emperor penguin photo tours

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Antarctica – Snow Hill Emperor Penguin Expedition 2025

Spaces Available

15 Nov 2025 –  28 Nov 2025

In 2004, Quark Expeditions made polar history when they conducted the first-ever ground visit to the remote emperor penguin colony near Snow Hill Island, Antarctica. Driven by a true expeditionary spirit—and guided by years of polar expertise—our team sailed past masses of dense ice and thick, tabular icebergs in the Weddell Sea to experience the legendary rookery, which now numbers 8,000 breeding pairs of emperor penguins.

Today, it is one of the most exclusive wildlife viewing experiences on the planet. We invite you—almost two decades after our milestone visit of 2004— to embrace the thrill of the search as we once again set out to visit to the emperor penguins at Snow Hill Island.

Experience a true polar quest as we journey on our new ship, Ultramarine, which is equipped with two twin-engine helicopters that will fly guests to the vicinity of this rarely-visited rookery, whereupon they will walk across the thick sea ice to stand within meters of the most coveted penguin species on the planet. Anticipate scenes reminiscent of “March of the Penguins” and BBC’s “Frozen Planet.” Just imagine the penguins tobogganing across the ice towards the sea. Such wildlife moments are too precious for words!

This will be Marius Coetzee’s and Dale Morris’s combined 8th expedition to Antarctica and they simply cannot wait to guide you on this once-in-a-lifetime photo expedition. Join ORYX on a voyage where the extraordinary becomes the every day, and let the awe-inspiring beauty of Antarctica overwhelm your senses and provide your cameras with full memory cards!

Destination Allure

The route will focus entirely on the one of the rarest wildlife opportunities on the planet: the colony of thousands and thousands of rarely- seen emperor penguins. The emperor penguin colony at Snow Hill is the goal of this expedition.

Month of Travel

This Snow Hill expedition is arranged early in the season to focus on the rarely seen emperor penguin interactions at their rookery.

Embrace the expeditionary spirit on a quest to reach the colony of thousands of pairs of emperor penguins and their chicks.

We will be cruising on the new, very comfortable, safe and ice-strengthened intimate 150-passenger expedition ship; the Ultramarine. Enjoy helicopter sightseeing and access to the emperor penguin colony as well as Zodiac cruising for unique perspectives of the Antarctic Peninsula.

Guided Experience

Local knowledge of the region and its wildlife is key to crafting the ultimate photography tour experience. Combined with the photographic expertise of your ORYX Photo Tour Leader, and you are in for an adventure that will further fuel your excitement for photography and the destination.

ORYX LEADERS 1 ORYX Photo Tour Leader, Marius Coetzee

• Destination Antarctica
• Departure Buenos Aires
• per individual Starting from US$28,495 - USD$56,895
• Single Supplement Please contact us
• Photographic Highlights Emperor penguin colony, various wildlife species and ice formations
• Guide Marius Coetzee

From our gallery

Best of Snow Hill

Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Upon arriving in this fascinating city, known for its architecture and rich European heritage, you will independently transfer to your group hotel (pre-expedition hotel night included in mandatory transfer package).

Day 2: Fly to Ushuaia, Argentina and embark

After an early breakfast at the hotel, your group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina.

Upon arrival, you will be transferred from the airport to a central downtown location to enjoy time on your own to explore quaint Ushuaia—the world’s southernmost city—before making your way to the pier. After a late afternoon embarkation, you will sail along the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of SouthAmerica. Enjoy the air of anticipation as you depart—the next land you see will be the Antarctic!

Days 3-4: Crossing the Drake Passage

The unpredictable and exciting Drake Passage, which lies at the confluence of the Pacific, the Atlantic and the Southern oceans, is an adventureunto itself. While being well taken care of by our expert onboard staff and expedition team, you’ll have plenty of time to gaze out at the expansive ocean waters, photograph seabirds as they swoop around the ship, and get to know your Expedition Team and fellow travelers.

Day 5: Navigating into the Weddell Sea

Onboard presentations by world- respected experts will enrich your polar quest, conveying what it was like a century ago for the brave polar heroes who embraced the unknown. You’ll also learn more about the ice- dwelling emperor penguins.

Days 6-10: Weddell Sea and the quest to land at Snow Hill

The journey toward Snow Hill Island will put you in explorer mode as the captain and Expedition Leader keep you updated through weatherbriefings, meteorological and sea ice condition reports. The thickness of ice will determine how close Ultramarine can get to Snow HillIsland, then our twin- engine helicopters will take over.

Like summitting a mountain from base camp, parties will set out from Ultramarine towards the emperor penguin colony. Their adventure begins with an extended helicopter transfer that will reveal a landscape of snow-capped peaks and apartment- building-sized tabular icebergs. The rookery 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, yet at a safe distance to avoid disturbing the birds. Upon landing, your party will walk across the ice to the fabled emperor penguin colony. The wind. The ice beneath your feet. Walking next to paths in the snow carved by penguins that came before. And then there are the incredible sounds of the penguins in the distance as you march toward one of the rarest wildlife opportunities on the planet: the colony of thousands and thousands of rarely- seen emperor penguins.

The goal of the expedition is to get every guest to the remote rookery once. The Expedition Team and special experts will be close by to answer yourquestions and ensure you take in everything there is to see. You’ll observe close up how the emperor penguins behave as a tight-knit community, how they care for their young, and how they body surf across the ice in a way that can only be described as quirky yet efficient. The helicopter expedition in search of the emperor colony might just be the adventure of a lifetime!

And while at base on Ultramarine with your attentive Expedition Team, you’ll be immersed each day in the polar experience of the Weddell Sea. Daily activities will include Zodiac cruising among the icebergs, adventuring and learning while atop the ice, paddle-on- top kayaking, orworking with our team to observe the weather forecasting and ship operations up close.

A particularly enriching component of your voyage will be the bespoke educational programs tailored specifically for this expedition that offer both traditional (lecture format) and hands-on opportunities for learning about this fascinating region. Each day our polar experts, who include penguin scientists, biologists and polar historians, will present on various aspects of emperor penguins and their behaviors, ice formations such as the tabular icebergs which you’ll see from the deck of your ship, and the experiences of polar explorers who braved the Weddell Sea over a century ago. Or you might, on one of these days, decide to take the polar plunge, or test your balance on a stand-up paddleboard. Then again, maybe you’ll enjoy a little pampering.

If so, you can choose from Ultramarine’s excellent onboard amenities, including the spa, sauna and fitness room.

The emperor penguin colony at Snow Hill is the goal of this expedition.

However, if weather or ice conditions prevent us from visiting the colony or shorten the duration of our visit, we may explore some other sites. Your possible landings in Antarctica will take place on the eastern side of the Peninsula, which is an extension of the Transantarctic Mountains and is the most northern stretch of Antarctic land.

Days 11-13: Cruising

Day 14: disembark in ushuaia and fly to buenos aires.

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Emperor Penguin Overnight Adventure

• Get inspired by the possibilities.
• Build your ideal trip.
• Explore Union Glacier with activity tailored to the weather & your interest
• Camp near the Gould Bay Emperor Penguin Colony, where thousands of birds raise their chicks
• Explore remote areas of Antarctica with activities of your choice
• Photograph penguins, seals, and seabirds in the untouched wilderness
• Adventure Options
• Wildlife Viewing
• Antarctica Peninsula
• South America
• Andes Mountains
• Punta Arenas
• Weddell Sea

Gould Bay Camp

Union glacier camp, full itinerary, day 1: fly to antarctica.

• 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Day 2: Explore Union Glacier

• 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Day 3: Fly to the Colony

Day 4-6: live with the emperors.

• 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners

Day 7: Return to Union Glacier

Day 8: explore union glacier, day 9: return to chile | fly home.

• 1 Breakfast

Accommodations

Dates & prices, my preferred start date.

Initial deposit is $5200, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.

Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge

See our general terms and conditions:

• Adventure Life Terms & Conditions

We are an agent for one or more providers on this trip with specific cancellation policies and terms:

• ALE - Terms & Conditions - Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions

For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.

• 8 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 8 Dinners
• 8 Nights Accommodations
• Accommodations as listed
• Ground transportation as listed
• Activities as listed
• Meals as listed
• Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
• Gear Rental - Use of XC Skis, Fat Tire Bikes, and Ice Cleats Sleeping bag for South Pole Camp (if needed)
• Internal Flights - Round trip flight to Antarctica from Punta Arenas Round trip flight to Gould Bay Emperor Penguin colony from Union Glacier, Antarctica Round trip flight to South Pole from Union Glacier, Antarctica
• Travel Insurance
• Personal Expenses
• Flight costs (please request a quote)
• Additional excursions during free time
• Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
• In accordance with the Antarctic Treaty requirements, all visitors to Antarctica must have adequate insurance or other arrangements in place to cover any costs associated with medical care and evacuation. All guests must hold Medical Evacuation Insurance for the duration of their experience and at least 7 DAYS BEYOND their return Antarctic flights. $ 150,000 (USD) is required for Mount Vinson, Antarctic Odyssey, Skydive Antarctica, Ski Antarctica, Climb Antarctica, and Ice Marathon. $ 300,000 (USD) is required for all other experiences and expeditions that travel outside the Ellsworth Mountains.
• Meals and accommodation in Punta Arenas

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The Emperor Penguins Of The Weddell Sea

With featured guest Mikaa Mered, geopolitologist, award-winning author, university lecturer and seasoned public speaker specialized in the Polar-Climate-Hydrogen nexus.

• An all-new exploration into the almost inaccessible Weddell Sea, in search of majestic emperor penguins, amidst immaculate and dreamlike landscapes.
• Outings and shore visits in a zodiac inflatable with a reinforced team of naturalist guides.

Overnight in Santiago + flight Santiago/Punta Arenas + transfers + flight Ushuaia/Santiago

The theatre of the greatest expeditions, a refuge for the rarest wildlife and an endless ice desert, the Weddell Sea promises you intense emotions during a voyage of exploration aboard Le Commandant Charcot, an enveloping cocoon that is wide open onto the exterior polar setting. This place is home to emperor penguins, majestic birds endemic to the Antarctic, rarely observed and only in the most southern latitudes. The ultimate quest and the promise of all-new, unforgettable encounters.

From Drake Passage, as the wind blows and the waves crash against the stern of your ship, you will enter the southern seas, to the extreme and captivating Weddell Sea. Ice floe as far as the eye can see and gigantic tabular icebergs form the horizon of the colonies of Adelie penguins that populate this expanse. Contemplating these curious and quirky birds is a real privilege and the guarantee of an equally fascinating and touching show. Yet the ultimate challenge of this exploration is the search for and the encounter with their majesties, the emperor penguins. In this season, as the winter gradually makes way for the southern spring, you will perhaps witness a magical show – that of the largest penguins in the world waddling along the ice floe or the younger penguins learning to swim. It is rare to discover their elegance, so the encounter will be priceless.

Standard Activities

About the the emperor penguins of the weddell sea.

During your exploration of the Weddell Sea, you will follow in the footsteps of the great polar epics like that of Sir Ernest Shackleton. Our passionate naturalists will also share the history of the gigantic tabular icebergs with you, including their birth in the heart of the immense Larsen Ice Shelf. The ice here boasts all possible shades and the white takes different forms in the surrounding reliefs. Let yourself be guided and set off on an adventure into the heart of incredible and unexpected nature. Your Captain and the expert naturalists humbly seize these opportunities to give you an experience that will remain unique.

