Emperor Penguin Quest: Expedition to Snow Hill
Expedition Overview
Emperor Penguin Quest: Expedition to Snow Hill
Our successes at Snow Hill Island, especially in November 2023 when we reached the legendary Emperor penguin colony on two separate voyages, were the culmination of three decades of polar expertise—
and our unrivalled track record in bringing guests to the rarely visited Emperor colony.
We made polar history in 2004 when we became the first operator to reach the 8,000–strong Emperor penguin rookery. Our Expedition Team—the most experienced in the industry—has landed more guests
on hard-to-reach Snow Hill Island than anyone else.
We also attribute our recent Snow Hill successes to our technologically–advanced ship Ultramarine, which was built for this type of expedition.
The vessel is equipped with two twin–engine helicopters that fly guests to the vicinity of this rarely–visited rookery.Anticipate scenes reminiscent of “March of the Penguins” and BBC’s “Frozen Planet.”
Just imagine the penguins tobogganing across the ice towards the sea.
You, too, can witness Snow Hill’s majestic moments alongside more than 4,000 pairs of breeding Emperor penguins and their chicks while exploring the eastern peninsula of the magical 7th Continent.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Explore with the expedition team that has an unrivalled track record in bringing guests to Snow Hill Island
- Embrace the expeditionary spirit on a quest to reach the colony of thousands of pairs of Emperor penguins and their chicks
- Spend up to five days in the vicinity of Snow Hill Island to maximize the Weddell Sea experience
- Travel aboard our technologically-advanced Ultramarine, enjoying the sauna or one of the ship’s many other onboard amenities
- Enjoy the intimacy of traveling on a ship with a reduced capacity of 150 guests
- Benefit from a high staff-to-guest ratio – one expedition team member for every four guests
- Learn from polar experts during our enhanced onboard education program
- Experience helicopter sightseeing and Zodiac cruising for unique perspectives of the Antarctic Peninsula
Itinerary
DAY 1 | ARRIVE IN BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
Upon arriving in this fascinating city, known for its architecture and rich European heritage, you will independently transfer to your group hotel, which is included in your Charter Flight & Hotel Package.
DAY 2 | FLY TO USHUAIA & EMBARK
After an early breakfast at the hotel, your group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina.
Upon arrival, you will be transferred from the airport to a central downtown location to enjoy time on your own to explore quaint Ushuaia—the world’s southernmost city—before making your way to the pier.
After a late afternoon embarkation, you will 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 you depart—the next land you see will be the Antarctic.
DAYS 3 & 4 | CROSSING THE DRAKE PASSAGE
The unpredictable and exciting Drake Passage, which lies at the confluence of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Southern oceans, is an adventure unto itself. While being well taken care of by our expert onboard staff and expedition team, you’ll have plenty of time to gaze out at the expansive ocean waters, photograph seabirds as they swoop around the ship, and get to know your Expedition Team and fellow travelers.
DAY 5 | NAVIGATING INTO THE WEDDELL SEA
Onboard presentations by world-respected experts will enrich your polar quest, conveying what it was like a century ago for the brave polar heroes who embraced the unknown. You’ll also learn more about the ice-dwelling Emperor penguins.
DAYS 6–10 | WEDDELL SEA AND THE QUEST TO LAND AT SNOW HILL
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 Ultramarine can get to Snow Hill Island, then our twin-engine helicopters will take over.
Like summitting a mountain from base camp, parties will set out from Ultramarine toward 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. You will be able to observe close up how the Emperor penguins behave as a tight-knit community, how they care for their young, and how they body surf across the ice in a way that can only be described as quirky yet efficient.
And while at base on Ultramarine 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 our 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 our 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 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 Ultramarine’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 us from visiting the colony or shorten the duration of our visit, we 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.
DAYS 11–13 | CRUISING
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 your Expedition Team, and celebrate the experiences you’ve shared getting off the beaten track in the remarkable world of Antarctica.
DAY 14 | DISEMBARK IN USHUAIA AND FLY TO BUENOS AIRES
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. Your Charter Flight & Hotel Package includes a tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park for a taste of Patagonia, after which you’ll transfer to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires.
