Antarctica Emperor Penguin Adventure Cruise| MT Sobek

Weddell Sea Exploration by Polar Ship & Helicopter

A true adventure, this cruise in the Weddell Sea sets out to explore the range of the emperor penguins near Snow Hill Island. We visit the area via helicopter and see a variety of other birds and penguins including Adélies and gentoos. Helicopters provide an advantage in reaching the emperor penguin colony, but nature makes the rules in Antarctica. Our itinerary will vary depending on the weather and ice pack.

Experience the bird's-eye-view of the magnificent scenery of the Antarctic wilderness with ship-to-shore helicopter transfers

Vie for the rare chance to see the famed emperor penguin rookery south of Snow Hill Island, numbering around 4,000 breeding pairs

Enjoy an enriching program of lectures by noted naturalists and by an expert Antarctic expedition team both on the ship and on the shore with guided hikes and snowshoeing excursions

Why take this trip with us?

Reason #01

Over 30 years offering polar voyages we have built strong relationships with polar outfitters and ships that cruise the 7th continent.

Reason #02

We choose ships and operators that maintain a high level of commitment to safety, people, value, quality, environment, well-being, and customer service.

Reason #03

MT Sobek's Polar Value Promise means that we offer in-house services to help plan and execute you polar adventure for no added cost.

Meet your guides

Martin Berg

Martin's passion for birds and mammals has taken him all over the world in his search for rare species. He has always been drawn to adventures and has participated in many expeditions and conservation projects into the Amazon rainforest, the Arctic, Caucasus, and the Himalayas to study poorly known and endangered bird species. He has also spent several seasons studying seabirds on islands in the North Atlantic Ocean and around New Zealand and as well as conducted at-sea surveys on seabirds and marine mammals in waters around Antarctica. Martin holds an Honours degree in Biology from Lund University in Sweden and a Master's degree in Marine Biology from Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre in Canada. He lives in Stockholm, Sweden, but most of his time is currently spent either in the Arctic or Antarctica where he guides and gives lectures in a wide range of topics related to natural history. rn

Marijke de Boer

Marijke grew up in the Netherlands, Switzerland and Germany before completed a MSc in Marine Ecology at the University of Utrecht and a Ph.D in Marine Mammal Ecology at the University of Wageningen. Marijke is fascinated by cetaceans, and has worked with Minke whales in Scotland, Killer whales, Blue whales and Belugas in Canada, Bottlenose whales in the Arctic Labrador Sea, Risso's dolphins in the Irish Sea and Sperm whales off the Azores. She has also participated in various ocean-crossing surveys, namely the Davis Strait, Indian Ocean, South China Sea, Southern Ocean and Antarctica. Whilst she very much enjoys the academic side of her career, her first love is sharing her knowledge in the field. She has worked as a wildlife guide during multiple oceanic expeditions and is always happy to return to the ocean.

Celine Clement

line was born in the south west of France, in the vineyard region of Bordeaux. She grew up with a passion for travel, the natural world especially ocean wildlife...and wine! Celine was started out as a Research Manager at the Department of Geography of the University of Bergen, before various contracts for France's national scientific research center led her to participate as a cartographer for scientific missions in the Arctic and Antarctic Peninsula. This work was primarily conducted as part of research programs funded by the French Polar Institute and focused on the adaptations of polar seabirds to changes in their environment. It was during this time that Celine got a taste for sharing her knowledge through science outreach programs, which led her to becoming a Polar guide. rn

Activities

Expert polar interpretation and presentations, professional navigation through Antarctic waters, and up-close wildlife experiences on shore and by Zodiac. Optional kayaking for a fee.

Lodging

Ortelius is an ice-strengthened and well-appointed polar expedition ship that offers a comfortable and safe way to explore Antarctica.

Climate

Antarctica is unpredictable. There may be days of warm sunshine, but be prepared for wind, rain, and snow. Daytime temperatures are 20-32F.

FAQ

Will I get seasick?

There may be rough sea conditions while crossing the Drake Passage, but the rough conditions are still usually tolerable. We recommend consulting your doctor or bringing seasickness medication.

What are meals like?

Large variety of options at buffet breakfasts and lunches. Dinners include plated entrée choices (including vegetarian) appetizers, and desserts. Full-bar onboard payable with onboard account.

Are we guaranteed the helicopter ride to see the penguins?

Trips to Antarctica embody the expedition experience. All activities, including the helicopter ride, are dependent on the weather, sea conditions, and ice pack. The farther south we go, the more sea ice we are likely to encounter and the change in weather occur more rapidly. We recommend packing your adventurous spirit!

Are pre- & post- land arrangements and airport transfers included?

These services are not included. Guests will make their way to the ship in Ushuaia on Day 1 and services end on disembarkation on Day 11.

What cabin types are available?

The Ortelius cabins are configured in quadruple, triple, twin and superior layouts. Pricing varies by cabin type. Inquire with our Regional Specialists for details.

What animals can I expect to see?

Besides the chance to see Emperor Penguins, there's an array of other wildlife in Antarctica to get excited about! Adelie penguin, Chinstrap Penguin, Gentoo Penguin, Killer Whales, Humpbacks, minke whales, leopard seals, Weddell seal, Crabeater seals. Not to mention the amazing birdlife such as Skuas, petrels, albatross, shags, Sheathbills, and Sternidea - be sure to bring a good pair of binoculars!