Emperor Penguin Quest: Snow Hill | Ultramarine
14 Days
Save Up To 15%
WAS From AUD 43,550 Now From AUD 37,235
STYLE: Small Ship Luxury Expedition Cruise
Trip Code: ACQEEPQ
DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)
Start: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Finish: Buenos Aires, Argentina
SHIP: Ultramarine
Destination
Weddell Sea, Antarctica, Snow Hill Penguin Colony
Meals
All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage. select beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
Transport
Charter flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia Return & Group transfers to/from the ship and from Buenos Aires hotel to Airport on Day 2. Arrival transfer on Day 1 is excluded
Accommodation
Cabin on board ship & Hotel
DEPARTURE DATES
Enquire Now
OVERVIEW
SAVE UP TO 30% ON SELECTED DEPARTURES in 23/24 and 24/25 SEASON**
Snow Hill Island is home for up to 10,000 Emperor Penguins and is the northernmost location these iconic Penguins can be found on the continent. Venture into the Weddell Sea onboard the luxurious Ultramarine and travel by helicopter to the otherwise inaccessible Snow Hill Island and be one of the very few lucky people in the worth that get to experience these giant penguins up close in their own natural environment.
Every consideration is taken into account to have minimal impact on these penguin colonies, requiring passengers to walk distances up to 1km from where Helicopters touch down so the penguin's environments are unaffected and disturbed when guests visit. Contact us for more information.
Solo traveller Promotion: Single travellers can book a double occupancy room for the discounted price of a single berth. Offer is valid on standard cabin types and selected voyages and in the Antarctica 23/24 or 24/25 season or until sold out. Offer is capacity controlled and may be changed or withdrawn at any time. Combinable with in market discounts. Discounts are subject to change, availability will be confirmed at time of booking. Advertised prices may not be combinable with other promotions.
*Discounts, promotions and dynamic pricing are capacity controlled and may be withdrawn or changed at any time and subject to availability on selected cabins and departure dates. Discounts are subject to change, availability will be confirmed at time of booking. Some current in market offers may be combinable and Shackleton Club Past Passenger and multi trip discounts may be applied subject to confirmation at the time of booking. Prices are subject to change based on currency fluctuations, fuel surcharges, and other external factors. No discount applies to any transfer packages, additional activities or pre/post services.. The advertised prices may also include a 'Pay in full at time of booking' which is a 5-10% early payment bonus. Further conditions may apply, contact us for more information.
ITINERARY
Upon arriving in this fascinating city, known for its architecture and rich European heritage, you will independently transfer to your group hotel. Your pre-expedition hotel night is included in mandatory transfer package. Why not arrive early and spend some time exploring this remarkable city? Contact us for some ideas.
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!
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 travellers.
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 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 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.
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. The mandatory transfer package includes 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.
WHY CHOOSE THIS CRUISE?
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Experience a bucketlist encounter with Antarctica's iconic Emperor Penguins.
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Snow Hill Island is only accessible by Helicopter and is one of the only sites tourists can witness Emperor Penguins in their natural habitat
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The state-of-the-art and sustainable Ultramarine is operated by one of the best and most experienced Expedition teams in the industry
Ultramarine
The newest ship of this expedition fleet; Ultramarine; takes guests to the most isolated and breathtaking wildernesses on the planet. The ship has been purpose-built to meet the specific demands of the polar regions and is well appointed to let guests explore The Arctic and Antarctica safely and comfortably. It offers a robust portfolio of adventure activities. The mix of sustainability features create innovative operations to offer ultra-immersive polar experiences to guests on board . Experience the Antarctic in comfort as you sail aboard Ultramarine. The Expedition Ship can accommodate a maximum of 199 passengers and offers the most spacious suites in its category . The cabins are all elegantly designed and feature oversized windows with sleeping views, flatscreen TV’s and DVD players and spa - inspired bathrooms. Ultramarine is designed to go beyond the familiar in polar exploration, to discover new places, and immerse you in the best the region has to offer. Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters, Ultramarine offers the most robust portfolio of adventure activities in the industry, breathtaking public spaces, and more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces than other expedition ships its size. It also features a best-in-class 70-day operational range and an innovative mix of sustainability features that exceed all industry standards.
Ice Class:
Length: 128m (420ft)
Breadth: 21.5m (70.5ft)Max
Draft: Cruising
Speed:
Electricity: Passenger
Capacity:199
View Ship Details
Accommodation
We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.
Standard
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Superior
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Deluxe
Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Optional Activities vary for each itinerary. Limited spaces available. Contact your Destination Specialist for pricing & availability.
Kayaking
Experience the unforgettable thrill and serenity of kayaking in Antarctica as part of a small, expertly guided paddling group.
