Visiting the Emperor Penguins of Snow Hill Island with Quark Expeditions

The Emperor penguin captured hearts worldwide in the 2006 Oscar-winning film Happy Feet, captivating audiences with their unique traits and quirky behaviors. By the time the film premiered, Quark Expeditions was already intimately familiar with Emperor penguins. In 2004, not only did Quark Expeditions confirm the existence of the Emperor penguin colony at Snow Hill—before anyone else—but became the first polar operator to reach the colony for a successful ground visit.  

Since that history-making milestone, Quark Expeditions has brought more guests to the rarely seen colony of 8,000 Emperor penguins and their chicks than any other operator. In fact, in November 2023 Quark Expeditions made two successful landings at Snow Hill, with several more voyages planned in November 2025.

One of the Rarest Wildlife Experiences on the Planet
Guests who book the newly-launched Snow Hill to the Peninsula: Emperor Penguins and the 7th Continent will explore on the technologically-advanced Ultramarine, equipped with two helicopters and 20 quick-deploy Zodiacs which allow unrivalled off-ship adventures.  
 
This unique itinerary was designed for travellers who dream of visiting the legendary Emperor penguin colony at Snow Hill—but who also want the traditional Western Antarctic Peninsula experience of glaciers, icebergs, snow-capped mountains, whales and seals. In addition, the team tapped into their 30-plus years of expedition experience to incorporate time on the rarely-visited east coast of the Peninsula, where few operators ever visit. 

As with the rest of Antarctica, the best time to witness Emperor penguins on Snow Hill Island are during the months of October and November. This is typically after the new babies have hatched and they’ve grown into young penguins capable of learning how to feed and care for themselves. It’s also the only time of year when the icy conditions are less obstructive, allowing small polar vessels operated by Quark Expeditions and Ultramarine’s helicopters to navigate through the waters and reach the island.

As one of the rarest terrains on the planet, Snow Hill is rich with 65 million years of ecological history that illustrates the planet’s natural state over the course of a geological lifetime. It’s these majestic sights, largely unspoiled by the touch of humankind, that attract seasoned travelers to its icy shores.

Snow Hill to the Peninsula truly is a once-in-a-lifetime wilderness experience. 

How has Quark Expeditions achieved such success at Snow Hill? 

Quark Expeditions, the recognized Leader in Polar Adventures, has explored the Polar Regions exclusively since 1991—the year they brought the first group of consumer travelers to the North Pole. Innovation is embedded in the company’s DNA. The expedition team—the most experienced in the industry—is passionate about pushing new boundaries, creating one-of-a-kind itineraries and off-ship experiences, and exploring new destinations. All of this is possible thanks to Quark Expeditions’ diverse fleet of small polar vessels—which can navigate remote places larger cruise ships can’t.  

Trip Details:  
Snow Hill to the Peninsula: Emperor Penguins and the 7th Continent 
Duration: 18 days 

Ship: Ultramarine 

Departure date: October 31 – November 16, 2025  
 
Included for every guest: Heli-Flightseeing, Zodiac cruising, daily presentations by polar experts, complimentary bar service and Wi-Fi, Quark Parka, hiking excursions and more. 

From The Sponsor: 
Specializing exclusively in voyages to the Arctic and Antarctic, Quark Expeditions is globally recognized as the Leader in Polar Adventures. The award-winning operator has been creating innovative off-ship experiences for guests since 1991—the year they brought the first group of consumer travelers to the North Pole. With a diverse fleet of small polar vessels—one of which is equipped with helicopters—Quark Expeditions takes guests to remote destinations that larger cruise ships can’t reach. Led by passionate and seasoned expedition teams, including glaciologists, historians, wildlife specialists, and other polar experts, Quark Expeditions offers more off-ship adventures than anyone else.