Emperor Penguinds on Snow Hill Island

11-day (10-night) Antarctic expedition from/to Ushuaia to Antarctic Sound and the Wedell Sea in search of remote emperor penguin colonies incl. helicopter sightseeing flights.

Embark on this unique expedition cruise in search of Adélie, gentoo and emperor penguins. Whether on a hike, from the ship, by Zodiac or on helicopter flights - the chances of getting close to these sugary creatures are good.

You cross the Antarctic Sound and enter the Weddell Sea. This area is home to the emperor penguins. Helicopter flights are a great addition to the trip. During the sightseeing flights, you have a breathtaking view of the bizarre ice deserts. With a bit of luck, you can even land by helicopter in places that are otherwise inaccessible.

Visit the Antarctic Sound with its pristine landscapes of sandstone, lava flows, jagged icebergs, glaciers and never-ending pack ice. Emperor and Adelie penguins frolic on the ice floes. (...)

You will also land at Seymour Island, where the Swedish Antarctic expedition of 1901 - 1904 spent the winter under the most adverse conditions. If conditions are good, you will also see Brown Bluff, perhaps the most scenic place on the northern tip of the Antarctic continent. Huge stone walls, volcanic formations and bizarre rocky landscapes, plus a large colony of Adelie penguins and the Antarctic expedition is perfect.

Alternative program: If the route to Snow Hill Island is free of multi-year pack ice (probability < 50%), land on this island to experience the emperor penguin colony there. You can then spend the first two days there with the penguin colony.

Info about the helicopter flights: The helicopter activities last a whole day and the flight duration depends on the local conditions. Each helicopter has space for 4-6 passengers per flight. The landing site is carefully selected so that the emperor penguins are not disturbed. After landing, you will walk to the colony. This can take up to 45 minutes and can be a challenge in some places.

Please remember: you are in one of the most remote areas in the world. There are no guarantees. External conditions can change abruptly, affecting helicopter operations. Please understand this. Safety is paramount and no compromises can be made in this regard.

Due to local conditions and flight times, the time at the colony (and the time to get there from the landing site) can often vary.