the beach with Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins. They walk with us up to the other side of the mountain where we find many Elephant seals. The AitchoIslands are not completely covered by the ice cap. In the colourful patches of moss, Giant petrels and Antarctic skuas make their nests.

 Day 7: Yankee Harbour or Hannah Point.

We leave at dawn. For the first time on this voyage we will see the white ice cliffs around us. The chance of spotting a Humpback whale increases. Everywhere around us penguins give a show on floating ice. If there is enough time, we will sail to Edinburgh Hill, a rock that rises straight out of the water. Close up, we can see that it is made of basalt, solidified magma from the centre of a volcano. Pressure from inside the earth pushed the plug to this height, but so far the volcano has not erupted. When we sail into Yankee Harbour it looks as if we are sailing in between two handmade piers. They are, however, the work of Mother Nature herself. A rookery of Gentoo penguins crowds the beach. Occasionally we see a Weddell seal or a Fur seal. Hannah Point is a peninsula on the southeast coast of Livingston Island and is a veritable kingdom of animal life. Bird watchers can find nests of American sheathbills, Giant petrels, Skuas, etc. We also look for the Macaroni penguin; we might have the opportunity to meet a lost one. For today the final destination depends on various circumstances.

Day 8: Deception Island & Hot Springs

Further south, on latitude 63° South, looms Deception Island, a ring-shaped island with an extensive internal crater. The EUROPA will sail through a small opening called ‘Neptunes Bellows’into the volcanic crater and will drop anchor in Whalers Bay, near the ruins of a whaling station. Latterly the buildings where used as a base for research work, but in 1969/70 several stations were destroyed by a volcanic eruption. There is still volcanic activity in this area. You can walk to ‘Neptune’s Window’and enjoy the magnificent view where the rim of the crater steeply goes back to the sea. It’s also an impressive panorama to look back into the crater. A couple of miles further into the crater we sail to Pendulum Cove where thermal currents rise. Depending on the tide, those who so wish may bathe in geothermally warmed waters.

 Day 9: Trinity Island

We leave Deception’s crater and set course south, leaving the South Shetland Islands astern. We drop anchor between Spert Island and Trinity Island and visit the beautiful ice scenery of small and large icebergs. Our trip in the dinghies takes us through a landscape of ice that is truly out of this world. The colours and shapes are stunning: overhangs with crystal clear icicles, ice-palaces that could have been created by Gaudí, massive gateways and open-air ballrooms. In some spots a piercing blue light shines through the ice and the water looks turquoise. It is an impressive world created by extreme changes of temperature, sculpted by water and wind. Sometimes we are lucky and will see a Leopard seal.

Day 10: Gouvernøren Harbour (Enterprise Island) or Cuverville Island

Around this peninsula, whales search for krill in sheltered bays. The sight of whales feeding on krill is truly spectacular. On a previous expedition we saw the world’s largest animal here, the blue whale, which can reach more than 30m. We will visit Enterprise Island, Gouvernøren Harbour. The bay is named after the whaler, the “Gouvernøren”, which was wrecked here in 1916. The 25m bow of the ship still rises out of the water. Breeding Antarctic sterns now use the wreck. Cuverville Island is special because of the red and green mosses and is the home to skuas, Dominican gulls with chicks and some 4,800 pairs of gentoo penguins.

Day 11: Continental landing at Paradise or Neko Harbour.

The early birds heave anchor and we go further south to Paradise Harbour or Neko Harbour. Here, huge, impressive glaciers of many shades of blue and white surround us. High cliffs of ice rise out of the sea. We hear the ice crack and see huge chunks of ice breaking off. Sometimes a wall of ice, tens of metres
high, slowly tumbles down and when this huge mass large hits the sea it sends a wave rolling under our ship. Being in the middle of this awe-inspiring natural wilderness is indescribable! Here we can visit the solid rock of the Antarctic continent.

