- Embrace the expeditionary spirit on a quest to reach the 8,000-fold emperor penguin colony at Snow Hill
- Improve your shots with the expert guidance of photographer Paul Goldstein
- Travel safely and comfortably aboard our ice-strengthened Ultramarine
- Enjoy helicopter flightseeing and Zodiac cruising for unique perspectives of Antarctica
- Learn about Antarctic wildlife, history, glaciology and geology during presentations by polar experts
- Witness abundant wildlife, such as penguins, seals and whales
Snow Hill to the Peninsula: Shackleton’s Emperors with Paul Goldstein
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Polar Expeditions
Activity Level
Easy
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Voyage to the Snow Hill Island emperor penguins and Antarctic Peninsula with photographer Paul Goldstein
Join award-winning photographer Paul Goldstein on this incredible adventure, the only one in the industry that visits the remote Snow Hill Island (home to 8,000 emperor penguins) plus the rarely visited Eastern Antarctic Peninsula with glaciers, icebergs, snow-capped mountains, whales and seals. We sail on the technologically advanced Ultramarine, which is equipped with two twin-engine helicopters.
Prioritising our time with five days near Snow Hill, our team factors in local ice conditions and the unforgiving Antarctic elements in our goal of getting everyone ashore to the emperor penguin colony. After, we explore the seldom-visited eastern coast of the peninsula, which has been compared to the planet Mars. Get ready to embrace the expedition spirit on one of the most unforgettable wildlife adventures imaginable.
About Paul Goldstein: Award-winning photographer, passionate speaker, ardent conservationist − Paul Goldstein is practically unrivalled when it comes to capturing the raw beauty of the Polar regions. Over the past 20 years, he has visited the Antarctic and Arctic on 30 photography-focused expeditions, drawing on four decades in the travel industry to produce extraordinary images. Expect advice that is strong on opinion but backed by real experience.
Highlights
Key Information
- 16 nights on the ship, 1 night hotel in Buenos Aires
- Expedition cruising in comfortable conditions
What's Included
- All meals while on the ship
- Beer and house wine during dinner
- All accommodation
- All transport and listed activities
- Tour leader throughout and qualified Expedition Staff
What's Not Included
- Travel insurance
- Single accommodation (available on request)
- Visas or vaccinations
Itinerary
Start Buenos Aires, Argentina
Upon arrival in the vibrant Argentine capital, known for its European-style architecture, rich culture and lively neighborhoods, you are independently transferred to your included hotel.
Fly to Ushuaia and embark
After an early breakfast at the hotel, the group transfers to the airport to board our private charter flight to Ushuaia, at the southern tip of Argentina. Upon arrival, transfer from the airport to a central downtown location to explore quaint Ushuaia on your own before heading to the pier. After a late afternoon embarkation, sail along the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme southern part of South America. Embrace the air of anticipation as you depart, the next land you see will be the Antarctic.
Cross the Drake Passage
The storied Drake Passage, the 500mi (800km) waterway between the southern tip of South America and Antarctica, is an adventure unto itself. Its position at the confluence of the Pacific, the Atlantic and the Southern oceans can mean either a turbulent or calm passing. While under the attentive care of our expert staff and expedition team, you 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 travellers.
Navigate into the Weddell Sea
We begin our passage through Antarctic Sound. This stretch of water separates the northern tip of the peninsula from the Weddell Sea. This historic sound is notorious for being filled with massive ice chunks originating from the Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf – have your cameras and binoculars ready. The onboard team teaches you everything about ice, as the Weddell Sea boasts the world’s most impressive floes and tabular icebergs. The captivating flat-topped icebergs you’ll see on this eastern side of the Peninsula are known to be exponentially bigger and more visually impressive than those observed off the western coast.
Onboard experts enrich your polar quest during daily presentations. You’ll hear what it was like a century ago for the polar heroes who embraced the unknown. Expect a fascinating deep-dive into the world of ice-dwelling emperor penguins.
