Emperor Penguins & South Pole Expedition

After a few days in Punta Arenas it’s time to take off! At the airport, you board the chartered jet for the 4¼ hour flight to Antarctica. The route crosses the Drake Passage, then follows the west side of the Antarctic peninsula and the spine of the Ellsworth mountains. You land on a naturally occurring blue-ice runway on Union Glacier where you will take your first steps on the Antarctic continent! Specially-adapted vans will take you and your luggage to the base camp where the expedition staff will provide a welcome tour and show you to your tent.

On most expeditions you will get to enjoy a few days at Union Glacier before you fly to the Emperor Penguin colony. A typical day at Union Glacier starts with a briefing after breakfast where you’ll meet with your guide to discuss the day’s options and choose an activity tailored to the weather and the group’s interests.

There’s a wide range of excursions for you to enjoy at Union Glacier. Take a ride in one of the polar vehicles to the dramatic marble mountain ‘Elephant’s Head’, overlooking the blue-ice runway. You’ll have the opportunity to hike up to the base of Elephant’s Head or all the way to the top of Rhodes Bluff for panoramic views of Union Glacier. Another stunning location is Drake Icefall, this impressive icefall is shaped into huge blue-ice waves by the strong winds coming from the south pole. Another incredible piece of art by nature is Charles Peak Windscoop, a sparkling turquoise corridor which is also carved by the wind. It’s is a prime place to try ice climbing. The Beach at Rossman Cove is yet another spectacular place for blue-ice photography and panoramic views! Take cross-country skis with you or a picnic lunch and enjoy Antarctica’s version of an afternoon at the beach.

At the base camp you have a variety of activities for all abilities. Go for a tour on skis or take a fat-tire bike for a spin around the groomed 10km loop around camp. Or simply enjoy a cup of tea, an Antarctic book, or a fun game at the camp’s library. In the evenings, there are regular lectures and films tailored to your experience.

As soon as weather conditions allow, you’ll board a ski-equipped aircraft for a scenic 4-hour flight northeastward over the Ronne Ice Shelf and Berkner Island. Your destination: the remote Emperor penguin colony at Gould Bay. Upon arrival, the aircraft lands directly on the sea ice, where the expedition team has prepared a comfortable field camp located just 1–2 miles (2–3 km) from the colony.

Upon settling in, the field camp manager will welcome you with a tour of the camp and a briefing on safety procedures for walking to and from the colony. This will be your home for the next few days, a truly unique base in one of the most remote wildlife habitats on Earth.

Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and rhythms of the Emperor penguins. Few people ever get the chance to witness these majestic birds in their natural environment. Accompanied by experienced field guides, you’ll walk to the colony to observe and photograph them against a magnificent backdrop of ice and snow. The 24-hour daylight allows the schedule to be adapted to the best weather and light conditions for photography.

To make your experience more comfortable, small sleds and walking poles are provided to help transport camera gear between the camp and the colony. The expedition guides are always available to answer questions about the wildlife and their remarkable adaptations to the harsh Antarctic climate.

We take great care to minimize our impact on the environment and strictly follow the Emperor Penguin Colony Visitor Guidelines, which include maintaining a precautionary distance of at least 17 feet (5 meters) from all wildlife.

Please note: the number of days spent at the colony may vary depending on weather, ice conditions, and flight logistics. Flexibility is key to making the most of this extraordinary experience.

Once weather conditions allow, you’ll board the ski-equipped aircraft and begin your journey to the southernmost point on Earth: the Geographic South Pole. This flight, lasting between 4 to 5½ hours depending on the aircraft, offers the shortest flight time from any private camp in Antarctica.

As you soar over the vast polar plateau, you’ll witness the surreal beauty of Antarctica from above: sculpted snow formations known as sastrugi, dramatic crevasse fields, and an endless horizon of white stretching in every direction. The landscape is stark, powerful, and unlike anything else on the planet.

Approaching 90° South, the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station comes into view, a cluster of buildings surrounded by snow and sky, marking one of the most remote scientific outposts in the world. Once landed, you are standing at the bottom of the Earth, a place few have ever reached. Take time to reflect, capture the moment, and celebrate this extraordinary achievement.

Visits to the Pole will last approximately 3-4 hours. The field staff will stay in close contact with Union Glacier camp to identify the best ‘weather window’ for your return flight.

Please note: The exact timing of your flight to and from the South Pole depends heavily on weather conditions, ice stability, and logistical factors. Flexibility and patience are essential to making the most of this extraordinary journey.

Depending on the day of your South Pole visit, you may spend a few additional days at Union Glacier Camp before your return flight to Chile. During this time, you’ll enjoy the comforts of camp life, share stories with fellow travelers, and celebrate your journey with a special farewell dinner. To commemorate your experience, you’ll receive a certificate honoring your visit to the Emperor Penguin colony and the South Pole, a keepsake from one of the most remote places on Earth.

When weather and runway conditions permit, the aircraft will arrive at Union Glacier to transport you back to Chile. Upon arrival, members of the staff will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.

We strongly recommend booking your international flight home at least one week after your scheduled return from Antarctica. If you purchase a full-fare ticket, most airlines allow flexibility to adjust your departure date. Travel in Antarctica is subject to unpredictable weather and logistical delays, so building in a buffer is essential.