Emperor Penguin Quest: Expedition to Snow Hill
On this 14-day emperor penguin expedition, sail into the Weddell Sea and attempt to visit the famed Snow Hill rookery with thousands of breeding pairs of emperor penguins. Cruise with a limited 150-guest capacity aboard Ultramarine, a modern polar ship with dual twin-engine helicopters built exactly for this type of exploration.
Visit the remote emperor penguin colony near Snow Hill Island, Antarctica. Sail past masses of dense ice and thick, tabular icebergs in the Weddell Sea to experience the legendary rookery, which now numbers 4,000 breeding pairs of emperor penguins. Today, it is one of the most exclusive wildlife viewing experiences on the planet. Embrace the thrill of the search as by setting out to visit the emperor penguins at Snow Hill Island. Walk across the thick sea ice to stand within meters of the most coveted penguin species on the planet. Anticipate scenes reminiscent of “March of the Penguins” and BBC’s “Frozen Planet.” Just imagine the penguins tobogganing across the ice towards the sea. Such wildlife moments are too precious for words!
The highlights are many on this emperor penguin expedition. Embrace the expeditionary spirit on a quest to reach the colony of thousands of pairs of emperor penguins and their chicks. Spend 5 days in the vicinity of Snow Hill, either on tour to the colony, or immersing in custom-designed Weddell Sea experiences. Enjoy helicopter sightseeing and Zodiac cruising for unique perspectives of the Antarctic Peninsula.
Experience this true polar quest aboard Ultramarine, a ship equipped with two twin-engine helicopters to fly to the vicinity of the rarely-visited Snow Hill rookery. While she has capacity for 199 guests, on these departures Ultramarine only takes 150 guests, translating into one expedition team member for every four guests. This modern, purpose-built polar expedition vessel also features an innovative, internal hangar that launches Zodiacs in a modern way. And her specialized, cutting-edge safety features provide added security in remote environments like Antarctica. All of these features make her an ideal basecamp for luxury Antarctica cruises.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Antarctica cruises and trips to Antarctica.
Emperor Penguin Quest Itinerary
The 14-day Emperor Penguin Quest begins and ends in Buenos Aires, Argentina, with charter flights to and from Ushuaia. Spend 5 special days in the vicinity of Snow Hill and its emperor penguin colony, with included helicopter sightseeing.
Arrive in Buenos Aires between 12:00pm Noon and 8:00pm on Day 1. Upon arriving in this splendid city, known for its architecture and rich European heritage, independently transfer to the group hotel (pre-expedition hotel night included in your Charter Flight and Hotel Package).
After an early breakfast at the hotel, take the group transfer to the airport and board a private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina, which is also part of your Charter Flight and Hotel Package. Upon arrival, be transferred from the airport to a central downtown location to enjoy free time to explore quaint Ushuaia—the world’s southernmost city—before making your way to the pier. After a late afternoon embarkation, 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 the ship departs—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 the expert onboard staff and expedition team, take plenty of time to gaze out at the expansive ocean waters, photograph seabirds as they swoop around the ship, and get to know the expedition team and fellow travelers.
Onboard presentations by world-respected experts will enrich this polar quest and convey what it was like a century ago for the brave polar heroes who embraced the unknown. 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 the ship can get to Snow Hill Island, then the ship’s twin-engine helicopters will take over. Like summitting a mountain from base camp, parties will set out from the ship towards the emperor penguin colony.
The 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 approximately 8,000 rarely-seen emperor penguins.
The goal of the expedition is to get every guest to the remote colony at least 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. The emperor penguins behave as a tight-knit community, they care for their young, and 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 the ship with your attentive expedition team, you’ll be immersed each day in the polar experience of the Weddell Sea. Daily activities can include Zodiac cruising among the icebergs, paddle-on-top
kayaking, or working with the 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 your 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 the ship’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 you from visiting the colony or shorten the duration of your visit, then you 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 the expedition team, and celebrate the experiences shared getting off the beaten track in the remarkable world of Antarctica.
Arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. Be transferred to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires.
Included
Mandatory Transfer Package (approximate package price is $1,295 for the 2026-27 & 2027-28 season and includes one night’s pre-expedition hotel night in Buenos Aires on Day 1 with breakfast on Day 2, group transfer from hotel to airport in Buenos Aires, charter flight from Buenos Aires (AEP) to Ushuaia, arrival and departure transfers in Ushuaia, charter flight from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires (EZE); shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping; all meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board; beer, wine, standard spirits and cocktails during dinner and bar service hours; complimentary basic WiFi; all shore landings per the daily program; leadership throughout the voyage by experienced expedition leaders; all Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program; formal and informal presentations by expedition team and special guests as scheduled; a photographic journal documenting the expedition; waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings; an official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep; coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock; a hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin; all miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program; all luggage handling aboard the ship; one 10- to 15-minute helicopter flightseeing excursion (weather and logistics permitting).
Exclusions
International airfare; passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above; meals ashore unless otherwise specified; baggage, cancellation, interruption, evacuation and medical travel insurance (strongly recommended); excess-baggage fees on international and domestic flights; mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, and any other gear not mentioned above; laundry, bar, massage services, premium WiFi and other personal charges unless specified; phone charges; additional overnight accommodation; optional adventure activities; voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew; arrival and departure transfers, except where explicitly stated.
Payment & Cancellation
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 25% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 150 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 120 days – 25% of total trip cost
119 to 90 days – 75% of total trip cost
89 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
Terms & Conditions
This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.
Arrival & Departure
The Emperor Penguin Quest begins and ends in Buenos Aires, Argentina (EZE), with charter group flights to and from Ushuaia (note: the charter flight to Ushuaia is via the domestic airport, Aeroparque/AEP). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Plan flights to arrive to Buenos Aires ahead of the 12:00-8:00pm window for luggage weighing and tagging on Day 1. Arrange your own independent transfer to the included Buenos Aires hotel on Day 1. Plan flights to depart Buenos Aires no earlier than 9:00pm (EZE) or 10:00pm (AEP) on disembarkation day. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.
Internal Flights
Group charter flights between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia are required on this trip’s itinerary; see the Mandatory Transfer Package information listed above under Inclusions. The flight to Ushuaia (via the domestic airport AEP) is expected to depart early on Day 2 of the itinerary. There is a strict luggage limit on the flights to and from Ushuaia (and allowance for only one checked bag and one carry-on bag), which will be detailed in your final documents as flights are confirmed close to departure. Should you have additional luggage, it can be stored at the hotel in Buenos Aires; there is no option to pay for additional luggage. On the final day of the itinerary, the ship is scheduled to arrive at the pier between 7:00 and 8:00am local time. Disembarkation follows breakfast, before transferring to the airport for the return charter flight to Buenos Aires.
Activities
Included are optional hiking, Zodiac cruising, daily presentations, photography guides, the polar plunge and a 10- to 15-minute helicopter flightseeing excursion (weather- and logistics-dependent).
Room Configuration
Select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. Solo travelers willing to share can reserve a triple or twin-shared cabin, where you will be matched with a person of the same gender. If the other cabin berth goes unsold, you will be guaranteed the double rate. Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at 1.7x (2x for Premium cabins) the per-person listed rate in select cabins based upon availability. Premium Cabins are as follows:
Ultramarine: Deluxe Balcony Suite, Terrace Suite, Penthouse Suite, Owner’s Suite & Ultra Suite
Families & Children
At date of embarkation, a minimum age restriction of 9 years and minimum height and weight requirements (weight of 64lbs or 29kg and 48 in. or 1.2 m. tall) must be met. Children under 16 years of age must be supervised by a parent/guardian at all times and may not participate in adventure options.
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of your participation in this expedition that you shall have comprehensive medical insurance in place which is sufficient to cover all medical risks and exposure, including emergency medical and evacuation coverage. Trip cancellation insurance is optional but highly recommended. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.
