Compare Weddell Sea - In search of the Emperor Penguin incl. helicopters by Oceanwide Expeditions vs Best of Antarctica: A White Christmas (Ocean Endeavour) by Intrepid Travel

Day 1: In the afternoon we embark our vessel m/v Ortelius in Ushuaia

In the afternoon, we embark in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world located at the Beagle Channel and sail through this scenic waterway for the rest of the evening.

Day 2 - 3: At sea, en-route to the Antarctic Peninsula where we cross the Antarctic Convergence

During these two days we will sail across the Drake Passage. When we cross the Antarctic Convergence, we arrive in the circum-Antarctic up welling zone. In this area we may meet Wandering Albatrosses, Grey-headed Albatrosses, Black-browed Albatrosses, Light-mantled Albatrosses, Cape Petrels, Southern Fulmars, Wilson’s Storm Petrels, Blue Petrels and Antarctic Petrels.

Day 4 - 7: The Weddell Sea! During these days we use the helicopters in our attempts to find individual Emperor Penguins.

A typical itinerary in the Weddell Sea could be as follows. This is a sample only, the final itinerary will be determined by the Expedition Leader on board.  We will sail into the Weddell Sea and if the Antarctic Sound is accessible and the ice does not prevent us to sail further, we might see the huge tabular icebergs that announce our arrival to the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula.   During these days we use the helicopters in our attempts to find individual Emperor Penguins. During our previous voyages we were always able to locate emperors. We will also offer scenic flights and – if the conditions allow us - helicopter landings on tabular ice-bergs and locations otherwise inaccessible so early in the season.   Possible landing sites is for example Brown Bluff, probably the most scenic spot in the entire northern tip of the Antarctic Continent. With steep canyon walls and tumbled boulders, an ice-cap looming above, beautiful volcanic creations and the scene is complete with thousands of Adélie penguins nesting on the slopes, and a few Gentoo’s mixed in for fun.   Helicopter flights are a great contribution to the voyage, for example on the west side of the Antarctic Sound, an area usually only rarely seen from the air. The scenery is stunning with landscapes of layered sandstones, lava flows, glaciers tumbling into the sea and ice-bergs and pack-ice as far as the eye can see. We can observe individual Emperor Penguins and Adélie Penguins on the ice floes; Cape-, Snow, and Giant Petrels fly high in the sky while Kelp Gulls, skuas and Wilson’s Storm Petrels scavenge down below us. The landscape is dominated by Jagged mountains pierced through the ice-caps and walls of ice dropped onto the slopes below.   A beautiful helicopter flight over huge blue icebergs and fast ice can also be made close to View Point in Duse Bay. We land on a rocky hillock close to an old refuge hut overlooking the bay. There will be still a lot of snow and ice but much of the intended walk on the Antarctic continent will be over a beautiful frost-shattered rock, almost entirely covered with the most fascinating lichen of all shapes and colors.  If the ice-situation allows us to go further into the Weddell Sea area, we will visit Devil Island and Vega Island with a large colony of Adélie Penguins and a magnificent view for those hikers who can make it to the top of the hill. Melting ice sometimes provides spectacular waterfall from the cliffs close to point ‘Well-Met’. Further south, we may also visit Seymour Island, where many fossils can be found.   On our way north through the Antarctic Sound we might pay a visit to the Argentinean station Esperanza on the Antarctic Continent. We will still look out for Emperor Penguins on the ice-floes. In the afternoon we may visit Gourdin Island, with three penguin species; Chinstrap, Gentoo and Adélie.

Day 8: Early in the afternoon we will sail to Deception Island

In the morning we plan to visit Half Moon Island where we can see Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins, various other bird-species as well as a chance for Southern elephant seals and Weddell seals. Early in the afternoon we will sail to Deception Island where we have the last landing of our voyage at Pendulum Cove or Whalers Bay.

Day 9 - 10: At sea en-route to Ushuaia

On our way north we are again followed by a great selection of seabirds while crossing the Drake Passage.

Day 11: The end of our voyage. We disembark m/v Ortelius in the maorning in Ushuaia

We arrive in the morning in Ushuaia and disembark after breakfast.