It is a challenge and a privilege to sail upon the Weddell Sea; welcome to an extraordinary universe with compelling appeal.

Itinerary Day to Day

Santiago de chile.

Transfer from airport to selected hotel.

Meet and greet at the hotel by our local representative. Check-in from late morning.

Lunch on your own and time at leisure in the afternoon.

Overnight at the hotel.

Punta Arenas

A light morning breakfast will be served before your transfer to the airport for your Santiago/Punta Arenas flight (approx. 3 hours).

Meet and greet at Punta Arenas airport (English-speaking assistance).

Capital of the Magallanes Region and of the Chilean Antarctic, this handsome port city will charm you with its history and traditions. Once inhabited by several indigenous tribes, Punta Arenas has maintained an architectural style that remains true to its heritage.

Transfer to Le Commandant-Charcot. Embarkation.

Crossing the Drake Passage

Use your days spent in the Drake Passage to familiarise yourself with your ship and deepen your knowledge of the Antarctic. The Expedition Leader will first present the IAATO rules of conduct that must be observed during landings in the region and will explain everything you need to know about the zodiac outings.

Lectures about the history and wildlife of the Antarctic will be an opportunity for you to learn more about this magical region, where every cruise is a unique experience. You will experience exceptional sailing moments on board and join the naturalist-guides on your ship’s exterior decks to look out for albatrosses, cape petrels, and other seabirds flying over the Drake Passage.

The Weddell Sea Exploration

Impassable, extreme and captivating: this is the best way to describe the Weddell Sea, much of which is covered by a layer of thick, densely packed ice. It is a challenge and a privilege to sail upon this sea. Polar exploration finds its full meaning here. Heading towards the South is a real quest, with the promise of highly-charged encounters with the continent’s endemic fauna. This is the kingdom of the emperor penguin, the largest penguin in the world, renowned for its elegance. Unlike other penguins that live on the rocks, the emperor nests on the ice floe which it needs for its reproductive cycle. It is therefore on the ice floe that you will be able to observe it walking around with its characteristic gait.

In this southern sea, where the ice changes and is transformed constantly, there is never any monotony. The new reliefs and new colours ensure never-ending wonderment. You will sail into the heart of the immaculate ice floe, which is dislocated or densely packed, into an alley of icebergs. Among them are immense blocks of ice, tabular icebergs, that drift and illuminate the ocean with their cerulean blue haloes.

Aboard, on shore, on the ice, you will be as close as possible to the colonies of Adelie penguins, Weddell seals, Mink whales, orcas, snow petrels.… With a little luck, you will get a glimpse of a rare Ross seal with its silver pelage or of emperor penguins, waddling along the edge of the ice floe. A sight that is as fascinating as it is emotional.

North Antarctic Peninsula

Throughout your time in the north of the Antarctic Peninsula, you will find yourself in the heart of a spectacular decor in subtle shades of blue and white, surrounded by exceptional wildlife. You will sail through the Antarctic Sound, named after Swedish explorer Otto Nordenskjöld’s ship, which was trapped by the ice during an important scientific expedition in 1902.

The gateway to the Weddell Sea, this sound is filled with gigantic tabular icebergs and plates of sea ice drifting northward from the coastal areas of this vast sea. It is home to Adelie penguins and a great many leopard seals.

If there is one place, one sea, one waterway dreaded by tourists, researchers and hardened seafarers alike, it is undoubtedly Drake Passage. Situated at the latitude of the infamous Furious Fifties winds, between Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands, it is the shortest route to connect Antarctica to South America. Seasoned navigators will tell you that you must earn your visit to the White Continent!

As the Antarctic convergence zone where cold currents rising up from the South Pole meet warmer equatorial water masses, Drake Passage harbours a very diverse marine fauna. Don’t forget to look to the sky to catch a glimpse of elegant albatross and Cape petrels, playfully floating about in the wind around your ship.

Ushuaia & Santiago de Chile

Disembarkation. Meet and greet at the port (English-speaking assistance).

Transfer to the airport in time for check-in of the flight Ushuaia/Santiago (approx. 3 hours).

Please note if you plan to fly internationally shortly after, it is highly recommended you give yourself some leeway and schedule it for the day after your cruise ends.

Departure Dates

• 2024 Departures
• 2025 Departures
• 2026 Departures

What's Included

• Transfer from airport upon flight arrival.
• 1-night accommodation in a 5* hotel the night before embarkation (your hotel will be confirmed few weeks before your cruise).
• Early check-in available from late morning.
• Hospitality desk at the hotel in Santiago.
• Return flight Santiago/Punta Arenas and Ushuaia/Santiago in economy class.
• Meals as mentioned in the programme and beverage package.
• Transfers as mentioned in the programme.

What's Excluded

• Tips for the local guide.
• Personal expenses.
• Other meals and services not mentioned in the programme.

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Classic antarctica, spirit of antarctica, highlights of antarctica, classic south georgia, antarctica express air-cruise, antarctica - discovery & learning voyage, ready for the adventure of a lifetime.

Get in touch with us via phone or form today and you’ll be assigned a dedicated Antarctica specialist who’ll be with you every step of the way to help you choose, book and plan the right Antarctica cruise for you. Here’s how it works:

Listen & Match

We’ll carefully listen to your aspirations and curate an impartial shortlist of personalized polar cruise recommendations—and pre- and post-cruise extensions—to match your desired experience.

Reserve & Relax

Next we’ll place a free, no obligation, 24-hour cabin hold on your preferred cruise option whilst we discuss the final details. Book and relax safe in the knowledge you’ll be paying the lowest price guaranteed.

Prepare & Travel

Then we’ll provide you with our expert packing advice, insider travel tips, and more to ensure you are fully prepared for—and maximize your enjoyment of—your once-in-a-lifetime Antarctica expedition.

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Emperor Penguin

The largest, deepest-diving, and least interested in nests of all the penguins, these aptly named Aptenodytes are among the most coveted wildlife attractions in the Antarctic

Region: Antarctica

Destinations: Ross Sea, Weddell Sea

Name : Emperor Penguin ( Aptenodytes forsteri )

Length : 100-122 cm (3.2-4 feet)

Weight : 25-45 kg (55-100 pounds)

Location : Antarctica

Conservation status : Unknown according to IUCN

Diet : Main diet of fish, but also crustaceans and cephalopods

Appearance : Black heads and backs, white bellies with yellow trim around the neck

How do emperor penguins Hunt?

Emperor penguins hunt for fish and other marine life in the open seas or in cracks in the ice. They can dive to depths of almost 550 metres (1800 feet), staying underwater for almost 20 minutes at a time. To withstand the cold, emperor penguins reduce their metabolism and blood flow to non-essential organs. And to deal with water pressure during dives, penguins have evolved solid bones as opposed to the hollow ones common among flying birds.

Do emperor penguins socialize?

Emperor penguins have been known to work together while foraging, and they share many behaviors with other species of Antarctic and sub-Antarctic penguin. While at sea, a group of penguins is known as a “raft.” On land, however, penguins form into vast colonies.

These colonies consist of thousands of members, with 5,000 being a conservative estimate and 10,000 being among the larger colonies. These colonies are referred to as “rookeries,” “waddles,” or “penguineries.”

During times of exposure to the harsh Antarctic winds, penguins form a huddled circle. The youngest members stay in the middle, where it’s warmest, while adults form the outer areas.

They slowly turn and rotate members in and out, somewhat like a radar image of a hurricane, taking turns being at the coldest outermost layer.

How fast can emperor penguins move?

On land, emperor penguins waddle at a speed of about 2.5 kph (1.55 mph). They can get going faster if they find a good slope, sliding down to the bottom on their bellies.

While swimming, emperor penguins usually move at speeds around 10 kph (6 mph), though they can reach about 15 kph (9.5 mph) if they need to get somewhere in a hurry.

What is the emperor penguin mating season like?

Emperor penguins are the only penguin species that breeds during the Southern Hemisphere (austral) winter. They become sexually mature at three years of age. January through March is feeding season, and during this time, it is essential for adults to fatten up for the long stretches ahead where they will not be able to eat anything. Once April comes, emperor penguins start on their famous march to the breeding grounds. They usually have to travel at least 50 km (30 miles) and sometimes more than 150 km (95 miles) across the Antarctic environment. 

Mating occurs in May. Male emperor penguins arrive slightly ahead of females, preparing to make their mating calls and displays of courtship. To woo the ladies, males push their bills to their chests, inhale, and give a call that lasts for about two seconds.

Once a couple has paired up, they stand still and extend their necks upward, staring at each other for several minutes. Once this ceremony is complete, emperor penguins are officially a couple and will waddle around the colony together. To start copulation, emperor penguins turn and bow deeply to each other.

They are serially monogamous, staying with one mate for the entire season but usually choosing a different mate the next season. Emperor females produce a single egg that weighs around 460 grams (1 pound). Once the egg is laid, males take over incubation, placing eggs on their feet and keeping them warm with their breeding patches (or brood patches) for two months non-stop. Males do not eat during this time, which means they go about 110 days without food, from the time they leave the breeding grounds until the time the eggs hatch. Emperor penguin males may lose as much as 20 kg (45 pounds) during this time. To conserve heat, they often huddle together in a mass with their backs to the wind. 

By the time they lay eggs, emperor penguin females have exhausted their nutrition stores, so they immediately head back to sea to feed. They remain at sea for about two months, possibly not returning before the chick is hatched. Chicks hatch after about two months. At this point, chicks are without defense against the Antarctic environment and rely entirely on their parents for warmth and food. If emperor females have not returned from feeding yet, males feed their chicks with a substance they cough up from their esophagus. 

Female emperor penguins return somewhere around the beginning of August, locating their families by familiar calls made by their male partners. Females then take over feeding the chicks and keeping them warm, and now it is the males that head to sea to feed. They remain at sea for just shy of a month. About a month and a half after being hatched, emperor chicks hop down from their parents’ feet and huddle together with other chicks in what’s called a “crèche.” Starting in November, chicks begin to grow protective feathers that replace their down, and the parents stop feeding them. The trek back to sea begins in December, at which point the breeding cycle starts all over again. 

How long do emperor penguins live?

Emperor penguins live to be about 15-20 years old in the wild.

How many emperor penguins are there today?

A survey of satellite images from 2009 found 46 colonies containing 238,000 breeding pairs, suggesting a total of 595,000 individual emperor penguins. Since then, a further seven colonies have been discovered.

Do emperor penguins have any predators?

Emperor penguin chicks are preyed upon by other birds like southern giant petrels and south polar skua, while orcas and leopard seals are known to feed on adult emperor penguins.

Seven essential emperor penguin facts

• Emperor penguins are the largest penguins in the world.
• They can dive deeper than any other bird, including other penguins.
• Emperor penguins do not build nests. Instead, their feet and “brood patches” act as nests. (Brood patches are flaps of featherless skin some birds have on the underside of their bellies.)
• Like other penguins, emperors leap into the air while swimming, which is called porpoising. This action coats them in micro air bubbles that help reduce friction underwater. Scientists think they might also just be doing it for fun.  
• Emperors (and other penguins) have their distinct tuxedo look because, while swimming, their white bellies camouflage them against the light above, and their dark backs camouflage them against the depths below.
• These are only penguins that breed during the Antarctic winter.
• The emperor penguin genus name, “Aptenodytes,” means “without-wings-diver.”