Itinerary Notes
Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice, weather conditions, wildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Antarctica expedition. Visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Loading rates & dates…
No upcoming departures available at this time.
No departures match your filters.
The new Ultramarine 199-passenger polar ship is purpose-built for safety and far-off exploration. The vessel boasts specialized exploration tools, cutting-edge safety measures and an incredible 40-day cruising range to focus on hard-to-reach places, while at the same time providing a high-end onboard experience. Ultramarine was built in 2021 by Croatia’s award-winning Brodosplit, the largest shipyard in the country, and is designed by LMG Marin, Europe’s leading naval architect. Her first sailings were in the Arctic in early 2022.
Ultramarine - In Detail:
Ultramarine Ship Review
Helicopter Program
Design Features
Crew & Guides
Dining & Cuisine
Common Areas
Cabins, Suites, Amenities & Deck Plan
Why Sail Aboard Ultramarine
Choose this ship for her excellent balance of personal, operational and public spaces, creating a high-end experience to go farther, faster and more safely in the dynamic conditions of the Arctic and Antarctic. Exploration is prioritized with Ultramarine's twin helicopter and helipads for heli-skiing, flightseeing and expeditions to otherwise inaccessible places as well as an innovative, internal hangar and launching system for Zodiacs.
These exploration tools, the ship’s specialized, cutting-edge safety features, and the provisioning and waste handling systems (enabling a 40-day operational range) all ensure the ability to go farther into the polar regions, more safely and more easily than before. For these, and many other reasons, the Ultramarine is among our top choices for passengers seeking Antarctica luxury cruises and exploring in the most active way worldwide.
AdventureSmith Explorations has been aboard the Ultramarine firsthand. Read our dedicated Ultramarine Ship Review, written by our expert who sailed aboard the ship in the Arctic. Or consult this page further for a detailed description of the Ultramarine, including ship specs, deck plan, cabin images, photo gallery and current links to all the trips she sails. We can help compare the Ultramarine with other Antarctica ships and ice-class expedition ships offering Arctic cruises, Iceland cruises, Greenland cruises, Patagonia cruises and Antarctica cruises.
Design, Sustainability & Accessibility
Designed in collaboration with active expedition leaders, this ship offers innovative features to increase guests’ on- and off-ship experiences.
Helicopters, Zodiacs & Activity Gear
This polar ship has two twin-engine H145 helicopters launched from two simultaneously operable helidecks for heli-skiing, heli-hiking, flightseeing and exploration of air-only accessible destinations. These helicopters are the most fuel-efficient in their class, celebrated for their small footprint and reduced noise pollution. They enable polar travelers to explore deeper in the remote areas in which Ultramarine sails (except for South Georgia in Antarctica and Spitsbergen in the Arctic). Helicopter operations require roughly 20 expedition team members and pilots to run successfully, and operate in tandem with paddling and Zodiac activities.
Days are packed with multiple landings by Zodiac, enabled by the ship's rapid Zodiac deployment tools. Ultramarine's internal Zodiac hanger provides safe and quick deployment of 20 Zodiacs with four embarkation points easily accessible from two ready rooms, enabling all passengers to offload the ship at the same time. When possible, the Expedition team uses a rear dock that lowers to water level for efficient Zodiac loading.
Ultramarine additionally offers the largest selection of classic adventure options, including sea kayaking (hard plastic boat), paddling (inflatable kayak), camping, mountaineering and stand-up paddleboarding (inflatable board). All activities are led by highly trained guides and expedition leaders, and all paddling activities include a drysuit and gloves.
Safety Features
The groundbreaking safety features of Ultramarine include 13 fully redundant critical systems, twin propellers powered by four diesel-electric engines in two separate engine rooms for consistent backup and engine reliability, stabilizers, as well as a fully operational emergency bridge. This expedition vessel also has an ice strengthened hull and dynamic positioning capabilities. The dynamic positioning technology also means no need to anchor, avoiding damage to sensitive seabed ecosystems.