Day 5 - 6: Alternative program if the route to Snow Hill Island is free of multi-year pack-ice (less than 50 % chance)

The use of helicopters has a great advantage and can support us in our goal to reach the Emperor Penguin colony, but the itinerary is ruled by the forces of nature, ice and weather conditions. If the conditions are favourable, we intend to spend the first two days in the Emperor Penguin rookery. The helicopter operation will take a full day and the flight duration takes approximately 15 minutes. The helicopter can accommodate 6 passengers per helicopter flight. The landing point of the helicopters will be carefully chosen and we will make sure that the Emperors Penguins are not disturbed or stressed by helicopter noise. Therefore, after arrival, the passengers continue their expedition on foot.   After a walk of approx. 45 minutes, passengers will experience an amazing rendezvous with the magnificent Emperor Penguins. Keep in mind that we are in the world’s most remote area and there are no guarantees, including a specific amount of helicopter time. Conditions may change rapidly, having its impact on the helicopter operation and passengers should understand and accept this. Safety is our greatest concern and no compromises can be made.

Day 1 Ushuaia, Argentina

Your Christmas adventure begins in Ushuaia, the most southerly city in the world. You’ll be transferred from the airport to your hotel and meet your fellow travellers at a welcome meeting tonight. If you arrive early, check out Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire) National Park on a day trip (if you have time). Otherwise Ushuaia itself has a lot to offer! Visit the Museo Maritimo for a history lesson or take a stroll down Avenida San Martin to pick up some last-minute essentials for your journey. You may prefer to wander the streets taking in the town's dramatic setting, with views of the mountains to the north and the Beagle Channel to the south.

Day 2 Embarkation in Ushuaia

The morning is free for you to explore Ushuaia further. Late this afternoon you’ll be transferred to the city’s port to board the Ocean Endeavour. The expedition team and ship's captain will be waiting to welcome you on board, and after settling into your cabin, your journey south begins by cruising through the famed Beagle Channel. Enjoy the incredible views as the last glimpse of land fades away and the Ocean Endeavour heads south towards Antarctica.

Day 3-4 At Sea, Drake Passage

The waters of the Drake Passage are legendary. Named after British seafarer Sir Francis Drake, they're often rough and turbulent, but sometimes as calm as a lake. Your journey to the Antarctic Peninsula will take two days. If conditions allow, you’ll be able to enjoy the outer decks to catch your first glimpse of whales and orcas, as well as a wide range of seabirds that live in the region, including the largest of albatrosses, the iconic wandering albatross. If the weather is misbehaving, your comprehensive lecture program will get underway, with your team of polar experts sharing fascinating insights into Antarctica’s history, geology, biology and everything else in between. Spend this downtime enjoying the fabulous onboard facilities including gym, polar library and yoga classes. You’re scheduled to reach the Antarctic Peninsula by early evening on day four, which will be a moment of great excitement!

Day 5-8 Antarctic Peninsula & Christmas day

Welcome to the Antarctic Peninsula, where a vast amount of wildlife can be found with a backdrop of ice, water and mountains. The sheer scale of everything must be seen to be believed. Scheduled twice daily, Zodiac excursions are tailored to suit the Ocean Endeavour's location and allow for closer encounters with marine life, including whales and seals, while onshore exploration might take you to penguin rookeries. Choose from a range of paid adventure options to enhance your adventure, including snowshoeing excursions or overnight ice camping, hit the water for a day paddle or kayaking excursion, or learn how to capture that perfect shot by joining our dedicated photography program. Your lecture program will continue throughout your time on the Antarctic Peninsula, and your expedition team will always be available to answer any questions you may have about the region. If you've been dreaming of a white Christmas, this is as white as it gets! Enjoy the festive spirit on board the Ocean Endeavour, where your presents come in the form of yet more landings and wildlife sightings throughout the day. These wildlife encounters are likely to include Weddell, crabeater and leopard seals, gentoo, Adelie and chinstrap penguins. An average day on board begins with a wake-up call from your expedition leader around 7am, giving you time to prepare for the day before joining your fellow expeditioners for breakfast in the Polaris restaurant. You will usually have two excursions per day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, with a delicious lunch served on the Ocean Endeavour in between excursions.

Day 9-10 At Sea, Drake Passage

Leaving Antarctica behind, cruise north to our home port of Ushuaia. Now is the time to reflect on the amazing journey and a truly unique Christmas. You’re scheduled to reach the waters of the Beagle Channel by the evening to ensure a restful night’s sleep before disembarkation day. Your final meal together is often a highlight, so live it up and enjoy it as you celebrate the journey with your fellow travellers.

Day 11 Disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina

This morning you will disembark the Ocean Endeavour in Ushuaia after breakfast as your Antarctic journey comes to an end. Transfer to Ushuaia airport is included for flights departing today, but if you're sticking around a little longer there is so much to see in this incredible region.