Weddell Sea – In search of the Emperor Penguin, incl. helicopters
All departures of this tripCRUISE ID # OCEANWIDEOTL23-26
Ushuaia TO Ushuaia
All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. Landings are subject to site availabilities, permissions, and environmental concerns per IAATO regulations. Official sailing plans and landing slots are scheduled with IAATO prior to the start of the season, but the expedition leader determines the final plan. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises. The average cruising speed of our vessel is 10.5 knots. If ice conditions are favorable and the route to Snow Hill Island is free of multi-year pack ice, you have the chance for ship-to-shore helicopter transfers to Snow Hill Island (roughly 45 minutes walking distance from the emperor penguin rookery). If successful, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But please remember that nature writes the final itinerary out here: Attempts to reach Snow Hill Island during the voyages of 2012 – 19 did not always succeed. However, in 2013, 2017 until 2019, 2022 until 2024 conditions were favorable to land by helicopter on Snow Hill Island and to visit the emperor penguin rookery.
$13,900
WITH SPECIAL SAVINGS APPLIED
FARES SHOWN ARE PER GUEST
Suites & Fares
CHOOSE START DATE
: November 25, 2026
Itinerary
Helicopters provide an advantage in reaching the emperor penguin colony, but our ability to use them depends entirely on ice, sea, and weather conditions.
If conditions are favorable, we will visit the colony. If conditions are exceptionally favorable, we will attempt to visit more than once. Helicopter operations take a full day, and flight duration depends on local conditions.
Each helicopter can accommodate 4 – 5 passengers per flight. The landing site is carefully chosen so that the penguins are not disturbed.
Upon arrival to the site, we will walk to the colony. This may take up to 45 minutes and can be challenging in places. Please keep in mind that you are in the world’s most remote region, so there are no guarantees: conditions may change rapidly, which can impact on helicopter operations. It is important to understand and respect this fact. Safety is our greatest concern, so no compromises can be made.
We aim for all groups to spend an equal amount of time at the colony. The time at the colony (and the time to get there from landing site) will often vary, however, due to local conditions and flight times.
Helicopters provide an advantage in reaching the emperor penguin colony, but our ability to use them depends entirely on ice, sea, and weather conditions.
If conditions are favorable, we will visit the colony. If conditions are exceptionally favorable, we will attempt to visit more than once. Helicopter operations take a full day, and flight duration depends on local conditions.
Each helicopter can accommodate 4 – 5 passengers per flight. The landing site is carefully chosen so that the penguins are not disturbed.
Upon arrival to the site, we will walk to the colony. This may take up to 45 minutes and can be challenging in places. Please keep in mind that you are in the world’s most remote region, so there are no guarantees: conditions may change rapidly, which can impact on helicopter operations. It is important to understand and respect this fact. Safety is our greatest concern, so no compromises can be made.
We aim for all groups to spend an equal amount of time at the colony. The time at the colony (and the time to get there from landing site) will often vary, however, due to local conditions and flight times.
About the Ship
Name
m/v Ortelius
Operator
Oceanwide Expeditions
Fortified for both poles of the planet, the ice-strengthened Ortelius is the ideal polar vessel for your Arctic or Antarctic expedition
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We serve buffet-style breakfasts on board our motor vessels, and lunches are often buffets as well. Our dinners can also be offered in a buffet-style or are served at the tables and include a choice of main courses.
Daily programs: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Furthermore there are informative lectures hosted by expedition staff. There is also a possibility for the passenger to relax in the lounge with a drink and enjoy the spectacular views.
There are no health/fitness facilities on board.
Kayaking, snowshoeing, mountaineering, camping, scuba diving, and much more – our activities are as exciting as they are numerous.We provide much of the equipment you’ll need, and our fleet of Zodiacs will shuttle you to and from all outings with utmost speed and safety. Should you need more of a lift, we even bring our own helicopters on select Ortelius cruises.
It isn’t just the landscape you will experience, it’s also the immense and indelible world of wildlife that calls that landscape home. Allow us to acquaint you with the real polar survivalists that make these far-flung regions truly come alive.
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Zodiac cruising instructions
The ....
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All campers will be....
Helicopter Operation & procedures
Before flights (and sometimes before entering the helicopter), you will be briefed on the loc....
There are no dedicated children's facilities on board.
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Unfortunately, we’re only able to provide voyages to passengers who meet a certain level of physical ability. Rough seas, rugged terrain, and physically demanding weather conditions are all commonly encountered during our voyages, which can at times be challenging even for people in peak physical fitness.
The added difficulty of a wheelchair or other physical disability, therefor, could prevent us from making safe and timely shore landin....
The choice of clothing for cold temperatures during your Arctic or Antarctica expedition cruise is a very special matter. It depends on your individual experience whether to take warm clothes with you.
Our advice is to take warm, wind and waterproof clothes with you during the expedition. Multiple layers of medium-warmth clothing provide more insulation than a single heavier article – this is due to warm air getting trapped in between th....
Ortelius has internet and phone facilities (subject to satellite connection and coverage). Wi-Fi access is available throughout the ship. There are also two computer stations available for public use. You can either purchase full access to the internet in various numerations or purchase a ship email account for the duration of the voyage. We even run a cell network on board that allows you to use your mobile phone, subject to VSAT connection.<....
We are required to keep a minimum distance from all wildlife. This distance may vary depending on the species, but the aim is always to reduce the possibility of disturbing the animals while also keeping our passengers safe. Your expedition guides will inform you as to the distance we are required to keep from various animals.
Sometimes curious wildlife (such as penguins and young seals) may approach you, but we ask that you refrain from....
- Avoid unnecessary damage to the ground surface and vegetarian cover, as regeneration rates are extremely slow. Do not take specimens from plants. Do not pick flowers.
- Avoid disturbing or feeding the wildlife. Be aware of your activities and whether they are resulting in a change of the animals' behaviour. Be aware that Rabies does occur on Spitsbergen, particularly in Arctic Foxes. Be careful when moving in areas where bird....
You can travel if you are pregnant, although with certain restrictions. Please first consult your gynecologist and obtain all necessary medical advice before booking or making a voyage with Oceanwide Expeditions.
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There are facilities on board to send emails and call via satellite. Depending on location, you may also be able to use your personal cell phone. Aboard all of our motor vessels, m/v Hondius, m/v Plancius, and m/v Ortelius, complimentary internet connectivity via Wi-Fi is provided. All guests have access to 1.5 GB of data usage per day, which resets every 24 hours.
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