Emperor Penguin Expedition

• Navigation through the Antarctic Sound

Finally, there is Antarctica! You will see the first white peaks and the big ice of the Antarctic Península. Navigate to the Eastern side of the península and spot the first groups of packed ice near Hope Bay and Paulete Island. These will be your exploring yard for the next four days. From here, explorations will depart to find and spot Emperor penguins. You can venture on Zodiac excursions or helicopter scenic flights.

• Snow Hill – Emperor Penguins, or Birds-eye views of the Antarctic Sound

The landing on Snow Hill where Emperor penguins have their colonies is 100% subject to weather conditions, either reach by helicopter or on foot. A helicopter ride takes the entire day and you will fly with 4 or 5 other people. You will finally land on a specific spot not to disturb penguins which is paramount. From there, you may have to walk around 45 minutes on a not-always-even path to get closer.

If Snow Hill is not available for the day you can choose to make another expedition.  Helicopters enable you to discover places of difficult access like the west slope of the Antarctic Sound, Seymour Island, and Douse Bay. If you choose to overflight the west slope of the sound, prepare to see icebergs, lava flows, jagged peaks, and a lot of packed ice. Although the west slope is an area difficult to see even from the air, the surrounding landscape is worth the ride.

• Snow Hill – Emperor Penguins, or Flight to Duse Bay & Marambio Island

If weather conditions are good, we will try to visit Snow Hill for a second time, or for the first time in case yesterday you didn’t make it.  

As an alternative to Snow Hill, you can also choose to explore the archeological remains and sedimentary rocks left by the 1901 Swedish Antarctic Expedition whose crew had to endure the worst winter of their lives on Marambio Island (also called Seymour Island). The Swedish expedition, led by Otto Nordenskjöld and Carl Anton Larsen, captain of the Antarctic, a 3-mast steamship, was one of the first to walk and make scientific observations in Antarctica. Today, the island has a resident population living in Base Marambio, which is also the first to build an airstrip in Antarctica.  

Another helicopter experience you can choose from is to visit Duse Bay (around 15 miles wide) discovered by the Swedish explorers in 1901. In Duse Bay, you will touch land near a refuge and start walking the area. Landscapes here featured a combination of endless white meadows and dark rock slopes. On the west side, there is the Christ the Redeemer Refuge, belonging to the Argentine administration.

• Enjoy Zodiac navigation to different highlights in the area.

There is a chance you can dive deeper into the Weddel Sea but only if weather conditions are optime. One of the Zodiac trips you can choose is the Brown Bluff and its great Adélie penguin rookery, some penguins from the Gentoo species, and snow petrels. Discover the diverse landscape of the area, between volcanic figures and remarkable canyons.

Another choice for the day is to disembark in Gourdin Island a favorite of Adélie, chinstrap, and gentoo penguins to see wildlife from close, or approach Esperanza Base, the second settlement with a permanent population in Antarctica.

• Land on Deception Island & head back to Drake Passage

You will leave the Antarctic Sound and start your way back to Ushuaia. Cross the Bransfield Strait and reach Deception Island, the last stop in this Antarctica journey. Touch land either on Pendulum Cove or Whalers Bay, and discover the particular volcanic ashe beaches, and what is left of Presidente Pedro Aguirre Cerda Base. 

This Chilean station was used for vulcanology and meteorological research until volcanic eruptions destroyed the place. Finally, its remains were declared a Historic Site and Monument of Antarctica in 2001.  

Enjoy your time on the island and get ready for the journey back. The Weather conditions on Drake Passage will determine how long you will be able to stay on Deception Island.

• Navigation through Drake Passage to Ushuaia

You already know the road. However, don’t lose the chance to see whales jumping gracefully above the gelid waters. Enjoy the two-day ride to reminisce about the adventure you just gritten yourself with and recover at the Antarctica cruise’s facilities.

Today you will disembark in Ushuaia where your Antarctic expedition and search of the Emperor penguin ends.

We specialize in tailor-made travel experiences and other incredible destinations in Antártica. If this trip doesn’t meet your expectations, talk to one of our knowledgeable travel agents and tailor this trip to your budget and timetable.