EXPEDITION SPIRIT
Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. Throughout the voyage your Expedition Team must consider the sea, ice, and weather to guide the route and itinerary details.
This itinerary is a proposed outline of what you may experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed. Your visit to the remote Emperor penguin colony at Snow Hill as described is expected, but not guaranteed. Your Expedition Team will use their considerable experience in Antarctica to ensure you witness various wildlife species and ice formations on route to Snow Hill Island.
Ultramarine was built for this type of expedition
- This voyage leverages the best elements of Ultramarine’s unique design and extraordinary expedition-focused features.
- Our best-in-class H145 twin-engine helicopters are utilized for their added range and passenger capacity, allowing us to shuttle guests to the landing area in a short period of time. Our helicopters are equipped with noisereduction technology that minimizes impact on wildlife.
- Ultramarine’s 1A+ PC6 ice class allows her to safely and confidently navigate several kinds of Antarctic waters and ice conditions, allowing the ship to venture further into remote regions of the Antarctic.
- The water-level Zodiac hangars enable quick-deploy Zodiac cruising, allowing us to enrich the guest experience and make the most of our time in the Weddell Sea.
Arrival and Departure Details, and International Flight Planning
Arrival Day & Embarkation
DAY 1 — ARRIVING IN BUENOS AIRES AND HOTEL NIGHT
Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, you will make your way to the included group hotel. A presentation room will be open from 12 pm to 8 pm for luggage weighing and tagging. A Quark Expeditions representative will be available to answer your questions and give information about the next day’s flight and ship embarkation. After an early breakfast the following morning, your group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world.
DAY 2 — USHUAIA & EMBARKATION.
In Ushuaia your Charter Flight & Hotel Package will provide some free time to explore this quaint port town, and also (when flight schedules allow) a tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park. Note: The tour (if available) may take place on either the embarkation or disembarkation day.
We will transfer the group to the ship for embarkation around 4 pm.
Final Day & Departure
DISEMBARKATION IN USHUAIA
The ship is scheduled to arrive back at the pier in Ushuaia between 7 am and 8 am. After breakfast you will bid farewell to your Expedition Team before completing your disembarkation. This process takes approximately one hour.
DEPARTING FROM BUENOS AIRES
Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, you may be able to connect directly with your homeward flight, as we will land at Ministro Pistarini International Airport (also known as Ezeiza International Airport, EZE) at 5 pm. Please allow a minimum of three hours between our charter arrival and your international departure. We recommend four hours.
If your plans will take you onward in South America, please check your flight schedule to confirm your connection before booking. Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, you may need to transfer from the international airport (EZE) to the domestic airport, Jorge Newbery (also known as Aeroparque, AEP), which is located about a one-hour drive away under normal traffic conditions. If you must transfer between airports on the final day of the voyage, you can choose to use the efficient airport shuttle service, Manuel Tienda León, or take a remis (a pre-paid taxi booked inside the airport). As traffic can add time to the commute, we recommend that you allow at least five hours between flights arriving and departing from the different airports in Buenos Aires to allow for transit, checkin, and security clearance.
For the absolute safest travel plans, we recommend that you book an extra hotel night in Buenos Aires between flights.
Please Note.
Included Hotel Accommodations: Your included accommodation begins on Day 1 of your itinerary. The specific hotel will be indicated on your final voyage confirmation. If you are arriving prior to Day 1 of your expedition or are staying after the disembarkation day and would like help booking a pre- or post-stay, please contact us for hotel options.
As accommodation space is limited, you are encouraged to request any extra nights as early as possible.
Weather conditions may occasionally delay our arrival, and airline schedule changes have also been known to occur in Argentina. Booking flexible tickets is always encouraged, as we cannot be held responsible for delays due to unforeseen circumstances.
Arrival and Departure Transfers
BUENOS AIRES AIRPORT TRANSFERS
Arrival transfers from your international flights in Buenos Aires are not included.
The flight details should be provided at least 30 days prior to traveling.
Your Ship
ULTRAMARINE
The technologically-advanced Ultramarine is designed to go beyond the familiar in polar exploration, to immerse guests in parts of the Polar Regions where few humans have ever set foot.
Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters and 20 quick-launching Zodiacs, Ultramarine offers the most off-ship adventure activities in the industry. Guests can enjoy two restaurants (Balena and Bistro 487), Tundra Spa, a sauna-with floor-to-ceiling windows, spacious suites and abundant wildlife-viewing spaces.
Ultramarine also features advanced sustainability systems—which exceed all industry standards.
Ultramarine is perfectly designed to deliver the ultimate polar expedition experience.
SHIP SPECFICATIONS:
- Staff & Crew: 140
- Guests: 199
- Lifeboats: 4 fully enclosed
- Ice Class: PC6
Included Activities
These are included in your trip package.
Ready for a little adventure beyond your ship? Each Quark Expeditions voyage offers a variety of immersive off–ship activities to enhance your polar experience.
FLIGHTSEEING
While polar landscapes are spectacular from the sea, they are even more striking from the air. On board Ultramarine you will experience remarkable aerial perspectives on a 10- to 15-minute flightseeing excursion included in the cost of your voyage.
ZODIAC CRUISING
Zodiacs—rugged inflatable watercraft— are the workhorses of polar expeditions, taking you to places the ships can’t access, allowing you to reach remote shorelines, explore shallow inlets and search for unique wildlife.
Expedition staff make stepping in and out of them safe and comfortable, and your Zodiac drivers will provide active interpretation, making the landscape come even more alive.
HIKING
Hiking in Antarctica is free-form and supervised by our expert staff, who set out a perimeter or paths at each landing site within which you are free to explore. While you hike, staff will be available to enhance your experience by answering questions about the wildlife, history and geography of the area.
PRESENTATIONS
Enjoy daily chats with and presentations by our world-class onboard polar
experts—expedition guides, specialists, photography guides and other special guests who will introduce you to the fascinating history, biology, ornithology, glaciology and geology of the region, and much, much more.
POLAR PLUNGE
This rite of passage, scheduled only once per expedition, gives you the chance to jump safely into the bracing Antarctic waters under the watchful eye of our staff—and just about every single camera on board!
PHOTOGRAPHY
Documenting your voyage so you can take the memories home is a rewarding experience. Our photography guide will help you hone your skills to capture the beauty of the polar regions.
Adventure Options
Extra-cost activities that must be pre-booked.
PADDLING EXCURSION
If you’re interested in kayaking but would like to try something a bit less demanding than Sea Kayaking, you’re the perfect candidate to sign up for a one-time paddle on our stable sit-ontop kayaks—perfect for anyone with minimal or no kayaking experience.
Small groups of paddlers will be taken out on calm days, with our expert guides always present to provide instruction and help you connect with the polar sea. Pre-book into one of two priority groups. Any subsequent excursions can be booked on board, and groups will be assigned via a lottery as spaces are limited.
STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDING
Combining a surfboard with a kayak, stand-up paddleboarding will give you a very personal and unique perspective on Antarctica. Conducted in small groups—in calm bays and harbors, in good weather conditions—and accompanied by a safety Zodiac, one-time stand-up paddleboarding excursions can be pre-booked into one of two priority groups. Any subsequent excursions can be booked on board, and groups will be assigned via a lottery.
Please Note.
Pre-booking is required for all paid activities. We recommend booking early, as spaces fill quickly.
Departure Dates
Itinerary 14 Days
November 3-16, 2026
November 15-28, 2026
November 16-29, 2027
Starting from
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Ship
Ultramarine
Raise a Glass and Stay Connected
See below for specifics on our complimentary Wi-Fi and bar service.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Inclusions
RATES INCLUDE:
For all voyages:
- An official Quark Expeditions parka to keep
- Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Team, including shore landings and other activities
- All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program
- All shore landings as per the daily program
- Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
- All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage.
- Complimentary select beer, wines and select cocktails during bar service hours and dinner
- Complimentary coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
- Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
- A photographic journal documenting your expedition
- A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
- Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
- Ocean Explorer guests enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi service on one device permitting basic Internet browsing, email, posting on social media and voice applications. World Explorer guests will receive a free 1GB data card for limited Wi-Fi access. (Premium packages are available for more data- intensive applications.)
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
- All luggage handling aboard the ship
- A group arrival transfer in Punta Arenas from airport to pre-expedition hotel on Day 1
- One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas with breakfast. (Note: The number of guests per room is the same as cabin occupancy on the ship. Due to limited availability, travelers who reserve a suite on board are accommodated in standard rooms at the hotel. Triple rooms may not be available.)
