There are certain moments in life when a series of events combine to create an experience that is both unexpected and unforgettable. These are the times when you are reminded how fortunate you are to be a part of something that few people will ever have the opportunity to experience. This trip to Antarctica was full of these moments for me.
We had been blessed with idyllic weather most of the trip. As the photography guide, I found myself in many euphoric moments as amazing light revealed surreal landscapes and the wildlife encounters ranged from a pod of more than 25 orcas to breaching humpback whales right next to the ship. The excitement of the crew and passengers was contagious and as we set sail into the Drake Passage, many stories, reflections and revelations were shared on the decks and in the bar.
My first Emperor penguin
The next morning we awoke to another surprise, the notoriously rough Drake Passage was calm and the sun was shining. It was decided that because conditions were so favorable we would attempt a Zodiac cruise on “Drake Lake.” At the Antarctic Convergence, in the middle of the Drake, the Zodiacs were lowered and the gangway readied.
Suddenly a very excited message came across the staff radios from Simon “EMPEROR PENGUIN RIGHT NEXT TO MY ZODIAC!” At first we all thought it was a bit of a joke but soon it became clear that it was reality. My heart raced as I am I fairly passionate birdwatcher and the thought of seeing this rarity in such a unique situation kicked on my adrenaline.
I wildly scanned the horizon with my binoculars and found Simons Zodiac already a long way from the ship. The first Zodiac full of passengers arrived and it was confirmed by radio that the Emperor was still there. I knew that I would be in the last boat and was sure that there was no way that I was going to see this incredible bird. Amazingly the Emperor politely waited for all nine zodiacs to arrive, greeting each one with its ethereal call. And as the last Zodiac arrived, with me in it, I was awestruck. There it was… my first Emperor penguin… on a Zodiac cruise in the middle of the Drake Passage. Magic!
Best Deals
Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica
21 Dec - 08 Jan 2026$ 15.600
Antarctica - Basecamp - free camping, kayaking, snowshoe/hiking, mountaineering, photo workshop
28 Dec - 09 Jan 2026$ 10.550
Antarctica - Basecamp - free camping, kayaking, snowshoe/hiking, mountaineering, photo workshop
29 Dec - 10 Jan 2026$ 11.100
Antarctica - Discovery and learning voyage
08 Jan - 18 Jan 2026$ 9.250
Antarctica - Discovery and learning voyage
09 Jan - 19 Jan 2026$ 9.250
Related Trips
Antarctica
Ushuaia
Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica
21 Dec 2025 - 08 Jan 2026 
19 Days / 18 Nights
From $ 15.600 per person
Antarctica
Ushuaia
Antarctica - Basecamp - free camping, kayaking, snowshoe/hiking, mountaineering, photo workshop
28 Dec 2025 - 09 Jan 2026 13 Days / 12 Nights
From $ 10.550 per person
Antarctica
Ushuaia
Antarctica - Basecamp - free camping, kayaking, snowshoe/hiking, mountaineering, photo workshop
29 Dec 2025 - 10 Jan 2026 13 Days / 12 Nights
From $ 11.100 per person
Antarctica
Ushuaia
Antarctica - Discovery and learning voyage
08 Jan 2026 - 18 Jan 2026 11 Days / 10 Nights
From $ 9.250 per person
% Save up to $ 3.450
Antarctica
Ushuaia
Antarctica - Discovery and learning voyage
09 Jan 2026 - 19 Jan 2026 11 Days / 10 Nights
From $ 9.250 per person
Antarctica
Ushuaia
Antarctica - Discovery and learning voyage
18 Jan 2026 - 28 Jan 2026 11 Days / 10 Nights
From $ 9.250 per person
Antarctica
Ushuaia
Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica
19 Jan 2026 - 06 Feb 2026 19 Days / 18 Nights
From $ 16.600 per person
% Save up to $ 7.350
Antarctica
Ushuaia
Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica
28 Jan 2026 - 16 Feb 2026 20 Days / 19 Nights
From $ 12.650 per person
Antarctica
Ushuaia
Antarctica - Discovery and learning voyage
06 Feb 2026 - 16 Feb 2026 11 Days / 10 Nights
From $ 9.250 per person
Antarctica
Ushuaia
Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Elephant Island - Antarctica - Polar Circle
16 Feb 2026 - 10 Mar 2026 23 Days / 22 Nights
From $ 17.800 per person
Antarctica
Ushuaia
Antarctica – Uncharted islands of the Deep South
18 Feb 2026 - 04 Mar 2026 15 Days / 14 Nights
From $ 12.100 per person
Antarctica
Ushuaia
Deep South Basecamp experience
04 Mar 2026 - 17 Mar 2026 14 Days / 13 Nights
From $ 11.200 per person
Blog
Blog
Inside the Svalbard Global Seed Vault
Literature, cinema, and even video games often present us with various global disaster scenarios. These typically involve devastating wars, catastrophic natural events, or widespread pandemics that leave survivors scavenging for food and supplies amidst hordes of zombies.
