Emperor Penguin Quest

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 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 South America. Enjoy the air of anticipation as you depart—the next land you see will be the Antarctic!

Day 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 adventure unto 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.

Day 6 to 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 weather briefings, meteorological and sea ice condition reports. The thickness of ice will determine how close Ultramarine can get to Snow Hill Island, 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 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 11 to 13

Cruising

The journey back across the Drake Passage provides a final opportunity to enjoy the invigorating Southern Ocean air. Spend time on the deck watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, enjoy presentations by your Expedition Team, and celebrate the experiences you’ve shared getting off the beaten track in the remarkable world of Antarctica.

Day 14

Disembark in Ushuaia and Fly to Buenos Aires

ou will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. You will then make your way towards your included group charter flight to Buenos Aires.

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 your Charter Flight and Hotel Package).

Day 2

Fly to Ushuaia 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, which is also part of your Charter Flight and Hotel Package. 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, we will sail along the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Enjoy the air of anticipation as you depart—the next land you see will be the Antarctic.

Day 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 adventure unto 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 worldrespected 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 icedwelling Emperor penguins.

Day 6 to 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 weather briefings, meteorological and sea ice condition reports. The thickness of ice will determine how close Ultramarine can get to Snow Hill Island, then our twinengine helicopters will take over. Like summiting a mountain from base camp, parties will set out from Ultramarine towards the Emperor penguin colony. As experienced by the our guests who visited Snow Hill Island with us in November 2023 on not one but two voyages, the 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 approximately 8,000 rarely-seen Emperor penguins. The goal of the expedition is to get every guest to the remote colony at least 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. Guests on our November 2023 voyages were able to 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 can include Zodiac cruising among the icebergs, 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 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.  

Day 11 to 13

Cruising

The journey back across the Drake Passage provides a final opportunity to enjoy the invigorating Southern Ocean air. Spend time on the deck watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, enjoy presentations by your Expedition Team, and celebrate the experiences you’ve shared getting off the beaten track in the remarkable world of Antarctica.

Day 14

Disembark in Ushuaia and Fly to Buenos Aires

You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. Your Charter Flight and Hotel Package includes a transfer to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires.

Day 1

Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Upon arriving in this splendid city, known for its vibrant Argentinian culture, European architecture and cosmopolitan vibe, you will independently transfer to the designated group hotel, which is included in your Charter Flight & Hotel package.

Day 2

Fly to Ushuaia and Embark

After an early breakfast at the hotel, the 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 explore this quaint port town on your own before making your way to the designated meeting spot. 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 South America. Excitement builds in anticipation of your next stop: Antarctica.

Day 3 & 4

Crossing the Drake: A Polar Rite of Passage

The unpredictable and exciting Drake Passage is an adventure unto itself. While being well taken care of by our expert onboard staff and leaders, you’ll have plenty of time to gaze out at the ocean, take pictures of seabirds swooping 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.

Day 6 to 10

Weddell Sea and the Quest to Land at Snow Hill

The journey toward Snow Hill Island puts you in true explorer mode, with the captain and Expedition Leader providing regular weather briefings, meteorological updates and sea ice reports. Ice conditions determine how close Ultramarine can approach; from there, its twin-engine helicopters take over—much like setting out from base camp on a summit attempt—flying guests toward the Emperor penguin colony. As experienced by guests on our November 2023 voyages—and again in 2025, a rare double success—the adventure begins with an extended helicopter transfer over a striking polar landscape of snow-capped peaks and apartment-building-sized tabular icebergs. The rookery lies on sea ice off the south coast of Snow Hill Island. Landings are made as close as possible to the colony while maintaining a safe, respectful distance from the penguins. Once on the ice, you’ll walk toward the fabled Emperor penguin colony—feeling the wind, hearing the crunch beneath your boots, and tracing paths carved by penguins before you. The sounds grow louder as you approach one of the rarest wildlife encounters on Earth: approximately 8,000 rarely seen Emperor penguins gathered on the sea ice. The goal is to bring every guest to the colony at least once. The Expedition Team and onboard experts are on hand to interpret what you’re seeing—from the penguins’ tightly knit social structure to how they care for their young and even “body surf” across the ice in surprisingly agile fashion. This helicopter-supported search for the colony is, for many, the defining adventure of a lifetime. Back on Ultramarine, you’ll be immersed in the Weddell Sea each day. Activities may include Zodiac cruising among icebergs, paddle-on-top kayaking, or observing weather forecasting and ship operations alongside the Expedition Team. A standout feature of the voyage is its bespoke educational program, blending lectures with hands-on learning. Polar experts—including penguin scientists, biologists and historians—share insights into Emperor penguin behavior, the formation of tabular icebergs visible from the ship, and the legacy of early explorers who ventured into the Weddell Sea more than a century ago. You might also take the polar plunge, try standup paddleboarding, or unwind in Ultramarine’s spa, sauna or fitness room. While the Emperor penguin colony at Snow Hill Island is the expedition’s goal, conditions ultimately decide our access. If weather or sea ice prevents or limits a visit, alternative sites may be explored. Possible landings occur along the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula—an extension of the Transantarctic Mountains and the continent’s northernmost reach—ensuring a rich and varied Antarctic experience regardless of conditions.

Day 11 to 13

Crossing the Drake Passage

As you recross the Drake, Antarctica fades away, leaving you with a collection of memories to last a lifetime. Excited conversations with your newfound friends will make the crossing fly by, regardless of weather and sea conditions. Your Expedition Team will round up its series of presentations as well, with a slideshow of the adventures you’ve shared and the wildlife you’ve witnessed over the course of your voyage. Be sure to take some time to reflect on everything you’ve experienced so far.

Day 14

Disembark In Ushuaia and Flight To Buenos Aires

You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast, then make your way to your group charter flight to Buenos Aires.