Snow Hill Island Expeditions
Snow Hill Island Highlights
Emperor Penguins
Emperor penguins are a fascinating breed. The largest of the 17 penguin species, Emperors (1.15 m or 45 inches tall) can dive deeper than any other bird, often reaching depths of 565 m (1,850 ft.), to hunt for fish, krill and squid. They can stay underwater for up to 22 minutes. Emperors are built to survive in -60°C (-76°F) temperatures and withstand blizzards of 200 km/hour (124 mph). Their four layers of scale-like feathers provide waterproofing and protection from harsh winds.
Unlike other penguins, Emperors breed on sea ice, not on shore. The female, after laying her egg, leaves the colony to hunt for food – but only after giving the egg to her male partner who carefully puts it on his feet and covers it with a layer of feathery skin called his brood pouch. The male will typically huddle with other adult males to protect their precious eggs from the frigid Antarctic conditions.
Unlike other penguins, Emperors breed on sea ice, not on shore. The female, after laying her egg, leaves the colony to hunt for food – but only after giving the egg to her male partner who carefully puts it on his feet and covers it with a layer of feathery skin called his brood pouch. The male will typically huddle with other adult males to protect their precious eggs from the frigid Antarctic conditions.
Tabular Icebergs
There are just as many types of icebergs in the Antarctic as there are penguins, especially in the Weddell Sea: Dome-shaped, wedge-shaped, tilted and blocky. Tabular icebergs are a particularly eye-catching iceberg. They’re created when icebergs break away from the ice shelf and are floating in the open water, easily recognizable by their plateau-like flat top and steep sides.
Iceberg Alley, Weddell Sea
One visitor described Iceberg Alley in the Weddell Sea as “…colossal tabular icebergs bigger than downtown buildings…luminescent in their blueness.” Iceberg Alley is the name given to a large concentration of icebergs in the western Weddell Sea. Imagine hundreds of icebergs of various sizes, as well as growlers (which are small icebergs) and bergy bits (chunks of glacier ice).
Why Quark Expeditions?
For over 30 years, we have brought our passion for these regions to every experience our customers have, on-ship and off. Our team is the best in the business – and it shows.
Whether on-ship, in a helicopter, on a zodiac, kayak or bike, camping, hiking or immersing in a local cuisine or culture, we’ll let you see more, get closer and feel the thrill of polar discovery.
We were the first to do it, and we continue to take that innovative approach today, from industry-first itineraries to the most remote locations, to helicopter exploration and beyond.
In such extreme locations, experience matters. Even when mother nature doesn’t cooperate, our expedition leaders know where to go, what to see and how to give you the greatest polar adventure.
Popular Expeditions in Snow Hill Island
14 day itinerary
Emperor Penguin Quest: Expedition to Snow Hill
Starting from (per person)
$24,997 USD
(Incl. Transfer package)
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
18 day itinerary
Snow Hill to the Peninsula: Emperor Penguins and the 7th Continent
Starting from (per person)
$25,378 USD
(Incl. Transfer package)
Mandatory Transfer package
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
More About Snow Hill Island
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Best Time to See Emperor Penguins in Antarctica
The best time to see Emperor penguins in Antarctica is in October and November when the Snow Hill Island penguin colony is more accessible by polar ships.
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An Unforgettable Snow Hill Island Tour
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Wildlife Guide: Emperor Penguin Facts
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