Spectacular: Snow Hill Island with emperor penguins

Expedition to the emperor penguins on Snow Hill Island

Day 1: Arrival in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Upon arrival in this fascinating city, renowned for its architecture and rich European heritage, you will be transferred individually to your group hotel (hotel accommodation prior to the expedition is included in the mandatory transfer package).

Days 3–4: Crossing the Drake Passage
The unpredictable and exciting Drake Passage, located at the confluence of the South Pacific and South Atlantic oceans, is an adventure in itself. While you are well looked after by our expert staff on board and the expedition team, you will have plenty of time to gaze out at the vast ocean. Take photos of the seabirds flying around the ship and get to know your expedition team and fellow travelers.

Days 6–10: Weddell Sea and the Search for Land at Snow Hill
The expedition to Snow Hill Island is all about discovery. The captain and expedition leader provide ongoing updates on weather and ice conditions, which determine how close the Ultramarine can get to the island. For the final leg of the journey, the ship’s helicopters take over, transporting guests across the spectacular ice landscape of the Weddell Sea to bring them closer to their destination.

The goal of the expedition is to give every guest the opportunity to visit the remote emperor penguin colony. Accompanied by experienced experts, you’ll witness the animals’ fascinating social behavior, their parenting, and their unique way of moving across the ice up close. This extraordinary helicopter expedition is undoubtedly one of the most impressive nature adventures in the world.

And while you are stationed on the Ultramarine with your attentive expedition team, you will immerse yourself in the polar experience of the Weddell Sea every day. Daily activities include: cruising between icebergs in the Zodiac, adventure and learning on the ice, paddle-on-top kayaking, or working with our team to observe weather forecasting and ship operations up close.

A diverse educational program featuring polar experts, biologists, and historians offers fascinating insights into the world of emperor penguins, the icy landscapes of the Weddell Sea, and the history of polar exploration. The experience is complemented by activities such as polar swimming and stand-up paddleboarding. On board the Ultramarine, a spa, sauna, and fitness area also provide opportunities for relaxation after your Antarctic adventures.

Visiting the emperor penguin colony on Snow Hill Island is the main goal of the expedition. Should weather or ice conditions prevent or limit this, alternative landings will be made on the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula—a region with spectacular landscapes, abundant wildlife, and a significant polar history.

Brown Bluff

A huge cliff of volcanic rock towering 2,225 feet (678 meters) above colonies of Adélie and gentoo penguins, some of which will be incubating their eggs.

Devil's Island

The Swedish Antarctic expedition of 1901-1904 discovered the narrow island, which is 1.6 km long and has a low peak at each end.

Hope Bay

Three members of the Swedish Antarctic Expedition (1901-1904) spent the winter in a hut on the shore of Hope Bay. The hut is located near the landing stage of Esperanza Station, an Argentine research station.

Paulet Island

Located in the northwestern Weddell Sea, Paulet Island is home to a large colony of Adelie penguins. With a 353-meter-high volcanic cone, the island is a reminder that this was once a very active landscape. In addition to the penguins, you can also visit a historic hut built by members of the Swedish Antarctic Expedition from 1901 to 1904. A cross marks the grave of crew member Ole Wennersgaard.

Seymour Island

Northeast of Snow Hill Island is a smaller island that was originally mistaken for a cape. Seymour Island is significant for its fossil finds and for the remains of the KT boundary, which marks the transition between the Cretaceous period (dinosaurs and reptiles) and the Tertiary period (mammals). This era is known for the mass extinction of many life forms, including the dinosaurs.

Day 14: Say goodbye to the Ultramarine in Ushuaia and fly to Buenos Aires
Youwill arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. The transfer package included in the price includes a tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park to get a taste of Patagonia, after which you will be taken to the airport in Buenos Aires for your return journey on a group charter flight.

PADDLE TOURIf you are interested in kayaking but are less experienced when it comes to sea kayaking, a paddle tour is the perfect option for you. Paddling on stable sit-on-top kayaks is perfect for anyone with little or no kayaking experience. On calm days, rotating groups of passengers are selected, with experienced guides always on hand to give you instructions and help you connect with the Arctic Ocean.

STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDING
Combining surfing with kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and paddling gives you a very personal and unique perspective on Antarctica. With a little practice, you can admire the breathtaking landscape while standing up, watching gentoo penguins or Weddell seals. You will receive instruction from a SUP guide, and a safety driver in a Zodiac will remain within reach to provide assistance if necessary.