Emperor Penguin Quest: Expedition to Snow Hill (26/27)

Embark on an extraordinary polar expedition from Buenos Aires to the Weddell Sea aboard the Ultramarine. Fly by twin-engine helicopter to walk on the sea ice and witness the legendary colony of 8,000 Emperor penguins at Snow Hill Island, the ultimate exploration milestone.


Weddell Sea
@ QRK

Duration: 14 days
Starts: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Ends: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Language: English speaking voyage


Included
Optional


Participate in one of the most exclusive and challenging exploration missions on the planet: the quest to reach the remote Emperor penguin colony at Snow Hill Island. The journey begins in Buenos Aires before boarding a private group charter flight to Ushuaia to embark on the technologically advanced Ultramarine. After crossing the mythical waters of the Drake Passage while attending introductory lectures, the vessel navigates deep into the untamed Weddell Sea, a historic territory defined by the deeds of polar heroes a century ago and dominated by colosal tabular icebergs the size of apartment buildings.

Once the ship approaches the sea ice boundary, its twin-engine helicopters take over to fly guests on a spectacular scenic transfer over the striking polar landscape. Upon landing safely on the sea ice, you will take a guided walk toward the fabled rookery where approximately 8,000 rarely seen Emperor penguins gather with their young. This helicopter-supported search represents the ultimate polar milestone and is complemented by Zodiac cruising among icebergs, the polar plunge, and a bespoke educational program led by world-respected penguin scientists and biologists, before returning to Ushuaia for your charter flight back to Buenos Aires.

Highlights:
Twin-engine helicopter flight over the Weddell Sea to land and walk to the fabled Emperor penguin colony at Snow Hill Island.
Integrated package featuring private charter flights between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia with group transfers.
Extreme navigation and Zodiac cruising among massive, apartment-building-sized tabular icebergs in the Weddell Sea.
Bespoke educational program on board led by world-respected penguin scientists, biologists, and polar historians.
Alternative landing opportunities along the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula depending on localized sea ice conditions.

Itinerary

@ QRK
@ QRK
@ Nicky Souness

Día 1: Arrival in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Hotel night included
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.

Día 2: Fly to Ushuaia and Embark
Sailing the Beagle Channel
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.

Día 3-4: Crossing the Drake: A Polar Rite of Passage
Lectures and shipboard life
The unpredictable and exciting Drake Passage is an adventure unto itself. White 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 over a drink at the bar.

Día 5: Navigating Into the Weddell Sea
Introduction to the Emperor penguin
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 before our arrival at the frozen pack.

Día 6-10: Weddell Sea and the Quest to Land at Snow Hill
Helicopter operations and colony encounter
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 previous voyages, 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 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.

Día 11-13: Crossing the Drake Passage
Final slideshow presentation and southbound transit
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.

Día 14: Disembark In Ushuaia and Flight To Buenos Aires
End of itinerary
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast, then make your way to your group charter flight to Buenos Aires.

Itinerary

Día 1: Arrival in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Hotel night included
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.

Día 2: Fly to Ushuaia and Embark
Sailing the Beagle Channel
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.

Día 3-4: Crossing the Drake: A Polar Rite of Passage
Lectures and shipboard life
The unpredictable and exciting Drake Passage is an adventure unto itself. White 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 over a drink at the bar.

Día 5: Navigating Into the Weddell Sea
Introduction to the Emperor penguin
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 before our arrival at the frozen pack.

Día 6-10: Weddell Sea and the Quest to Land at Snow Hill
Helicopter operations and colony encounter
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 previous voyages, 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 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.

Día 11-13: Crossing the Drake Passage
Final slideshow presentation and southbound transit
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.

Día 14: Disembark In Ushuaia and Flight To Buenos Aires
End of itinerary
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast, then make your way to your group charter flight to Buenos Aires.


@ QRK
@ QRK
@ Nicky Souness


INCLUSIONS

An official Quark Expeditions parka to keep
One 10- to 15-minute helicopter flightseeing excursion (weather and logistics permitting)
Leadership throughout your voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities
All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program
All shore landings as per the daily program
Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.)
Complimentary select beer, wines and select cocktails during bar service hours and dinner
Complimentary coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
A photographic journal documenting the expedition
A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
Complimentary Wi-Fi service on one device permitting basic Internet browsing, email, posting on social media and voice applications. (Premium packages are available for more data-intensive applications.)
All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
All luggage handling aboard the ship

EXCLUSIONS

International airfare
Passport and applicable visa expenses
Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned
Meals unless otherwise specified
Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
Excess-baggage fees on international flights and domestic flights
Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac landing and cruising excursions, or any other gear not mentioned
Laundry, spa services and other personal charges, unless specified
Phone charges may vary by location
Our basic complimentary Wi-Fi service does not include Premium packages which enable more data-intensive applications
Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for expedition staff and shipboard crew
Additional overnight accommodation
Arrival and departure transfers, except where explicitly stated
Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities.


Dates & Rates


Ship: Ultramarine | Date: 03 Nov 2026 - 16 Nov 2026 (3905)
Explorer Triple
$26,090
$24,851
Explorer Suite
$30,490
$29,031
Balcony Suite
$33,390
$31,786
Solo Panorama
$42,090
$43,946
Deluxe Balcony Suite
$39,190
$37,296
Terrace Suite
$40,690
$38,721
Penthouse Suite
$43,590
$41,476
Owner´s Suite
$53,790
$51,166
Ultra Suite
$59,590
$56,676
Ship: Ultramarine | Date: 15 Nov 2026 - 28 Nov 2026 (3906)
Explorer Triple
$26,090
$23,611
Explorer Suite
$30,490
$27,571
Balcony Suite
$33,390
$30,181
Solo Panorama
$42,090
$38,011
Deluxe Balcony Suite
$39,190
$35,401
Terrace Suite
$40,690
$36,751
Penthouse Suite
$43,590
$39,361
Owner´s Suite
$53,790
$48,541
Ultra Suite
$59,590
$53,761

* The prices are per person in US Dollars, unless expressly specified in a different currency. In that case, payment will be in US dollars at the exchange rate of the day.
** Rates are correct at the time of publication. All prices will be re-confirmed by email at the time of booking.
NOTE: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.

Gallery



Other options you will like


 



THE POLAR TRAVEL COMPANY LLC
USA


Tel: +1 (786) 321-5654
WhatsApp: +1 (786) 705-2241
Email: travel@thepolartravelcompany.com

International Travel Awards - 2023 Winner
Trip Advisor Traveler's Choice Awards 2025

© 2020 The Polar Travel Company | All rights reserved | Terms & Conditions
THE POLAR TRAVEL COMPANY LLC is registered with the State of Florida as a Seller of Travel. Registration No. ST42392.

Write us via WhatsApp