Embrace the expeditionary spirit on a quest to reach the colony of thousands of pairs of emperor penguins and their chicks.
Spend five days in the vicinity of Snow Hill, either on tour to the colony, or immersing yourself in our custom-designed Weddell Sea experiences.
Travel aboard the luxurious Ultramarine, enjoying the sauna or one of the ship’s many other onboard amenities.
In 2004, polar history was made when the cruise conducted the first-ever ground visit to the remote emperor penguin colony near Snow Hill Island, Antarctica. Driven by a true expeditionary spirit—and guided by years of polar expertise—the team sailed past masses of dense ice and thick, tabular icebergs in the Weddell Sea to experience the legendary rookery, which now numbers almost 4,000 breeding pairs of emperor penguins. Today, it is one of the most exclusive wildlife viewing experiences on the planet. We invite you—almost two decades after the first milestone visit—to embrace the thrill of the search as we once again set out to visit to the emperor penguins at Snow Hill Island.
Experience a true polar quest aboard the ultra-chic Ultramarine ship, equipped with its two twin-engine helicopters that will fly you to the vicinity of this rarely-visited rookery, whereupon you’ll walk across the thick sea ice to stand within metres of the most coveted penguin species on the planet. Anticipate scenes reminiscent of “March of the Penguins” and BBC’s “Frozen Planet.” Celebrate Snow Hill’s majestic moments, revel in the once-in-a-lifetime wonders of the Weddell Sea, set foot on the seventh continent’s eastern Peninsula, and be part of a legendary story of your very own.
Ships
Standard Activities
Lectures
Hiking
Helicopter Flight
Polar Plunge
Zodiac Cruises
About the Emperor Penguin Quest: Expedition To Snow Hill
In 2004, polar history was made when the cruise conducted the first-ever ground visit to the remote emperor penguin colony near Snow Hill Island, Antarctica. Driven by a true expeditionary spirit—and guided by years of polar expertise—the team sailed past masses of dense ice and thick, tabular icebergs in the Weddell Sea to experience the legendary rookery, which now numbers almost 4,000 breeding pairs of emperor penguins. Today, it is one of the most exclusive wildlife viewing experiences on the planet. We invite you—almost two decades after the first milestone visit—to embrace the thrill of the search as we once again set out to visit to the emperor penguins at Snow Hill Island.
Experience a true polar quest aboard the ultra-chic Ultramarine ship, equipped with its two twin-engine helicopters that will fly you to the vicinity of this rarely-visited rookery, whereupon you’ll walk across the thick sea ice to stand within metres of the most coveted penguin species on the planet. Anticipate scenes reminiscent of “March of the Penguins” and BBC’s “Frozen Planet.” Celebrate Snow Hill’s majestic moments, revel in the once-in-a-lifetime wonders of the Weddell Sea, set foot on the seventh continent’s eastern Peninsula, and be part of a legendary story of your very own.
Activities
Lectures
Hiking
Helicopter Flight
Polar Plunge
Zodiac Cruises
Itinerary Day to Day
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.
Buenos Aires
Embarkation Point
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!
Ushuaia
Beagle Channel
Days 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.
Drake Passage
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.
Weddell Sea
Days 6-10
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.
Snow Hill Island
Brown Bluff
Devil Island
Hope Bay
Paulet Island
Seymour Island
Days 11-13
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.
Drake Passage
Day 14
Disembark in Ushuaia and Fly to Buenos Aires
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. Experience a tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park for a taste of Patagonia, after which you’ll transfer to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires.
Ushuaia
Tierra del Fuego
Buenos Aires
Disembarkation Point
Route Map
There are 12 main destinations visited
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Cabin Details
Single Suite
Capacity: 2 Guests
Beds: King
Dimensions: 226 ft² (21 m²)
Number of Cabins: 2 Cabins
Features
Picture Windows
Safe
Refrigerator
Satellite Phone
TV
Individual A/C
Hairdryer
Afternoon Canapés
Bathrobes
Closet
Complimentary Tea & Coffee
Desk
Ensuite Bathroom
Minibar
Parka Jacket
Port Views
Shower
Slippers
Sofa Bed
Starboard Views
Toiletries
Welcome Drink
WiFi
Description
Averaging 21 square meters/226 square feet, these cabins are located on the oceanus deck. They feature a picture window (it may be covered during rough sea crossings), two wardrobes, and a king size bed. Amenities include: en suite facilities, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite telephone access, tv/vcr, individual temperature control, and hair dryer.
Inside Cabin II
Capacity: 4 Guests
Beds: 4 Single beds (one of which doubles as a sofa)
Dimensions:
Number of Cabins: Cabins
Features
Ensuite Bathroom
Description
These comfortable, standard inside cabins for up to four people on the lower deck have separate beds, one of which converts into a sofa. All cabins have private bathrooms.
