Into the Weddell Sea: in search of the Emperor penguin
Leave the tourist routes far behind & prepare for an imperial encounter. The emperor penguin breeds further south than any other penguin species, in the icy heart of Antarctica. Their colonies are found in areas that are so remote and inaccessible that few have ever set foot there. Yet, with us, you can.
Operation & procedures
Utilizing the helicopter-carrying capabilities of m/v Ortelius, we are able to venture beyond the constraints of the ice and attempt to land on Snow Hill Island via helicopter transfer, within walking distance of the emperor penguin colony.
Our expedition vessel m/v Ortelius boasts a very high ice-class and robust design for her past career as an oceanographic research vessel. She is very suitable for operating in the ice of the Weddell Sea, where Snow Hill Island lies, shielded by ice, far from any hint of civilization. Here, a colony of emperor penguins can be found, gathering to breed and raise their chicks in scenes plucked straight from Planet Earth.
This is heavily dependent on local weather and ice conditions. However, we strive to venture beyond the standard of expedition cruising in Antarctica and deliver something truly unique and unforgettable at the uttermost edges of the world. Although not guaranteed, in recent seasons, our success rate of landing on Snow Hill Island has been consistent. We were successful in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023, and 2024. Both 2020 and 2021 were impacted by the global COVID-19 pandemic, and no expeditions were undertaken.
However, we cannot guarantee a Snow Hill Landing with 100% accuracy. We place the safety of our crews and guests above anything else, especially regarding highly dynamic activities such as the use of helicopters to reach otherwise inaccessible landing sites. Therefore, we will not attempt to land on Snow Hill Island in unsafe conditions. This decision will be made by the captain and expedition leader.
In addition to landing on Snow Hill Island, we also stand a good chance of observing individual emperors on the edge of the pack ice. During our expedition cruises into the Weddell Sea, wildlife will be announced by the bridge and expedition teams, who will be on constant alert for the presence of emperor penguins and other Antarctic species.
In search of the Emperor penguin
Our Weddell Sea voyages offer the chance of embarking on an especially beautiful and atmospheric journey to one of the most iconic and far-flung places on Earth. During voyages into the Weddell Sea aboard m/v Ortelius, we carry up to three helicopters. These are used strictly to facilitate landings on locations otherwise inaccessible by ship.
Individual Emperor penguins are regularly sighted during Weddell Sea voyages, regardless of whether helicopters are carried. Helicopters provide the only way to land on Snow Hill Island safely. If the ice, wind, and sea conditions are favorable, we will strive to offer helicopter transfers to the emperor penguin rookery of 4,000 breeding pairs.
General information, questions & answers
Are the emperor penguin voyages long and expensive?
We offer short voyages to a more accessible Emperor penguin colony in the Weddell Sea. This emperor penguin colony was discovered just south of Snow Hill Island several years ago. As the Weddell Sea is often clogged with heavy pack-ice, we use our strongest ice-class vessel capable of carrying helicopters, Ortelius, to reach this colony. The use of helicopters adds additional cost to the running of this specific trip. As a company, we attempt to keep prices competitive and accessible.
Do helicopters disturb the wildlife?
Helicopters do have the potential to disturb wildlife. It is prohibited to disturb any wildlife in Antarctica. We therefore stay away from any wildlife with our helicopters and land on the pack ice, far enough away from animals to prevent any disturbance. You will then walk a short distance to the penguin colony.
How often do we fly in helicopters?
Helicopters will be used to facilitate transfers between the ship and landing sites that are otherwise inaccessible. There are no set numbers as this is a dynamic and highly localized situation.
How close will we get to the emperor penguins?
You will view the emperor penguins from a short but respectful distance. Foremost, we aim to avoid disturbing all wildlife and follow the regulations of the IAATO, the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators. These regulations are strict, but necessary. With this, we can be sure not to have a negative influence on the animals.
Will I get seasick?
This depends very much on the individual. Not everybody is prone to seasickness. Our experience is that only a small percentage of the passengers get sick on any trip, and most of these people are fine after a day or so at sea. If you feel that you are particularly susceptible to seasickness, then it is a good idea to talk to your local doctor. Bring enough motion-sickness medication and be sure to have eaten enough and feel rested.
Do I need special Antarctic clothing?
As it can be quite cold in the Weddell Sea, warm clothing is essential. Waterproof trousers and jacket against wind, rain, and salt spray coming into the zodiac. Furthermore, thermal underwear, fleece jackets, warm gloves, and a warm hat. A down jacket will make staying on the ice near the penguin colony more comfortable. Rubber boots for landings are also needed but are provided on board. Waterproof outer layers are essential and must be worn. Feel free to have a look at our packing list.