Quest to land at Snow Hill Island: Emperor penguin colony
The journey toward Snow Hill Island puts you in explorer mode as the captain and Expedition Leader keep you updated through weather briefings, as well as meteorological and sea ice condition reports. The thickness of ice determines how close Ultramarine can get to Snow Hill Island, at which point the ship’s twin-engine helicopters take over.
Like summitting a mountain from base camp, parties set out from Ultramarine towards the emperor penguin colony. As experienced by all our guests who visited Snow Hill Island with us in November 2023, the adventure begins with an extended helicopter transfer that reveals a landscape of snow-capped peaks and apartment building-sized tabular icebergs. As seasoned polar explorers can attest, these mammoth, flat-topped icebergs will captivate you with their majesty. The colony itself is located on the sea ice off the south coast of Snow Hill Island, and we land as close to the penguins as possible, yet at a safe distance to avoid disturbing the birds. Upon landing, your party walks across the ice to the fabled colony. Your auditory senses will be on high alert: the non-stop Antarctic wind, the crunch of the ice beneath your feet, and, of course, the chatter of thousands of emperor penguins.
On your guided walk to the colony, you may be surprised to find yourself walking next to paths in the snow carved by penguins that waddled by before. As with all our off-ship excursions, native wildlife and their habitat take priority. We do everything possible to minimise disturbance to their environment. The sound of the flightless birds gets louder as we march toward one of the rarest wildlife scenarios on the planet: the colony of 8,000 rarely seen emperor penguins. Our plan is to ensure that every guest visits the remote colony during the voyage, the possibility of an additional visit are dependent on conditions. The Expedition Team and special experts stay close so they can answer your questions and help you take it all in. You’ll observe how the emperors behave as a tightknit community, how they care for their young, with male and female adults sharing parental duties, and how they body surf across the ice in a way that can only be described as quirky yet efficient.
While at base on Ultramarine, you can look forward to Zodiac cruising among the icebergs and kayaking. We also plan to offer each guest a heli-flightseeing adventure, included in the cost of the voyage, during this segment of the itinerary.
Each day our polar experts, who include penguin scientists, glaciologists, biologists and polar historians, present on various aspects of emperor penguins and their behaviors, ice formations such as the breathtaking tabular icebergs visible from the deck of the ship, and the experiences of polar explorers who braved the Weddell Sea more than a century ago. Or you may, on one of the days, decide to take the polar plunge, or test your balance on a stand-up paddleboard. Or pamper yourself at Ultramarine’s Tundra Spa, the sauna with floor-to-ceiling windows, fitness room, or yoga space.
However you spend your time immediately following your visit to the legendary colony, we invite you to take time to reflect on everything you’ve witnessed and appreciate that you are one of the few humans to have experienced the rare wildlife spectacle at Snow Hill.
Eastern Antarctic Peninsula
The next stage of our itinerary focuses on the rarely visited east side of the Antarctic Peninsula, where few operators visit. We spend time each day in stunning locations that allow us to enjoy off-ship opportunities shaped by the weather. Our goal is to maximise your experience of Antarctic wildlife, ice and landscapes.
Our time exploring the Antarctic Peninsula showcases the flexibility and technical prowess of our industry-leading expedition team, pilots and crew. They look for opportunities to experience Antarctica beyond the coast and over the expansive glacial terrain of the last great wilderness. Much of this is achieved on helicopter excursions, which are included in your trip. These heli-flightseeing experiences differ from the helicopter ride that transported you between the ship and the emperor penguin colony at Snow Hill Island. Helicopter flightseeing enables you to soar freely among the icy peaks of Antarctica while looking out over vast expanses of ice, rock, coast and sea.