Inside Cabin I
Capacity: 2 Guests
Beds: 2 Single beds (one of which doubles as a sofa)
Dimensions: 97-151 ft² (9-14 m²)
Number of Cabins: Cabins
Features
Description
These comfortable, standard inside cabins for up to two people on the middle or upper decks have separate beds, one of which converts into a sofa. All cabins have private bathrooms.
Polar Outside Cabin V
Capacity: 3 Guests
Beds: 3 Single beds (one of which doubles as a sofa)
Dimensions: 118-129 ft² (11-12 m²)
Number of Cabins: Cabins
Features
Description
Polar Outside Cabin IV
Capacity: 2 Guests
Beds: 2 Single beds
Dimensions: 118-140 ft² (11-13 m²)
Number of Cabins: Cabins
Features
Description
These standard outside cabins for two people on the middle decks have separate beds and private bathrooms.
Polar Outside Cabin III
Capacity: 2 Guests
Beds: 2 Single beds
Dimensions: 108-129 ft² (10-12 m²)
Number of Cabins: Cabins
Features
Description
These standard outside cabins on the middle and upper decks have separate beds and private bathrooms.
Polar Outside Cabin II
Capacity: 2 Guests
Beds: 2 Single beds (one of which doubles as a sofa)
Dimensions: 108-140 ft² (10-13 m²)
Number of Cabins: Cabins
Features
Description
These comfortable outside cabins for up to two people on the lower deck have private bathrooms and separate beds, one of which converts into a sofa. The cabins have portholes, some with limited or no view.
Polar Outside Cabin I
Capacity: 2 Guests
Beds: 2 Single beds (one of which doubles as a sofa)
Dimensions: 118-129 ft² (11-12 m²)
Number of Cabins: Cabins
Features
Ensuite Bathroom
Description
These comfortable outside cabins for up to two people on the upper deck have private bathrooms and separate beds, one of which converts into a sofa. The cabins have limited or no view.
Accessible cabin
Capacity: 3 Guests
Beds: 3 Single beds (one of which doubles as a sofa)
Dimensions: 193 ft² (18 m²)
Number of Cabins: Cabins
Features
Wheelchair Access
Ensuite Bathroom
Description
This is a wheelchair accessible cabin. The bed, bathroom and door are adjusted to wheelchair and have a private bathroom and separate beds, one of which doubles as a sofa. The third bed is an upper berth. (We have a limited number of wheelchair accessible cabins, so we ask that they are booked by guests who require these cabins. Please inform us in advance of your disability)
Outside cabin III
Capacity: 2 Guests
Beds: 2 Single beds
Dimensions: 172-183 ft² (16-17m²)
Number of Cabins: Cabins
Features
Ensuite Bathroom
TV
Description
Most of these large, comfortable cabins with single beds on the middle or upper decks have sofa groups. They all have a private bathroom and TV. The cabins have limited or no view.
Outside Cabin II
Capacity: 2 Guests
Beds: 2 Single beds (one of which doubles as a sofa)
Dimensions: 108-151 ft² (10-14 m²)
Number of Cabins: Cabins
Features
Ensuite Bathroom
Desk
Description
These comfortable outside cabins for up to two people on the top/upper decks have a private bathroom and separate beds, one of which doubles as a sofa.
Outside cabin I
Capacity: 2 Guests
Beds: 2 Single beds (one of which doubles as a sofa)
Dimensions: 108-118 ft² (10-11 m²)
Number of Cabins: Cabins
Features
Ensuite Bathroom
Desk
Description
These comfortable, outside cabins for up to two people on the middle deck have a private bathroom and separate beds, one of which doubles as a sofa.
Owner Suite
Capacity: 2 Guests
Beds: 1 Double bed
Dimensions: 474-484 ft² (44-45 m²)
Number of Cabins: Cabins
Features
Ensuite Bathroom
TV
Complimentary Tea & Coffee
Dining Area
WiFi
Walk-Out Balcony
Description
These exclusive suites are situated on the upper decks. The suites have two rooms, a seating area and dining table, TV, kettle, tea/coffee, stereo, internet access, bathroom, minibar and private balcony. Travel the best way possible!
Grand Suite
Capacity: 2 Guests
Beds: 1 Double bed
Dimensions: 269-388 ft² (25-36 m²)
Number of Cabins: Cabins
Features
TV
Complimentary Tea & Coffee
WiFi
Ensuite Bathroom
Minibar
Description
These exclusive suites have a seating area, TV, kettle, tea/coffee, stereo, internet access, bathroom and minibar. The first minibar setup is included for each item, each replenishment is chargeable. Some of the suites also have bathtubs, and a private balcony or bay window.
Suite
Capacity: 2 Guests
Beds: 1 Double bed
Dimensions: 248-258 ft² (23- 24m²)
Number of Cabins: Cabins
Features
Ensuite Bathroom
TV
Minibar
Description
These elegant suites are on the upper deck with a seating area, bathroom, TV and minibar. Some have a private balcony.
