Weddell Sea - In search of the Emperor Penguin, incl. helicopters - Antarctic Cruise

Where the world ends, your journey begins. Ushuaia is the southernmost town in the world, located at the very southernmost tip of South America. You will depart from the small town of Tierra del Fuego (nicknamed "The End of the World") in the late afternoon and spend the rest of the night sailing the Beagle Channel, which is surrounded by mountains.

You will experience the Drake Passage in the following two days, and you may even see a fin-whale spraying seawater. You are now in the circumantarctic upwelling area after passing through the Antarctic Convergence, Antarctica's natural border formed by cold north-flowing waters colliding with warmer subantarctic seas. Avian life also changes. You may see Wandering Albatrosses.

Antarctic Sound is the best way to enter the Weddell sea. You will see huge tabular-shaped icebergs as you approach the Antarctic Peninsula's eastern end. The search for Emperor penguins is underway during this portion of the voyage. You can find these penguins using both helicopters and the ship. If conditions permit, you can also take scenic flights and land helicopters at locations that are otherwise impossible to reach during this season. The benefits of helicopter flights include the following:

West slopes of Antarctic Sound - This area can only be seen by air from the west, but the scenery is worth it. Layered sandstones and lava flows are accompanied by icebergs, glaciers, and packs of ice. On the ice floes you can often see emperor and Adelie Penguins as well as Kelp Gulls, Skuas, or different breeds of Petrel. The snow is lacerated by jagged mountain peaks, while huge walls of ice are scattered on the slopes.

Duse Bay - It is possible to land on an ancient refuge hut or a hill near a bay from soaring helicopters. This time of year there is still plenty of snow and ice, but the majority of this walk takes place on frost-shattered rocks covered in lichens of every color and shape.

Seymour Island - The Swedish Antarctic Expedition wintered here in polar conditions. This location is characterized by sedimentary rock, extensive views, and fossils. The Zodiac trip may also include the following:

Devil Island - This island is home to an enormous colony Adelie Penguins. Hikers who are willing to climb the steep hill can enjoy a spectacular view. The melting ice can sometimes form a waterfall that drops from the cliffs near Cape Well-met.

Brown Bluff - Possibly the most picturesque location on the northernmost tip of Antarctica: canyon walls with sheer drops, boulders that have fallen, and volcanic formations topped by ice. Here, a large Adelie-penguin colony lives. Gentoo-penguins nesting and snow petrels can also be seen.

Gourdin Island - This island is a great place to land if you are continuing your Antarctic expedition.

Esperanza Base - This Argentinean research station could be used as a landing site alternative. It is open year round and one of the only two civil settlements on Antarctica.

You will sail in the morning to Deception Island, for your last landing on the trip, at either Pendulum Cove, or Whalers Bay. The conditions on Drake Passage will determine when you depart.

You're not alone on your return trip. You're greeted again by the seabirds you remember from your journey south as you cross the Drake. They are now more familiar with you, as you have become to them.

No matter how great the adventure may be, it must come to an ending. Now it's time to leave Ushuaia with all the memories you will carry on your journey.

While helicopters offer a convenient means of reaching the emperor penguin colony, nature ultimately dictates the terms of access in Antarctica. If weather conditions permit, you'll have the opportunity to spend the first two days observing the penguins at their rookery. The helicopter operation itself takes a full day, with flights lasting approximately 15 minutes. Each helicopter can accommodate 4 to 6 passengers per trip, and landing sites are carefully selected to minimize disturbance to the penguins. Following the helicopter ride, there's a 45-minute walk to the rookery. It's crucial to remember that you're venturing into the world's most remote region, where there are no guarantees. Conditions can change rapidly, potentially affecting helicopter operations significantly. It's essential to understand and respect these limitations. Safety is our paramount concern, and no compromises will be made.