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 journey to Snow Hill Island puts you in explorer mode, as the captain and expedition leader keep you up to date with weather briefings, meteorological reports, and reports on the sea ice conditions. The thickness of the ice will determine how close the Ultramarine can get to Snow Hill Island, then our twin-engine helicopters will take over.

Like climbing a mountain from base camp, groups will set off from the ship towards the emperor penguin colony. Your adventure begins with an extended helicopter transfer, revealing a landscape of snow-capped peaks and table icebergs the size of apartment buildings. The colony itself is located on the sea ice off the south coast of Snow Hill Island, and the landing will be as close to the penguins as possible, but at a safe distance so as not to disturb the birds. After landing, your group will walk across the ice to the legendary emperor penguin colony.
With the wind in your ears and the ice beneath your feet, follow the tracks and paths in the snow left by penguins who were here before you. And then there are the incredible sounds of the penguins in the distance as you set off to observe one of the rarest wildlife species on the planet.

The goal of the expedition is to take every guest to the remote colony once. The expedition team and special experts will be nearby to answer your questions and ensure that you don't miss a thing. You will observe firsthand how emperor penguins behave 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 bizarre and efficient. The helicopter expedition in search of the emperor penguin colony could be the adventure of a lifetime.

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 particularly enriching component of your journey will be the customized educational programs designed specifically for this expedition, offering both traditional (lecture format) and hands-on opportunities to learn about this fascinating region. Each day, our polar experts, including penguin scientists, biologists, and polar historians, will give presentations on various aspects of emperor penguins and their behavior, as well as ice formations and the ice shelves you will see from the deck. Hear about the experiences of the polar explorers who braved the Weddell Sea over a century ago. On one of these days, you may decide to take a dip in the polar waters or test your balance on a stand-up paddleboard. If you wish, you can then enjoy a little pampering and choose from the excellent amenities on board the Ultramarine, including the spa, sauna, and fitness facilities.

The destination of this expedition is the emperor penguin colony at Snow Hill. However, if weather or ice conditions prevent us from visiting the colony or shorten the duration of our visit, we may explore some other locations. Your potential 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 landmass. 

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.