Scenic offers new rare emperor penguin experience on Snow Hill Island

The sailing, which involves flying to Buenos Aires, Argentina and sailing round trip from Ushuaia, Argentina gets underway from December 19 coinciding with the end of the penguins’ breeding season when chicks prepare for their first forays into the Antarctic Ocean.

‘Scenic Eclipse has a Polar Class 6 rating and is custom built for Antarctic exploration, allowing us to go far deeper into the Weddell’s ice than most cruise lines,’ said Jason Flesher, operations manager, Scenic Group. 

‘The ship’s technology enables us to take our guests to the most hidden corners of Antarctica and offer them once in a lifetime experiences…’

The experience follows Scenic’s recently added submarine dives in South Georgia Islands.

Snow Hill Island

Snow Hill Island is situated on the brink of the Antarctic Circle, has soaring icebergs, impenetrable walls of Weddell Sea ice and is typically frequented by scientists. Its emperor penguin colony was discovered in the 1990s; the near-endangered species is limited to a few specific locations and seasons. 

Rookeries of elephant seals, pods of humpback whales, minke and orcas are among other animal species that can be seen during the expedition. 

Scenic Eclipse 

Scenic Eclipse has two luxury helicopters, a fleet of Zodiacs, a six-person submarine, expert guides and is compliant with IAATO Snow Hill Emperor Penguin Colony Guidelines.

Prices for the all-inclusive cruise start at £16,145 per person.