Within the eastern Antarctic Peninsula, our main settings for this venture are Antarctic Sound, Erebus and Terror Gulf, plus the northwestern Weddell Sea. As we sail though Antarctic Sound, pausing to view stunning fields of tabular icebergs, we set our sights on visiting Paulet Island in the Weddell Sea. This small, circular island is home to a large Adelie penguin colony. The iconic cone rising 1,158ft (353m) is a reminder that Paulet Island was once home to active volcanoes. In addition to penguins, you may be interested in visiting the historic hut built by members of the Swedish Antarctic Expedition of 1901-04. Shackleton was aware of this hut and of the provisions stored there. When he and his crew were forced to abandon the Endurance, Shackleton’s objective became clear: to reach the safety, shelter and supplies at Paulet Island. Alas, as history attests, the ice and current of the Weddell Sea had other plans.
We visit two towering geological features: Madder Cliffs on Joinville Island and Brown Bluff on the most northerly tip of the Antarctic continent, where we plan to set foot. Brown Bluff is believed to be an exposed volcano that once erupted beneath the glacial ice, causing the lava to spread laterally and create the stunning geological layering that’s visible on the imposing 2,445ft (745m) bluff walls. The base of the bluffs is home to Adelie and gentoo penguin, which number in the thousands.
During our standard excursion days, we aim to offer a variety of off-ship experiences tailored to the location and weather. These include Zodiac cruises, shore landings on islands and the continent, as well as our paddling excursions.
Also featured in this portion of the itinerary: the James Ross Island archipelago, adjacent to Erebus and Terror Gulf, which is highly valued geologically. On these islands, we’ll find fossilized specimens, ventifacts (ancient rocks polished smooth over time by wind and grains of sand), and the remains of the KT Boundary, which marks the transition between the Cretaceous Period (dinosaurs and reptiles) and the Tertiary Period (mammals). Our goal is to provide opportunities for guests to see ventifacts up close, and to better appreciate the significance of wind erosion – by sand or ice particles – over long periods. Ventifacts provide valuable information about the climatic history and prevailing wind patterns of the region.
Another highlight of the eastern side of the peninsula is Devil Island, marked by its twin towering cones of ash and hardened lava that emerge from a bay on the north shore of Vega Island. At low tide, grounded bergy bits and sea ice reveal the extraordinary visual formations on the underside of the ice – shapes uniquely sculpted by brine channels and ocean waves.
Before returning across the Drake Passage, we intend to visit the wildlife-rich South Shetland Islands. As with any polar expedition, our team has devised multiple plans for our visit to this region. Our goal, however, is to set foot on Livingston Island, which showcases the most spectacular mountains of the South Shetland Islands, as well as the chinstrap penguin colonies along the rugged coast. The towering peaks you’ll see are the Tangra Mountains, Mount Friesland (5,578ft/1,700m), Bowles Ridge (2,697ft/822m), and Pliska Ridge (2,188ft/667m).
Another fascinating landing option is Deception Island. In addition to waddling penguins and lounging seals, visitors can also see the rusting remnants of long-abandoned whaling operations on the beach. We hope to offer guests longer walks leading to breathtaking viewpoints on Deception Island. The stark contrast between the snow and dark volcanic sand – with geothermic steam along the shoreline – creates a uniquely atmospheric feel. Additionally, Deception Island is home to one of the most renowned chinstrap penguin colonies in the world. Estimates range from 50,000 to 70,000.
At Sea: Sail north across the Drake Passage
The journey back across the Drake Passage provides a final opportunity to enjoy the invigorating Southern Ocean air. Spend time on deck watching for seabirds and scouting for whales, enjoy presentations by your Expedition Team, and celebrate the experiences you’ve shared off the beaten track in remote Antarctica.
Disembark in Ushuaia and fly to Buenos Aires
You 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.
Ultramarine
The Snow Hill to the Peninsula: Shackleton’s Emperors with Paul Goldstein voyage is offered on the Ultramarine, which is a Polar adventure ship.
Polar adventure ships
These are small ice-rated vessels well qualified for Polar waters. Intimate adventures are always more enjoyable with like-minded passengers and staff, so these voyages are for people who like flexible itineraries and plenty to keep them busy. Activities include frequent Zodiac excursions, trekking and many hours on deck in areas that other ships only dream about accessing. Food and staff are superb and every guest benefits from the technical advances of this superb fleet. Rest assured our Polar adventure ships enable any traveller to maximize their experience sensitively in the Poles.
