Emperor penguin chick with full belly after feeding
Emperor Penguins / © Christopher Michel
Overview
Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the Gould Bay Emperor Penguin Colony on the remote coast of the Weddell Sea. Camp on the same sea ice where thousands of birds come to raise and feed their young.
Photograph majestic emperors and their chicks against a spectacular backdrop of ice cliffs, pressure ridges, and icebergs. Fall asleep to a chorus of trumpeting calls and wake to find curious penguins outside your tent on our extraordinary emperor penguin trip.
Our remote field camp offers you unparalleled access to the emperors as you witness their amazing adaptations to the Antarctic environment alongside our expert guides.
Weather
The interior of Antarctica has a cold, dry, windy climate. Average mid-season temperatures at our base camp range from -12°F to 30°F (-24°C to -1°C ). On a sunny windless day it can feel quite warm but, when the wind blows, you will be glad of warm layers and a wind jacket. Temperatures can drop as low as -22°F (-30°C) in early November.
Weather at the Emperor rookery is highly variable and influenced by coastal systems. Temperatures range from -25°F (-32°C) to near 32°F (0°C) with sunny and overcast skies and the possibility of heavy snowstorms.
Activity Level
Moderate
Moderate trips offer adventure with a bit more challenge. They may include walking up to several miles/kilometres on uneven snow and ice; staying in remote field camps; extreme temperatures (–40°F / –40°C); activity at high altitudes (11,000ft / 3350m); or skydiving from 13,000 ft AGL (15,300 ft AMSL) .
Inclusions
What's Included
- Airport transfers in Punta Arenas, Chile
- Round trip flight to Antarctica from Punta Arenas
- Round trip flight to Gould Bay Emperor Penguin Colony from Union Glacier, Antarctica
- Meals and tented accommodation in Antarctica
- Antarctic guides
- Celebration event and Certificate of Achievement
- Checked luggage up to 66 lb (30 kg)
What's Not Included
- Insurance coverage—personal, medical,evacuation, or otherwise
- Commercial flights to and from Punta Arenas
- Airport transfers outside of Punta Arenas
- Meals and accommodation in Punta Arenas
- Additional flights within Antarctica
- Personal equipment and clothing
- Expenses incurred due to delays
- Luggage over 66 lb (30 kg)
- Satellite phone charges
9 Days
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Arrival Day: Punta Arenas, Chile
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Pre-departure Days: Gear Check, Welcome and Safety Briefing
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Day 1: Fly to Antarctica
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Day 2: Explore Union Glacier
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Flexible Flight Day: Fly to Emperor Colony
Weather, sea ice and flight conditions can be very challenging for this trip and days of delay are common. Enjoy local excursions, activities and Antarctic lectures at Union Glacier Camp, while waiting for suitable conditions for your flight.
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Gould Bay: Live with the Emperors
Number of days spent at the Emperor Penguin colony may vary, due to weather, sea ice, and flight conditions.
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Flexible Flight Day: Return to Union Glacier
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Days 7-8: Explore Union Glacier
These days provide an additional weather buffer in case of delays.
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Day 9: Return to Chile
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Flexible Departure Day: Fly Home
*Subject to change based on weather and flight conditions.
Forms
Trip Code
EMPS1
To Antarctica
Nov 10 2024
From Antarctica
Nov 18 2024
Duration
9 Days
Cost
$60,900
Availability
Limited Space Left
Trip Code
EMPS2
To Antarctica
Nov 18 2024
From Antarctica
Nov 26 2024
Duration
9 Days
Cost
$60,900
Availability
Waiting List
Trip Code
EMPS3
To Antarctica
Nov 26 2024
From Antarctica
Dec 04 2024
Duration
9 Days
Cost
$60,900
Availability
Full
We reserve the right to revise our prices in the event of significant changes in the price of aviation kerosene and aircraft charter rates.