Day 12: Argentine Islands & The Lemaire Channel

A long, popular day lies ahead of us. We head for “Kodak Crack”, the Lemaire Channel. 1,000m high mountains tower over the small channel. On ice shelves around us lie Crabeater seals. Most people want to be on deck, filming or taking photographs of these beautiful sights. We enter Penola Strait. This stretch might be blocked by ice, and we will find it hard to force a way through, zigzagging round the icebergs and growlers. The ice conditions might completely block our passage further south towards the Argentine Islands. If the ice allows our passage, we will enter the archipelago towards the end of the day. We carefully thread our way between rocks and islets to our anchorage. We anchor at latitude 65° South, the southernmost point of our voyage. This evening we plan to visit the former British base ‘Faraday’, now a Ukrainian research station called ‘Vernadsky’. One of the research assistants gives us a tour round and tells us about their work. At anchor in bays like this, we have to keep a constant watch on the weather in case the wind direction changes. Pack ice can suddenly block our way out, preventing us from leaving.

 Day 13: Petermann Island

We find a way out of the Argentine Islands, and anchor near Petermann Island a few hours later. For the first time we are near a huge breeding colony of Adelie penguins. The behaviour of these penguins, busy with feeding their hungry chicks, is different from that of the others we have seen. Neighbouring penguins wait until they see the feeding chick disappear half-way up the parent’s bill, then quickly steal small stones from the neighbour’s nest to build up and protect their own nest better. Skuas fly above the rookery and take every chance to snatch a penguin chick when the parents leave it unprotected. This island is a strong reminder of the French explorer Charcot, who spent the whole winter here on his ship the “Pourquoi Pas”(Why not) in 1909. The ship, a similar size to EUROPA, was moored in Port Circumcision (so named because the harbour was first discovered on January 1st 1909, the Catholic celebration of the circumcision of Christ). To make sure that large icebergs couldn’t enter
the bay during the winter and damage the ship, the crew stretched cables and chains across the mouth of the bay.

Day 14: Port Lockroy - Slowest Postal Delivery Service in the World

Through Lemaire Channel and Peltier Channel, we reach the Bay of Port Lockroy. We watch blue-eyed shags ashore and in between the rocks, feeding their chicks. There has been a station here since 1944, and the area was declared a monument in the Antarctic Treaty of 1995. It is the oldest existing British station in Antarctica. During the Antarctic summersthree British people take care of this base. We will go ashore to visit the station. There we can buy postcards and stamps and send them from the most southerly post office in the world. Sometimes it will take a few months for a letter to arrive in Europe.
Ashore we see many Gentoo penguins. Leopard seals are often here, waiting for penguins to enter the water. For these speedy animals it is easy to catch one. Afterwards they lie around on the ice, digesting their last penguin feast.

 Day 15: Dorian Bay

Close to Port Lockroy, on the other side of a beautiful icecap, we arrive in Dorian Bay. In the past, this icecap was used as a landing strip for small aeroplanes during the beginning of the summer season. We can’t cross it on foot; it might look like a beautiful, white plain of snow, but often there are deep crevasses spanned by snow bridges, some strong enough to carry a man’s weight, some weak. Next to the ice cap we see Jabet Peak. The icecap stretches from high up near the mountain’s peak, reaching out into the sea, a massive, white tongue of snow. You will enjoy the magnificent view of the bay as you walk around. You will see Gentoo penguins and occasionally a Weddell seal. Late in the afternoon we leave and sail through the Schollaert Channel towards the Melchior Islands. On previous voyages we were sometimes lucky enough to see a pod of Killer whale’s come alongside to bid us farewell. Several large females with young came unbelievably close to the ship, distinguishable as female by the shape of their fin. They kept us company for so long that we had more than enough time to film them and take photographs of them against a beautiful backdrop.

 Day 16: Melchior Islands

In the morning we make a last zodiac-tour before we depart from Antarctica. We bring along a chart and compass and navigate with the zodiacs in between the small islands and narrow passages, flanked by glaciers. We might see some Fur seals and Wilsons storm petrels fly close to us. Around noon, we leave sheltered waters and start the crossing back to South America. If the weather is clear we will still see Anvers Island after 100 miles, and Mount Francais, with her 3000-meter high summit, will remain in view for almost a day.

