In 2004, Quark Expeditions made polar history when they conducted the first-ever ground visit to the remote emperor penguin colony near Snow Hill Island, Antarctica. Driven by a true expeditionary spirit - and guided by years of polar expertise – our team sailed past masses of dense ice and thick, tabular icebergs in the Weddell Sea to experience the legendary rookery, which now numbers 4,000 breeding pairs of Emperor Penguins. Today, it is one of the most exclusive wildlife viewing experiences on the planet. We invite you - almost two decades after our milestone visit of 2004, to embrace the thrill of the search as we once again set out to visit to the emperor penguins at Snow Hill Island.
Experience a true polar quest as we journey on our new ship, Ultramarine, which is equipped with two twin-engine helicopters that will fly guests to the vicinity of this rarely-visited rookery, whereupon they will walk across the thick sea ice to stand within meters of the most coveted penguin species on the planet. Anticipate scenes reminiscent of “March of the Penguins” and BBC’s “Frozen Planet.” Just imagine the penguins tobogganing across the ice towards the sea. Such wildlife moments are too precious for words!
Emperor Penguin; Chinstrap, Gentoo & Adelie Penguins; Wandering & Light-mantled Albatrosses; Snow & Antarctic Petrels; Snowy Sheathbill.
South American & Antarctic Fur Seals; South American Sea Lion; Leopard, Weddell, Crabeater & Southern Elephant Seals; Burmeister's Porpoise; Southern Bottlenose, Long-finned Pilot, Killer, Antarctic Minke, Sei, Fin & Humpback Whales; Peale's, Hourglass & Commerson's Dolphins.
coastal and pelagic waters, sub-Antarctic islands & Antarctic Peninsula, pack ice
temperate to subzero, sunny and calm to gale force conditions can be expected
150 with 140 Staff & Crew
easy pace, mostly undemanding walks
comfortable expedition cruise ship
easy
spectacular sub-Antarctic scenery, the most remote continent, icebergs and pack ice, Emperor Penguins
phenomenal
Holly was great! I hope to travel with her again.
Dusan was a big hit with most of the people onboard. The obsessed birders appreciated having a bird expert on board who would lead the quest to see everything. I'm certain everyone knew him by the 5th day. He even volunteered to do a presentation on the Galapagos that was very well attended and very professionally done.
This trip with the guides, Adam and Daniel goes to my top three best trips I have ever taken. The leaders were oh so wonderful, the ship and staff were excellent, and the travel down and back while grueling , occurred without a hitch. As for all the detailed pretrip arrangements, hats off to Sarah who was beyond the pale excellent” in her support and help in “ getting it all done” . Can’t thank everyone enough for all the help, kindness and over riding expertise in making this a once in a life time trip for me!
This long-awaited culmination of the cruise-that-first-failed satisfied everything I had hoped to experience. The Quark staff did a fantastic job (after that first sit-down meal), and the Rockjumper guides were always around and available to point out birds and things of interest. I am so happy to have this one "under-the-belt" so I now feel more free to make other plans. I truly enjoyed the opportunity to get to know all the Rockjumper guides in a more personal and relaxed mode than we seem to have on regular tours. They all continue to amaze me with their knowledge, wide interests, and willingness to share this lore with others.
This trip with the guides, Adam and Daniel goes to my top three best trips I have ever taken. The leaders were oh so wonderful, the ship and staff were excellent, and the travel down and back while grueling , occurred without a hitch. As for all the detailed pretrip arrangements, hats off to Sarah who was beyond the pale excellent” in her support and help in “ getting it all done” . Can’t thank everyone enough for all the help, kindness and over riding expertise in making this a once in a life time trip for me!
15 Nov 2025 - 28 Nov 2025 (14 days)
USD28,495 - Spaces Available
Pricing notes : Mandatory Transfer Package US$995
Tour price (Per person): GBP22,589 * EUR26,421 * USD28,495 * AUD43,737
Antarctica - Falkland Islands, South Georgia & Antarctica 2023 - November 2023
Rockjumper Cruise - Falkland Islands, South Georgia & Antarctica 2022 - November 2022
Rockjumper Cruise - Falkland Islands, South Georgia & Antarctica II 2022 - November 2022
Antarctica - Classic: Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica II 2017 - November 2017
Antarctica - Classic: Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica I 2016 - November 2016
Antarctica - Classic: Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica II 2014 - December 2014
Antarctica - Classic: Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica II 2014xxxx - December 2014
Antarctica - Classic: Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica II 2014 - December 2014
Antarctica - Classic: Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica II 2011 - December 2011