We are excited to offer an extraordinary opportunity to photograph emperor penguins – adults with chicks – at Antarctica’s Snow Hill Colony through a new partnership with Quark Expeditions.
Renowned photographers Justin Black and Chris Linder will provide hands-on instruction and guiding, photographic lectures, and critiques exclusively to our Visionary Wild group during this voyage. Both Justin and Chris are IAATO-certified Antarctica guides and naturalists who cherish the opportunity to share this Antarctic experience with passionate photographers.
Our expedition vessel, Ultramarine, optimizes the photographic potential and overall quality of experience. She is a very comfortable and capable Ice Class 1A+, PC6 vessel which is essential for navigating the ice pack of the Weddell Sea. Once we get in range of the Snow Hill colony, the expert pilots of the ship’s two Airbus H145 twin-engine helicopters (with seats for seven plus pilot) will shuttle guests to the ice near the colony. Ultramarine will be deliberately under-booked for this voyage (limited to a maximum of 150 passengers out of a normal capacity of 199, though on prior Snow Hill voyages she has only had between 100-120 guests onboard) in order to facilitate quicker transport of all guests to the emperor penguin colony by helicopter. So long as weather is suitable for safe flying conditions, the expedition’s goal is to put each guest ashore at the colony for at least one and possibly two visits of about 4.5 hours each, including a guided walk of about one mile across the ice from the landing zone to the colony itself, to avoid disturbing the penguins (this allows time about three hours of emperor penguin photography per visit).
While the primary photographic objective is the legendary colony of 4,000 pairs of emperor penguins and their adorable chicks at Snow Hill Island, enroute we will make stops at several other Antarctic Peninsula landing sites, including locations in the Weddell Sea that are not normally visited on Antarctica voyages, and are typically inaccessible to less capable ships. In addition to emperor penguins, we can also expect to photograph adélie, chinstrap, and gentoo penguins, leopard, crab-eater, and Weddell seals, and humpback whales. Only one voyage to Snow Hill is being offered during the 2025 season, and is timed for the optimal ice and wildlife conditions. In mid-November, the light gray down-covered emperor chicks will be just big enough to be wandering about the colony on their own, waiting patiently to be fed by their hard-working parents.
We have reserved space for up to 18 guests to join us in up to ten very comfortable en suite cabins in the following classes: Deluxe Suite with private balcony (one cabin reserved with space for two), Balcony Suites (two cabins reserved with space for two guests per suite), Explorer Suite (seven cabins reserved with space for two per suite). See the Pricing section below for details.
The Itinerary below will provide additional detail on what to expect.
We hope that you can join us!
Day 1 – November 15, 2025 – Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Upon arriving in this fascinating city, known for its architecture and rich European heritage, we will arrange for a private driver to meet you and transfer you to our group’s hotel (pre-expedition hotel night included).
Day 2 – Fly to Ushuaia and Embark
After an early breakfast at the hotel, our group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina. Upon arrival, we will be transferred from the airport to a central downtown location to enjoy time on our own to explore quaint Ushuaia—the world’s southernmost city—before making our way to the pier. After a late afternoon embarkation, we will sail along the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. Enjoy the air of anticipation as we depart—the next land you see will be Antarctica!
Days 3 and 4 – Crossing the Drake Passage
The unpredictable and exciting Drake Passage, which lies at the confluence of the Pacific, the Atlantic and the Southern oceans, is an adventure unto itself. While being well taken care of by our expert onboard staff and expedition team, Justin and Chris will have time to get everyone up to speed photographically so you are ready to make the most of your time with the Emperor penguins at Snow Hill Island. You’ll have plenty of time to gaze out at the expansive ocean waters, photograph seabirds as they swoop around the ship, and get to know your Expedition Team and fellow travelers.
Day 5 – Navigating into the Weddell Sea
In addition to enjoying photography from the ship and private presentations by Chris and Justin for our group, onboard presentations by world-respected experts will enrich our polar quest, conveying what it was like a century ago for the brave polar heroes who embraced the unknown. You’ll also learn more about the ice-dwelling emperor penguins.
Days 6 to 10 – Weddell Sea and the quest to land at Snow Hill
The journey toward Snow Hill Island will put us in explorer mode as the Captain and Expedition Leader keep us updated through weather briefings, meteorological and sea ice condition reports. The thickness of ice will determine how close Ultramarine can get to Snow Hill Island, then our twin-engine helicopters will take over.
Like summitting a mountain from base camp, parties will set out from Ultramarine towards the emperor penguin colony. Their adventure begins with an extended helicopter transfer that will reveal a landscape of snow-capped peaks and apartment-building-sized tabular icebergs. The rookery itself is located on the sea ice off the south coast of Snow Hill Island and the landing will be as close to the penguins as possible, yet at a safe distance to avoid disturbing the birds. Upon landing, your party will walk across the ice to the fabled emperor penguin colony. The wind. The ice beneath your feet. Walking next to paths in the snow carved by penguins that came before. And then there are the incredible sounds of the penguins in the distance as you march toward one of the rarest wildlife opportunities on the planet: the colony of thousands and thousands of rarely-seen emperor penguins.
The goal of the expedition is to get every guest to the remote rookery at least once. The Expedition Team and special experts will be close by to answer your questions and ensure you take in everything there is to see. You’ll observe close up how the emperor penguins behave as a tight-knit community, how they care for their young, and how they body surf across the ice in a way that can only be described as quirky yet efficient. The helicopter expedition in search of the emperor colony might just be the adventure of a lifetime
And while at base on Ultramarine with your attentive Expedition Team, you’ll be immersed each day in the polar experience of the Weddell Sea. Daily activities will include Zodiac cruising among the icebergs, adventuring and photographing atop the ice.