Related cruises

Weddell Sea – In search of the Emperor Penguin, incl. helicopters

Searching for the Elusive Emperor Penguins

OTL22-24 A true expedition, our Weddell Sea cruise sets out to explore the range of the Emperor Penguins near Snow Hill Island. We will visit the area via helicopter and see a variety of other birds and penguins including Adélies and Gentoos.

m/v Ortelius

Cruise date:

10 Nov - 20 Nov, 2024

Berths start from:

OTL23-24 A true expedition, our Weddell Sea cruise sets out to explore the range of the Emperor Penguins near Snow Hill Island. We will visit the area via helicopter and see a variety of other birds and penguins including Adélies and Gentoos.

20 Nov - 30 Nov, 2024

Searching for the elusive Emperor penguins

OTL22-25 A true expedition, our Weddell Sea cruise sets out to explore the range of the Emperor Penguins near Snow Hill Island. We will visit the area via helicopter and see a variety of other birds and penguins including Adélies and Gentoos.

11 Nov - 21 Nov, 2025

OTL23-25 A true expedition, our Weddell Sea cruise sets out to explore the range of the Emperor Penguins near Snow Hill Island. We will visit the area via helicopter and see a variety of other birds and penguins including Adélies and Gentoos.

21 Nov - 1 Dec, 2025

The unique highlight of this voyage to the Weddell Sea is the chance to visit, by helicopter, an emperor penguin colony, situated south of Snow Hill Island.

Emperor penguin in the Weddell Sea, Antarctica. Image by David Merron

Helicopter, the Weddell Sea, Antarctica. Image by David Merron

Zodiac in the Weddell Sea, Antarctica. Image by Acacia Johnson

Snow Hill in the Weddell Sea, Antarctica. Image by David Merron

Emperor penguin in the Weddell Sea, Antarctica. Image by Nicky Souness

Kayaking in the Weddell Sea, Antarctica. Image by Michelle Sole

Weddell seal pup in Weddell Sea, Antarctica

Orca pod in Weddell Sea, Antarctica

Humpback whale in Weddell Sea, Antarctica

Emperor penguin colony in Weddell Sea, Antarctica

Image: Hans Murre

Orca in the Weddell Sea, Antarctica. Image by Wim Van Passel

Weddell seal in the Weddell Sea, Antarctica. Image by Wim Van Passel

Zodiac in the Weddell Sea, Antarctica. Image by Rinie Van Meurs

Helicopter, the Weddell Sea, Antarctica. Image by Rolf Stange

Weddell Sea in Antarctica. Image by Erwin Vermeulen

Emperor penguin in the Weddell Sea, Antarctica. Image by Wim Van Passel

Chinstrap penguin in Half Moon Island, Antarctica. Image by Amos Nachoum

Adelie penguin in the Weddell Sea, Antarctica. Image by Wim Van Passel

Chinstrap penguin in the Weddell Sea, Antarctica. Image by Wim Van Passel

Weddell Sea in Antarctica. Image by Wim Van Passel

Emperor penguin in the Weddell Sea, Antarctica. Image by James Cresswell

The remote eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula is one of the white continent’s hidden gems. A deeply incised, 2,000-kilometre wide bay takes its name from British sailor, James Weddell. Famed for its huge ice shelves and flat-topped icebergs, the Weddell Sea is the site of an upwelling of cold water from the ocean depths that provides food for any creature hardy enough to withstand the intense cold.

Once at the Weddell Sea, your vessel will be positioned to enable ship-to-shore helicopter transfers to Snow Hill Island, home of an emperor penguin colony.  The landing point of the helicopters will be carefully chosen to ensure that the emperors are not disturbed or stressed by helicopter noise, and then you will walk around 45 minutes to the colony, culminating in a memorable rendezvous with these magnificent penguins.

Before making your way back through the Drake Passage to Ushuaia, you pay a visit to Deception Island, with its distinctive horse-shoe shape and large flooded caldera. 

A typical Emperor Penguins itinerary is shown below, on board Ortelius . There is a slightly longer itinerary on board the Ultramarine , which is 14 days in duration and includes additional time to reach Snow Hill Island and see the remote emperor penguin colony. Please contact us for details.

Typical Itinerary

Day 1 : embark ushuaia & set sail through the beagle channel, days 2-3 : cross the drake passage & antarctic convergence.

Over the next two days you will sail across the Drake Passage. When you cross the Antarctic Convergence, you arrive in the circum-Antarctic up welling zone - in this area you may see wandering albatrosses, grey headed albatrosses, black- browed albatrosses, light- mantled sooty albatrosses, Cape pigeons, southern fulmars, Wilson’s storm petrels, blue petrels and Antarctic petrels.

Day 4 : Weddell Sea

Today should see you sailing into the Weddell Sea where you will see the huge tabular icebergs on the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula. Subject to local conditions, the plan is to land on the Antarctic Continent at Brown Bluff.

Days 5-6 : Weddell Sea: emperor penguins

The use of helicopters has a great advantage in the attempt to reach the emperor penguin colony, however as always the itinerary is ruled by weather conditions and ice. If conditions are favourable, you will spend the first two days in the emperor penguin rookery. The landing point of the helicopters will be carefully chosen and we will make sure that the emperors are not disturbed or stressed by helicopter noise. Therefore, after landing, you will continue your expedition on foot, and after around 45 minutes’ walking, you will experience the most memorable rendezvous with the magnificent emperor penguins.

Day 7 : Weddell Sea

If conditions were favourable on both days 5 and 6, and visits to the emperor penguins were successful, today you visit Devil Island, home to a large colony of Adelie penguins and Brown Bluff, possibly the most scenic location in the entire northern tip of the Antarctic Continent, with its sheer canyon walls and volcanic landscape capped with ice. Other possibilities include Esperanza Base, an Argentine research station or Gourdin Island - chinstrap, gentoo, and Adélie penguins love this island!

If you did not reach the colony on one or two of the previous days, then an attempt will be made again today to do ship-to-shore helicopter flights to Snow Island.

Day 8 : Deception Island

In the morning, sail to Deception Island, where the last landing of the voyage will be at Pendulum Cove or Whalers Bay. Deception is a sub-ducted crater, which opens into the sea, creating a natural harbour for the ship. Here you can find hot springs, an abandoned whaling station, thousands of Cape pigeons and many Dominican gulls, brown and South Polar skuas and Antarctic terns. Wilson’s storm petrels and black-bellied storm petrels nest in the ruins of the whaling station in Whalers Bay.

Days 9-10 : Sail back across the Drake Passage

On the way north, the ship will again be followed by a great selection of seabirds while crossing the Drake Passage.

Day 11 : Arrive in Ushuaia & disembark

Please note: Helicopters have a great advantage in being able to reach the emperor penguin colony, however their use is ruled by the forces of nature, ice and weather conditions. You will be in one of the world’s most remote areas and there are no guarantees - conditions may change rapidly, having an impact on helicopter operation.

• Duration and price excluding international flights : 11-14 days from £ 11,285 pp Ortelius: from £11,285 pp Ultramarine: from: £22,795 pp
• Trip type : Voyage
• Group size : Varies according to vessel
• 10 Nov 2024 , Ship: Ortelius Enquire
• 20 Nov 2024 , Ship: Ortelius Enquire
• 11 Nov 2025 , Ship: Ortelius Enquire
• 15 Nov 2025 , Ship: Ultramarine Enquire
• 21 Nov 2025 , Ship: Ortelius Enquire
• Accommodation in twin-share cabin
• All meals on board ship
• Guided shore excursions
• Zodiac cruising
• Request a Detailed Itinerary
• Send an Enquiry

Antarctic Peninsula

The Antarctic Peninsula is the most accessible part of the great white continent with some of its best wildlife and scenery. Ice-choked waterways, sculpted icebergs, imposing glaciers and rugged mountains provide the backdrop to an area with more whales and dolphins than anywhere else on earth. Find Out More about {acc:title}

• Ideal for viewing : elephant seal , hourglass dolphin , humpback whale , minke whale , orca
• Excellent for : Wildlife cruises , Whale watching , Penguin watching

Weddell Sea

The remote eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula is one of the white continent's hidden gems. A deeply incised, 2,000-kilometre wide bay, the upwelling of cold water provides food for any creature hardy enough to withstand the intense cold. It is also famed for its huge ice shelves and flat-topped icebergs. Find Out More about {acc:title}

• Ideal for viewing : elephant seal , humpback whale , leopard seal , Weddell seal , orca

Snow Hill Island

If you long to visit Antarctica to see emperor penguins, the largest of the penguin species, then Snow Hill Island is one of the best locations to view these fascinating sea birds. This snow-capped island is home to a colony of around 4,000 pairs of breeding emperor penguins and their offspring. Find Out More about {acc:title}

• Ideal for viewing : emperor penguin
• Excellent for : Wildlife cruises , Penguin watching

The ice-strengthened Ortelius is an excellent vessel for expeditions in the Arctic and Antarctic. With the highest ice-class notation, it offers possibilities to travel to remote locations such as the Ross Sea and Franz Josef Land. Flexibility assures maximum wildlife opportunities. Find Out More about Ortelius

Ultramarine

Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters plus 20 quick-release Zodiac boats, Ultramarine offers passengers the next level in polar exploration. The opportunity to view frozen landscapes from above and to take impromptu wildlife viewing excursions speedily and efficiently, set it apart from other polar vessels. Find Out More about Ultramarine

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Emperor Penguin Quest

Driven by a true expeditionary spirit—and guided by years of polar expertise—our team sailed past masses of dense ice and thick, tabular icebergs in the Weddell Sea to experience the legendary rookery, which now numbers 8,000 breeding pairs of emperor penguins. Today, it is one of the most exclusive wildlife viewing experiences on the planet. We invite you—almost two decades after our milestone visit of 2004—to embrace the thrill of the search as we once again set out to visit to the emperor penguins at Snow Hill Island. 

Experience a true polar quest as we journey on our new ship,  Ultramarine , which is equipped with two twin-engine helicopters that will fly guests to the vicinity of this rarely-visited rookery, whereupon they will walk across the thick sea ice to stand within metres of the most coveted penguin species on the planet. Anticipate scenes reminiscent of “March of the Penguins” and BBC’s “Frozen Planet.” Just imagine the penguins tobogganing across the ice towards the sea. Such wildlife moments are too precious for words!

*MANDATORY TRANSFER PACKAGE INCLUDES: • One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Buenos Aires with breakfast (Note: The number of guests per room is the same as cabin occupancy on the ship. Due to limited availability, travelers who reserve a suite on board are accommodated in standard rooms at the hotel. Triple rooms may not be available.) • Group flight departing from Buenos Aires’ domestic airport (Aeroparque/AEP) to Ushuaia, and returning to Buenos Aires’ international airport (Ezeiza/EZE) • Group transfer from hotel to airport in Buenos Aires • Group transfer from Ushuaia airport to the ship, and return (Note: Transfer on arrival in Buenos Aires from airport to hotel at the beginning of the journey is not included. Please make your way to the included hotel.) • Combined airport transfer and express bus tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park after disembarkation in Ushuaia PACKAGE PRICE: $995 USD

Map/Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Day 2 fly to ushuaia and embark, day 3 - 4 crossing the drake passage, day 5 navigating into the weddell sea, day 6-10 weddell sea and the quest to land at snow hill.

Like summitting a mountain from base camp, parties will set out from Ultramarine towards the emperor penguin colony. Their adventure begins with an extended helicopter transfer that will reveal a landscape of snow-capped peaks and apartment-building-sized tabular icebergs. The rookery 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, yet at a safe distance to avoid disturbing the birds. Upon landing, your party will walk across the ice to the fabled emperor penguin colony. The wind. The ice beneath your feet. Walking next to paths in the snow carved by penguins that came before. And then there are the incredible sounds of the penguins in the distance as you march toward one of the rarest wildlife opportunities on the planet: the colony of thousands and thousands of rarely-seen emperor penguins.