Day 17 & 18: Drake Passage & Cape Horn

Back in the watch system, we have time to absorb everything we have done, to let it all settle in. We will be accompanied on this passage by dolphins and many sea birds.Let us hope that the wind is favourable and that we can leave Diego Ramirez Island on the end of the day on our port side. Now we are near to the infamous Cape Horn. Cape Horn confirms to us that our crossing of Drake Passage is almost finished.

Day 19: Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego

If the Drake Passage delays us with head winds, we will still be sailing the Southern Ocean, but we hope to have reached quieter waters, sheltered by the rocks and islands of Tierra del Fuego. We set a course through the chaotic rocks and islands towards the Beagle Channel. The islands and fjords are remarkably green after our Antarctic visit. They are the habitat of more than 150 kinds of birds. Wild geese, beavers, rats and condors also inhabit this beautiful wilderness.

Day 20: Sailing into the Beagle Channel

We wait for the obligatory pilot who will assist us in the Beagle Channel. We might have the possibility to visit the historic English settlement at ‘Harberton’. This is an old mission station, now housing a small museum about the flora and fauna of Tierra del Fuego. People who want to stretch their legs after a few days at sea may walk around here. Condors have often been seen.

Day 21: Arriving in Ushuaia

We are close to Ushuaia, but there is still something to see on the way. A few miles before the port of Ushuaia we pass near two rocky islets covered with sea lions, the Islas de Lobos. So keep your binoculars at hand. Sea lions don’t go to Antarctica. Huge males lie around, keeping a watchful eye on their harem, protecting themfrom invaders. A little further on a Fur seal proudly grasps its prey, and blue-eyed shags take up every free metre of space. It’s packed. When we see the red and white lighthouse ‘Les Eclaireurs’, Ushuaia comes within sight and we enter the harbour. The citizens in Ushuaia look out over the Beagle Channel.  You are free to do as you please. A quiet walk or perhaps buy a few souvenirs in this welcoming little town.

Day 22: Signing of in Ushuaia.

After breakfast you say goodbye to each other and step into taxis on the quay. The journey home has started. Antarctica has probably been an unforgettable experience for everybody. Some of you will have caught the Polar fever, which will never leave you.

See Vessel details page for a typical list of what to bring.

See Ushuaia Port details page for more on Ushuaia and Patagonia.
 

Ushuaia, Joining & Leaving Port for Antarctic Adventures

Ushuaia is the southernmost city in Argentina. Located in a stunning mountain setting on the shores of the Beagle Channel, it has become starting point for most expedition ships visiting the Antarctic Peninsula. It has plenty of accommodation of all types (see below), restaurants and places to explore nearby if you arrive a few days early. We recommend to plan to arrive in Ushuaia at least the day before the voyage starts as internal flights down to Ushuaia can sometimes be delayed due to Andes weather.

Getting to and from Port

The normal route from Europe is an international flight to Buenos Aries. This arrives at Ezeiza (EZE) International Airport (also known as Ministro Pistarini Airport). You will need to transfer to Jorge Newbery domestic airport / areoparque on the other side of the city and take a 3.5 hr internal flight from Buenos Airies to Ushuaia – with the main Argentinian airline Aerolineas Argentinas. See more details below.
 

Flight Advice

Flights from Europe To Buenos Aires

Direct flight time from the UK is typically 13 hours. Going via a European city takes about 16hrs.
There is more choice of flights for Europe – Buenos Aries to choose from, compared with the availability on internal flight to Ushuaia so check Aerolineas Argentinas times with seats first.
Try
British Airways (www.british-airways.com)
Aerolinas Argentina (www.aerolineas.com

Often better deals via mainland Europe with
Lufthansa London via Frankfurt – Buenos Aries (www.lufthansa.com)
Air France London via Paris – Buenos Aires (www.airfrance.com)
Iberia via Madrid (www.iberia.com)
LanChile (www.lanchile.com)
KLM via Amsterdam

Beware cheap flight websites – check the fuel charges and taxes as they can be substantial. Beware going via USA airports as customs insist upto 3 hours to get off plane and clear customs – even for transit customers.
 

Flights from North America

Direct flights to Buenos Aries and a few west coast routes via Santiago in Chile but I think you then need to fly across Andes to Buenos Aries and then down, so sounds more expensive ?

