Weddell Sea cruise, in search of emperor penguins by helicopter

11 days – from €10,100 per person

The itinerary below covers the Antarctic cruise to the Weddell Sea from Ushuaia, Argentina, aboard the Ortelius, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions. Slightly different itineraries are also available; please ask us for details and which route best suits your specific requirements.

• Go in search of leopard seals, Adélie penguins and orcas
• Go on helicopter excursions and get the chance to see the emperor penguins at Snow Hill
• Sail past enormous plateau icebergs
• Experience the splendour of Antarctica from the air
• Photograph gentoo penguins against the phenomenal backdrop of Brown Bluff

Day 1: Ushuaia

Where the world ends, your journey begins. The Ortelius sets sail from the world’s southernmost port city, Ushuaia. The voyage through the Beagle Channel, which separates Tierra del Fuego from the Patagonian mainland, is majestic right from the start.

Days 2 and 3: At sea

The crossing from the South American continent to Antarctica takes you across the infamous Drake Passage. This is where the Southern Pacific Ocean meets the Southern Atlantic Ocean, a region known to sailors for its fierce winds and rolling waves. However, the Drake Passage is an essential part of your Antarctic cruise! In fact, you’ll be crossing the world’s largest ocean current, the West Wind Drift, which circles Antarctica completely. Keep your eyes peeled for whale spouts and seabirds flying overhead. As soon as you reach the Antarctic zone, everything changes: you’ll spot the first icebergs and, above the ship, you’ll catch sight of the first albatrosses and petrels.

Days 4–7: Antarctica, Weddell Sea

During these days, the ship will explore the area to the east of the Antarctic Peninsula. Pack ice means conditions are constantly changing, so it is not possible to specify a fixed route. Possible landing sites include Hope Bay, Devil Island, Vega Island, James Ross Island, Seymour Island and Snow Hill Island. The sight of enormous plateau icebergs is nothing short of fabulous; this is the landscape that many people picture when they think of this continent. Along the coast of Antarctic Sound, you’ll also be treated to the sight of stunning geological formations, jagged rock peaks rising above the ice floes and gigantic walls of ice. Truly impressive, and all the more so from the air, when you take to the skies by helicopter!

Seymour Island has a history that will ring a bell for Dutch people. In 1904, a Swedish expedition ran aground here and its members managed to survive the winter under extremely harsh conditions. A walk on the island offers fantastic views and it serves as a base for potential Zodiac cruises to the surrounding islands. For example, to Devils Island, where a large colony of Adélie penguins breeds. This same species of penguin can also be spotted at Brown Bluff, amidst a breathtaking landscape of steep volcanic crater walls covered in snow and ice, down which glaciers flow. Gentoo penguins and snow petrels also breed on Brown Bluff. If a visit to Gourdin Island is on the itinerary, you may also have the chance to spot the beautifully marked chinstrap penguin.

For many, Snow Hill Island will be the dream destination. If ice and weather conditions permit, helicopter excursions will be organised to the large colony of emperor penguins. Who hasn’t seen the images of the parent pair of emperor penguins caring for their chick with its grey plumage, black head and white mask? The helicopter lands some distance from the colony, so as not to disturb it, after which a 45-minute walk takes you to the colony. If all goes well, this is guaranteed to be one of the most beautiful nature experiences of your life.

PLEASE NOTE: the route to Snow Hill Island, where the emperor penguin colony is located, is often inaccessible due to multi-year ice. Helicopter excursions to this location will only take place if conditions permit; nature is in charge in these parts. This requires a great deal of flexibility from guests on board, as weather conditions can change suddenly, which affects the helicopter’s operations. Passengers must understand and accept this.

Day 8: Deception Island

A visit to Deception Island includes walks to the 130-metre-high summit of a former volcanic crater, known as Neptune’s Window. The island is an important habitat for many bird species, including a colony of 100,000 chinstrap penguins.

Days 9–10: At sea

Depending on weather conditions, the return journey will be undertaken either earlier or later. You won’t be able to get enough of scanning the water and the sky with your binoculars, hoping to spot those species you’ve yet to see.

Day 11: Ushuaia

On this day, the ship will dock again at the port of Ushuaia. Are you flying back to the Netherlands, or will you be continuing your journey in Argentina or Chile? We’d be happy to advise you on the options.