Weddell Sea

Be part of a true expedition voyage as you cruise into an area of amazing wildlife and huge tabular icebergs.

The Weddell Sea extents far south and is therefore under the direct influence of the very cold Antarctic Continental Climate. The continental borders of the Weddell Sea are formed by huge floating sheets of ice. These ice-shelves produce the huge tabular ice-bergs that are so abundant in the Weddell Sea. Scientists have declared the waters of the Weddell Sea to be the clearest water of any sea on Earth. The clarity of the water is on par with distilled water.

The Weddell Sea is frequented by a large number of Orcas, Humpback, and Minke Whales as well as Leopard, Weddell, and Crabeater Seals. The area is also home to a large number of penguins, namely the Adelie Penguins - who have a colony of more than 100,000 breeding pairs - which nest on Paulet Island.  Recently a colony of Emperor Penguins was also found nearby on Snowhill Island.

The Weddell Sea was discovered by the British sealer James Weddell in 1823.

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Cruises to the Weddell Sea

Remote Weddell Sea Explorer incl. South Georgia - South Sandwich Islands - Neuschwabenland - Larsen Ice Shelf - Paulet and Devil Island - Elephant Island, incl. helicopters

This expansive voyage explores one of the most remote, scenic, wildlife-filled regions on Earth: the great Weddell Sea

OTL30-25 This adventurous expedition explores one of the least-visited areas on Earth, Antarctica’s amazing Weddell Sea. After visiting some of the same sites legendary explorer Ernest Shackleton’s charted in South Georgia, we’ll enjoy the Weddell’s exotic wildlife...

m/v Ortelius

m/v Ortelius

Cruise date:

11 Feb - 10 Mar, 2025

Berths start from:

24700 USD

Antarctica - Elephant Island - Weddell Sea - Polar Circle

Venture beyond the polar circle, visiting some of Antarctica’s most wildlife-filled waters and islands

PLA31-25 This expansive expedition takes you into the Antarctic Circle, combining the rich animal life of the Weddell Sea with the surreal shores and islands of the Antarctic Peninsula. Such key landing sites as the legendary Elephant Island and Crystal Sound...

m/v Plancius

m/v Plancius

Cruise date:

9 Mar - 23 Mar, 2025

Berths start from:

10500 USD

Weddell Sea – In search of the Emperor Penguin, incl. helicopters

Searching for the elusive Emperor penguins

OTL22-25 A true expedition, our Weddell Sea cruise sets out to explore the range of the Emperor Penguins near Snow Hill Island. We will visit the area via helicopter and see a variety of other birds and penguins including Adélies and Gentoos.

m/v Ortelius

m/v Ortelius

Cruise date:

11 Nov - 21 Nov, 2025

Berths start from:

12900 USD

Weddell Sea – In search of the Emperor Penguin, incl. helicopters

Searching for the elusive Emperor penguins

OTL23-25 A true expedition, our Weddell Sea cruise sets out to explore the range of the Emperor Penguins near Snow Hill Island. We will visit the area via helicopter and see a variety of other birds and penguins including Adélies and Gentoos.

m/v Ortelius

m/v Ortelius

Cruise date:

21 Nov - 1 Dec, 2025

Berths start from:

12900 USD

Remote Weddell Sea Explorer incl. South Georgia - South Sandwich Islands - Neuschwabenland - Larsen Ice Shelf - Paulet and Devil Island - Elephant Island, incl. helicopters

This expansive voyage explores one of the most remote, scenic, wildlife-filled regions on Earth: the great Weddell Sea

OTL29a26 This adventurous expedition explores one of the least-visited areas on Earth, Antarctica’s amazing Weddell Sea. After visiting some of the same sites legendary explorer Ernest Shackleton’s charted in South Georgia, we’ll enjoy the Weddell’s exotic wildlife...

m/v Ortelius

m/v Ortelius

Cruise date:

22 Jan - 18 Feb, 2026

Berths start from:

26500 USD

Video

Latest blog and customer story

Blog

Fourth consecutive Snow Hill landing

We’re thrilled to report we made our fourth consecutive landing at the emperor penguin colony on Snow Hill Island last Friday.

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Customer story

A helicopter flight over Antarctica

Dutch journalist Gemma Venhuizen embarked on the m/v Ortelius during the Weddell Sea cruise ‘In search of the emperor penguins – including helicopters’. Flying over the Antarctic Peninsula was a dream coming true.

