Auf der Suche nach Kaiserpinguinen: Expedition nach Snow Hill

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.

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.

Days 3 and 4: Crossing the Drake: A Polar Rite of Passage | Cruising

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.

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.

Days 6 to 10: Weddell Sea and the Quest to Land at Snow Hill | Cruising

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.

Days 11 to 13: Crossing the Drake Passage | Cruising

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.

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