Flights from Australia, New Zealand & South Africa
Aerolineas Argentinas and Quantas fly from Sydney via Auckland to Buenos Aries.
South African Airways flys from Johannesburg to both Buenos Aries.

Internal Flights from Buenos Aries to Ushuaia

The normal route from Europe is an international flight to Buenos Aries. This arrives at Ezeiza (EZE) International Airport (also known as Ministro Pistarini Airport). You will need to transfer to Jorge Newbery domestic airport / areoparque on the other side of the city and take a 3.5 hr internal flight from Buenos Airies to Ushuaia – with the main Argentinian airline Aerolineas Argentinas. There is no train route and the distance down the length of Argentina is vast. If you plan to do a Che Gevara motorbike epic please leave plenty of time !!
 

Transfers between Airports

It is not difficult to transfer between airports in Buenos Aries. You have two options – bus or taxi.
Bus: buy your ticket from Manuel Tienda Leon Transport Company. They have a desk inside the Ezeiza International Airport. In 2007 the price was 28 pesos or 9 US$. The bus trip takes 1.5 hrs with a stop at the Manuel Tienda Leon company office downtown before proceeding to Jorge Newbery Domestic Airport.

Taxi: Price was 79 pesos ($25) in 2007 and the trip takes approximately 60 minutes. We recommend you book a taxi inside the airport and beware of private car owners / unauthorised taxis offering lifts outside the airport.

Accommodation in Buenos Aires

Posada de las Aguilas

Near the international airport. Convienient for guests wh need an easy place to sleep between international and domestic flight down to Ushuaia. Free pick up service from the airport

website www.posadadelasaguilas.com.ar

tel 0054 (0) 11 448096370159

e mail   info@posadadelaguilas.com.ar

Gran Hotel Hispano

Hotel in the centre of Buenos Aires, next to a very famous Tango Cafe (Cafe Tortoni)

website www.hhispano.com.ar

tel/fax 0054  (0) 11 4345 2020

e mail hhispano@hhispano.com.ar
 

Ushuaia Airport into town

Ushuaia is a busy travel hub but a relatively safe place, even if you arrive at night. People you meet are all nationalities and generally very helpful and practical, as you would expect from a frontier town and discerning eco tourist destination. The taxi from Ushiaia airport to town / waterfront is only 10 mins and about 15 pesos. Bark Europa will be docked alongside the pier in the Puerto Commercial. It’s a very small place - not really a city and the main pier is easy to spot as all the cruise ships and expedition ships dock along it. To join the ship you must pass through security who will want to see your papers. Tell them you are ‘passagero’ on Barque Europa. Spanish for sailing vessel is ‘el velero’ and ship is el barco.

 History

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Attractions

Great little bookshop with coffee table type explorer and wildlife books in all languages near where Bark Europa is moored.

Try the Patagonian Lamb.

Events

Accommodation

For a good family B&B you should try La Casa de Alba used by many guests joining Europa and by Adam Click Here

There is a wide range of accommodation types in Ushuaia and surrounding countryside. Busiest time is peak Antarctic summer / Andes mountain trekking season in January so do book before you arrive.
 

High Quality accomodation

If you have more time in Patagonia before you sail, try a stay on a working sheep farm or estancia. Some are very special with horse riding and great food, particularly the Patagonian lamb.

See Footprint travel guide to Patagonia for more accommodation tips.

Mid range accomodation

Standard accomodation (2007 prices)

Hosteria Los Fuegos www.hosterialosfuegos.com
Situated on the edge of Ushuaia
2006 prices 270 pesos (75 euro)

Hotel Cabo San Diego www.caboandiego.com.ar
Located in downtown Ushuaia near ship
Large rooms, spotless.
2006 Prices from 50 euro

Hotel Del Monte www.hosteldelmonte.com.ar
Close to airport with mountain backdrop. Only 20 min walk from downtown.
2006 prices from 25 US$

Pueblo Viego - Hostel

Located in downtown Ushuaia near ship. www.puebloviejo.info  tel: 0054 (0) 2901 432 098

e mail: reservas@puebloviego.info

Ushuaia, Joining & Leaving Port for Antarctic Adventures

Ushuaia is the southernmost city in Argentina. Located in a stunning mountain setting on the shores of the Beagle Channel, it has become starting point for most expedition ships visiting the Antarctic Peninsula. It has plenty of accommodation of all types (see below), restaurants and places to explore nearby if you arrive a few days early. We recommend to plan to arrive in Ushuaia at least the day before the voyage starts as internal flights down to Ushuaia can sometimes be delayed due to Andes weather.

