Weddell Sea – In Search of the Emperor Penguin (Including Helicopters)

This rare expedition takes you deep into the Weddell Sea with the chance to reach Snow Hill Island by helicopter and visit a remote Emperor Penguin colony. You’ll travel round trip from Ushuaia, exploring icy coastlines by Zodiac and landing in wild locations. Expect sightings of Emperor Penguins with chicks, plus Adélie, Gentoo, and Chinstrap Penguins, Leopard Seals, and possibly Killer Whales. All activities, including helicopter landings, are included.

Start/End: Ushuaia, Argentina Duration: 19 Days / 18 Nights Category: Penguins, Wildlife

This expedition takes you deep into the Weddell Sea, where you’ll search for one of Antarctica’s most elusive wildlife spectacles, the Emperor Penguin. Traveling round trip from Ushuaia, this voyage offers a rare chance to visit Snow Hill Island using helicopters.

You can fly by helicopter to a landing zone near the Emperor Penguin colony, then walk the final stretch across the ice to reach the site. Seeing thousands of Emperor Penguins with chicks in a remote setting is a unique and powerful experience.

Along the way, you may also see Adélie, Gentoo, and Chinstrap Penguins, as well as Leopard Seals, Wilson’s Storm Petrels, possibly Killer Whales, and other wildlife. Zodiac cruises and shore landings give you more chances to explore the icy coastline and look for wildlife.

This trip is ideal if you want a true Antarctic expedition with the potential for helicopter access to one of the most remote penguin colonies on Earth. All activities, including helicopter flights, Zodiac cruises, and landings, are included.

2025–2026 Season

11 Nov – 21 Nov, 2025
21 Nov – 1 Dec, 2025
1 Dec – 11 Dec, 2025
22 Jan – 18 Feb, 2026

2026–2027 Season

15 Nov – 25 Nov, 2026
25 Nov – 5 Dec, 2026
5 Dec – 15 Dec, 2026
7 Feb – 6 Mar, 2027

This cruise is offered with different ships on multiple departure dates across two seasons: 2025–2026 and 2026–2027.

This 19-day round-trip from Ushuaia combines the Falklands, South Georgia, and Antarctica for an in-depth wildlife and exploration experience. Visit penguin-rich islands, historic landing sites, and vast King Penguin colonies. Spot Elephant Seals, Leopard Seals, and whales across varied polar landscapes. Includes daily Zodiac cruises, guided landings, and all activities.

Ships: Hondius. Plancius, Ortelius

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Antarctica - Basecamp - free camping, kayaking, snowshoe/hiking, mountaineering, photo workshop

Start/End: Ushuaia, Argentina Duration: 13 Days / 12 Nights Category: Activities / Adventure

This active voyage explores the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands with included activities like kayaking, snowshoeing, camping, mountaineering, and a photo workshop. Sail round-trip from Ushuaia with daily landings and Zodiac cruises. Visit sites like Neko Harbour and Paradise Bay while spotting penguins, seals, and whales. Ideal for travelers who want maximum time off the ship and on the ice.

Ships: Hondius. Plancius, Ortelius

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Antarctica - Discovery and learning voyage

Start/End: Ushuaia, Argentina Duration: 10 Days / 11 Nights Category: Classic Anarctica

Sail from Ushuaia to the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands on this classic 11-day voyage. Enjoy daily Zodiac cruises and landings at sites like Paradise Bay and Deception Island. Spot penguins, seals, and whales, and learn from onboard experts. Optional kayaking adds a closer look at Antarctica’s icy coastlines.

Ships: Hondius. Plancius, Ortelius

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