The goal of the expedition is to get every guest to the remote rookery once. The Expedition Team and special experts will be close by to answer your questions and ensure you take in everything there is to see. You’ll observe close up how the emperor penguins behave as a tight-knit community, how they care for their young, and how they body surf across the ice in a way that can only be described as quirky yet efficient. The helicopter expedition in search of the emperor colony might just be the adventure of a lifetime

And while at base on Ultramarine with your attentive Expedition Team, you’ll be immersed each day in the polar experience of the Weddell Sea. Daily activities will include Zodiac cruising among the icebergs, adventuring and learning while atop the ice, paddle-on-top kayaking, or working with our team to observe the weather forecasting and ship operations up close. 

A particularly enriching component of your voyage will be the bespoke educational programs tailored specifically for this expedition that offer both traditional (lecture format) and hands-on opportunities for learning about this fascinating region. Each day our polar experts, who include penguin scientists, biologists and polar historians, will present on various aspects of emperor penguins and their behaviors, ice formations such as the tabular icebergs which you’ll see from the deck of your ship, and the experiences of polar explorers who braved the Weddell Sea over a century ago. Or you might, on one of these days, decide to take the polar plunge, or test your balance on a stand-up paddleboard. Then again, maybe you’ll enjoy a little pampering. If so, you can choose from Ultramarine’s excellent onboard amenities, including the spa, sauna and fitness room.

The emperor penguin colony at Snow Hill is the goal of this expedition. However, if weather or ice conditions prevent us from visiting the colony or shorten the duration of our visit, we may explore some of these other sites. Your possible landings in Antarctica will take place on the eastern side of the Peninsula, which is an extension of the Transantarctic Mountains and is the most northern stretch of Antarctic land. 

Brown Bluff An immense cliff of volcanic rock, towers 2,225 feet (678 meters) over rookeries of Adélie and gentoo penguins, some of which will be incubating their eggs.

Devil Island The Swedish Antarctic Expedition of 1901-04 discovered the narrow island, which is 1 mile (1.6 km) long and has a low summit at each end.

Hope Bay Three members of the Swedish Antarctic Expedition (1901-04) spent the winter in a hut on the shores of Hope Bay. The hut is located close to the jetty of Esperanza Station, an Argentine research station.

Paulet Island Located in the northwestern Weddell Sea, Paulet Island is home to a large Adélie penguin rookery. With a volcanic cone that rises 1,158 feet (353 meters), the island reminds you that this was once a very active landscape. In addition to penguins, you may be interested in visiting a historic hut built by members of the Swedish Antarctic Expedition of 1901-04. A cross marks the gravesite 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 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) of geological times. This era is known for the mass extinction of many forms of life, including dinosaurs. 

Day 8-11 South Georgia

One significant and historic site is the grave of the great explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. You can visit his grave at the settlement of Grytviken, which is also home to an old whaling station, plus a museum, gift shop, church and small research station. 

Although South Georgia’s history is an important attraction to the island, it is the tremendous abundance of wildlife that you and your shipmates will surely find most captivating. Each landing you make on South Georgia, often referred to as the Galapagos of the Poles, will open your eyes to the wondrous lives of new, enthralling creatures. 

One day you may see rookeries with hundreds of thousands of pairs of king penguins waddling on a beach, and the next, you may visit another beach blanketed with hundreds of fur or elephant seals. The grasses, mountains and beaches of South Georgia all play an important role in the breeding and survival of different species on the island. This fragile and interwoven relationship is something your Expedition Team will instill in you during your time here. 

Day 11-13 Cruising

Day 14 disembark in ushuaia and fly to buenos aires, advanced filters:.

Inclusions/Exclusions

• Leadership throughout your voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities
• All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program
• All shore landings as per the daily program
• Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
• All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.)
• Select beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
• Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
• A photographic journal documenting the expedition
• A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
• An official Expedition parka to keep
• Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
• All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
• All luggage handling aboard the ship
• Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
• One 10- to 15-minute helicopter flightseeing excursion (weather and logistics permitting)
• Mandatory Transfer Package*
• International airfare
• Passport and applicable visa expenses
• Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned
• Meals unless otherwise specified
• Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
• Excess-baggage fees on international flights and domestic flights
• Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac landing and cruising excursions, or any other gear not mentioned
• Laundry, bar, spa services and other personal charges, unless specified
• Phone and Internet charges (connectivity may vary by location)
• Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for expedition staff and shipboard crew
• Additional overnight accommodation
• Arrival and departure transfers, except where explicitly stated
• Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities

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Come and photograph an Emperor Penguin colony with Wild Images!

8th April 2018

In November 2020, Mark Beaman is going to be visiting the Emperor Penguin colony at Gould Bay in the Weddell Sea. Come and join him! You won’t have to pay a penny more than the standard expedition price because he is with you on this truly ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ adventure, so the fun and the tuition/photographic help will be free.

The price per person in 2020 is not yet known, but can reasonably be expected to be around the 2018 price of approximately 48k US Dollars plus a bit of inflation. Yes, it is astoundingly expensive isn’t it, but you get an amazing adventure for this small fortune (actually a pretty large one).

We fly from Punta Arenas in southernmost Chile to the Union Glacier airstrip deep in the heart of the Antarctic Peninsula and spend two nights there, so there is time to explore the awesome landforms in the surrounding area. An onward flight by smaller aircraft takes us to another ice strip at Gould Bay, where we spend four nights close to an Emperor Penguin colony!

You can visit the colony at all times of day (there is no true night), ensuring lots of low light photography, images in snow or whatever. Of course, all those adorable Emperor Penguin chicks will be there, playing around, huddled together or interacting with each other and the adults.

It is going to be awesome!

You head back to Union Glacier for two nights and then take a return flight to Punta Arenas.

As this is Antarctica we are taking about, there needs to be some flexibility, so  you need to arrive in Punta Arenas ahead of the scheduled departure day and have no plans to leave soon after the return flight, in case of weather issues.

(There will be the opportunity to take one of our upcoming Puma photography tours in southern Chile prior to the Antarctic expedition, should you wish to extend your stay.)

This is intended as a one-off opportunity. Come and join us!

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Antarctica - Emperor Penguin Quest - Expedition to Snow Hill 2025 - ()

Antarctica - emperor penguin quest - expedition to snow hill.

• Dates, Leaders and Pricing
• Trip Reports
• Tour Enquiry

In 2004, Quark Expeditions made polar history when they conducted the first-ever ground visit to the remote emperor penguin colony near Snow Hill Island, Antarctica. Driven by a true expeditionary spirit—and guided by years of polar expertise—our team sailed past masses of dense ice and thick, tabular icebergs in the Weddell Sea to experience the legendary rookery, which now numbers 8,000 breeding pairs of emperor penguins. Today, it is one of the most exclusive wildlife viewing experiences on the planet. We invite you—almost two decades after our milestone visit of 2004— to embrace the thrill of the search as we once again set out to visit to the emperor penguins at Snow Hill Island.

Experience a true polar quest as we journey on our new ship, Ultramarine, which is equipped with two twin-engine helicopters that will fly guests to the vicinity of this rarely-visited rookery, whereupon they will walk across the thick sea ice to stand within meters of the most coveted penguin species on the planet. Anticipate scenes reminiscent of “March of the Penguins” and BBC’s “Frozen Planet.” Just imagine the penguins tobogganing across the ice towards the sea. Such wildlife moments are too precious for words!

This will be Marius Coetzee's and Dale Morris's combined 8th expedition to Antarctica and they simply cannot wait to guide you on this once-in-a-lifetime photo expedition. Join ORYX on a voyage where the extraordinary becomes the every day, and let the awe-inspiring beauty of Antarctica overwhelm your senses and provide your cameras with full memory cards!

Photographic Topics Covered

Equipment setup – camera body, lenses, tripods etc Discussing envisaged photographic subjects and how to photograph them Learning to use light Composition – classic rule of thirds, and when to break the rules Story telling with your images – what are you wanting to portray and what message does your photograph deliver Processing of images Wildlife subjects – discussing animal behaviour in order to anticipate ‘the shot Bird photography and specifically birds in flight Panning Animal-in-environment and landscape shots Photo critique , your ORYX Photo Leader provides insightful feedback for photography growth

Emperor Penguin; Chinstrap, Gentoo & Adelie Penguins; Wandering & Light-mantled Albatrosses; Snow & Antarctic Petrels; Snowy Sheathbill.

Top Mammals

South American & Antarctic Fur Seals; South American Sea Lion; Leopard, Weddell, Crabeater & Southern Elephant Seals; Burmeister's Porpoise; Southern Bottlenose, Long-finned Pilot, Killer, Antarctic Minke, Sei, Fin & Humpback Whales; Peale's, Hourglass & Commerson's Dolphins.

Habitats Covered

coastal and pelagic waters, sub-Antarctic islands & Antarctic Peninsula, pack ice

Expected Climate

temperate to subzero, sunny and calm to gale force conditions can be expected

Max Group Size

30 with 2 Oryx Photo Tour Leaders (this is an allotment group size, not a charter)

Tour Pace & Walking

easy pace, mostly undemanding walks

Accommodation

comfortable expedition cruise ship

Ease of Birding

Other attractions.

spectacular sub-Antarctic scenery, the most remote continent, icebergs and pack ice, Emperor Penguins

Photographic Opportunities

What our clients say about us.

CS, Antarctica 2022

Your team was exceptional! So friendly and accommodating! So open to answer questions and share their knowledge. ALWAYS so happy! It was joy being around your team.

NL, Antarctica 2022

This long-awaited culmination of the cruise-that-first-failed satisfied everything I had hoped to experience. The Quark staff did a fantastic job (after that first sit-down meal), and the Rockjumper guides were always around and available to point out birds and things of interest. I am so happy to have this one "under-the-belt" so I now feel more free to make other plans. I truly enjoyed the opportunity to get to know all the Rockjumper guides in a more personal and relaxed mode than we seem to have on regular tours. They all continue to amaze me with their knowledge, wide interests, and willingness to share this lore with others.

RC, Antarctica 2022

Adam and Daniel made this trip extra enjoyable. The quality and diligence of their attention to all of the Rockjumper clients was simply phenomenal. I cannot use enough superlatives to describe the entire Rockjumper Team. The Ocean Victory seemed to be a perfect fit, with excellent staff and a sometimes-wearying dedication to safety.

JW, Antarctica 2022

This tour was extraordinary, very well organized despite vagaries of the weather at times. The ship crew were very well trained and experienced helping people get on and off the zodiacs. Very smooth operation. The guides Adam and Dan were phenomenal and very helpful in locating fast moving seabirds from a heaving deck! Niki was quietly working behind the scenes making sure everyone was enjoying the cruise.

NG, Antarctica 2022

This trip with the guides, Adam and Daniel goes to my top three best trips I have ever taken. The leaders were oh so wonderful, the ship and staff were excellent, and the travel down and back while grueling , occurred without a hitch. As for all the detailed pretrip arrangements, hats off to Sarah who was beyond the pale excellent” in her support and help in “ getting it all done” . Can’t thank everyone enough for all the help, kindness and over riding expertise in making this a once in a life time trip for me!