- A briefing dinner on Day 1 in Punta Arenas
- A pre-expedition group transfer in Punta Arenas from the hotel to the airport
- Flights to and from King George Island
- A post-expedition group transfer in Punta Arenas from the airport to the hotel
- One night’s post-expedition hotel accommodation (with breakfast) in Punta Arenas, as well as luggage storage.
Exclusions
RATES SPECIFICALLY DO NOT INCLUDE:
For all voyages:
- International airfare
- Passport and applicable visa expenses
- Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned
- Meals unless otherwise specified
- Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
- Our complimentary alcohol and bar service does not include spirits
- Excess-baggage fees on international and domestic flights
- Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac landing and cruising excursions, or any other gear not mentioned
- Laundry, spa services and other personal charges, unless specified
- Phone charges may vary by location
- Our complimentary data card does not include Premium packages which enable more data- intensive applications
- Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for expedition staff and shipboard crew
- Additional overnight accommodation
- Arrival and departure transfers, except where explicitly stated
- Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities.
*CHARTER FLIGHT & HOTEL PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Buenos Aires with breakfast (Note: The number of guests per room is the same as cabin occupancy on the ship. Due to limited availability, travelers who reserve a suite on board are accommodated in standard rooms at the hotel. Triple rooms may not be available.)
- Group flight departing from Buenos Aires’ domestic airport (Aeroparque/AEP) to Ushuaia, and returning to Buenos Aires’ international airport (Ezeiza/EZE)
- Group transfer from hotel to airport in Buenos Aires
- Group transfer from Ushuaia airport to the ship, and return (Note: Transfer on arrival in Buenos Aires from airport to hotel at the beginning of the journey is not included. Please make your way to the included hotel.)
- Combined airport transfer and express bus tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park after disembarkation in Ushuaia
Your Expedition Team
In 2004, the Quark Expeditions team became the first to visit the Emperor penguin colony at Snow Hill Island. Since then, our Expedition Team has brought more people to Snow Hill than anyone else in the industry. In 2023 alone, they succeeded in bringing 208 guests to Snow Hill on two separate voyages. They were led by veteran Expedition Leader Shane Evoy, who has made 19 successful Snow Hill landings in his career—perhaps more than anyone else on the planet.
Our Expedition Leaders and their teams bring diverse expertise in subjects as varied as polar history, marine biology, glaciology, ornithology and photography. Their knowledge and enthusiasm will greatly enhance your immersion into the polar environment and further deepen your connection to the Antarctic.
With over 34 years of experience bringing passengers to remote polar regions and an industry-leading staff-to-guest ratio, we know how to safely handle the unexpected. Ensuring this hard-earned experience is passed on, all our expedition staff receive comprehensive training in Quark Academy, which provides hands-on polar expedition training prior to any staff member’s first voyage as well as ongoing training for experienced staff.
Raise a Glass and Stay Connected
See below for specifics on our complimentary Wi-Fi and bar service.
Meals on Board
If there is one constant on board, it is that you’ll enjoy delicious meals daily. While meal times may change due to landings and wildlife sightings, you’ll always be served three well-prepared meals per day. Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated by letting us know prior to your expedition.
Breakfasts and lunches are normally served buffet style, while dinners are served plated. À la carte meals are made at the time of your order, allowing our chefs to prepare each dish to your individual needs, ensuring you receive top-quality meals during the course of your expedition.
Complimentary coffee, tea, cocoa and water stations are available around the clock, while soft drinks and juices are available during meals and when the bar is open—all included in the cost of your package.
Enjoy complimentary select beer, wines and select cocktails during bar service hours and dinner as part of our “Raise a Glass and Stay Connected Free” program. Premium wines and champagne are available at extra cost and can be billed to your shipboard account. The well-stocked bars on the ship are open late morning, afternoon and evening, though hours may occasionally change to accommodate the expedition schedule.
Alternative Landing Sites
BROWN BLUFF
Brown Bluff, an immense cliff of volcanic rock, towers 2,225 feet (678 meters) over rookeries of Adélie and gentoo penguins, some of which will be incubating their eggs.
