Route · from Ushuaia, Argentina
A rare, early-season search for the largest penguin on Earth. Specialist voyages with very limited departures that head into the Weddell Sea towards the Snow Hill Island area in late October and November, some supported by helicopters.
10–14 days
Sail the Drake
Oct · Nov
From $22,000
Emperor penguins breed on sea ice in the depths of winter, which puts most colonies far beyond the reach of a ship. A handful of voyages each year try for the Snow Hill Island area in the Weddell Sea, where — on some departures — helicopters fly guests over the ice to walk the last stretch towards the colony.
From Ushuaia, Argentina
to Ushuaia, Argentina
to Ushuaia, Argentina
These are true expeditions. Heavy ice can stop a ship well short of its goal, and nobody can promise a sighting. We'll be candid about success rates and what happens if conditions close in, so you go with your eyes open.
Placeholder — verify durations, prices and inclusions with partner operators before launch.
Duration
- 10–14 days
- Embark: Ushuaia, Argentina
- Disembark: Ushuaia, Argentina
The Drake
- Crossed by sea (around two days each way)
- No flight segment
Wildlife
- Emperor penguins
- Adélie penguins
- Weddell seals
- Snow petrels
- Antarctic petrels
Best months
- Oct
- Nov
Tell us when, who and what you dream of seeing. One polar specialist will shortlist the right voyages, free and without obligation.