Emperor Penguin Quest: Snow Hill | Ultramarine
14 Days
Save Up To 19%
WAS From AUD 49,095 Now From AUD 39,952
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 & juices on board. Beer, standard wines & spirits, & cocktails during pre-dinner bar service, dinner & evenings
Transport
Group transfers throughout & return charter flight Buenos Aires to Ushuaia
Accommodation
Hotel & Cabin on board ship
DEPARTURE DATES
Enquire Now
Included Sightseeing
Heli flightseeing, Daily Antarctica Excursions, Zodiac Cruising, Onboard Expert Lectures & Briefings by the Experienced Expedition Team, Express Bus Tour of Tierra Del Fuego National Park
NOTE: Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather & ice conditions
Penguins
Spot penguins from your zodiac or hiking in Antarctica. Common species on the peninsula are the Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adelie penguins.
Zodiac Cruising
Cruise by Zodiacs amongst the beautifully sculpted icebergs and take excursions from the ship to explore local bays, channels and landing sites
Daily excursions
When conditions allow, passengers will receive two excursions per day.
OVERVIEW
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.
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
Step onboard the Ultramarine! This premium expedition vessel 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 .The vessel is one of the few to offer a suite of flight-seeing activities, travelling in one of the two twin-engine helicopters. This really opens up the possibilities to go further and see more. 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 and spa-inspired bathrooms. Ultramarine offers 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, four embarkation points to load and embark zodiacs and get you to shore faster. The ship has a water level Zodiac hangar, which allows for more spontaneous off-ship adventures where the opportunity presents itself. This allows you to get off the ship in less than half the time of some other vessels.
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:-
| 10 % off AUD 43,395 AUD 39,320Unavailable Enquire Now
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 | Explorer SuiteFeatures:-
| 10 % off AUD 50,795 AUD 45,998Available Enquire Now
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 | Balcony SuiteFeatures:-
| 10 % off AUD 55,795 AUD 50,511Available Enquire Now
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 | Deluxe Balcony SuiteFeatures:-
| 10 % off AUD 65,495 AUD 59,265Available Enquire Now
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 | Terrace SuiteFeatures:-
| 10 % off AUD 68,095 AUD 61,611Unavailable Enquire Now
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 | Solo PanoramaFeatures:-
| 10 % off AUD 70,395 AUD 63,687Available Enquire Now
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 | Penthouse SuiteFeatures:-
| 10 % off AUD 72,895 AUD 65,943Available Enquire Now
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 | Owner's SuiteFeatures:-
| 10 % off AUD 90,195 AUD 81,557Unavailable Enquire Now
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 | Ultra SuiteFeatures:-
| 10 % off AUD 99,895 AUD 90,311Unavailable Enquire Now
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| Explorer TripleFeatures:-
| 19 % off AUD 49,095 AUD 39,952Available Enquire Now
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| Explorer SuiteFeatures:-
| 19 % off AUD 57,395 AUD 46,655Available Enquire Now
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| Balcony SuiteFeatures:-
| 19 % off AUD 62,995 AUD 51,177Available Enquire Now
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| Deluxe Balcony SuiteFeatures:-
| 19 % off AUD 73,995 AUD 60,059Available Enquire Now
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| Terrace SuiteFeatures:-
| 19 % off AUD 76,795 AUD 62,320Available Enquire Now
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| Solo PanoramaFeatures:-
| 19 % off AUD 79,695 AUD 64,662Available Enquire Now
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| Penthouse SuiteFeatures:-
| 19 % off AUD 82,495 AUD 66,923Available Enquire Now
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| Owner's SuiteFeatures:-
| 19 % off AUD 101,995 AUD 82,669Available Enquire Now
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| Ultra SuiteFeatures:-
| 19 % off AUD 113,095 AUD 91,632Available Enquire Now
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EXTEND YOUR TRIP
Important Information
** Current Discounts, promotions and pricing are available until 02 December 2024, however discounts may be withdrawn or changed at any time and are subject to availability on selected cabins and departure dates. 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 discount, which requires the full balance to be paid at the time of booking to apply. Further conditions may apply, contact us for more information.
NOTE: Pricing is subject to change, currency fluctuation and availability at the time of booking and may be varied without notice by us or any of the operators and partners we work with. It is only confirmed and guaranteed at the time of making a booking, agreeing to our terms and conditions and paying a deposit.
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.
Arrival transfer to Buenos Aires hotel on Day 1 is NOT included.
INCLUSIONS
Cabin accommodation on board ship
All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage
Beer, standard wines & spirits, & cocktails during pre-dinner bar service, dinner & evenings
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 person
Free WiFiMANDATORY TRANSFER PACKAGE
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, a supplement surcharge applies and is subject to availability. Please contact us for more information.
Departure date, fuel surcharges, cabin category, currency fluctuations, seasonality and availability.