An expedition to Antarctica's Weddell Sea will offer travelers the opportunity to observe an emperor penguin colony on Snow Hill Island during two departures scheduled for late November and early December 2026. The itinerary, called Weddell Sea – In Search of the Emperor Penguin, will operate aboard the expedition vessel m/v Ortelius, using helicopters to attempt to reach one of the species' breeding sites.
The expedition operator has announced discounts of up to 20% on new bookings for selected departures, subject to availability. Limited berths remain on both voyages, although exact departure dates and final prices have not been specified.
An Expedition to Observe Emperor Penguins on Snow Hill Island
Snow Hill Island is home to the northernmost breeding colony of emperor penguins on Earth. During the breeding season, adult penguins gather in this Antarctic region with their chicks before returning to the surrounding ice-covered marine environment.
Emperor penguins breed farther south than any other penguin species, making them difficult to encounter on conventional Antarctic itineraries. Snow Hill Island's remote location and challenging ice conditions require specialized operations to reach the colony.
The m/v Ortelius is equipped to carry helicopters, allowing expedition teams to plan landings in remote areas that may be inaccessible directly from a ship. On this voyage, helicopters are intended to provide access to Snow Hill Island, where passengers may have opportunities to observe and photograph adult emperor penguins and their chicks.
Access Will Depend on Sea Ice Conditions
The expedition's planned activities will depend heavily on sea ice conditions. According to the operator, the itinerary requires operational flexibility and polar navigation experience because changing ice conditions can affect access to Snow Hill Island.
As a result, the availability of helicopters does not guarantee that every passenger will reach the colony. Landing opportunities will depend on the conditions encountered during each departure.
Weddell Sea – In search of the Emperor Penguin, incl. helicopters
See the Antarctic from the vantage point of a true expedition leader – from the air. Our helicopter capability on the Ortelius.
USD 13450
Key details announced for the 2026 expedition season include:
- Destination: Weddell Sea and Snow Hill Island, Antarctica.
- Vessel: m/v Ortelius, equipped to transport helicopters.
- Main objective: Observing adult emperor penguins and chicks at their breeding colony.
- Scheduled departures: Late November and early December 2026.
- Available discounts: Up to 20% on new bookings for selected voyages, subject to availability.
- Operational conditions: Access to the colony will depend on sea ice conditions and the feasibility of landing operations.
The promotional offer applies to two upcoming departures and will remain available while berths are still open. The published information does not specify voyage duration, embarkation ports, base fares, or the services included in the price.
The expeditions are scheduled for the final weeks of 2026, although successful access to Snow Hill Island will remain dependent on ice conditions encountered during each voyage.