Mini Suite
Capacity: 2 Guests
Beds: 1 Double bed
Dimensions: 474-484 ft² (44-45 m²)
Number of Cabins: Cabins
Features
Sofa
TV
WiFi
Minibar
Ensuite Bathroom
Description
These comfortable suites on the middle or upper decks have double beds and most have sofa groups as well. The suites also have a TV, internet access, a bathroom and minibar. The first minibar setup is included for each item, each replenishment is chargeable. Some cabins have portholes and limited view, while the cabins on deck 7 have a full view.
Main Deck Triple
Capacity:
Beds: 2 Single beds and 1 Pullman bed
Dimensions: 237 ft² ( 22 m²)
Number of Cabins: Cabins
Features
Porthole Windows
Desk
Ensuite Bathroom
Shower
Chair
Table
Closet
Starboard Views
Port Views
Toiletries
Minibar
TV
Individual A/C
Complimentary Tea & Coffee
Welcome Drink
WiFi
Description
Main Deck Triple Cabins on Deck 3 are a spacious 22 m² and feature two porthole windows, two single beds and one Pullman bed which folds down from the wall, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.
Superior Triple
Capacity:
Beds: 2 Single beds and 1 Pullman bed
Dimensions: 237 ft² ( 22 m²)
Number of Cabins: Cabins
Features
Desk
Shower
Sofa
Table
Chair
Closet
Picture Windows
Starboard Views
Port Views
Ensuite Bathroom
Toiletries
Minibar
TV
Individual A/C
Complimentary Tea & Coffee
Welcome Drink
WiFi
Description
Superior Triple Cabins on Deck 5 are a spacious 22 m² and feature large panoramic windows, two single beds and one Pullman bed which folds down from the wall, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.
Superior Cabin II
Capacity:
Beds: 1 King size bed or 2 Single beds
Dimensions: 239 ft² ( 22 m²)
Number of Cabins: Cabins
Features
Separate Lounge
Desk
Shower
Sofa
Table
Chair
Closet
Picture Windows
Starboard Views
Port Views
Ensuite Bathroom
Toiletries
Minibar
TV
Individual A/C
Complimentary Tea & Coffee
Welcome Drink
WiFi
Description
Superior Cabins II on Deck 4 are a spacious 22m² and feature large panoramic windows, king or two single beds, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.
Superior Cabin I
Capacity:
Beds: 1 King size bed or 2 Single beds
Dimensions: 237 ft² ( 22 m²)
Number of Cabins: Cabins
Features
Separate Lounge
Desk
Shower
Sofa
Table
Chair
Closet
Picture Windows
Starboard Views
Port Views
Ensuite Bathroom
Toiletries
Minibar
TV
Individual A/C
Welcome Drink
Complimentary Tea & Coffee
WiFi
Description
Superior Cabins I on Deck 5 are a spacious 22m² and feature large panoramic windows, king or two single beds, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.
Main Deck Single
Capacity:
Beds: King
Dimensions: 239 ft² ( 22 m²)
Number of Cabins: Cabins
Features
Porthole Windows
Separate Lounge
Desk
Shower
Sofa
Chair
Closet
Starboard Views
Port Views
Ensuite Bathroom
Toiletries
Minibar
TV
Individual A/C
Welcome Drink
Complimentary Tea & Coffee
WiFi
Description
Main Deck Single Cabins on Deck 3 are a spacious 22m² and feature two porthole windows, king bed, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.
Worsley Suite
Capacity:
Beds: King/Twin
Dimensions: 237 ft² ( 22 m²)
Number of Cabins: Cabins
Features
Separate Lounge
Desk
Shower
In-Cabin Dining
Minibar
Sofa
Table
Closet
Picture Windows
Starboard Views
Port Views
Ensuite Bathroom
Toiletries
Bathrobes
Slippers
TV
Individual A/C
Butler Service
Welcome Drink
Complimentary Tea & Coffee
WiFi
Description
Located on Deck 6, Worsley Suites are a spacious 22m² and feature large panoramic windows, king or two single beds, comfortable chaise-style lounge suite, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system. Receive complimentary in-room dining, minibar replenished daily, Heritage Expeditions keep cup, notebook and pen.
Superior Single I
Capacity:
Beds: King
Dimensions: 237 ft² (22 m²)
Number of Cabins: Cabins
Features
Desk
Shower
Sofa
Table
Chair
Closet
Picture Windows
Starboard Views
Port Views
Ensuite Bathroom
Toiletries
Minibar
TV
Individual A/C
Welcome Drink
Complimentary Tea & Coffee
WiFi
Description
Superior Single Cabins on Deck 5 are a spacious 22 m² and feature large panoramic windows, king bed, comfortable lounge, writing desk, private en-suite with shower, ample storage and a flat screen entertainment system.