Emperor Penguin Cruise
The specialist voyage to a colony on the Weddell Sea ice.
Get Emperor Penguin QuotesThe Rarest Penguin to See From a Ship
Emperor penguins are the largest penguins on Earth and the only ones that breed on Antarctic sea ice through the dark winter. That makes them the hardest to visit. An emperor penguin cruise is a specialist voyage built around a single goal: reaching a colony on the ice of the Weddell Sea.
The colony most visited by travelers lies near Snow Hill Island, on the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula. Oceanwide Expeditions puts it at roughly 4,000 breeding pairs. The ice around it is usually too thick for ships, so voyages carry helicopters to fly guests to a landing site, followed by a walk to the colony.
How Emperor Penguin Cruises Work
Departures leave Ushuaia in the austral spring, around November and early December. After crossing the Drake, the ship heads into the Weddell Sea and works toward Snow Hill through the ice. When the captain, pilots and expedition leader judge that weather and visibility allow, guests fly in small groups to the ice and walk to watch the colony at a respectful distance.
Two operators are known for these voyages: Oceanwide Expeditions, on its ship Ortelius, and Quark Expeditions, on its helicopter-equipped Ultramarine. Departures are few each season and space goes quickly.
Odds, Honestly
This is the trip where expectations need managing most. Oceanwide says helicopter flights happen only if multi-year pack ice and weather allow, and it lists only some seasons in which guests actually reached the colony. When the flights cannot go ahead, the voyage becomes an early-season Weddell Sea and Peninsula expedition, which is still spectacular, with tabular icebergs, Adélie penguins and very few other ships.
- Treat the colony visit as a hoped-for highlight, not the only reason to go.
- Ask each operator how many helicopter days are built into the plan.
- Read the alternative program before you book, so either outcome feels worthwhile.
- Expect cold: early-season temperatures on the sea ice are lower than on summer Peninsula trips.
Preparing for the Ice
Fitness
Walks on snow and sea ice to and from the landing site. See the Explorer Cruising expedition fitness guide.
Clothing
Warmer layers than a mid-summer voyage, wind protection and good gloves.
Cameras
Batteries drain fast in the cold; carry spares close to your body.
Rules
Wildlife distances follow IAATO guidance, so stay where the guides place you.
Penguin lovers who cannot join an emperor voyage will find huge king penguin colonies on South Georgia cruises, and other wildlife-focused voyages on our sister site Galápagos Adventure Cruises in the warmer Pacific.
Emperor Penguin Cruise Questions
Can I see emperor penguins on a normal Antarctic cruise?
Rarely. Emperors breed on sea ice far from the usual Peninsula landing sites, so a lone bird on a floe is a lucky bonus. Seeing a colony takes a dedicated voyage.
Why do emperor penguin cruises sail so early in the season?
Emperors breed through the Antarctic winter, and by spring the chicks are growing on the sea ice. The ice that supports the colony also blocks ships, so voyages time their attempts for the early part of the season.
What happens if the helicopters cannot fly?
The ship runs an alternative Weddell Sea and Peninsula program of landings and Zodiac cruises. Operators are open that some seasons have not reached the colony at all.
Join the Hunt for Emperors
Tell us whether you can travel in November or early December. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will check emperor penguin cruise availability and send free quotes.
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