In Search of Emperor Penguins

In Search of Emperor Penguins

from £11591 excluding flights

10 nights
Nov

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Highlights

antarctica wilhemina bay blue iceberg istk

Cruise in the shadow of vast icebergs

antarctica emperor penguin and chicks weddell sea region astk

Enjoy the excitement of searching for the elusive emperor penguin

antarctica pink sunset over weddell sea istk

Explore the more remote eastern side of the Peninsula, the Weddell Sea

ultramarine expedition ship onboard helicopter

Enjoy spectacular aerial views on helicopter excursions

Why this trip...

Immersive exploration

Immerse yourself in your surroundings on a true exploration of remote and spectacular areas

discover the world escorted holiday group whale fjord iceland

Expertly guided

In-depth knowledge and expertise will enrich your experience on this trip

Special interest

Leading experts from renowned scientists to professional photographers accompany select departures

Overview

Journey to the bottom of the world, through a realm of creaking glaciers and vast icebergs, to the scene of countless stories from historic polar expeditions. This voyage focuses on the Weddell Sea side of the Antarctic Peninsula, where you may find Adelie, gentoo and chinstrap penguins, along with other bird species such as albatross, petrels and gulls. Conditions permitting, the highlight of the voyage will be the rare opportunity to observe one of the most spectacular sights in the wild: the elusive emperor penguin colony off the coast of Snow Hill Island. A helicopter will take you from the ship to the vicinity of this astounding rookery, before you walk across the sea ice to come within several feet of these penguins and their chicks.

Itinerary

Your journey begins with an overnight stay in the vibrant city of Buenos Aires. Relax at the hotel or take the opportunity to enjoy the sights and sounds of Argentina’s capital city.

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for the charter flight to Ushuaia, at the southern tip of Argentina. Here you will enjoy a short city tour before embarking your expedition ship and setting sail for Antarctica.

The Drake Passage, named after Sir Francis Drake, is the infamous body of water that separates South America and Antarctica. Smooth or rough, the crossing of the Drake is a rite of passage for any true Antarctic adventurer. These two days will give you time to get to know the Expedition Team and your fellow shipmates.

antarctica cape petrel over drake passage istk

No two polar expeditions are alike and on this voyage through the icy Weddell Sea, all shore landings and wildlife sightings will be determined by weather and ice conditions, as well as the natural cycles of the wildlife. It is this element of the unknown that makes expedition-style travel so exhilarating and adventurous, as well as unpredictable. Located on the sea ice, the emperor penguin rookery is situated off the south coast of Snow Hill Island. Should conditions be favourable, the ship will try to creep close enough for helicopter transfers to take you to a carefully selected landing site that takes you as close to the penguins as possible, yet keeps you at a safe distance to avoid disturbing the birds. Upon landing, the chance to spend time with these regal looking birds and their fluff-ball chicks will be a highlight of your expedition. If it is not possible to reach Snow Hill Island, there may be an opportunity to see individual emperor penguins at sea and experience Antarctica from above on a helicopter excursion. During your time in the Weddell Sea other landing sites may include Devil Island, home to a large colony of Adélie penguins, spectacular Brown Bluff with its steep canyon walls, or the old refuge hut at Duse Bay. Gentoo and chinstrap penguins may also put in an appearance, along with seals and whales.

Located on the sea ice, the emperor penguin rookery is situated off the south coast of Snow Hill Island. Should conditions be favourable, the ship will try to creep close enough for helicopter transfers to take you to a carefully selected landing site that takes you as close to the penguins as possible, yet keeps you at a safe distance to avoid disturbing the birds. Upon landing, the chance to spend time with these regal looking birds and their fluff-ball chicks will be a highlight of your expedition. If it is not possible to reach Snow Hill Island, there may be an opportunity to see individual emperor penguins at sea and experience Antarctica from above on a helicopter excursion.

During your time in the Weddell Sea other landing sites may include Devil Island, home to a large colony of Adélie penguins, spectacular Brown Bluff with its steep canyon walls, or the old refuge hut at Duse Bay. Gentoo and chinstrap penguins may also put in an appearance, along with seals and whales.

antarctica emperor penguin colony at snow hill island reflection istk

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antarctica photographing emperor penguin chicks istk

The Drake Passage crossing is a fitting end to your visit to Antarctica – there may be a chance to see a variety of seabirds on this final stretch of your journey.

antarctica drake passage sailing past south shetland islands istk

After breakfast disembark and enjoy a brief tour of Tierra del Fuego, before catching the flight back to Buenos Aires.

All voyage itineraries are intended as a guideline only – embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy of expedition travel. Actual routes and landings will be dependent on weather, sea and ice conditions. A degree of flexibility is essential in the polar regions!

Accommodation

View Deck Plan

antarctica ortelius ship sailing through icy waters

M/V Ortelius

A former scientific-research vessel, the Ortelius offers the classic small ship experience.

Price from £11591 excluding flights

Airfares are quoted separately to the holiday price. When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.
Note: Airfares tend to be cheaper the earlier you book.

Voyage prices shown are standard but you can be assured that any relevant offers will be applied with your quote.

What's Included

One night pre-expedition hotel accommodation with breakfast, in Buenos Aires
Return flights between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia
Shipboard accommodation
All breakfasts, lunches & dinners on board
Tea & coffee available around the clock
All Zodiac transfers, cruising & shore landings
Presentations by the Expedition Team and guest speakers
Expedition jacket - yours to keep
Loan of rubber boots during voyage
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges
24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
No surcharge guarantee
Full financial protection

2024/25 Departures

Prices are per person, based on a twin cabin. The indicative prices shown in the table below are the standard voyage fare and do not reflect any applicable special offers or discounts. Single, triple and quad cabins are also available. Please get in touch for a tailored quote based on the best available price for your preferred voyage and cabin type.

Departure	Duration	Vessel	Activities	Price
10 Nov 2024	11 days	Ortelius		£11,591
30 Nov 2024	11 days	Ortelius		£11,591

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Highlights