Getting to and from Port

The normal route from Europe is an international flight to Buenos Aries. This arrives at Ezeiza (EZE) International Airport (also known as Ministro Pistarini Airport). You will need to transfer to Jorge Newbery domestic airport / areoparque on the other side of the city and take a 3.5 hr internal flight from Buenos Airies to Ushuaia – with the main Argentinian airline Aerolineas Argentinas. See more details below.
 

Flights from Europe To Buenos Aires

Direct flight time from the UK is typically 13 hours. Going via a European city takes about 16hrs.
There is more choice of flights for Europe – Buenos Aries to choose from, compared with the availability on internal flight to Ushuaia so check Aerolineas Argentinas times with seats first.
Try
British Airways (www.british-airways.com)
Aerolinas Argentina (www.aerolineas.com

Often better deals via mainland Europe with
Lufthansa London via Frankfurt – Buenos Aries (www.lufthansa.com)
Air France London via Paris – Buenos Aires (www.airfrance.com)
Iberia via Madrid (www.iberia.com)
LanChile (www.lanchile.com)
KLM via Amsterdam

Beware cheap flight websites – check the fuel charges and taxes as they can be substantial. Beware going via USA airports as customs insist upto 3 hours to get off plane and clear customs – even for transit customers.
 

Flights from North America

Direct flights to Buenos Aries and a few west coast routes via Santiago in Chile but I think you then need to fly across Andes to Buenos Aries and then down, so sounds more expensive ?

Flights from Australia, New Zealand & South Africa
Aerolineas Argentinas and Quantas fly from Sydney via Auckland to Buenos Aries.
South African Airways flys from Johannesburg to both Buenos Aries.

Internal Flights from Buenos Aries to Ushuaia

The normal route from Europe is an international flight to Buenos Aries. This arrives at Ezeiza (EZE) International Airport (also known as Ministro Pistarini Airport). You will need to transfer to Jorge Newbery domestic airport / areoparque on the other side of the city and take a 3.5 hr internal flight from Buenos Airies to Ushuaia – with the main Argentinian airline Aerolineas Argentinas. There is no train route and the distance down the length of Argentina is vast. If you plan to do a Che Gevara motorbike epic please leave plenty of time !!
 

Transfers between Airports

It is not difficult to transfer between airports in Buenos Aries. You have two options – bus or taxi.
Bus: buy your ticket from Manuel Tienda Leon Transport Company. They have a desk inside the Ezeiza International Airport. In 2007 the price was 28 pesos or 9 US$. The bus trip takes 1.5 hrs with a stop at the Manuel Tienda Leon company office downtown before proceeding to Jorge Newbery Domestic Airport.

Taxi: Price was 79 pesos ($25) in 2007 and the trip takes approximately 60 minutes. We recommend you book a taxi inside the airport and beware of private car owners / unauthorised taxis offering lifts outside the airport.
 

Ushuaia Airport into town

Ushuaia is a busy travel hub but a relatively safe place, even if you arrive at night. People you meet are all nationalities and generally very helpful and practical, as you would expect from a frontier town and discerning eco tourist destination. The taxi from Ushiaia airport to town / waterfront is only 10 mins and about 15 pesos. Bark Europa will be docked alongside the pier in the Puerto Commercial. It’s a very small place - not really a city and the main pier is easy to spot as all the cruise ships and expedition ships dock along it. To join the ship you must pass through security who will want to see your papers. Tell them you are ‘passagero’ on Barque Europa. Spanish for sailing vessel is ‘el velero’ and ship is el barco.

History

Attractions

Events

Accommodation

There is a wide range of accommodation types in Ushuaia and surrounding countryside. Busiest time is peak Antarctic summer / Andes mountain trekking season in January so do book before you arrive.
 