DEVIL ISLAND
The Swedish Antarctic Expedition of 1901-04 discovered the narrow island, which is 1 mile (1.6 km) long and has a low summit at each end.
HOPE BAY
Three members of the Swedish Antarctic Expedition (1901-04) spent the winter in a hut on the shores of Hope Bay. The hut is located close to the jetty of Esperanza Station, an Argentine research station.
PAULET ISLAND
Located in the northwestern Weddell Sea, Paulet Island is home to a large Adélie penguin rookery. With a volcanic cone that rises 1,158 feet (353 meters), the island reminds you that this was once a very active landscape. In addition to penguins, you may be interested in visiting a historic hut built by members of the Swedish Antarctic Expedition of 1901-04. A cross marks the gravesite of crew member Ole Wennersgaard.
SEYMOUR ISLAND
Northeast of Snow Hill Island is a smaller island that was originally mistaken for a cape. Seymour Island is significant for fossil finds and for the remains of the KT Boundary, which marks the transition between the Cretaceous Period (dinosaurs and reptiles) and the Tertiary Period (mammals) of geological times. This era is known for the mass extinction of many forms of life, including dinosaurs.
What to pack on your Antarctic expedition
WHAT TO BRING
Packing for the Polar Regions doesn’t have to be daunting, and to make it easier for you, all Quark Expeditions voyages include a Quark parka to keep, and a loan of insulated waterproof boots. Additional suggested items include:
BY SEA
All transfers ship to shore and Zodiac/ship cruising.
Waterproof pants (mandatory for every Zodiac ride)
Base-layer wool or synthetic top*
Base-layer wool or synthetic bottom*
Mid-layer warm or fleece top*
Mid-layer warm or fleece bottom*
Warm wool or synthetic socks (keep a dry pair in your bag, and bring extras for layering)
Glove liners * Hand and feet warmers* Binoculars
Waterproof gloves or mitts (bring an extra pair)
Scarf, buff, or other face protection
Warm hat that covers ears (bring an extra)
Waterproof, lightweight backpack or dry sack and/or rain sleeve for camera or a waterproof phone case (to keep camera and gear dry)
Polarized sunglasses with UV protection (consider bringing an eyewear retainer: string/clip etc.)
Ski goggles (for Zodiac cruising on snowy or windy days)
* recommended layering depending on the conditions of the day and reflecting your personal thermo-regulation comfort levels.
BY LAND (Shore Excursions and Hiking)
In addition to the gear requirements (as above) mandatory for the transit from ship to shore, it is recommended to bring:
Hat, buff or scarf (for wind and weather protection)
UV protection (sun hat, polarized sun glasses, sun block, lip balm etc.)
Collapsible walking sticks for hikes (if required)
Quantities are available to borrow on every vessel
Additional reusable (thermos-regulating) water bottle
(in addition to the reusable collapsible water bottle provided)
TO WEAR ON BOARD
The complimentary Quark 3-in-1 Parka provided on board is designed with a waterproof shell that can be worn out on deck, and a removable liner that you can wear to stay comfortable indoors)
Comfortable casual clothing like lighter shirts, pants or jeans, etc. (in case the ship gets warm)
Comfortable non-slip closed-toed, heelless shoes (flip flops, sandals or slip-on shoes should not be worn on board due to safety concerns)
Workout attire (for the fitness center)
Swimsuit for the Polar Plunge. Some vessels may also have a pool, hot tub, sauna and/or steam room. See your ship book for details.
Just a reminder: No formal evening wear required on our voyages but if you would like to bring something a little more dressy for the Captain’s welcome and farewell cocktails you may certainly do so.
ADDITIONAL ITEMS
Passport, visas, immunization records, travel documents, etc. as required
Camera gear—complete with charger, storage medium, transport and cleaning kit (lens cloth etc.) and extra batteries
Reusable waterproof bags or plastic bags with zippers (to keep small items organized and cameras dry)
Voltage converters and plug adapters (see ship book for details)
Seasickness, indigestion, headache, or other medications
Earplugs and eye masks for sleeping
Moisturizer for face and hands (skin dryness due to wind and temperature changes)
Credit card and small amount of local currency
(see pre-departure book for more details)
