Emperor Penguin Quest: Expedition to Snow Hill 12% Discount

Immerse yourself in an extraordinary adventure into the untouched wilderness of Antarctica, starting in the vibrant metropolis of Buenos Aires. This expedition offers you the rare opportunity to experience the majestic emperor penguins on Snow Hill while traveling aboard the Ultramarine. Enjoy the comfort and amenities of the ship as you explore the impressive landscape of the Weddell Sea. With a dedicated expedition team and a tailored educational program, every minute of this journey becomes a remarkable experience. Look forward to exciting helicopter flights, Zodiac tours, and the chance to experience the fascinating wildlife of Antarctica up close. This journey promises not only adventure but also a deep understanding of the wonders of the polar regions.
 

Itinerary: Emperor Penguin Quest: Expedition to Snow Hill

 
Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Upon arriving in this fascinating city, known for its architecture and rich European heritage, you will independently transfer to your group hotel, where a pre-expedition hotel night is included as part of the mandatory transfer package. As you make your way through the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires, you'll be immediately captivated by the city's unique blend of old-world charm and modern flair. The architecture here tells a story of its own, with grand European-style buildings standing proudly alongside contemporary structures, creating a visual tapestry that reflects the city's diverse cultural influences. This initial journey to your hotel offers a glimpse into the bustling life of Buenos Aires, setting the stage for the adventures that lie ahead. As you settle into your accommodations, take a moment to soak in the atmosphere of this dynamic metropolis, where every corner holds a piece of history waiting to be discovered.
 
Day 2: Fly to Ushuaia and Embark
After an early breakfast at the hotel, your group will transfer to the airport to board our private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Upon arrival, you will be transferred from the airport to a central location in the city center, where you will have free time to explore the picturesque Ushuaia on your own, known as the southernmost city in the world. This is a perfect moment to immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of this city, with its impressive landscapes and rich history. Later, you will head to the pier for an afternoon embarkation. Once on board, you will sail through the historic Beagle Channel, which traverses the archipelago of Tierra del Fuego at the southern tip of South America. Feel the excitement in the air as you leave the coast, knowing that the next land you will see will be Antarctica.
 
Day 3 & 4: Crossing the Drake Passage
The unpredictable and exciting Drake Passage, located at the confluence of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Southern Oceans, is an adventure in itself. While being well cared for by our experienced onboard staff and expedition team, you will have ample opportunity to gaze out at the vast ocean waters, photograph seabirds circling the ship, and get to know your expedition team and fellow travelers. The vastness of the sea provides an impressive backdrop that conveys both tranquility and excitement as the birds glide through the air in elegant arcs. Use the time to exchange stories with other adventurers about past journeys as you prepare for the experiences ahead.
 
Day 5: Navigating into the Weddell Sea
Onboard presentations by world-respected experts will enrich your polar quest, offering a deep dive into the history and experiences of the brave polar heroes who, a century ago, embraced the unknown with courage and determination. These experts will convey vivid stories and insights, painting a picture of what life was like during those daring expeditions into the icy wilderness. In addition to these historical narratives, you’ll also have the opportunity to learn more about the fascinating ice-dwelling emperor penguins, gaining a deeper understanding of their unique adaptations and behaviors in the harsh polar environment. This combination of historical and natural insights promises to enhance your journey, providing a richer appreciation of the polar regions and their inhabitants.
 
