From Snow Hill to the Antarctic Peninsula: Shackleton’s Emperor Penguins 13% Advantage

This 18 day expedition voyage follows the route from South America across the Drake Passage into the Weddell Sea, then continues along the rarely visited eastern coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. The focus is the attempt to reach Snow Hill Island and to visit the Emperor penguin colony on the sea ice from a responsible distance. Depending on ice and weather, daily plans remain flexible, supported by Zodiac cruises, guided landings and helicopter operations for transfers and scenic flights. In addition, islands such as Paulet Island and volcanically shaped coastal sections provide geological and historical perspectives, while talks by polar experts add context in depth.

From Snow Hill to the Antarctic Peninsula - The Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Buenos Aires
Upon your arrival in Buenos Aires, known for its Argentine culture and European architecture, you will make your own way from the airport to the designated group hotel. There, a presentation room will be open for weighing and tagging your luggage. You will also receive information about tomorrow's flight and embarkation and have the opportunity to ask questions. Spend the rest of the day as you please, getting in the mood for the upcoming days of the expedition.

All pictures of this partner
Day 2: Flight to Ushuaia and Embarkation
After breakfast, you will head to the airport and take a charter flight to Ushuaia. Before embarkation, there is time to explore the harbour town on your own, before departure in the late afternoon through the Beagle Channel heading south.

Day 3 and 4: Drake Passage
During the crossing through the Drake Passage, which runs between the southern tip of South America and Antarctica, the Southern Ocean shows a calm or more turbulent side, depending on the weather conditions. On deck, you can enjoy a view of the vast waters and seabirds can be photographed, while getting to know your expedition team and fellow travelers.

Day 5: Through the Antarctic Sound Into the Weddell Sea
The course leads into the Antarctic Sound, the waterway between the northern end of the peninsula and the Weddell Sea. Large pieces of ice often drift here from the Filchner Ronne Ice Shelf, including massive tabular icebergs that are typical of this region. Daily presentations by polar experts will give you in-depth insights into topics such as the polar expedition from a century ago and Emperor penguins.

Days 6 to 10: Attempted Landing on Snow Hill Island to the Emperor Penguin Colony
During these days, the focus is on attempting to reach the Emperor penguin colony at Snow Hill. How close the ship can get depends on the ice thickness, after which helicopters take over the transfer. The flight opens up perspectives of snow covered peaks and enormous tabular icebergs, before a guided walk across the sea ice leads to the colony. On land, operations are carried out at a distance and under strict rules of conduct, so that the animals and their habitat take priority. With good chances, it is possible to observe social behavior, the rearing of the young ones, and the birds' movement patterns, like body surfing across the ice. Additional visits are only possible if conditions are suitable.

Days 11 to 15: Eastern Coast of the Antarctic Peninsula
The rarely visited east of the peninsula offers, depending on the weather, a variety of landings and Zodiac cruises in Antarctic Sound, Erebus and Terror Gulf, as well as in the northwestern Weddell Sea. Possible visits include Paulet Island with a large Adélie penguin colony and historical traces of a hut from the Swedish Antarctic Expedition of 1901 - 1904, as well as Madder Cliffs on Joinville Island and Brown Bluff with striking volcanic layering and penguin breeding sites. In the James Ross Archipelago, geology comes into focus, for example ventifacts and traces of the KT Boundary. At low tide, Devil Island reveals special ice structures shaped by brine channels and waves. In addition, helicopter scenic flights are planned, making the glacier terrain beyond the coast visible.

Days 16 and 17: At Sea Heading North
During the return journey across the Drake Passage, the team uses the time for further presentations. From the deck, there are opportunities to look out for whales and to watch seabirds over the open water before South America draws closer again.

Day 18: Disembarkation in Ushuaia and Onward Flight
After breakfast, the catering service ends. Afterwards, disembarkation takes place in Ushuaia, and the transfer to the charter flight to Buenos Aires follows.

Additional information:
The course of the expedition depends on weather, sea state and sea ice. Landings and helicopter operations take place only when conditions and safety allow. On all excursions, wildlife and habitat take priority, visits to penguin colonies take place at a distance and under clear conduct rules. Reaching Snow Hill and additional colony visits are possible, but not guaranteed. For charter flights, baggage restrictions apply, with one checked bag and one carry on item, exact weight limits are confirmed in the travel documents.
Show all dates