This 14–day “Emperor Penguin Quest” is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that delivers one of the most jaw-dropping wildlife experiences imaginable. Bonus: two heli-flightseeing and one heli-landing are included.
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).
After an early breakfast at the hotel, your group will transfer to the airport and board the 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, 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.
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 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.
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.
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 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. The helicopter expedition in search of the Emperor colony might just be the adventure of a lifetime. And while at base on the ship with your attentive Expedition Team, you’ll be immersed each day in the polar experience of the Weddell Sea. The Emperor penguin colony at Snow Hill is the goal of this expedition. However, if weather or ice conditions prevent you from visiting the colony or shorten the duration of your visit, you 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.
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.
Please note: This itinerary is meant to serve as a general guide. Plans may change along the way, depending on weather, sea conditions, or choices made by the expedition leader and team to give you the safest and most rewarding experience.
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Start: Nov 3, 2026
End: Nov 16, 2026
Departure: Buenos Aires
Arrival: Buenos Aires
Duration: 14 Days
Start: Nov 15, 2026
End: Nov 28, 2026
Departure: Buenos Aires
Arrival: Buenos Aires
Duration: 14 Days
Start: Nov 16, 2027
End: Nov 29, 2027
Departure: Buenos Aires
Arrival: Buenos Aires
Duration: 14 Days
