FAQS

The first question we are asked by people interested in participating in our safaris:

Do I need to have a good knowledge of photography?

The answer to this question is clear: No, it is not necessary, although it always helps. The whole idea behind these expeditions is to give you the opportunity to explore this geography and its wildlife through your camera lens, taking the time to discover what you would not usually get to see on a regular touristic route. Your guide will always be prepared to answer any of your queries.

Should I take a semi-professional camera or a professional one?
You do not need to have a sophisticated camera to take a great shot. We’ve seen excellent results with compact advanced cameras. All you need is patience and a bit of sensitivity – this beautiful landscape will do the rest.

Which equipment do you recommend taking?
We suggest a wide-angle lens for landscape of 12-24 mm, a 24-80 mm, a 80-200 mm lens with a duplicator or a 100-400 mm. Other options are a 300 mm/400 mm lens and a Macro lens. A Polarizing Filter, a Neutral Density Filter and Graduated Neutral Density Filters are also useful and of course also a good tripod.

Do I need to protect my camera from the rain?
Due to the changeable nature of the weather, we suggest you bring an Op/Tech USA Rainsleeve, Aqua Tech accessories or any other sort of waterproof bag or case and as well the Omega Probrella Portable Protective Umbrella which proved very useful on rainy days without wind.

Can I bring my personal computer?
We recommend that you bring your laptop along to edit your photographs after each excursion. Also bring a small hard drive to back up all your pictures. The ship is equipped with 7 tables, each fitted with three 220V electrical connections (we have the plug adapters for computers from USA, but for other countries, bring an international adapter).

What kind of clothes should I take?
The weather in Patagonia is unpredictable and varies a lot, so we advise you to dress in layers to ensure maximum comfort at a minimum weight. It is important to wear wind-resistant clothes that dry fast, so we do not recommend wearing cotton garments. For the excursions, we suggest you bring warm clothes, a ski-jacket, a wool hat, gloves and a good pair of moisture-resistant footwear. Use of boots or other waterproof footwear is necessary for disembarking on wet grounds where it often rains. On board we provide waterproof outfits and rubber boots if you should require them. Inside the boat we suggest you wear light footwear.

What is included in the price of the sea expedition on the Forrest M/V?
It includes:
• One night in Hotel Plaza
• Welcome dinner,
• Land transport from and back to your hotel in Punta Arenas
• All meals on board, including wine
• An open bar throughout the trip
• Daily excursions according to the programme
• A bilingual guide throughout the trip
• Travel assistance insurance

How do we board the boat?
Passengers are collected from their hotels at the time established for each expedition and are then driven to the boarding point. It is about a two hour drive and we cross some interesting parts of Patagonia.

What is the weather like?
In Patagonia we can experience the four seasons in just a few hours, so you need to be prepared for every kind of weather condition. Wind is the main climatic factor and is stronger in spring and in summer, sometimes reaching speeds of more than 100 km per hour (60 miles per hour). Summer temperatures (December–March) usually fluctuate between a minimum of 4°C (40ºF) and a maximum of 15°C (60ºF) (although they may drop below 0ºC / 32ºF during the night) and on some days it can get as warm as 25°C (77ºF). During this season we have up to 18 hours of daylight. In October and April it can get a bit colder, with less hours of daylight and with strong chances of a stable, less windy sort of climate.

Is there any sort of insurance included?
Each passenger has Travel Assistance Insurance, mainly aimed at covering medical expenses and evacuation.

What electricity voltage is there on board?
The ship is fitted with 220V – 50 Hz electrical connections.

Will there be first aid attention available on board?
We have appropriately trained staff on board, ready to provide first aid attention for any passenger who may require it.

Is smoking allowed on board?
Smoking is only allowed on the outside deck. Inside the boat it is forbidden, in compliance with the Chilean Law which does not allow smoking in closed spaces on boats.

Are there any additional costs?
– Any calls made from the ship’s satellite telephone are not included in the ticket price. – Any souvenir purchases made on board are not included. – Tips for the services of the crew are also not included in the ticket.

Should I tip staff on board?
It is up to each passenger how much of a tip he decides to leave for the crew, according to how satisfied he/she is with the services provided, and it will be shared between all crew members. Just to give you an idea, the usual tip is about 10 USD per day per person.

Is there Internet connection on board?
We do not have an Internet service available on board. However, we do have a satellite telephone service.

Should I take precautions against sunburn?
In summer it is important to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself from the sun and from ultraviolet radiation. You should avoid exposure to the sun in the hours around midday, and wear UV-A and B filtered sunblock, hats and sunglasses.