This area of the Peninsula is rich in exploration history and known for its huge tabular icebergs.
Antarctic Peninsula and Weddell Sea
The Weddell Sea is rarely visited and home to huge tabular icebergs. Sometimes the spectacular waterways are choked with ice, creating exciting navigational challenges for our captain and crew.
Our emphasis is on exploring new sites and pristine landscapes, visiting sites of historical interest, the occasional visit to scientific stations and of course unique wildlife encounters! If conditions permit, we will visit the emperor penguins at Snow Hill Island. However we stress that this is an expedition style cruise. Our actual program will vary to take best advantage of local conditions, spontaneous opportunities and wildlife. There is always an element of the unexpected. This is true of course for the weather as well, which can vary from thick snow or sleety rain to brilliant sunshine. But, as you will see, whatever the weather, your voyage will be full of wonderful surprises.
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
On some departures we also offer a Polar Scuba diving and Polar Snorkeling option. You will be one of the few divers and snorkelers ever witness the fascinating underwater world of these Antarctic waters.
This is a sample itinerary. We do our utmost to guarantee the best experience, unfortunately we have no control over the weather or wildlife behaviour. Ports of embarkation and disembarkation and sites may change depending on vessel and departure dates, weather and ice conditions, so please keep in mind that nature determines our final itinerary. Attempts to reach the emperor penguins on Snow Hill Island are not always successful.
Travel through the iceberg canyons of Antarctic Sound to the Weddell Sea. Huge glaciers pour down between the mountains from the polar plateau, and plates of ice the size of city blocks cover the ocean’s surface. Visit fossil-rich islands, wildlife havens and remnants of historic explorers’ huts.
Depending on the weather, we will first approach Antarctica to the north of King George Island or in narrow channels between the South Shetland Islands. From there we will head through Antarctic Sound to the eastern side of the Peninsula.
We arrive in the calmer waters of Antarctic Sound, and we aim to make landings at least two times a day. To get ashore we will use Zodiacs. You will have been briefed on the workings of these sturdy craft and their use prior to your arrival to Antarctica. Sometimes we cruise along spectacular ice cliffs, or make contact with whales. In these situations we will appreciate the distinct advantage of being on a small vessel, which gives everyone the opportunity to experience these very special close encounters with wildlife.
Separated from Trinity Peninsula by Prince Gustav Channel, the beaches and rocks of this island are a mix of volcanic and sedimentary. The beaches are populated with kelp gulls while Antarctic terns and skuas nest on the island's higher slopes. Many of the island's rocks are decorated with bright red and orange lichens, presenting fantastic photographic opportunities. Ice floes provide temporary floating homes for Weddell and leopard seals. We may walk up to Hidden Lake. If ice conditions and time permit, we may also circumnavigate this fantastic island.
You might feel like being in ‘March of the Penguins” or BBC’s “Frozen Planet, as Snow Hill Island is reigned by 8.000 breeding pairs of emperor penguins, the largest penguins in the world, Unlike other penguins that live on the rocks, emperor penguins, well known for their elegance, nest on the ice floe. The ship’s helicopters will fly you to the vicinity of this rarely-visited rookery. And then just follow the incredible sounds of the penguins as you march towards this buzzing colony, where you will be able to observe them walking around on the ice floe with their characteristic waddle. Or you might see the younger penguins learning to swim. Still today it is one of the most exclusive wildlife viewing experiences on the planet, which makes the encounter unforgettable and priceless.
Antarctica's most conspicuous geographical feature is ice. Glaciers inch towards the sea from towering mountain peaks and ridges. If conditions permit, we hope to cruise south and along part of the spectacular Larsen Ice Shelf, which runs continuously for some 800 km between Cape Longing and Cape Mackintosh. In 1995 a massive iceberg measuring 37 km x 36 km calved from the Larsen Ice Shelf and drifted north. We may see some remnants of this spectacular event and perhaps even witness smaller pieces of ice splitting away.
We hope to navigate some of the most beautiful waterways: the Gerlache Strait, Errera Channel and Neumayer Channel. You will have plenty of time to explore its amazing scenery, a pristine wilderness of snow, ice, mountains and waterways and a wide variety of wildlife. Apart from Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguins and other seabirds you are likely to encounter Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals as well as Minke whales and orcas at close range.
If the ice conditions allow, standing on the bow of our vessel and quietly moving through the narrow Lemaire Channel may be one of the highlights of the voyage. Cliffs tower 700 metres directly above the ship. The water can be so still that perfect reflections are mirrored on the surface. Gigantic icebergs can clog the channel, creating navigational challenges for our captain; occasionally they may even obstruct our passage.
*NOTE: Snorkeling & Diving activity on designated trips need a minimum of 6 participants.
Including Elephant Island/Weddel Sea
Early Bird Discount!
Call us today on +31 (0) 858 771 583
Our emphasis is on exploring new sites and pristine landscapes, visiting sites of historical interest, the occasional visit to scientific stations and of course unique wildlife encounters! If conditions permit, we will visit the emperor penguins at Snow Hill Island.
Be prepared to be dazzled. The abundance of wildlife here is truly extraordinary including five seal species, massive penguin rookeries of Gentoo, Adélies and Chinstraps.
Fly over the notorious Drake Passage to King George Island where you board your ship and start your expedition cruise. The most comfortable way to explore Antarctica!
The combination of the Sub Antarctic Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula makes this voyage an expedition full of exciting highlights.
Travelling south at the west side of the Antarctic Peninsula.
Join our exclusive small group expedition to uncover the natural wonders of Antarctica and wildlife of South Georgia.
