Before an excursion
Recommendations
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Appropriate attire
Waterproof gloves, jacket, pants and trekking shoes are highly recommended. Due to the unpredictable weather in the region, we suggest wearing up to 3 layers, so that you have flexibility if the temperature gets warmer. You can bring a small backpack to carry articles of clothing removed during the excursions. Sun block is also recommended even during cloudy days.
Be alert
15 minutes prior to each excursion, an announcement is made over the public speaker system informing passengers of their meeting point, present climate, wind and temperature.
Lavatory facilities
Please keep in mind that there are no lavatory facilities where we disembark to partake in the excursions. With that in mind, we recommend you take the necessary precautions before disembarking for an excursion, since we will not return to the ship for 2 – 3 hours.
Arrive prepared
In an effort, to speed up the disembarking process, please arrive at your designated meeting point on time, dressed in the appropriate attire, including your life vest. Punctuality is appreciated.
Leaving your number tag
As you have been previously instructed, remember to remove and hang the number tag from your life vest inside the board located at the stern on deck 2a, in its designated spot prior to boarding the zodiac.
Navigating on a Zodiac
Boarding the zodiac from the ship
When your turn arrives to disembark the ship, hand-off any equipment you are carrying (camera, backpack, etc.) to the crew member at the entrance of the ladder as you will need both hands free to board the zodiac. Grab hold of the crew members arm as shown in figure 1 before stepping on board the zodiac. Your belongings will be returned to you once you are seated. These safety regulations are implemented for the safety and protection of all passengers and crew members and must be adhered to at all times.
On board the zodiac
Once you board the zodiac, immediately sit down.
Next remain seated while sliding down toward the back of the zodiac to fill in every available spot. Always remain seated while the zodiac is navigating. To avoid accidents there is no standing or walking permitted aboard the zodiac.
A crewmember will advise you when you are allowed to stand up and take pictures. It is strictly prohibited to smoke aboard the zodiacs.
Disembarking from the zodiac
Upon reaching the shore, you will disembark the zodiac, one at a time, once instructed to do so by a crew member.
Upon returning to the ship, you will repeat the same safety procedures as disembarking from the zodiac. Do not forget to retrieve your number tag where you left it, inside the board located at the stern on deck 2a, as soon as you have boarded the ship and clip it back to your life vest.
Safety and well-being during excursions
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After reaching the shore, await instructions from the expedition guides as they separate passengers into groups by language.
Always follow the expedition guide and his instructions and remain on the indicated trail to avoid: getting lost, wandering through unsecured areas and to avoid harming the natural habitat of the region.
Be careful and attentive when walking. Be cautious of hazards such as water, tree branches, rocks etc. while walking during the excursions.
If at any time, you wish to return to the ship, please notify your expedition guide. Never abandon your group without advising the guide beforehand.
Never taste or ingest anything (fruit, mussels, etc.), found in the wild during an excursion unless instructed to do so by an expedition guide first (could be contaminated with red tide).
We highly recommend filling the cantinas found inside your cabin with water to keep hydrated during the excursions.
It is absolutely forbidden to jump into the ocean from a zodiac boat or from any other point of our excursions.
Care for the environment during excursions
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Step onto the disinfecting mat to clean the soles of your shoes before and after disembarking.
Respect the indicated paths and do not walk on the grass, moss or plants. Any damage caused to these, takes years of ecological restoration.
While observing wildlife keep a safe distance and follow all instructions from your guide (16 feet away from any bird nest and 130 feet away from wolves or elephant seals).
Smoking is strictly prohibited during excursions.
Do not feed the animals.
Respect and enjoy the silence of the landscape.
Do not damage or collect archaeological remains, branches, stones, flowers, plants, etc.
Do not throw any garbage into the sea or onto the ground. “What disembarks with us, must return with us!”
The use of drones or any RPAS technology in the area is prohibited.
No writing, tagging or painting of any kind is allowed on any trees, rocks or surfaces.
Dispose of old batteries in the indicated container provided at the front lobby.
Pick up the trash and deposit it in waste bags or deliver it to any crewmember, who will deposit it in the appropriate place.
Please follow the additional guidelines during the excursion to Magdalena Island due to the unique nature of this location.
Magdalena Island
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Do not touch the penguins.
Give way to the penguins.
Do not use flash photography as it could harm the penguin’s vision.
Walk slowly to avoid making the penguins nervous.
Refrain from using selfie sticks.
Do not smoke.