Day 6 to 10: Weddell Sea and the Quest to Land at Snow Hill
The journey towards Snow Hill Island puts you in explorer mode, as the captain and expedition leader keep you informed through weather briefings, meteorological reports, and information about sea ice conditions. The thickness of the ice determines how close the Ultramarine can get to Snow Hill Island, then our twin-engine helicopters take over. Like climbing a mountain from base camp, groups depart from the Ultramarine to the emperor penguin colony. Your adventure begins with an extended helicopter transfer, revealing a landscape of snow-covered peaks and tabular icebergs the size of skyscrapers. The colony itself is located on the sea ice off the southern coast of Snow Hill Island, and the landing is as close as possible to the penguins, but at a safe distance to avoid disturbing the birds. After landing, your group will walk across the ice to the legendary emperor penguin colony. The wind. The ice beneath your feet. You walk alongside the paths dug into the snow by penguins who were here before. And then there are the fascinating sounds of the penguins in the distance as you head towards one of the rarest wildlife sightings in the world: the colony of thousands upon thousands of rarely seen emperor penguins. The goal of the expedition is to bring each guest to the remote colony once. The expedition team and special experts are at your side to answer your questions and ensure you see everything there is to see. You will observe up close how the emperor penguins act as a close-knit community, how they care for their offspring, and how they surf across the ice in a way that can only be described as whimsical yet efficient. The helicopter expedition in search of the penguin colony could be the adventure of your life. And while you are aboard the Ultramarine with your attentive expedition team, you will immerse yourself daily in the polar area of the Weddell Sea. Daily activities include Zodiac rides among the icebergs, adventures and learning on the ice, kayaking, or working with our team to observe weather forecasting and ship operations up close. A particularly enriching component of your journey will be the tailored educational programs specifically developed for this expedition, offering both traditional (lecture format) and hands-on learning opportunities about this fascinating region. Daily, our polar experts, including penguin scientists, biologists, and polar historians, will lecture on various aspects of the emperor penguins and their behavior, ice formations like the tabular icebergs you will see from the deck of your ship, and the experiences of polar explorers who crossed the Weddell Sea over a century ago. Or you might choose to take the polar plunge one of these days or test your balance on a stand-up paddleboard. Perhaps you will also enjoy a bit of pampering. In that case, you can choose from the excellent amenities aboard the Ultramarine, including the spa, sauna, and fitness room. The emperor penguin colony on Snow Hill is the goal of this expedition. However, should weather or ice conditions prevent visiting the colony or shorten the duration of our visit, we might explore some of these other locations. Your possible landings in Antarctica will take place on the eastern side of the peninsula, which is an extension of the Transantarctic Mountains and the northernmost part of the Antarctic mainland. Brown Bluff A massive cliff of volcanic rock rises 678 meters above colonies of Adélie and gentoo penguins, some of which are incubating their eggs. Devil Island The Swedish Antarctic Expedition of 1901-04 discovered the narrow island, which is 1.6 km long and has a low summit at each end. Hope Bay Three members of the Swedish Antarctic Expedition (1901-04) spent the winter in a hut on the shores of Hope Bay. The hut is located near the pier of the Esperanza Station, an Argentine research station. Paulet Island Located in the northwestern Weddell Sea, Paulet Island is home to a large Adélie penguin colony. With a volcanic cone rising 353 meters high, the island is a reminder that this was once a very active landscape. In addition to penguins, you might be interested in visiting a historic hut built by members of the Swedish Antarctic Expedition of 1901-04. A cross marks the grave of crew member Ole Wennersgaard. Seymour Island Northeast of Snow Hill Island lies a smaller island originally thought to be a cape. Seymour Island is known for fossil finds and the remains of the KT boundary, marking the transition between the Cretaceous (dinosaurs and reptiles) and Tertiary (mammals) periods of geological time. This era is known for the mass extinction of many life forms, including the dinosaurs.
 
Day 11 to 13: Cruising
The return journey across the Drake Passage offers a final opportunity to enjoy the invigorating air of the Southern Ocean. Spend time on deck looking out for seabirds and searching for whales. Take the opportunity to attend presentations by your expedition team, providing you with deeper insights into the fascinating world of Antarctica. Celebrate the experiences you have gathered off the beaten path in this remarkable region. These days at sea are a wonderful way to reflect on the impressions of the journey and to fully experience the unique atmosphere of Antarctica once more.
 
Day 14: Disembark in Ushuaia and Fly to Buenos Aires
Upon your arrival in Ushuaia in the morning, you will disembark after enjoying a hearty breakfast. This marks the beginning of an exciting day as part of the mandatory transfer package, which includes a captivating tour of the renowned Tierra del Fuego National Park. This tour offers a delightful taste of the impressive landscapes and unique natural beauty that Patagonia is celebrated for. After immersing yourself in the stunning scenery and perhaps capturing some memorable photographs, you will then proceed to the airport. Here, you will board the return group charter flight, which will take you back to the vibrant city of Buenos Aires, concluding your journey with a seamless transition from the serene wilderness to the bustling urban environment.
 
Accommodation: Enjoy your stay aboard the modern ship Ultramarine, which offers you a variety of amenities. Relax in the sauna or take advantage of the numerous leisure options the ship has to offer. With a reduced capacity of only 150 guests, you will experience an intimate atmosphere and personal service. The dedicated members of the expedition team are at your side to ensure your adventure is remarkable.
 
Further Information: The expedition to Snow Hill Island lasts 14 days and starts from Buenos Aires, Argentina. The journey is conducted on the ship Ultramarine, which has numerous amenities. Three departures are planned between November 2025 and November 2026. Please note that the duration of the expedition may vary depending on weather and ice conditions, which may affect visits to the emperor penguin colony.
 
Discover the untouched beauty of Antarctica on a unique expedition to the majestic emperor penguins. The spots for this extraordinary journey are limited, so we recommend you inquire now without obligation and secure your adventure into the fascinating polar world!
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