Ultramarine
The newest ship in Quark’s fleet, Ultramarine, is designed to go beyond the familiar in Polar exploration, to discover new places, and to immerse you in the best the region has to offer.
Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters (not available on departures that include Svalbard), Ultramarine offers the most robust portfolio of adventure activities in the industry, the most spacious suites in its category, breath-taking public spaces, and more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces than other expedition ships its size. It also features an innovative mix of sustainability features that exceed all industry standards. With all this and more, Ultramarine is set to deliver the ultimate Polar expedition experience.
Balcony Suite – Ultramarine
Panorama Lounge – Ultramarine
Dining Area – UltramarineCabin Class:
SOLO PANORAMA: Located on Deck 6, and approximately 132 sq. ft. (12.3 m2). This suite is perfect for solo guests who appreciate privacy and want to wake up to sweeping views from the comfort of their bed. These are the only solo suites with floor-to-ceiling windows available onboard any ship in its class.
Features: single bed, floor-to-ceiling window, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower and heated floors.
EXPLORER TRIPLE: Located on Deck 3, and approximately 285 sq. ft. (26.5 m2). This suite is perfect for guests traveling solo who want to share their experience with other like-minded travellers of the same gender, or for groups of three traveling together. Featuring three separate single beds, and amenities for each of the three guests.
Features: three single beds (two of which can be combined into a double bed), sitting area, picture window, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower and heated floors.
EXPLORER SUITE: Located on Deck 3, and 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.
Features: one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, picture window, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower and heated floors.
BALCONY SUITE: Located on Decks 4 and 6, 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.
Features: one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower and heated floors.
DELUXE BALCONY SUITE: Located on Decks 4 and 6, 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.
Features: one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors.
TERRACE SUITE: Located on Deck 6, with approximately 350 sq. ft. (32.5 m2) of indoor living space, and a 100 sq. ft. (9.3 m2) balcony. This suite is perfect for guests wanting generous interiors with a wide layout and the largest balconies on the ship. Centrally located on Deck 6, guests will enjoy minimal movement and motion from the comfort of these suites.
Features: one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, private extra-wide balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors.
PENTHOUSE SUITE:The only suite category to be located on Deck 7, with approximately 369 sq. ft. (34.3 m2) of indoor living space, and a 67 sq. ft. (6.2 m2) balcony. This suite is perfect for guests wanting to wake up to unobstructed polar views from the warmth and comfort of their bed onboard the ship. These suites offer the best of everything—views, spacious interiors, full bathrooms and generous balcony sizes—as well as easy access to the wellness centre.
Features: one double or two single beds, sitting area with sofa bed, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors.
OWNER’S SUITE: Located on Deck 6, with approximately 446 sq. ft. (41.4 m2) of indoor living space and a 46.3 sq. ft. (4.3 m2) balcony. This suite is perfect for guests who want it all. A large, luxurious suite featuring a private bedroom, full bathroom, powder room, and two separate living spaces. This suite is perfect for families or couples who want all the comforts of home onboard the ship.
Features: one double or two single beds in a private bedroom with walk-in closet, sitting area with sofa bed and additional closet, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors and separate powder room.
ULTRA SUITE: Located on Deck 6, with approximately 563 sq. ft. (52.3m2) of interior living space, and a 46 sq. ft. (4.3 m2) balcony. This suite is perfect for guests who want to travel without compromise. Our largest and most luxurious suite features the most sleeping, entertainment and storage space onboard the ship. It is perfect for families or travellers who want all the comforts of home onboard the ship.
Features: one double or two single beds in a private bedroom with walk-in closet, sitting area with sofa bed and additional walk-in hallway closet, private balcony, desk, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors and separate powder room.
DECKPLAN:
Trip Experts
Paul Goldstein
Expert Leader: Global
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