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

Summary:

See the Antarctic from the vantage point of a true expedition leader – from the air. Our helicopter capability on the Ortelius provides you the unique chance to view an emperor penguin rookery numbering upwards of 4,000 breeding pairs, located just south ...

Duration
11 Days
Countries
2
Next Departure
10-Nov-2024
Starting at
± USD 12,196.00
Price per day
± USD 1,018.00

  • Overview
  • Dates and Details
  • Ship Route
  • Map, Destinations
  • Oceanwide
Operator
Oceanwide Expeditions
Ship
m/v Ortelius
Tour
Weddell Sea - In search of the Emperor Penguin, incl. helicopters
Travel Quality
Extraordinary Travel
Itinerary
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Summary

See the Antarctic from the vantage point of a true expedition leader – from the air. Our helicopter capability on the Ortelius provides you the unique chance to view an emperor penguin rookery numbering upwards of 4,000 breeding pairs, located just south of Snow Hill Island. Heavy ice may prevent entrance from the Weddell Sea, and ice at the rookery itself might break up and start to melt earlier than expected. With this in mind, the aim is to stop the vessel between the Antarctic Sound and James Clark Ross Island, close to the ice edge, and find emperor penguins on their way to the open water. The helicopters make this search possible – and thrilling – as you embark on scenic flights, as well as landings in places otherwise inaccessible so early in the season.

Map: Weddell Sea - In search of the Emperor Penguin, incl. helicopters (Oceanwide)

Short Itinerary / Route

Day 1.
Ushuaia
Day 2-3.
Sailing To Antarctic Peninsula
Day 4-7.
Sailing Along Antarctic Peninsula
Day 5-6.
Sailing Along Antarctic Peninsula
Day 8.
Sailing Along Antarctic Peninsula
Day 9-10.
Sailing To Ushuaia
Day 11.
Ushuaia

Travel Countries (2): Antarctica (Argentina), Argentina

Ports of call (5): Antarctic Peninsula, Drake Passage, Snow Hill Island, Ushuaia, Weddell Sea

Important!

  • All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. Landings are subject to site availabilities, permissions, and environmental concerns per IAATO regulations. Official sailing plans and landing slots are scheduled with IAATO prior to the start of the season, but the expedition leader determines the final plan. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises. The average cruising speed of our vessel is 10.5 knots. If ice conditions are favorable and the route to Snow Hill Island is free of multi-year pack ice, you have the chance for ship-to-shore helicopter transfers to Snow Hill Island (roughly 45 minutes walking distance from the emperor penguin rookery). If successful, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But please remember that nature writes the final itinerary out here: Attempts to reach Snow Hill Island during the voyages of 2012 – 19 did not always succeed. However, in 2013, 2017 until 2019 and 2022 conditions were favorable to land by helicopter on Snow Hill Island and to visit the emperor penguin rookery.
  • Ship Information

    Ship Name
    m/v Ortelius
    Ship Type
    Expedition Ship

    Travel Package

     

    Coming from

     

    Going to

    Cruise...

    Ushuaia

    Arrow Going To

    Ushuaia

    Sea CruisesThis is an Organised Sea Cruise, Luxury Cruise or Expedition: you will eat and sleep on-board of the ship. These are smaller ships that may transport a few hundred passengers, but not thousands. The cruise operator set the itinerary, the destinations, duration and departure dates as well as the price per cabin type/deck. Excursions and activities can be included or optional. You can join, enjoy and meet other people.

    Memberships and Financial Protection

    SGR AECO IAATO


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