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.

Tage 6 – 10: Weddellmeer und die Suche nach Land bei Snow Hill
Die Expedition nach Snow Hill Island steht ganz im Zeichen des Entdeckens. Kapitän und Expeditionsleiter informieren laufend über Wetter- und Eisbedingungen, die bestimmen, wie nahe die Ultramarine an die Insel herankommt. Für die letzte Etappe übernehmen die bordeigenen Helikopter und bringen die Gäste über die spektakuläre Eislandschaft des Weddellmeeres ihrem Ziel näher.

Ziel der Expedition ist es, jedem Gast einen Besuch der abgelegenen Kaiserpinguinkolonie zu ermöglichen. Begleitet von erfahrenen Experten erleben Sie das faszinierende Sozialverhalten der Tiere, ihre Jungenaufzucht und ihre einzigartige Fortbewegung über das Eis aus nächster Nähe. Diese außergewöhnliche Helikopter-Expedition zählt zweifellos zu den eindrucksvollsten Naturabenteuern der Welt.

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.

Ein abwechslungsreiches Bildungsprogramm mit Polarexperten, Biologen und Historikern vermittelt spannende Einblicke in die Welt der Kaiserpinguine, die Eislandschaften des Weddellmeeres und die Geschichte der Polarforschung. Ergänzt wird das Erlebnis durch Aktivitäten wie Polarbaden oder Stand-up-Paddling. An Bord der Ultramarine sorgen zudem Spa, Sauna und Fitnessbereich für Entspannung nach den Abenteuern in der Antarktis.

Der Besuch der Kaiserpinguinkolonie bei Snow Hill Island ist das Hauptziel der Expedition. Sollten Wetter- oder Eisbedingungen dies verhindern oder einschränken, werden alternative Anlandungen auf der Ostseite der Antarktischen Halbinsel durchgeführt – einer Region mit spektakulären Landschaften, reicher Tierwelt und bedeutender Polargeschichte.

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.