newsField Camping in Antarctica!

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Field Camping in Antarctica!

Everybody can participate, no previous experience required!

Oceanwide Expeditions offers on selected m/v Plancius departures, an exciting ‘open air' camping option, providing an intensive experience of the Antarctic wilderness. Oceanwide Expeditions will provide special gear and field equipment which includes top quality wind and waterproof breathable bivouac bags (lightweight alternative to tent system). Tents for those that prefer a little bit more comfort will also be brought ashore. Polar sleeping bags will keep campers dry, warm and comfortable during the night in the open air of Antarctica. The night ashore will be supervised by one experienced field guide.

Field Camping in Antarctica
We aim at least one night out on each trip but the expedition team will offer more camping occasions when possible. Additional nights ashore are weather and site permitting and can only be offered at times that there is a possibility for the vessel to stay close enough to the shore during the night. When the vessel is relocating during the night  camping  is not possible.

According to international regulations we are not allowed to take stoves, fuel nor food ashore - with the exception of emergency rations and survival gear, drinking water and medical supplies. The camping group will be taken ashore after dinner, and returns to the ship just before breakfast. This means we will have the night hours ashore. On shore a camp will be made on a place where wildlife cannot be  disturbed. All campers will be equipped with a personal waterproof bag  containing a sleeping mattress, a polar synthetic sleeping bag with inner liner and a breathable bivouac bag. Besides these personal items other equipment such as tents will be taken ashore. In favourable weather conditions, campers have the possibility to sleep in the bivouac bag under the open sky. For those that find a bivy-bag a bit too spartan, and when the weather is not pleasant enough for the bivy-bag, tents are provided. Our sturdy dome tents will sleep 3 persons. While the field party is ashore, our staff will be in full radio contact with the ship. Staff will also stay ashore to assist and supervise the campers. On departure everything that is carried ashore must be returned to the ship. Field staff will ensure that the field camps are cleaned properly after each night's camp.

Voyages
Field camping options will be offered on all Plancius voyages in Antarctica 09/10:
PLA26, Antarctic Peninsula (this trip also offers Kayaking)
PLA28, Antarctic Peninsula
PLA29, Antarctic Peninsula
PLA30, Polar Circle & Antarctic Peninsula
These options are subject to weather, local site and environmental regulations. One night can be booked prior to trip, any additional onboard.

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