Expedition Itinerary - Emperor Penguins: Snow Hill Island Safari

Spending three days at the Emperor Penguin rookery near Snow Hill Island in the Weddell Sea is the goal of this 14-day expedition itinerary. Adult Emperors will be tending their chicks. Success depends on the weather, ice conditions, and the skill of our Expedition Leader. These two End of an Era vacation departures will never be repeated.

Emperor Penguins: Snow Hill Island Safari Interactive Map
Ushuaia, Argentina - Capital of island province Tierra del Fuego, commonly regarded as southernmost city in the world
Beagle Channel - Both Chilean and Argentinean, it’s named after the ship on which Darwin’s journey made him famous.
South Shetland Islands - The UK, Chile and Argentina hold claim to the islands, where many countries keep research stations.
Snow Hill Island - So named in 1843 by James Clark Ross because its snow cover contrasted to nearby Seymour Island.
The Drake Passage - Whether Drake Lake, or the dreaded Drake Shake, the area is good for sighting whales and seabirds.
Anvers Island - Named after Belgium city Antwerp, Palmer Station (USA) studies marine ecosystems here year-round.
Ushuaia, Argentina Beagle Channel South Shetland Islands Snow Hill Island The Drake Passage Anvers Island
  1. Ushuaia is on the island of Tierra del Fuego at the tip of South America.

    Day 1 - Ushuaia, Argentina

    Spend the night at our host hotel in Ushuaia, Argentina. Extra hotel nights are available if you want to arrive early to explore Tierra del Fuego.

  2. Khlebnikov sailing into the Beagle Channel is an exciting moment!

    Day 2 - Embarkation Day

    Explore Ushuaia before boarding in the afternoon. The icebreaker follows the Beagle Channel into the open waters of the Drake Passage, during the evening.

  3. Yes, bigger is better on an Emperor Penguin safari!

    Day 3-4 - Crossing the Drake Passage

    Emperor Penguins will be on your mind as Khlebnikov crosses the Drake Passage. En route, our ornithologist makes presentations on the biology, habitat and behavior of Emperors.

  4. Time out, Emperor Penguin style.

    Day 5-7 - Unparalleled Wildlife Viewing

    Reaching the Snow Hill rookery is the goal of the expedition. The Captain and Expedition Leader consult charts, weather bulletins and satellite images to determine where to park the icebreaker for efficient helicopter flights to the rookery. While waiting for the announcement to board the helicopters, spend time on deck. The adult Emperors may appear near the ship, as curious about you as you are about them!

  5. You'll be making shore landings in the Peninsula too!

    Day 8-11 - The Peninsula

    While the Emperors are our priority, we also plan to visit the Antarctic Peninsula. The exact route is determined by local conditions. Sail Iceberg Alley, using your photographic skills to snap pictures of massive tabular icebergs, until your camera beeps a warning that the memory is full. Passing through Antarctic Sound, see more fantastic ice sculptures, from pure white to deep blue. A soulful silence may engulf you, unless a glacier calves or an iceberg overturns - then suddenly, everything is noise and waves.

    While visiting the Peninsula, we p;an to explore penguin rookeries under construction. Adelie, Chinstrap and Gentoo Penguins court, lay eggs and raise their young during the Antarctic summer. These Emperor Penguin cruises take place at a time when smaller penguin species are selecting nesting sites and choosing partners.

  6. No touch ups or Photoshop - just the abundance of the Antarctic!

    Day 12-13 - Drake Passage

    You'll be recalling the details of the voyage, as you cross the Drake Passage once again. These memories will stay with you, as clear and powerful as the day they were formed.

  7. You can extend your stay in Ushuaia. Ask us how.

    Day 14 - Disembarkation

    After breakfast on board the ship, all guests are transferred to the airport for the homeward flight.

Extend your stay

You may like to extend your stay

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    A scenic coach tour, a cruise to Martillo Island to visit a penguin rookery - this excursion packs a lot into 6 hours.

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  • Salta & Calchaquies Valleys & Overnight in El CalafateFrom $1050

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    This is the package for the traveler who is happy only when using all five senses: taste, smell, sight, touch and hearing!

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     This is the package to choose if you enjoy physical activity as well as the sensual pleasures of wine tasting.

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  • Argentina's Wine Country & Andes MountainsFrom $1315

    3 nights/4 daysCost per person, based on twin occupancy

    During this trip, you visit a winery, where a sommelier leads you through a tasting of the regional wines.

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    UNESCO has designated Iguazu Falls a World Heritage Site. They are considered one of the natural wonders of the modern world.

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  • Iguazu Falls and Yacutinga LodgeFrom $900

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    2 nights lodging at the private eco-reserve Yacutinga Lodge with full board, plus 1 night in Puerto Iguazu and admission to Iquazu National Park.

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  • El Calafate - Gateway to Los GlaciaresFrom $700

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    El Calafate is the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park, and Perito Moren Glacier.

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View all extension options

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