Antarctica - Emperor Penguin Quest - Expedition to Snow Hill 2025

15 Nov 2025 - 28 Nov 2025 (14 days)

USD28,495 - Spaces Available

Tour Leader: Expedition Leader

Tour Leader: Dale Morris

Tour Leader: Marius Coetzee

Pricing notes : Mandatory Transfer Package US$995

Tour price (Per person): GBP22,724 * EUR26,557 * USD28,495 * AUD43,670

Antarctica - Falkland Islands, South Georgia & Antarctica 2023 - November 2023

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Antarctica - Classic: Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica II 2014xxxx - December 2014

Antarctica - Classic: Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica II 2011 - December 2011

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Weddell Sea—Emperor Penguin Voyage

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The Weddell Sea—Emperor Penguin Voyage is one of the most spectacular Antarctic adventures around. This 11-day expedition cruises aboard the 108-passenger ship M/V Ortelius and offers the unique experience of close emperor penguin encounters at their more secluded rookeries via exciting helicopter rides. Finish the voyage passing through the South Shetland Islands. 

An emperor penguin rookery is situated south of Snow Hill Island, below Hope Bay on the Antarctic Peninsula and James Ross Island. The captain will do the utmost to position the vessel close enough to Snow Hill Island in order to enable ship-to-shore helicopter transfers to approximately 45-minute walks to the emperor penguin rookeries. 

Hope to see the western side of the Antarctic Sound, an area only rarely seen from the air with stunning landscapes of layered sandstones, lava flows, glaciers tumbling into the sea and icebergs and pack-ice as far as the eye can see. Observe individual emperor penguins and adélie penguins on the ice floes; cape, snow, and giant petrels flying overhead; and kelp gulls, skuas and Wilson’s storm petrels scavenging below. Walk over frost-shattered rocks covered in fascinating lichen and visit Seymour Island, where the Swedish Antarctic Expedition from 1901-04 overwintered under miraculous circumstances.

The Weddell Sea Emperor Penguin Voyage reserves 4 days to visit the emperor penguin rookeries by helicopter. Note that this expedition may vary depending on local ice and weather conditions, the availability of landing sites and opportunities to see wildlife. This is a true Antarctic expedition, so flexibility is paramount.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Antarctica cruises and trips to Antarctica .

Weddell Sea—In Search of the Emperor Penguin, Incl. Helicopters Itinerary

This 11-day expedition cruise offers the unique opportunity to attempt to see the emperor penguin colony in Antarctica, as well as opportunities to visit certain sites by helicopter.

In the afternoon, embark in the small resort town of Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world, nicknamed “The End of the World.” Sail the mountain-fringed Beagle Channel for the remainder of the evening.

Over the next 2 days on the Drake Passage, you enjoy some of the same experiences encountered by the great polar explorers who first charted these regions: cool salt breezes, rolling seas, maybe even a fin whale spouting up sea spray. After passing the Antarctic Convergence–Antarctica’s natural boundary, formed when north-flowing cold waters collide with warmer sub-Antarctic seas–you are in the circum-Antarctic upwelling zone. Not only does the marine life change, the avian life changes too. Wandering albatrosses, grey-headed albatrosses, black-browed albatrosses, lightmantled sooty albatrosses, cape pigeons, southern fulmars, Wilson’s storm petrels, blue petrels and Antarctic petrels are a few of the birds you might see.

breakfast, lunch, dinner

You may sail into the Weddell Sea via the Antarctic Sound. Here huge tabular icebergs herald your arrival to the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula. During this part of the cruise, the search is on for emperor penguins. Using both the vessel and helicopters, there’s a good chance you’ll find them. You might also enjoy scenic flights, and if conditions allow, helicopter landings in locations otherwise out of reach this time of year.

Helicopter flights are a true trip changer, and may include:

The west slopes of the Antarctic Sound The western side of this area is only rarely seen from the air, though the landscape is truly worth the flight: Layered sandstones, lava flows, glaciers, icebergs and pack-ice extend as far as the eye can see. There are often individual emperor penguins and Adélie penguins on the ice floes, as well as kelp gulls, skuas and various breeds of petrel. Jagged mountain peaks stab through the snow, and enormous walls of ice lie shattered on the slopes below.

Duse Bay A soaring helicopter flight may deposit you on a rocky hillock close to an old refuge hut overlooking this bay. There’s still a lot of snow and ice this time of year, but much of the walk in this location is over frost-shattered rock covered with lichen of all shapes and colors.

Seymour Island This is where the Swedish Antarctic Expedition of 1901–4 wintered under harrowing polar conditions. Sedimentary rock, fossils and expansive views define this location.

If conditions allow for deeper ventures into the Weddell Sea, Zodiac trips may include:

Devil Island Home to a large colony of Adélie penguins, this island offers a magnificent vantage point for hikers willing to foot it to the top of the hill. Melting ice sometimes forms a waterfall dropping from the cliffs close to Cape Well-met.

Brown Bluff Maybe the most scenic location in the entire northern tip of the Antarctic Continent: sheer canyon walls, fallen boulders, beautiful volcanic creations capped with ice. A large Adélie penguin rookery lives here, with gentoo penguins and nesting snow petrels also to be found.

Gourdin Island Chinstrap, gentoo and Adélie penguins love this island, which is yet another landing option for your continuing Antarctic adventure.

Esperanza Base This Argentine research station, which operates year-round and is one of only two civilian settlements in Antarctica, could serve as an alternative landing site.

Note: Helicopters provide an advantage in reaching the emperor penguin colony, but your ability to use them depends entirely on ice, sea and weather conditions. If conditions are favorable, you will visit the colony. If conditions are exceptionally favorable, you will attempt to visit more than once. Helicopter operations take a full day and flight duration depends on local conditions.

Each helicopter can accommodate 4-5 passengers per flight. The landing site is carefully chosen so that the penguins are not disturbed. Upon arrival to the site, you will walk to the colony. This may take up to 45 minutes and can be challenging in places. Please keep in mind that you are in the world’s most remote region, so there are no guarantees: conditions may change rapidly, which can impact helicopter operations. It is important to understand and respect this fact.

Safety is the greatest concern, so no compromises can be made. The aim is for all groups to spend an equal amount of time at the colony. The time at the colony (and the time to get there from landing site) will often vary, however, due to local conditions and flight times.

In the morning, you sail to Deception Island for the last landing of the voyage, either at Pendulum Cove or Whalers Bay. Conditions on the Drake Passage determine the exact time of departure.

Your return voyage is far from lonely. While crossing the Drake, you’re again greeted by the vast array of seabirds remembered from the passage south. But they seem a little more familiar to you now, and you to them.

Every adventure, no matter how grand, must eventually come to an end. It’s now time to disembark in Ushuaia, but with memories that will accompany you wherever your next adventure lies.

Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary; all meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea; all shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac; program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff; free use of rubber boots and snowshoes; luggage transfer from pick-up point to the vessel on the day of embarkation in Ushuaia; pre-scheduled group transfer from the vessel to the airport in Ushuaia (directly after disembarkation); all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program; comprehensive pre-departure material; ship-to-shore helicopter transfers, with no specific helicopter time guaranteed.

Any airfare whether on scheduled or charter flights (scheduled helicopter rides included); pre- and post-land arrangements; transfers to the vessel in Ushuaia; passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes; meals ashore; baggage and cancellation insurance; personal insurance (mandatory); optional activities; excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges; customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard; fuel surcharge (your Adventure Specialist will provide details).

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 20% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure: Up to 90 days – 100% of deposit 89 to 60 days – 50% of total trip cost 59 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations  Terms and Conditions . Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The Weddell Sea—In Search of the Emperor Penguin, Incl. Helicopters cruise begins and ends in Ushuaia, Argentina (USH). Embarkation time is between 4:00 and 5:00pm on day of departure. We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. The ship sails around 6:00pm on day of departure. Disembarkation is after breakfast on final day between 8:30 and 9:00am. Plan flights to depart Ushuaia anytime after noon on the final day. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our  Booking Flights  resource page.

Hiking time for most landings will be a couple of hours round-trip with lots of time to stop to study, photograph and enjoy the flora and fauna.

Helicopters:

The Weddell Sea—In Search of the Emperor Penguin, Incl. Helicopters cruise includes helicopter rides via a minimum of two onboard helicopters that each carry 4-5 passengers per flight. If the conditions are favorable, there exist added special helicopter rides to see emperor penguin rookeries. The use of helicopters has a great advantage and can support the goal to reach the scheduled landing sites, that otherwise are inaccessible; other times you observe from the sky. But, these voyages are operated in the world’s most remote areas, ruled by the forces of nature. Providing the conditions, such as but not limited to ice and weather conditions, are suitable, the captain of the vessel will position the vessel at a safe and (for the helicopters and helicopter pilots) feasible distance from the intended landing site. Every passenger who participates in those mentioned voyages, understands and accepts that no guarantees can be given, including a specific amount of helicopter time. For further information contact AdventureSmith Explorations.

Room Configuration

Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at 1.7x the per-person Twin or Superior listed rates. Single travelers wishing to book on a “sharing basis” may do so at no additional cost in Twin, Triple or Quadruple categories upon availability.

Families & Children

Upon request, children under 16 years old traveling with parents may receive 40% discount in Superior, Triple (sharing with 2 parents/adults) and Quadruple Cabins (sharing with 3 parents/adults). Some voyages may be excluded.

Travel Insurance

Emergency medical evacuation insurance is mandatory for this trip, with a minimum recommended coverage of $100,000 per person. Trip cancellation insurance is optional but highly recommended. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance  or  get a free quote .

Itinerary Notes

Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice, weather conditions, wildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Antarctica expedition. Visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Cruise Rates & Dates

Learn about the small ship on your itinerary.

The 108-guest M/V Ortelius is an ice-strengthened small ship designed for polar expedition cruises in the Arctic and Antarctica. She offers passengers a quality exploratory wildlife program to spend as much time ashore as possible.

Hear It from Travelers Who Have Explored with Us

This is an extraordinary trip and travelers have to be prepared for the unexpected and the guarantee of success in reaching the emperor penguins.

I think you have a unique trip with the Emperor Penguin Weddell Sea voyage. I wanted to see the Emperor Penguins and was glad that we were lucky to have 1 attempt successful despite the weather being touch and go. I most enjoyed the Emperor Penguin Rookery, Helicopter Sightseeing and Landings (Brown Bluff, Half Moon Island, Deception Island). Met great people and will likely keep in touch with a few of them. Some lectures did not give enough background on the science (e.g. penguins), the rest were great.

Meals Review

Reduce salt.

Crew & Guides Review

James (geologist) very passionate about the science and geology of the continent. Anjali - love her energy. Jim - great sense of humour and very knowledgeable, would make a great expedition leader. Christian - great overall knowledge of the continent. Victoria - loved her history lectures, learned a number of things and great recommendations on books to read. Delphine - very professional. Brent - funny.

Traveler Advice

This is an extraordinary trip and travelers have to be prepared for the unexpected and the guarantee of success in reaching the emperor penguins

Featured in this Traveler Review

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Cruise

The 5-, 6- or 7-day Explora Atacama adventure offers over 50 explorations in the Atacama Desert, on foot, bicycle or horseback. Explora Atacama Lodge offers the best base from which to experience the many wonders of the driest desert on Earth.

The trails amongst the famous Torres del Paine craggy mountains are among the world's classic trekking routes. By day, explore nature in its raw form while winding through these exceptional mountains. By night, enjoy the cozy luxury of EcoCamp's unique dome accommodations, or camping.

