Ever since the pandemic travellers have reviewed their bucket lists and reset their travel goals. Out are the trips to all-inclusives and ocean cruises, in are the trips that matter. And do we have a trip for you - a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the emperor penguins of Snow Hill Island, Antarctica.
East of the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, at the entrance to the ice-clogged Weddell Sea lies Snow Hill Island, a place so remote and so hard to get to, only the best expedition cruise company can make it there. Leave it to Quark Expeditions to offer two departures on their Emperor Penguin Quest - Expedition to Snow Hill Island. Quark was the first ever company to reach the rookery and to date has made the highest number of successful landings, bringing to you one of the most exclusive wildlife encounters on the planet.
Using their brand new purpose-built expedition ship, Ultramarine, they will get you within striking distance of the island. Then it is a matter of boarding one of their two helicopters which will land you within walking distance (but out of earshot!) of the colony. Then it is up to you to walk across the sea ice and spend time meters from these elusive but oh-so wonderful creatures.
You'll come eye-to-eye with 4000 pairs of Emperor penguins and their chicks and you will witness their antics and perhaps even see them toboggan down the snow.
There are two departure dates this year, Nov 12 – Nov 25, 2023 and Nov 24 – Dec 7, 2023. The trip starts and ends in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Prices start at US$24,791 per person.
Want a preview of what this fascinating destination is all about? Watch the video of a previous expedition or download the brochure by clicking the button below.