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Latest highlight and wildlife

Map of

Weddell Sea photo

Weddell Sea cruise reviews

by Karl Novak
Not fond of ocean wave movement but by the third day I was doing much better. The sights were beyond spectacular…and being among Emperor penguins was magical. The weather was perfect, the staff and crew were exceptional, the food amazing and the total experience was beyond my expectations! Was thinking a “once and done” but now contemplating my next trip down again! Can’t recommend Oceanwide and the Ortelius enough! Thanks for the trip of a lifetime!!!!
by JENNIFER SCHWARZ
Amazing trip overall, Drake lake on the way out, spectacular scenery, exciting sailing surrounded by ice, the first ship into the Weddell Sea thanks to Capt Per and the visit to the emperor penguin colony on a hot, sunny day--even the penguins were too hot and were lying on the ice( we weren't allowed! ) followed by visits to other penguin colonies just as fascinating. Expedition crew worked to hard to give us the best experience. All the lecturers were interesting and accomplished. Drake passage also kind on return. fabulous!
by Luis Alcaraz
The Xperience was breathtaking, incredible, magnific. The penguin colonies visits, the navigation through Weddell Sea, the Emperor Penguin Xperience including helicopter, really unique. All the staff very proffessional, competent and kind. But, with the price of the Expedition, should you invoice 2 € for the seasickness pills? Best regards
by Siegfried Rotter
Gerne wieder
by Sylvia Walentin
Great Adventures!
by Andrea Attwenger
Going to Antarctica was a big big BIG dream of mine - and what can I say, it was magnificent. Antarctica feels so incredible and otherwordly, it's like Drake Passage is a vortex taking you through time and space to another planet or dimension. I chose the "Antarctica - Elephant Island - Weddell Sea - Polar Circle" voyage simply because it was one of the longest ones still in my budget and I have no regrets - I loved seeing different kinds of landscape. All the guides told us that we were incredibly lucky with the weather and the wildlife - but I also know we were lucky because of the passion and expertise of the Oceanwide team. Everyone involved - from the expedition leader and guides to the captain and his officers to the hotel staff - worked tirelessly to give us our best possible experience in Antarctica. I always thought this would be a once-in-a-lifetime trip. It definitely was, but also: I kind of want to go back now... - in the meantime I'll check out Oceanwide's offers in the Arctic.

Weddell Sea FAQ

You can see enormous amounts of animals in and around the Weddell Sea such as  Adelie penguins, Emperor penguins, Weddell seals and Orca. 

The Weddell Sea has a big impact on the local climate. The area typically has strong surface winds, and this carries strong winds into the mountains and lower latitudes. These winds also have an impact on the South Atlantic Ocean because they tend to push ice into this area. The Antarctic Bottom Water of the Weddell Sea usually ranges from -0,8 to 0 degrees Celsius (31.8 to 32 degrees Fahrenheit), but surface temperatures are generally below freezing.

The western Weddell Sea (the Antarctic Peninsula) is experiencing warming conditions and decreasing sea ice while in the eastern Weddell Sea, sea ice has been increasing over the past few decades contributing significantly to an overall increase in Southern Ocean sea ice extent.  

Although we may not be able to reach the emperor penguin rookery of Snow Hill Island in the Weddell Sea (less than 50% chance) we have good chances to observe individual emperors on the edge if the pack-ice.

The Weddell Sea is located between the land boundaries of the Antarctic Peninsula to the west and Coats Land to the east. When you travel to the Weddell Sea region, your cruise will take you through territorial areas that have been claimed by Britain, Argentina and Chile. Most of the Weddell Sea is covered in dense sea ice all year around and only the northwestern part can be visited by ships.

The Weddell Sea takes up an area that is approximately 2.8 million square km (1.1 ×106 square miles). The widest part of the Weddell Sea is 2,000 km (1,200 miles). 

James Weddell is believed to be the first person to discover and explore what would eventually become known as the Weddell Sea. Weddell and his crew reached the area in 1823, after mistaking some icebergs for land. 

About

Weddell Sea Weather

The eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula (where the Weddell Sea is located) is known for its wild weather. At its warmest you can expect temperatures around 0°C. What you really have to dress for on your Weddell Sea cruise is the winds which can howl through the area to carry away your body heat.

If you scroll one third of the way down this page you’ll find a handy guide to help you pack for your trip.

Facts about The Weddell Sea

  • The majority of the southern part of the Weddell Sea is permanently covered by sea ice.
  • The Weddell Sea is the body of water that sits to the east of the arm that is the Antarctic Peninsula and the main body of the continent.
  • The Weddell Sea (along with the Antarctic Peninsula) is the most diverse area for marine life in the Antarctic region. The food chain starts with the massive amounts of krill that are found in the waters.
  • The Weddell Sea as a whole is claimed by both Britain and Argentina, and Chile also claims a portion of the area.
  • The Weddell Sea is named after James Waddell who, on the Jane and the Beaufoy, was the first to be able to sail into the area in 1823.
  • There are over 200 species of fish in the area, including the Channichthyidae which are known as “bloodless fishes.”
  • The Weddell Sea is said to have the clearest water of all the seas in the world.

Travel to the Weddell Sea

Heading to the east of the Antarctic Peninsula, your Weddell Sea expedition takes you to an area of amazing wildlife depth and diversification despite the harsh conditions. On your cruise including the Weddell Sea you’ll have the chance to encounter whales, seals, birds, and thousands of penguins, all of which have adapted to the remarkably difficult yet beautiful environment.

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