Responsible Travel Features
Ultramarine's sophisticated and environmentally friendly waste handling systems allow for treatment of waste to be managed safely in far-off distances. Her numerous innovations are designed to minimize her environmental footprint to an extent previously unseen for a vessel of comparable size, including a sophisticated water treatment system, state-of-the-art waste handling (Micro Auto Gasification System incinerates waste that then creates stored energy for use on board), a leading-edge heat recovery system that recycles excess energy back into the ship, LED lighting, and the use of entirely recyclable materials to construct it.
Other Facilities
Digital wristbands enable both keyless cabin entry and computer-logged tracking of entry and exit from the ship. An elevator services all decks. Finally, an onboard, English-speaking doctor is available 24 hours a day. The ship's physician manages a medical clinic stocked with a supply of common prescription medicines and basic first aid equipment.
Crew, Guides & Expedition Leaders
The 140 crew members of Ultramarine work together to create a seamless guest experience. This premiere ship within the Quark Expeditions fleet attracts top guides, many with over 10 years of experience with the company. The expedition team features guides with advanced degrees, including doctorates, in areas such as glaciology, geology and ornithology. Guides are omnipresent on board and make every effort to interact with travelers throughout the voyage. Special guests may include a cultural interpreter. A large portion of the expedition staff are required for helicopter operations, and the near 1:1 guest-to-guide ratio helps with smooth operations.
Onboard Facilities
With a modern and high-end feel, guests aboard the Ultramarine polar expedition ship can feel right at home while traveling to these extreme locations. A modern spa and fitness facilities offer guests the ability to relax and rejuvenate in between the active off-ship explorations. A polar boutique is stocked with basic toiletries, sunscreen, Ultramarine logo gear, base layer clothing, gloves, hats, jackets, waterproof pants and gifts. Satellite WiFi is available in public spaces and some cabins, however service may be intermittent due to the remote locations in which the ship sails.
Dining, Bar & Lounge
The gourmet Balena Restaurant services two dining rooms with tables from 2-10 guests each. The indoor/outdoor Bistro 487 on the upper deck, and four bars, provide additional food and beverage options (including self-serve espresso) while aboard. The bistro offers an alternative menu and various healthy options, plus any early riser breakfasts, afternoon tea and late-night snacks.
Food on board is healthy and varied, with options including meat, fish, vegetables, pasta, grains, soups, cheeses, desserts and fruit. Most special diets (vegetarian, dairy free, sugar free, gluten free, nut free, shellfish free) are easily accommodated with advance notice. Breakfasts and lunches are typically buffet style, while a la carte dinners are made to order and plated.
The Panorama Lounge & Bar is a space for special events; when this space is not in use for a function, guests can enjoy its far-reaching views with complimentary binoculars and spotting scopes, plus coffee, espresso and tea. The bar offers complimentary soft drinks, juices and water. Beer, wine, standard spirits and cocktails are complimentary with dinner and during bar service hours. A selection of premium liquors, spirits, beer, wine and champagne is available for a fee.
Observation Decks
Deck 5 of Ultramarine features a wraparound promenade that's ideal for walking and al fresco wildlife viewing, including a large forward-facing viewing area. Deck 7 has a large exterior deck space with forward and side facing views, and quiet outdoor spaces can be found at the back of the ship. The Bridge, open in calm weather and open seas, is spacious and offers 180-degree views and binoculars to enjoy them with. This heart of the ship is where guests will find the expedition leader, captain and crew continuously evolving the expedition's course.
Spa, Sauna, Steam Room & Gym
The Tundra Spa offers treatments and massages bookable on board. The steam room is a great place to relax after an off-ship excursion. The sauna features commanding views of the icy landscapes outside. The gym is equipped with a variety of machines and weights, including exercise bikes, treadmills, a rowing machine, weight machines, free weights, yoga and stretching mats. Floor-to-ceiling windows and mirrors blend with wooden accents and a polar theme.
