Emperor Penguin Quest
Expedition to Snow Hill — a focused 14-day attempt to reach one of Antarctica’s most remote emperor penguin colonies aboard Ultramarine.
Why we picked it
This is the clearest specialist choice in the EA range for travellers whose overriding priority is seeing emperor penguins at Snow Hill.
Quark pioneered commercial visits to the colony in 2004. Ultramarine’s two helicopters make an attempt possible when sea ice stops the ship well short of the island, while five planned days in the Weddell Sea give the team a realistic operating window.
The voyage is designed around one difficult wildlife goal rather than a standard Peninsula circuit.
Quark limits this departure to 150 guests and carries additional expedition staff for the Snow Hill operation.
Ice, visibility and wind can prevent or shorten colony access. No operator can guarantee a landing at Snow Hill.
The Expedition Advisory difference
Why book this voyage with us?
Choose your voyage and cabin with confidence. We’ll help with the rest of your journey.
Operator Pricing
You pay the expedition operator’s fare. We check applicable offers and promotions for your voyage. Our advice and booking support cost you nothing extra.
Independent Advice
Compare this voyage with other Antarctic options. We match the ship, season and cabin to your priorities. We search all available itineraries from our partner operators, including voyages not listed on our website.
Field Experience
Our polar guiding experience helps you understand the crossing, time ashore and daily expedition life before you choose.
Beyond the Cruise
Your trip overview brings together recommended flight routes, buffer days, travel and packing tips. You can also book a hotel and transfer package through us.
Personal advice · No obligation · No advisory fees
Voyage overview
Begin with an included Buenos Aires hotel night, fly by private charter to Ushuaia, then cross the Drake Passage and enter the Weddell Sea for the Snow Hill attempt.
Day-by-day plan
The sequence is deliberately flexible. The captain and expedition leader continuously adjust to sea ice, weather and helicopter operating conditions.
Arrive in Buenos Aires
Make your own way to Quark’s group hotel. The pre-expedition night and breakfast are included in the flight and hotel package.
Charter flight to Ushuaia and embark
Fly south with the group, transfer into central Ushuaia and board Ultramarine later in the day. Sailing through the Beagle Channel marks the start of the expedition.
Cross the Drake Passage
Meet the expedition team, attend briefings and watch for albatrosses and petrels as the ship crosses the Southern Ocean.
Enter the Weddell Sea
Navigate through Antarctic Sound towards the eastern side of the Peninsula. Ice briefings and expert presentations prepare you for the operation ahead.
Weddell Sea and the Snow Hill quest
The ship works as close to Snow Hill as the sea ice allows. When conditions permit, groups fly by helicopter to a safe landing point and continue on foot across the sea ice towards the colony. The team’s goal is one colony visit for every guest.
While others are ashore, the programme can include Zodiac cruising, ice exploration, paddle-on-top kayaking, presentations and observation of ship and weather operations. If the colony cannot be reached, possible alternatives include Brown Bluff, Devil Island, Hope Bay, Paulet Island and Seymour Island.
Return across the Drake Passage
Head north with time for wildlife watching, lectures and a final review of the expedition before reaching Tierra del Fuego.
Ushuaia and Buenos Aires
Disembark after breakfast and take the included group charter flight back to Buenos Aires.
Dates & departures
Three published departures cover the 2026–27 and 2027–28 seasons. We confirm live cabin availability and the exact fare for your chosen cabin.
2026–27 season
| Dates | Programme | Ship |
|---|---|---|
| 3–16 November 2026 | 14 days · Buenos Aires return | Ultramarine |
| 15–28 November 2026 | 14 days · Buenos Aires return | Ultramarine |
2027–28 season
| Dates | Programme | Ship |
|---|---|---|
| 16–29 November 2027 | 14 days · Buenos Aires return | Ultramarine |
Dates, cabins and your quote
Ask us for the current fare, available cabins and applicable offers for your chosen departure.
Life aboard Ultramarine
Ultramarine accommodates up to 199 guests. Its observation lounge, restaurant, library and wellness spaces complement a purpose-built expedition layout, with ready rooms, a water-level Zodiac hangar and two helicopters.
Ultramarine: built for polar exploration
Official Quark Expeditions film.
Snow Hill and the emperor penguins
Official Quark Expeditions ship film.
Choose your cabin
Compare the categories below, then ask us about the best location and layout for you. Images are representative; individual cabins can vary. Availability and sole-use options depend on the departure.
Explorer Triple
26.5 m² · Deck 3
Three single beds and a picture window; a shared option for solo travellers or groups.
More photos and layout
Explorer Suite
26.5 m² · Deck 3
Twin or double beds, picture window and a sitting area.
More photos and layout
Balcony Suite
21 m² + 4.8 m² balcony
A private balcony and twin or double sleeping arrangement.
More photos and layout
Deluxe Balcony Suite
27.8 m² + 6.5 m² balcony
More living space, with both bathtub and shower.
More photos and layout
Solo Panorama
12.3 m² · Deck 6
A single bed and floor-to-ceiling window for a traveller wanting their own space.
More photos and layout
Terrace Suite
32.5 m² + 9.3 m² balcony
A wide layout and a particularly generous private balcony.
More photos and layout
Owner’s Suite
41.4 m² + 4.3 m² balcony
A separate bedroom, living areas and additional powder room.
More photos and layout
Ultra Suite
52.3 m² + 4.3 m² balcony
The largest category, with separate bedroom, extensive living space and storage.
More photos and layout
Penthouse Suite
34.3 m² + 6.2 m² balcony · Deck 7
A spacious upper-deck option near the wellness facilities.
More photos and layout
What the voyage includes
Included
- Expedition accommodationYour selected cabin and onboard meals during the voyage.
- Guided explorationExpedition presentations, planned Zodiac excursions and shore visits, subject to conditions.
- FlightseeingTwo helicopter flightseeing excursions and one helicopter landing are planned for this expedition, subject to safe operating conditions.
Budget separately
- Mandatory travel packageThe Buenos Aires hotel night, group charter flights and specified transfers are included in the expedition package shown by Quark.
- International travelInternational flights to and from Buenos Aires, independent airport-to-hotel transfer and additional hotel stays.
- Personal and optional costsTravel insurance, optional activities and other personal expenses; confirm gratuities and beverage terms in your quote.
Let’s find your expedition
Tell us your wishes, dates and questions. We’ll help you choose with confidence.
Voyage information
Details checked 6 September 2026 against the official Quark Expeditions itinerary. Photographs and films are credited to their respective operators and photographers. Ask Expedition Advisory for the current programme and booking terms.