29 Aug 2024

Antarctica’s Hidden Treasure: The Emperor Penguins of Snow Hill Island

WORDS by Michael Wayne

Penguins in Snow Hill Island, Antarctica Penguins in Snow Hill Island, Antarctica

Polar Regions

Ocean Voyages

Vast, remote, pristine – Antarctica is the ultimate bucket list destination.

There’s nowhere else on Earth quite like it, and that means the only way to truly appreciate the seventh continent’s frozen beauty and unique wildlife is to experience it for yourself.

The sheer expanse of the Antarctic Peninsula means there’s always something new to discover, even for repeat visitors. Despite its proximity to South America, the thick pack ice of the nearby Weddell Sea makes this region inaccessible to many ships. 

Scenic’s Discovery Yachts are purpose-built to navigate this unique landscape. A Scenic Eclipse expedition cruise reveals  the Weddell Sea’s breathtaking polar scenery, including giant tabular icebergs, ice shelves and iconic wildlife.

The sight of the most famous Antarctic resident, the Emperor penguin, playing, swimming and waddling in their natural habitat is a lifechanging experience. At the start of the season, you may chance a sighting of a few penguins coming down to the coastline, but the best way to see them is by visiting Snow Hill Island.

Snow Hill Island is home to around 4,000 breeding pairs of Emperor penguins and their fluffy chicks. The tiny, snow-covered island is a breeding colony, one of only two of its kind in the Antarctic Peninsula.

Penguin paradise

Discovered in 1843 by British explorer James Clark Ross (of Ross Sea and Ross Ice Shelf fame), Snow Hill Island is known for its unusual blanket of snow, a stark contrast to the rockier islands with which it shares the Weddell Sea. 

Long before and since Ross’s arrival, Emperor penguins have gathered every March on Snow Hill Island to mate. Emperor penguins thrive in extreme sub-zero conditions and prefer a frosty surface for breeding and incubating their eggs. This, along with its remoteness, makes Snow Hill Island an ideal breeding ground for these beautiful birds. 

By November, the start of the Antarctic cruise season, the chicks are at their fluffiest and the sea ice has broken up enough for ships with helicopters to access Snow Hill Island for a look into this wondrous natural society.

Emperor penguins in Snow Hill Island, Antarctica Emperor penguins in Snow Hill Island, Antarctica

Your front row seat

On a Scenic Eclipse expedition cruise, guests have an exclusive opportunity to journey to this unique location for a front-row seat to this spectacular show. By taking one of the Discovery Yacht’s two helicopters, guests can experience a landing near Snow Hill Island. The custom-built Airbus H130’s are the quietest helicopters in the skies, minimising their impact on the surrounding environment.

Upon landing, the specialist polar Discovery Team will lead you on a short hike through the snow to a perfect viewing spot for the majestic Emperors and their chicks.

Scenic Eclipse’s resident ornithologist provides deep insights into the behaviour and ecology of Antarctica’s most iconic wildlife, while the dedicated crew ensures all IAATO and biosecurity protocols are followed.

“This is an incredibly unique experience, available only with ships that have helicopters^, so it’s a truly remarkable moment for our guests” says James Griffiths, Scenic’s General Manager, Ocean Operations.

 

This unforgettable journey lets you witness the awe-inspiring beauty of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, forging memories that will stay with you forever.

Join us for your opportunity to walk in the footsteps of explorers and enjoy a rare look into a seldom-seen world. The 2024 Scenic Eclipse Antarctica, South Georgia and Falkland Islands cruise departs 27 November. Or, join us on the October and November 2025 and 2026 Antarctica voyages for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Featured Itineraries

For your opportunity to experience the Snow Hill Island helicopter excursion, select an October or November departure on our Antarctica voyages below:
Buenos Aires

13 Days

SEASON: 2025/2026

Antarctica in Depth

Great White Wonder

From
CAD
$24,405*
Buenos Aires

13 Days

SEASON: 2026/2027

Antarctica in Depth

Great White Wonder

From
CAD
$24,945*
Buenos Aires to Ushuaia

22 Days

SEASON: 2024/2025

Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands

The Wild Kingdom of Antarctica: Majestic landscapes and magical encounters

From
CAD
$31,955*
Ushuaia to Buenos Aires

23 Days

SEASON: 2024/2025

Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands

Pristine wilderness and historic tales

From
CAD
$44,170*
Antarctica Arctic Fjords Destination Guide
Antarctica Arctic Fjords Destination Guide

Antarctica and Arctic Destination Guide

Download your free Worldwide Discoveries ocean cruising brochure to start planning your unforgettable Scenic journey.
^Flights on board our two helicopters, helicopter and submersible experiences at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather and ice conditions. Snow Hill Island excursions operate in October and November on select voyages, and are subject to weather conditions and permit approvals. Helicopter is unable to operate in South Georgia.

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