Experience the mysterious draw of the moai statues of Easter Island on foot, by sea or bike at Explora Rapa Nui. This 5-, 6- or 7-day adventure blends the island's unique history, vibrant Polynesian culture and stunning scenery into over 30 possible tailored activities.

Planning Your Trip to Antarctica

There are more small ships than ever cruising Antarctica with vessels and itinerary options for every style and budget. This up-to-date guide culls the best tips for a comprehensive look at Antarctica travel today.

When is the best time to go to Antarctica? On the White Continent, the answer isn’t so black-and-white. Consult this month-by-month list covering everything from penguins to pack ice to help guide your travel timing.

Learn about things to do in Antarctica, and how our experts can help you achieve your bucket list activities. Antarctica has so much to offer and our small ship cruise lines focus on experiencing the White Continent in an active, up-close way; here we explain how.

Trips You Might Also Like

These 13 days are packed with activities led by expert guides: kayaking, hiking, snowshoeing, camping, mountaineering and photography or navigation workshops. Spend more time in fewer locations and capitalize on getting to know Antarctica through unrushed exploration.

Meet at least six penguin species along the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia and Falkland Islands, aboard a selection of small research vessels. Spend 19-21 days sailing the Weddell Sea to the Antarctic Peninsula, and consider polar diving!

Cruise the Antarctic Peninsula aboard a small research vessel, with opportunities to camp, kayak and snowshoe amongst penguins, icebergs, seals, seabirds and more!

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What's the best cruise tour to see Emperor Penguins? - Antarctic Adventures Forum

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What's the best cruise tour to see Emperor Penguins?

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Given how magnificent the Emperor Penguins are, I'm very set on setting them. After reading a number of posts on this forum, I realized just how difficult it would be to actual spot them. From my research, I've up with the following options, it would be great to get inputs from the experienced readers here on which one offers me a better chance of seeing the Emperor Penguins, and if there are other options available, please do post them here too:

Option 1 - Weddell Sea/Snow Hill 11-day tour on Ortelius by OceanWide - https://oceanwide-expeditions.com/antarctica/cruises/otl22a-17-weddell-sea-in-search-of-the-emperor-penguin-incl-helicopters (I read that the chance of landing at snow hill is somewhere between 1-10%)

Option 3 - Ross Sea 31-day tour on Ortelius by OceanWide (I read that it's not being offered again until 2020)

1) based on trip reports snow hill has yet to be achieved by Oceanwide - but - as the only vessel currently with helicopters you have a better chance of going Nov/Dec. But - it's not the trip to book with the sole goal of seeing them as it leaves you open for disappointment.

2) the colonies have gone by Jan/Feb so what you see is the stragglers. 4 or 5 on ice floes once you are south of Drygalski ice tongue.

3) same as above. I've done this one and we averaged sightings of "several" per day during the days in the Ross Sea region.

Another one to look at is Chimu who charter a vessel out of Hobart to Comminwealth Bay which does have two decent sized colonies that we got to by chopper so a good chance of regular stragglers. If after Xmas. If they have a Nov/Dec one a good chance of seeing them coming off the ice for feeding runs.

Thanks PerfectlyPerth! After much research I've decided to save the Emperor Penguins for a return trip, and instead make my first Antarctica trip based around Falklands, South Georgia and the Peninsula. Narrowed it down to a couple of options but still need some advice on the ultimate choice: https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g1-i12337-k10764667-20_day_F_SG_A_M_V_Plancius_or_M_S_Expedition-Antarctic_Adventures.html

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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One Of The Most Exclusive Wildlife Viewing Experiences In The World Returns This Fall, Here’s How Much It Costs

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A once-in-a-lifetime trip to see a coveted colony of penguins is now available, but it’s costly! Here’s everything you need to know if you love penguins and are ready to splurge!

Emperor Penguin Quest

The Emperor Penguin Quest: Expedition to Snow Hill will return in November 2023 thanks to polar explorers with Quark Expeditions. The 14-day expedition ventures to the rarely visited Antarctic island of Snow Hill, home to a colony of emperor penguins. Once there, guests will have the extremely rare opportunity to observe these fantastic penguins in their natural habitat. 

The trip begins in Buenos Aires, Argentina , where guests will stay overnight in a hotel before being transported via private plane to the world’s southernmost city, Ushuaia, Argentina. After a day of exploring, guests will board the ship Ultramarine and set sail for the Beagle Channel.

On days three through five, you’ll cross through Drake Passage — the historic channel separating the Pacific and Atlantic oceans — before arriving in the Weddell Sea on day six. During this voyage, the expert polar expedition team will prepare guests for weather conditions (which will include sharing ice reports) and what to expect on the island.

Experiencing Snow Hill

Once in the Weddell Sea, the ice thickness determines how close the Ultramarine can get to Snow Hill. Over the next several days, the expedition team will work to transport each guest to Snow Hill at least once. To do this, teams will take guests via helicopter to Snow Hill, landing as close to the penguins as possible, without disturbing them.

Guests will then walk on the ice to the colony and watch as thousands of penguins work together as a team. You may even get to see one play — body surfing across the ice! 

On (And Off) The Ultramarine

Weather and ice conditions determine when and how often the helicopters can land on the island. When not visiting the colony, guests can explore the area by cruising in between the ice or paddleboarding. Or they can simply stay on board the ship to rest, work out in the fitness area, or visit the spa. 

On day 11 of the adventure, the Ultramarine will head back to Ushuaia and on day 14, guests will disembark and fly back to Buenos Aires. 

An Educational Voyage

The main goal of the penguin quest is to see the emperor penguin colony up close, but Quark Expeditions incorporates educational programs into the itinerary as well. Biologists, polar historians, and penguin scientists will hold lectures onboard, teaching about ice formations, penguin behaviors, and the historical component of the area and its exploration.

There are also hands-on learning opportunities during which guests can get a closer look at how the ship operates and help scientists with weather observations.  

Trip Details

Quark Expeditions is planning two trips starting in November 2023, and the number of guests is limited on each voyage. 

“To make this trip even more intimate,” says Alex McNeil, director of expedition experience and innovation for Quark Expeditions, “we’ve reduced guest capacity to 150 and increased the number of expedition staff so there will be one expedition team member for every four guests—who will truly experience the expedition of a lifetime!” 

This once-in-a-lifetime experience comes with a hefty price tag: starting at just under $29,000 per person. The price includes the 14-day journey plus the pre-departure hotel in Buenos Aires with breakfast, flights to and from the port in Ushuaia, and transfers from the airport to the ship and back to the airport.

If you want a room with a balcony, expect to pay around $45,000 per person, with suites starting at $48,000 and going up to $66,000 per person. There are two departure dates: November 12, 2023, and November 24, 2023. Check out Quark’s website for all the cabin prices. 

About Quark Expeditions

In 2004, Quark Expeditions became the first exploration group to visit the penguin habitat on Snow Hill. Nearly 20 years later, the team is venturing to the remote island in the Weddell Sea once again to observe and study the coveted emperor penguin as well as ice formations and movements in Antarctica. 

“Driven by a true expeditionary spirit—and guided by years of polar expertise—our team sailed past masses of dense ice and thick, tabular icebergs in the Weddell Sea to experience the legendary rookery, which now numbers 8,000 breeding pairs of emperor penguins,” said Andrew White, president of Quark Expeditions.

Seeing penguins is just one of our favorite aspects of Antarctica. And if you’re thinking of heading there, check out a physician’s tips on how to prepare for your trip.

Amy’s passion for traveling and writing started at a young age. She grew up traveling with her family -- visiting three continents by the time she was 16. She’s always looking for her next trip and isn't happy until she has at least one (or two) on the horizon. She is most fulfilled when she’s exploring new areas like a local and finding good deals on travel and activities.

Amy studied broadcast journalism at the University of Missouri-Columbia. She started her career as a TV news producer in Tulsa and Denver, winning 4 Emmy Awards for her work. She’s also worked in production for HGTV and as a spokeswoman for a small Colorado mountain town.

Amy is married with two young kids. Both kids got their passports before age one, as it’s her goal to instill the travel bug in them from a young age. If you can’t find Amy at an airport, you can find her trying out new restaurants, reading, or running.

The Ultimate Guide to Photographing Penguins in Antarctica

• What to Bring for Photographing Penguins in the Antarctic

Rules and Techniques for Photographing Penguins in the Antarctic

• How to Photograph Different Penguins in the Antarctic
• Photographing Emperor Penguins
• Photographing Adelie Penguins

Photographing Chinstrap Penguins

Photographing macaroni penguins.

• Photographing Gentoo Penguins

What is the best way to photograph penguins in Antarctica? What species of penguin live in Antarctica, and how are they different? Are there any tips, tricks and rules you need to know before setting out to catch them on camera? Continue reading for the ultimate guide to photographing penguins in Antarctica.

• See these 25 Useful Tips to Quickly Improve Your Landscape Photography

See our popular Antarctica Photography Tours & Workshops

Antarctica fly/sail photography expedition 20 february to 3 march 2025, falklands & south georgia - antarctica photography tour, red sails in antarctica photography expedition with daniel kordan.

Every quality that penguins possess makes them photogenic; they are one of the most pleasurable and rewarding subjects to shoot in the animal kingdom. Their awkward, bumbling walk is endearing, their belly slides are adorable, their social interactions are heartwarming, and their emotive expressions are somewhat person-like.

It is little wonder why they are regularly giving the starring roles in animated movies and documentaries, and why their cute behaviour often makes international news. The media stardom of penguins has brought environmental threats to the Antarctic to the world’s attention, refreshed a passion of wildlife programmes, and encouraged thousands to plan a trip to the world’s southernmost continent to witness and photograph them in their natural habitat.

While it is possible to book cruises and other trips that will give you the potential to see penguins in Antarctica, taking an Antarctic photo workshop is a far more immersive option and the closest you can get to a guarantee of multiple shoots of penguins.

For example, this twelve-day adventure, available in 2020 and 2021 , will take you from the southern tip of South America to the southernmost continent on a modern, comfortable, specialised ship called the Gregg Mortimer. This ship has an art room for processing photos and the tour led by world-renowned, award-winning photographer Daniel Kordan , who will provide seminars and lessons on improving your skills and be on hand every shoot to help you get the perfect images.

• Check out this Interview with Daniel Kordan

Not only this, but you’ll be joined by an expedition team who are experts on Antarctica's landscapes, the patterns of its wildlife, and how to safely navigate the terrain and interact with the animals. To make this workshop even more convenient, everything is arranged for you before your arrival, such as your hotels, meals and transfers, taking all the stress out of booking your adventure.

To photograph the penguins, you will visit the continent itself as well as some Antarctic and sub-Antarctic islands, by making day-trips on a zodiac. Because of the axis of the Earth in December and January, when this workshop takes place, the sun never sets in Antarctica, providing you with endlessly bright conditions and extended hours in which you can shoot.

The joy of photography tours such as these is that while you will have countless opportunities to photograph penguins exhibiting different behaviours in different environments, you will also be able to capture the other wonders of the Antarctic. This includes its spectacular land-, sea- and ice-scapes, as well as its other animals, such as its spectacular whales, its dramatic Elephant Seals and its diverse seabirds.

• Check out this Ultimate Guide to Wildlife Photography in Antarctica

What to Bring for Photographing Penguins in the Antarctic    

Travellers to the Antarctic should, of course, prioritise bringing waterproof, windproof and very warm clothing to protect them from the elements; photographers, however, need to consider a host of other equipment. What lenses will be needed to capture the penguins? What accessories should be brought? What can help protect a camera from malfunctioning in the cold?