A particularly enriching component of your voyage will be the bespoke educational programs tailored specifically for our photography group. This expedition also offers both traditional (lecture format) and hands-on opportunities for learning about this fascinating region. Each day our ship’s polar experts, who include penguin scientists, biologists and polar historians, will present on various aspects of emperor penguins and their behaviors, ice formations such as the tabular icebergs which you’ll see from the deck of your ship, and the experiences of polar explorers who braved the Weddell Sea over a century ago. Or you might, on one of these days, decide to take the polar plunge, or test your balance on a stand-up paddleboard. Then again, maybe you’ll enjoy a little pampering. If so, you can choose from Ultramarine’s excellent onboard amenities, including the spa, sauna and fitness room.
The emperor penguin colony at Snow Hill is the goal of this expedition. However, if weather or ice conditions prevent us from visiting the colony or shorten the duration of our visit, we may explore some of these other sites. Your possible landings in Antarctica will take place on the eastern side of the Peninsula, which is an extension of the Transantarctic Mountains and is the most northern stretch of Antarctic land.
Brown Bluff : An immense cliff of volcanic rock, towers 2,225 feet (678 meters) over rookeries of Adélie and gentoo penguins, some of which will be incubating their eggs.
Devil Island: The Swedish Antarctic Expedition of 1901-04 discovered the narrow island, which is 1 mile (1.6 km) long and has a low summit at each end.
‘Hope Bay : Three members of the Swedish Antarctic Expedition (1901-04) spent the winter in a hut on the shores of Hope Bay. The hut is located close to the jetty of Esperanza Station, an Argentine research station.
Paulet Island : Located in the northwestern Weddell Sea, Paulet Island is home to a large Adélie penguin rookery. With a volcanic cone that rises 1,158 feet (353 meters), the island reminds you that this was once a very active landscape. In addition to penguins, you may be interested in visiting a historic hut built by members of the Swedish Antarctic Expedition of 1901-04. A cross marks the gravesite of crew member Ole Wennersgaard.
Seymour Island : Northeast of Snow Hill Island is a smaller island that was originally mistaken for a cape. Seymour Island is significant for fossil finds and for the remains of the KT Boundary, which marks the transition between the Cretaceous Period (dinosaurs and reptiles) and the Tertiary Period (mammals) of geological times. This era is known for the mass extinction of many forms of life, including dinosaurs.
Days 11 to 13 – Cruising
The journey back across the Drake Passage provides a final opportunity to enjoy the invigorating Southern Ocean air. Spend time on the deck watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, enjoy presentations by your Expedition Team, and celebrate the experiences you’ve shared getting off the beaten track in the remarkable world of Antarctica.
Day 14 – November 28, 2025
Disembark in Ushuaia and Fly to Buenos Aires
You will arrive in Ushuaia in the morning and disembark after breakfast. The mandatory transfer package includes a tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park for a taste of Patagonia, after which you’ll transfer to the airport for the return group charter flight to Buenos Aires.
INCLUSIONS:
In addition to the all-inclusive voyage itself and photographic instruction provided by Chris Linder and Justin Black, our package pricing includes cost of transfers and travel from Buenos Aires, Argentina to the ship, and back to Buenos Aires at the end of the voyage.
The transfer package includes:
CABIN CLASSES
All cabins offer the following amenities: one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, large picture windows, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with heated floor, hair dryer, bathrobe, slippers, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, complimentary water bottle (additional amenities listed by cabin class below). All cabins are cleaned daily.
Deluxe Suite with Private Balcony (1 cabin available): $37,990 per person double-occupancy; $74,985 single-occupancy
with approximately 299 sq. ft. (27.8 m2) of indoor living space, and a 70 sq. ft. (6.5 m2) balcony. This suite is perfect for guests wanting a larger living space, full bathroom, and a substantial balcony. Deluxe Balcony Suites are the first suite type to offer additional privacy in the bathroom with an enclosed toilet, a full bath and shower to make it easier for guests to get ready together in the morning.
Balcony Suite with Private Balcony (2 cabins available): $32,290 per person double-occupancy; $53,898 single-occupancy.
with approximately 226 sq. ft. (21 m2) of indoor living space, and a 52 sq. ft. (4.8 m2) balcony, this entry-level balcony suite is one of the largest available on a ship of this class. This suite is perfect for guests who are looking for both indoor and outdoor living spaces. There are four connecting suites in this category, making this an excellent option for families or groups wanting to stay connected to each other during their expedition.
Explorer Suite (7 cabins available): $29,490 per person double-occupancy; $49,138 single-occupancy.
approximately 285 sq. ft. (26.5 m2). These suites are perfect for people traveling together or solo guests looking to share with like-minded individuals. This suite maximizes interior living space while still offering guests the opportunity to stay connected to the outdoors. Our entry-level twin suites are the largest available on a ship of this class.
PRICING AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE
Prices are for an all-inclusive package, based on cabin classes. The payment schedule for this expedition is:
Please note that all payments for this expedition are non-refundable. All other terms and conditions apply.
INDIVIDUALS BOOKING DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
Traveling alone? Feel free to book at the lower double-occupancy rates in an Explorer Suite, so long as you are content to be paired with another ship’s guest of the same gender (roommate may not be a part of our group).
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