High Quality accomodation

If you have more time in Patagonia before you sail, try a stay on a working sheep farm or estancia. Some are very special with horse riding and great food, particularly the Patagonian lamb.

See Footprint travel guide to Patagonia for more accommodation tips.

Mid range accomodation

Standard accomodation (2007 prices)

Hosteria Los Fuegos www.hosterialosfuegos.com
Situated on the edge of Ushuaia
2006 prices 270 pesos (75 euro)

Hotel Cabo San Diego www.caboandiego.com.ar
Located in downtown Ushuaia near ship
Large rooms, spotless.
2006 Prices from 50 euro

Hotel Del Monte www.hosteldelmonte.com.ar
Close to airport with mountain backdrop. Only 20 min walk from downtown.
2006 prices from 25 US$

 photo by guest crew Lisa Islg (Alaskan customer who has worked in Antarctica Macmurdo Station)

56m Dutch Barque Europa

Classic Sailing staff have been working crew on Bark Europa so we can tell you what it is really like to sail on our favourite tall ship. Debbie sailed over 5000 miles on her exploring the Antarctic Peninsula, accross the Southern Ocean to the wild anchorages and ex whaling ports of South Georgia, an exciting landing on Tristan Da Cuhna and accross the South Atlantic to Cape Town.

Ocean Wanderer

56m Dutch Barque Europa has sailed the world, doubled the Horn, cruised the Southern Ocean with charter crews, and is well known in ports for sailing in under sail—almost to the dock. She has earned her reputation for piling on the canvas and really sailing. Built in 1911 and completely re rigged as a 3 masted barque in 1986, she follows the trade wind routes to maximise downwind sailing and is equally at home in the
roller-coasters of the ‘roaring forties’ or in lighter tropical conditions where she can set an awesome suite of 30 sails.
The working language on board is English but like the tea clippers of old, the cultural mix of guest and professional crew are truly international, so the conversation can get complicated—but never dull.

"I feel totally changed by the whole experience, and can't wait to get back sailing again!" Sarah S.

Square Rig Advanced Class

If you have already sailed on a tall ship or are an experienced yacht sailor wanting to immerse yourself in square rig seamanship or maybe learn some Astro Navigation, then Europa is a good choice. Approaching equatorial crossings the extra sky-sail masts and yards are sent aloft and the whole crew can easily be kept busy setting the studding sails that few training ships dare rig. The 14 professional crew and guest crew soon become indistinguishable as you learn the ropes, gain a healthy tan and perhaps help out with the ships maintenance. If you are an adventurous spirit sailing for the first time then Europa keeps the romance of sailing alive with a great library, lectures, and enthusiastic crew who can teach a range of topics. 

Europa's Captain

Europa has three regular Captains:- Klaas Gaastra, Robbert Voss and Eric who generally live on the ship for 3 month blocks. All have sailed Europa for many years, are excellent linguists and have a real love and deep knowledge about square riggers, the marine environment  and the ocean wildlife. For non- Antarctic voyages you may find Klaas and Marianne's new ships dog on board. Their last dog was an excellent whale watcher !

Bark Europa Voyages 2010-2011

Great Lakes Tall Ship Challenge - Summer 2010

North to South - Cross the Equator - Ocean Sailing

Antarctica Dates 2010-11 and Cape Horn to Cape of Good Hope via Antarctica 2011

What to Bring

Personal items
• Passport
• Flight tickets
• Voyage Information
• Any Medication
• Sun tan lotion
• Washing kit and toiletries
• Clothing for a warm climate or extra for Antarctica - plenty of layers
• Shoes and sandals that protect your toes - warm water proof boots for Antarctica
• Swimwear - warm wind proof hats for Antarctica
• Beach Towel only
• Light weight wet weather gear - heavy wieght for Antarctica
• You can charge electrical appliances if you have an adapter for European two pin sockets.
• A book for the flight - there is a good library of books ,CD's and videos on board.
• Camera and batteries – film, spare batteries and storage cards
• Sketching materials if you are an artist
• Small musical instrument are always welcome

Already provided
Hand towels
Bed linen
All meals on board
You may purchase alcoholic drinks on board.