Largely, those interested in capturing spectacular images of Antarctica’s animals should bring similar equipment that they would on any wildlife shoot. A telephoto lens is nearly essential, allowing you to get intimate shots of penguins and other creatures without disturbing them; if it has a stabilising function, then all the better. This is particularly useful for shooting images of nests and chicks, which you will want to keep your distance from.

Considering penguin colonies are often vast, a wide-angle lens can help reveal how they become part of Antarctica’s stunning landscapes. Fish-eye lenses, meanwhile, can reveal the scale of a colony in a way that makes those looking at the photo feel like a part of it.

In terms of accessories, extra batteries are vital; the cold drains their life incredibly quickly. External battery packs can be used as well if kept in a warm pocket. Tripods are optional; while they will help you frame your picture and ensure the stability of your camera while zooming, they can be cumbersome in Antarctic conditions. Any flash equipment is unnecessary, due to the light of the midnight sun, and unwanted, as it could disturb the animals.

When booking a trip such as the photo workshop mentioned, you’ll be provided with a list of all equipment you will need, as well as some suggestions for accessories and lenses that will add to your experience shooting penguins in Antarctica.    

• Check out these Bright Ideas for Shooting in Daylight

The penguins of the Antarctic continent have evolved far from humankind, and their historical interactions with us have been extremely limited, only really beginning in the last century. As such, they have not learnt to fear us as predators like the vast majority of the rest of the animal kingdom has.

This placid nature makes photographing penguins in the Antarctic a delight, and will often provide even novices with some excellent additions to their portfolios. You can get relatively close without causing them to change their natural behaviours, allowing you to take candid pictures of them interacting with their chicks, scuffling for territory, or tossing their heads back and squawking to their peers.

In spite of their affable nature, there are, of course, precautions you must take when photographing penguins. Regulations dictate that you must not come within five metres of an individual for the following reasons.

Firstly, most penguins in Antarctica in summer will either be raising eggs and chicks. You mustn't get anywhere near the nests, in case you should inadvertently step on one. This is a very real threat considering that you may have your eyes glued to your viewfinder. Your presence near a nest may also discourage parents from coming back to it in good time, which could lead to a chick starving or freezing.

Some penguins may even become aggressive if they feel like you are disturbing their chicks. Though they won’t do much damage through your thick clothing, it will still cause them to spend energy that could be better-used feeding or protecting their nests from real dangers such as seabirds. In the extreme conditions of the Antarctic, this could be the balance between life and death.

Secondly, they are likely to become at least agitated if you are nearby and they perceive you to be displaying threatening behaviour, such as making loud noises or making sudden movements. This is particularly the case considering many penguins are very near-sighted on land; as are social animals, if one becomes surprised and has a panicked reaction, it could set off a similar reaction throughout the colony.

Such a panic could lead to birds abandoning their nests, fleeing to the water without taking precautions to avoid predators such as Leopard Seals, and may even discourage them from returning to the colony.

It should be noted that this five-metre rule is extended if the penguins move away from you; pursuing them would be a breach of regulation and an obvious encroachment on the animals in their natural environment.

The rule, however, only applies to you; if a penguin chooses to come closer, you do not have to move back. Many, particularly chicks, might be very curious of you and your camera equipment, allowing you to get some beautiful close-up shots and make fantastic memories that will last a lifetime.

It is important, however, not to touch the birds; their feathers contain oils essential for protection against the cold which you don’t want to displace.

When photographing penguins, it is best to get low; not only does this make you seem less threatening, but provides a better angle for shooting them. It will also stabilise your camera if you chose not to bring a tripod, helping you focus when using a telephoto lens. It is also essential to be patient; some penguins may take a little while to get used to your presence.

It is possible to photograph penguins from the water, either from the shore or in a zodiac. Penguins do exhibit some interesting surface behaviour, such as breaching from water to land, or ‘porpoising’ to build up speed. However, they are only ever in the air momentarily, requiring a skilled photographer to snap them, making them much more difficult subjects. When bobbing on the surface of the water, they are also a challenge to shoot due to their black feathers blending in with the surrounding seas

If you are very sensitive to smell, then it’s recommended to bring something you can pinch your nose closed with when attending a colony; penguin guano reeks. Similarly, those sensitive to sound may wish to bring some earplugs, as the birds can be incredibly noisy.

• Check out the Complete Guide to Photographing Puffins in Iceland

How to Photograph Different Penguins in the Antarctic     

Eight species of penguin can be found in Antarctic and sub-Antarctic waters and landmasses:

The Emperor Penguin

The Adélie Penguin

The Chinstrap Penguin

The Macaroni Penguin

The Gentoo Penguin

The Southern Rockhopper Penguin

The Magellanic Penguin

The first five of these species live on the continent itself (the first two being endemic to it), and specific techniques on photographing each of them are discussed below.

• See also: The Ultimate Guide to Animals in Antarctica

Photographing Emperor Penguins      

Emperor Penguins are the unquestionable stars of the Antarctic, the largest species of penguin at over a metre tall. Their person-like stature and expressions, deep parental bonds, and amazing ability to survive exclusively on the world’s most unforgiving continent have provided them with worldwide recognition and the featuring roles in countless documentaries.

Many people coming to the Antarctic with the ambition of adding some spectacular images to their portfolio do so largely because of these beautiful birds.

Upon arrival, few are not disappointed; Emperor Penguins make for magnificent subjects. Though more statuesque and beautiful than others of their kind, they retain the bumbling, clumsy nature that makes all penguins so endearing. Emperor Penguins are usually rather indifferent to the presence of people, and because of their size, the five-metre-rule does not impede shooting them.

Emperor Penguins are unique on this list as they are the only species that lay their eggs and rear their chicks over winter. You will not, therefore, be capturing interactions between parents and their offspring, but photographing adult birds preparing to summer out at sea and juveniles building up to their first departure from the colony.

Please note that if coming in later January, many Emperor Penguins will have already left.

Getting on your knees will put you at eye level with these creatures, allowing you to use your telephoto lens to take photos from the perspective of an Emperor Penguin; an even lower angle can be used to emphasise their height. Because Emperor Penguins gather in groups of hundreds of individuals, ensure you also bring a wide-angle lens to capture the scales of the colony in respect to the dramatic surrounding landscapes.

Photographing Adelie Penguins    

A kind person may describe Adélie Penguins as brave and curious; a bleaker person might simply describe them as stupid. Regardless, this species of penguin is remarkable for its fearlessness in the face of people and its eagerness to make new friends.

Several stories from early explorers note the bizarre behaviour of this bird, focusing on how they interacted with the dogs that accompanied them. Seeing the penguins, the dogs barked and pulled at their chains, clearly eager to chase down such easy prey. Rather than fleeing from this aggression, the Adélie Penguins found it most fascinating and hurried over to the dogs as quickly as they could to see what the fuss was about. In one case, a man had to carry a penguin away, which showed its displeasure by squawking, pecking his legs and trying to get back to the dogs.

As such, Adélie Penguins can be a challenge to capture in a way that is likely to be new to most wildlife photographers; rather than having to wait for them to get into the frame, you’re more than likely to have to wait for them to get out of it. You and your camera equipment may very well stimulate the birds to come investigating.

Adélie Penguins don’t mean any harm, and so long as you treat them gently, you are unlikely to do any harm back. If they approach you, it would be wise to put your expensive equipment out of their reach, enjoy the experience, and wait for them to lose interest before resuming your photography. Of course, if you forgot your telephoto lens, this is a fantastic opportunity to get an intimate picture.

As your photography trip will occur during the breeding season of the Adélie Penguin, they may be less curious in you and more interested in looking after their young. Regardless, photographing a breeding colony of Adélie Penguins is an incredibly special opportunity considering the numbers that they gather in. Many colonies have half a million mating couples, and in 2018, an unfathomable one-and-a-half million pairs were present on the Danger Islands.

If you can catch Adélie Penguins leaping from the water onto the shore, as they routinely do to heights of up to three metres, it will make a spectacular action shot. Though difficult to time, a high shutter speed and burst function will help enormously. Due to the midnight sun, you don’t need to worry about not having enough light exposure between frames.

• See also: What is Aperture? An Introduction to Aperture in Photography

Adélie Penguins define themselves from their more indifferent cousins by being curious to a fault, but Chinstraps claim their uniqueness by being noticeably more aggressive. As likely as the former is to waddle over you for a nose into your camera bag, these birds may arbitrarily decide to stomp over mid-shoot and give you a pinch on the shin.

At around 70 centimetres tall and less than seven kilograms, Chinstrap Penguins don’t quite meet the definition of menacing, but if they get their beak or claws against your skin, it won’t be the most pleasant experience. The best way to avoid the fury of this angry little avians is to simply follow the guidelines above. Keep your distance, avoid their young, and move back if they are showing signs of discomfort. Failing this, try not to fear; you will survive the attack.

Because of their confrontational nature, however, Chinstraps make for great subjects. It is not uncommon to see them squabbling on the beach, allowing you to get shots that reveal this unique trait and the behaviour it leads to. These fights can occur with different types of penguins, allowing you to bring an interspecies dynamic into your frame.

They are also unusual in their appearance, with a black stripe under their face making it appear like they are wearing a helmet, giving close-up shots with your telephoto lens some extra character.

Macaroni Penguins are also excellent subjects due to their appearance. As crested penguins, they have yellow feather tufts on their forehead that give the illusion of bushy eyebrows, which add even more personhood to this bipedal, sociable little character. This feature explains how they got their name; Macaroni was used in the 18th Century for fancy men who wore extravagant hats. Their tuxedo-like colouration and their swaggering walk further explain this comparison.

In terms of how their appearance impacts your photography, Macaronis are also larger than most other crested penguins such as Rockhoppers, making it easier to catch the details of their faces and expressions. This is especially the case considering that they are not only unafraid of people but notoriously short-sighted on land, allowing you to stand five metres without them even knowing.

Like Adélie Penguins, Macaronis gather in vast groups, though these tend to number in the tens of thousands, rather than the hundreds of thousands. Even so, they nest densely together in their colonies, allowing you to take landscape shots where it almost seems that the terrain is carpeted by endless nesting birds.

Macaronis are also some of the best penguins to photograph in the water, particularly from a zodiac, due to their yellow crests making them instantly identifiable and their ability to breach clear of the water when travelling at high speeds.

Photographing Gentoo Penguins   

The world’s third-largest penguin is the Gentoo. Gentoos make for wonderful subjects to their abundance, placidity and colouration. Their height and the white patches on this bird’s head make them easily identifiable, with the latter often being compared to a bonnet or turban. They also have long tails, unlike other species, adding to their uniqueness.

Unlike most other penguins, Gentoos form their colonies in a range of different areas; some prefer the snowy inland of Antarctica, others prefer rocky spaces where their eggs are better protected, while others remain in coastal regions. This allows you to capture them against a range of different backdrops utilising an array of different techniques, providing your portfolio with more diversity and stories of how penguins survive on this continent.

Gentoo Penguins during the summer are usually photographed in their lifelong breeding pairs. While many penguin species, contrary to popular belief, do not mate for life, Gentoos are one of the few that do. Images of their interactions and the interactions they have with their chicks are thus imbibed with a more human, emotive message than those of more fickle animal species. They provide a depth of character than many wildlife photographers strive to achieve in their photos.