Library & Lecture Theater
The library features a collection of field guides, picture books and reference materials relevant to the polar regions. Find materials in various languages, covering a selection of topics such as wildlife, history, marine biology, ecology and geology. A selection of games further provides entertainment while the ship is underway. The Ambassador Theater seats all passengers and acts as the main lecture hall. Enjoy a variety of comfortable seating arrangements including chairs, tall tables and bench seating near the bar, bar stools, booths with bench seating and chairs. Visit this auditorium for briefings, recaps, presentations and movies.
Ready Rooms & Studio
The thoughtfully designed mudroom Ready Rooms (A & B) are equipped with an open storage locker assigned to each guest, plus ample space and benches. Travelers can keep their parka, boots and life jacket here, between excursions. Located near to the helideck, the Studio is a preparation room for helicopter excursions, where travelers are weighed for balancing the aircraft, and arranged into flight groups.
Cabins, Amenities & Deck Plan Aboard Ultramarine
Passengers benefit from 11 different cabin styles, each are spacious and designed for superior comfort. Amenities include key-less entry via wristbands, Egyptian cotton bedding, non-allergenic pillows, bedside USB charging stations, 220-volt electrical outlets (standard European two round pin plugs), reusable water bottle, refrigerator and a safe. The heated-floor private bathrooms are equipped with bathrobes, slippers, a hair dryer, and their feel is high-end, with a rain shower and in-shower bench. TVs in-room offer movies and the ability to tune into live presentations going on in the Ambassador Lounge.
Current Deals on This Trip
Loading deal details…
Unable to load deal details. View full page →
Learn About The Small Ship on Your Itinerary
The new Ultramarine polar ship is purpose-built for safety and far-off exploration in Antarctica and the Arctic. Dual helicopter pads and an incredible 40-day cruising range allow access to the hardest-to-reach places.
Reviews from Our Experts So You Know What to Expect
-
Expert Aboard: Ultramarine Ship Review
Read a detailed ship review from our expert who was aboard Ultramarine, plus see traveler ratings on everything from the food & helicopters to his Greenland itinerary highlights.
-
Quark Expeditions Reviews
Our in-house polar experts review Quark Expeditions from their time aboard multiple trips & ships in both poles. Then read traveler-written ratings on everything from food to expedition guides.
Trips You Might Also Like
View All Antarctica Cruises
No single supplement
+2
Explora Torres del Paine
Tailor-made adventure via a luxury Patagonia lodge
Torres Del Paine Trek
Supported, classic W trek for granite towers, glaciers & backcountry trails
Save up to 25%
Patagonia Wildlife Safari
Choose your own adventure via smart-value, eco-friendly, geodesic domes
Planning Your Trip to Antarctica
View All Antarctica Travel Guides-
Antarctica Travel Guide
There are more small ships than ever cruising Antarctica with vessels and itinerary options for every style and budget. This up-to-date guide culls the best tips for a comprehensive look at Antarctica travel today.
-
Things to Do in Antarctica
Learn about things to do in Antarctica, and how our experts can help you achieve your bucket list activities. Antarctica has so much to offer and our small ship cruise lines focus on experiencing the White Continent in an active, up-close way; here we explain how.
-
Places in Antarctica
Learn more about the Antarctica landscape with our guide to places in Antarctica. Select your regions as a starting point for booking your perfect Antarctica trip, with the knowledge of our experts.
Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Cruise
View All Antarctica Cruises
Save up to 15%
South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari
A penguin-centered wildlife safari with myriad activity options
Save up to 10%
+1
Penguins of the Far South: Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica
Penguin-focused Peninsula, Falklands and South Georgia
Save up to 10%
+1
Antarctic Explorer
A season-long Peninsula expedition with unique heli and paddleboard options
Our experts will save you hours.
A single conversation with us is worth hours of internet scrolling. Find your next best trip with ease, then book with the confidence of our 20+ year experience.
