Overlanding

It has been reported that the Bahaman-flagged Ocean Nova became stuck in ice close to the San Martin Argentine base, due to high winds. The company quarkexpeditions reports on their website that “An initial assessment of damage indicated that there was no imminent danger and no threat to lives. There is no sign of leakage of any kind from the vessel. No environmental damage is anticipated. As a precaution, Captain Per Gravesen, of M/V Ocean Nova issued a distress signal, which was recognized by the Argentine emergency services. ”

Many overland companies sell these trips as optional extras. A year ago, G.A.P Adventures Explorer cruise ship hit ice off Antarctica and sank, whilst back in December 2008 another Antarctica expedition operated by Antarpply Expeditions run aground.

There are reports of no injures aboard the Ushuaia which was carrying 122 passengers on this Antarctic Expedition. The ship is operated by Antarpply Expeditions, based in Ushuaia. Many overland companies sell these trips as optional extras. A year ago, G.A.P Adventures Explorer cruise ship hit ice off Antarctica and sank.

Update: Kumuka Have provided information on how the situation has affected their tours.

Tucan Have also provided information on how the situation has affected their tours.

It seems the fluctuating exchange rates are having an impact at Intrepid, as they may introduce a currency surcharge. On their website they are encouraging people to pay up! “Avoid any surcharge by paying in full by 30 November, 2008.”

Check out our overlanding discounts page, we have a list of late running discounts from various overlanding companies. A whole set of new brochures will be avialable from September so you may be able to take advantage now!

Many overland companies offer add on packages to the antarctic, but these too have been hit hard by fuel prices. Tucan have recently added US$600 due to their supplier Antarpply Expeditions adding a fuel surcharge. Read more

The eight new natural sites added this year include:

Joggins Fossil Cliffs (Canada)
Mount Sanqingshan National Park (China)
Lagoons of New Caledonia: Reef Diversity and Associated Ecosystems (France)
Surtsey (Iceland)
Saryarka - Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan (Kazakhstan)
Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve (Mexico)
Swiss Tectonic Arena Sardona (Switzerland)
Socotra Archipelago (Yemen)

With the new additions, the World Heritage List now has 878 sites (679 cultural, 174 natural and 25 mixed) in 145 countries.