Gentoo Penguins can also be seen displaying some aggressive behaviours, providing a different angle to your documentation of them. Gentoo nests are surrounded by stones that are given to the females during courtship and are prized possessions. Female penguins will thus get aggressive if she feels another is eyeing up or getting too close to her stones, resulting in displays of strength and even physical struggles.

Gentoos will even force individuals out of their colony if they practice infidelity; capturing an animal being turned on by hundreds of its fellows would make for a dramatic image. Although such events are rarely seen, one of the wonders of wildlife photography in the Antarctic is that you never know what fascinating animal behaviours will unfold before you next.

See our popular Patagonia Photography Tours & Workshops

Capture the behaviour of penguins as they frolic in their natural habitat in Antarctica! Join one of our Antarctica photography workshops  for the experience of a lifetime.

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5 Tips When Planning Your Antarctica Emperor Penguin Tour

Emperor penguins are one of Antarctica’s unique beauties. As the world’s largest living penguin species, emperors are aptly named and their size, striking coloring, and remarkable life history make them a must-see for enthusiastic birders and adventurer travelers alike. 

Due to the emperor penguins’ nomadic tendencies, remote locations of breeding grounds, and Antarctica’s unforgiving weather, traveling to study these elusive birds can seem daunting. To make the best of this momentous experience, we’ve prepared a list of five things to know when planning your Antarctica emperor penguin tour.  

1. Know When to Go

Depending on the location of the breeding colony you’re visiting, the best time to see emperor penguins is in November and December, after the harshest of Antarctica’s spring conditions have passed and before the birds return to the sea. This time period is also when you will see chicks. Visiting emperor penguin colonies before this window is not feasible due to extreme weather, poor flying conditions (fly-in trips), and extensive pack ice (cruises). 

Emperor penguins primarily feed on fish, crustaceans and cephalopods (such as squid). Consequently, they prioritize their time in the sea, moving to breeding sites along the Antarctic coast specifically to mate and raise their young. The species is generally dispersed in the oceans for foraging from January to March. Around March and April mature penguins travel to rookeries to find a mate and breed. This may involve a trek of up to 75 miles (120 km) across the sea ice, to reach sheltered areas along the coastline. Around May the female lays a single egg then returns to the sea. Until the female returns around July or August, the male incubates the egg and watches over the chick if it hatches.

Once the female returns, the male is then able to travel to the sea to feed. He returns between 20-30 days later and from September to November and parents take turns foraging and caring for their young. Around December or January, all birds make the trek back to the sea and spend the rest of the Antarctic summer feeding there.  

By November and December chicks have left their parents’ feet, are able to stand on their own and may have begun moulting into their juvenile plumage. Guests visiting during this window of time have the opportunity of seeing parents with their young, and baby chicks exploring and learning about the world around them. When visiting a colony, our guides recommend making time to take in the whole colony as well as focusing on individual birds and following them throughout the day.

 2. Decide What Type of Experience You Want

The two main types of Antarctic emperor penguins’ tours are by land or sea. A few cruise lines have options to sail to emperor penguin rookeries along the Antarctic peninsula. The thickness of the sea ice determines how close any particular vessel can get to the rookery. From there tour operators will transport guests via helicopter to the sea ice, and then guests will walk the remaining distance (sometimes up to 45 minutes) to the rookery. Helicopter landing points are carefully chosen to ensure the wildlife is not disturbed. Guests will be able to observe the colony for a few hours before returning to their vessel via helicopter. 

Land-based emperor penguin can offer a more immersive experience. Guests first fly to a basecamp in the interior of Antarctica. Then, when weather permits, they are flown by a ski-equipped aircraft to an emperor penguin colony. In the case of Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions’ (ALE) penguin trips , guests stay at our remote Gould Bay camp for up to 3-4 days. Our camp is located 1-2 miles (2-3 km) from the colony and offers meals prepared by one of our highly trained chefs. Our Gould Bay camp is the only place on earth where visitors can camp on sea ice and spend days at a time hanging out with emperor penguins with their cute chicks.

Camping near the penguin rookeries gives guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and rhythms of the colony. 24-hour daylight allows experienced field guides to adapt the schedule to the best weather and lighting for photography and observing the wildlife. ALE makes every effort not to disturb wildlife and strictly adheres to IAATO’s Emperor Penguin Colony Visitor Guidelines .

3. Plan for Weather Delays

Weather delays are common in Antarctic travel and Emperor penguin tours are no exception. Strong winds and storms can delay travel and the rookeries themselves are situated along the coast, where moist air can bring heavy snowfall. Because of the remote locations where emperor penguins congregate to mate and raise their young, weather delays for Antarctic emperor penguin tours are extremely common.

Ships traveling to emperor penguin rookeries   must be outfitted with a strengthened hull, be built with an ice-clearing shape, and have the power to push through sea ice. Even then, depending on sea ice conditions, some cruise operators report less than a 50% chance of reaching planned emperor penguin rookeries. Stable weather conditions for flying, especially in early November, are less consistent, making specific trip itineraries dependent on available weather windows. 

For our fly-in trips, ALE  recommends that its guests do not plan important meetings, functions or other trips for at least one week following their scheduled return from Antarctica. Purchasing a full-fare, flexible airline ticket that easily permits date changes without penalties is also highly recommended.   

4. Educate Yourself on Environmental Best Practices

In order to protect emperor penguins and preserve their homes for generations to come, the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) has created guidelines for visitors. Familiarizing yourself with these guidelines before your Antarctic emperor penguin tour will help you enjoy your experience responsibly. Some best practices include:  

Avoid Disturbance of Wildlife

• Guests are required to maintain a precautionary distance of 17 ft (5m) from wildlife at all times. Walk slowly and carefully when approaching colonies. If you cross paths with a commuting penguin, stop moving and allow it to decide the direction it wants to follow. 
• No surrounding colonies. Guests and tourist operators are asked to keep all activity to one side of the colony and to keep 50 ft (15m) away from areas adjacent to colonies facing the ice edge where the penguins commute to and from the ocean. 

Biosecurity and Waste Management

• No sitting, kneeling, or lying down on the ground or snow, or leaving equipment on the ground or snow close to animal activity or fecal matter. 
• Clean and disinfect boots and equipment before visiting Antarctica, and between sites, to reduce the possibility of transferring disease, or introducing non-native species to the environment.

You can view the full list of emperor penguin colony visitor guidelines here .   

5. Prepare for Camp Life

For adventurers lucky enough to visit the colonies by land, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with some of the unique qualities that come with camping in the Antarctic. 

Accommodations

At ALE’s Gould Bay Camp , guests stay in a single occupancy 4-season mountaineering tent, designed to withstand Antarctic conditions. The tents are low to the ground and unheated, but you will stay nice and warm with your insulated sleeping mat and polar-rated sleeping bag. 

Weather in the Antarctic varies from cold clear days, to warmer sunny conditions, overcast skies, or even snowstorms. Temperatures typically range from 5°F to 23°F (-15°C to -5°C), but may dip as low as -25°F (-31°C). Proper gear you can layer is a must in order to comfortably enjoy your experience. 

Toilet & Showers

In our camp, skillful staff construct field toilets which are both comfortable and private. The restrooms are cleaned regularly and guests are provided with hand sanitizer in each. All waste is returned to Union Glacier Camp for proper disposal. When at the colony, you will need to use pee bottles and toilet bags to collect your waste as nothing can be left behind.

From the heartwarming interactions between penguins and their young to the pristine wilderness that surrounds them, traveling to see emperor penguins in Antarctica presents the opportunity to immerse yourself into a world like no other. While aspects of traveling to see them can be challenging, you’ll find that an emperor penguin tour is not just a travel experience but a profound encounter with the beauty and forces of nature. If you have questions about venturing into the heart of Antarctica to study these difficult to find creatures, contact us and one of our travel specialists will be glad to help you.

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Antarctica's Weddell Sea

In search of emperor penguins.

Note: Tour cancelled (individual bookings can be made on the Ortelius but James will not be accompanying the voyage). 18 November - 1 December 2024 : A wonderful opportunity to go beyond the Antarctic Peninsula and venture further south, to an emperor penguin rookery on Snow Hill Island. This tour is accompanied by wildlife expert and professional photographer James Lowen.

To enquire about this itinerary, or one like it, please email us or click the Enquire button.

Itinerary summary

Monday 18 November 2024 - Arrival day (Buenos Aires)

Buenos Aires

For UK participants, the recommended non-stop flight from London Heathrow with British Airways departs around 10pm on 17 November and arrives in Buenos Aires around 11am the next day. Other flights can be met on request.

Those arriving on this flight would have the afternoon to explore central Buenos Aires.

Spend a night at the Hotel Loi Suites in elegant Recoleta, next to the famous cemetery with ornate mausoleums including that of Eva Perón. In the evening there will be a welcome dinner.

Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego

Tuesday 19 November : Fly south to Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city on the north shore of the Beagle Channel, and spend a night at the Albatros hotel, just opposite the port and 3 blocks from the End of the World Museum. James will give an introductory talk.

Antarctic cruise

Wednesday 20 November : board the Ortelius in the afternoon and set sail along the Beagle Channel.

Days 2-3 - As the ship sails south across the Drake Passage passengers and guides keep an eye out for changing wildlife, perhaps a fin whale, one of several albatross species, fulmars or petrels. Cross the Antarctic Convergence, where cold water meets warmer seas and the marine life changes.

Days 4-7 - Huge icebergs are sighted as you skirt the tip of the Antarctic peninsula and head south into the Weddell Sea. Make landings using the on-board zodiacs and also, as a special feature of this voyage, by helicopter. Visit sites that may include Duse Bay, Seymour Island, Devil Island, Brown Bluff, Gourdin Island and the Argentine research base at Esperanza.

Throughout this time the search is on for emperor penguins as they travel between their breeding grounds (the rookery on Snow Hill island usually has 4,000 breeding pairs) and the open ocean. Oceanwide Expeditions has a good track record of getting clients to Snow Hill but nature is always the final arbiter. If ice conditions permit, two days are spent at the rookery with helicopters ferrying passengers (4-6 at a time) to a landing spot carefully chosen so as not to disturb the penguins. From here it is a 45 minute walk to the colony.

Day 8 - A final landing at Deception Island, either Pendulum Cove or Whalers Bay.

Days 9-10 - Re-cross the Drake Passage and return to Ushuaia.

Saturday 30 November : Disembark, and fly to Buenos Aires for a final night.

Sunday 1 December - Departure day

Transfer to Buenos Aires Ezeiza airport for homeward or onward connections. A non-stop British Airways flight to the UK departs around 2pm, arriving the next morning.

Prices start at £13,800 per person sharing a double/twin room and based on a twin porthole cabin on the Ortelius, including internal but not international flights. Do contact us for a pdf itinerary, availability, single supplements, flight quotes, and booking conditions.

The trip scholar is James Lowen . See our trip scholar pages for further details.

This tour is for alumni of either Oxford or Cambridge Universities or those with a close connection to either.

The outline presented here was accurate when published in May 2023 but we may need to add or omit visits; alter the length of stay in each place; or change routings to make the best connections. We reserve the right to substitute the trip scholar if they are unable to travel for reasons outside our control.

As a fully bonded and very experienced Tour Operator, we can help you plan and book your perfect trip to Argentina.

01296 653 000

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Emperor penguin chicks 20036947.

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Emperor penguin chicks

A group of Emperor penguin chicks (Aptenodytes forsteri) walking over fast ice at the Emperor penguin colony at Snow Hill Island in the Weddell Sea in Antarctica.

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