Learn More
Stand-up Paddle Boarding
Stand-up Paddle boarding, commonly known as SUP originated in Hawaii and is now available as an optional activity in Antarctica. What a way to explore!
Learn MorePricing per person
 | Explorer TripleFeatures:-
| 15 % off AUD 42,050 AUD 35,960Unavailable Enquire Now
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 | Explorer SuiteFeatures:-
| 15 % off AUD 43,550 AUD 37,235Unavailable Enquire Now
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 | Balcony SuiteFeatures:-
| 15 % off AUD 50,750 AUD 43,355Available Enquire Now
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 | Deluxe Balcony SuiteFeatures:-
| 15 % off AUD 58,050 AUD 49,560Unavailable Enquire Now
|
 | Terrace SuiteFeatures:-
| 15 % off AUD 69,650 AUD 59,420Unavailable Enquire Now
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 | Solo PanoramaFeatures:-
| 15 % off AUD 66,750 AUD 56,955Available Enquire Now
|
 | Penthouse SuiteFeatures:-
| 15 % off AUD 73,950 AUD 63,075Available Enquire Now
|
 | Owner's SuiteFeatures:-
| 15 % off AUD 88,450 AUD 75,400Unavailable Enquire Now
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 | Ultra SuiteFeatures:-
| 15 % off AUD 95,750 AUD 81,605Unavailable Enquire Now
|
| Explorer TripleFeatures:-
| 15 % off AUD 42,050 AUD 35,960Unavailable Enquire Now
|
| Explorer SuiteFeatures:-
| 15 % off AUD 43,550 AUD 37,235Available Enquire Now
|
| Balcony SuiteFeatures:-
| 15 % off AUD 50,750 AUD 43,355Available Enquire Now
|
| Deluxe Balcony SuiteFeatures:-
| 15 % off AUD 58,050 AUD 49,560Available Enquire Now
|
| Terrace SuiteFeatures:-
| 15 % off AUD 69,650 AUD 59,420Available Enquire Now
|
| Solo PanoramaFeatures:-
| 15 % off AUD 66,750 AUD 56,955Available Enquire Now
|
| Penthouse SuiteFeatures:-
| 15 % off AUD 73,950 AUD 63,075Available Enquire Now
|
| Owner's SuiteFeatures:-
| 15 % off AUD 88,450 AUD 75,400Available Enquire Now
|
| Ultra SuiteFeatures:-
| 15 % off AUD 95,750 AUD 81,605Available Enquire Now
|
Important Information
INCLUSIONS
Cabin accommodation on board ship
All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage
Select beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
All scheduled landings and excursions
Guiding and lectures by experienced expedition team
Expedition parka (yours to keep)
A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
One 10 to 15 minute helicopter flight-seeing excursion (weather permitting)
Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per personMANDATORY TRANSFER PACKAGE (INCLUDED)
One night pre transfer accommodation in a hotel in Buenos Aires with breakfast
Group flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia on a return basis
Transfers from the hotel to the airport in Buenos Aires
Airport transfer and express bus tour of Tierra Del Fuego National Park after disembarkation in UshuaiaEXCLUSIONS
International flights
Any other pre or post land arrangements not mentioned above
Passport and visa expenses
Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above
Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned
Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew
Excess-baggage fees on international and domestic flights
Laundry, bar and other personal charges unless specified
Optional Adventure Activities
- 2 (light adventure)
Available upon request, contact us for more details.
Maximum of 150 people per voyage.
Prices are based on per person, and vary from single, quad, triple, and twin cabins.
Prices are correct at time of publishing but are subject to change at any time.
All entrance fees are subject to change without prior notice.
Please note this itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and ice conditions.Includes charter flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia on a return basis
Snow Hill Promise Applies: Make it to Snow Hill or get 50% off a 2024 VoyageWe made history at Snow Hill Island. We were the first to reach its Emperor penguin rookery, offering one of the most exclusive wildlife encounters on the planet.
Our Expedition Team has the deepest experience in the industry, bringing more people on more successful Snow Hill landings than anyone else.
So we know Snow Hill. With the best team, onboard Ultramarine with its unmatched helicopter capability, our goal is to get you there at least once.
But we also know that it’s one of the most daunting destinations in the polar regions, where every explorer must embrace the unexpected.
If conditions mean that even we can’t land you to visit the Emperor penguins, you will still revel in the once-in-a-lifetime wonders of the Weddell Sea and set foot on the seventh continent’s eastern Peninsula, but we’ll go to end of the earth to make it up to you. And that includes both ends of the earth: 50% off any applicable on select voyages departing between January 1st, 2024, and December 1st, 2024, booked and confirmed with full payment before February 1st, 2024. Please note this applies to voyages onboard Ultramarine, World Explorer or Ocean Adventurer only.
Departure dates, seasonality, availability & currency fluctuation