Blog
Seven Frightfully Fun Polar Ghost Stories
The polar regions are unparalleled when it comes to ghost stories.
Blog
North Norway, Northern Lights, and All the Pretty Whales
At first glance, visiting Northern Norway outside of a blazing-hot summer might seem daunting for the average traveler.
Blog
What to Expect When Crossing the Drake Passage
Positioned between the southern tail of South America and the Antarctic Peninsula's north-sweeping arm is a lively little waterway known as the Drake Passage.
Blog
Antarctica’s first Marine Protected Area
In October of this year, the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, which includes 24 countries such as the United States, the European Union, Australia, and New Zealand, reached a consensus on a New Zealand/United States proposal to establish a large-scale Marine Protected Area (MPA) in the Ross Sea region.
Blog
12 photo tips to make better pictures on your Antarctica cruise
During your trip in the Arctic or Antarctic cruise you and your camera equipment will be exposed to a variety of challenging conditions. Be careful with your equipment and protect it from the salty spray when in Zodiacs, on a beach, or on deck. Salt water and electronics is not a good mix!
Blog
The ozone layer in Antarctica
An ozone molecule is composed of three oxygen atoms rather than the usual two. It exists in the atmosphere in trace amounts. Ozone molecules are created through the interaction of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun with oxygen molecules: When an O2 molecule is split, the two free oxygen atoms bond with other O2 molecules to form O3 molecules.
Blog
Top Antarctica Cruise Experiences for 2025
Antarctica, the worldâs southernmost continent, captivates adventurous travelers with its breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity. Cruises to this icy destination offer unparalleled access to pristine wilderness, unique wildlife, and transformative experiences. In 2025, the allure of Antarctica promises to be even greater, with cutting-edge expeditions and eco-conscious travel options reshaping the journey south.
Blog
The Ultimate Traveler’s Guide to the Arctic and Antarctica
Sunrises or sunsets? Coffee or tea? Polar bears or penguins?
Blog
Narwhals: the Aquatic Unicorns of the Arctic
Though narwhals are among the rarest whale species encountered during our Arctic expeditions, a journey to the Arctic regions of Greenland and Svalbard always holds the potential for spotting these elusive creatures.
Blog
11 South Orkney Animals: Whales, Seabirds, and Penguins Aplenty
The South Orkney Islands are often overlooked as a destination for Antarctic travel.
Blog
Greenland: East vs. West
East and West Greenland offer vastly different experiences due to their unique climates, wildlife, habitation, and geology.
Blog
Ice streams and lakes under the Greenland Ice Sheet
The Greenland ice sheet is a dynamic mass of dense, flowing, and deforming ice. Snow deposited on the central parts of the ice sheet is gradually compressed into ice that slowly moves towards the ice margin. At the ice margin, the ice is removed by melting or by breaking off into icebergs.
Blog
Why a Polar Diving Cruise Should be Your Next Great Decision
Not so very long ago, all you had to do to qualify as a thrill-seeker was hop a ship to the polar regions and make it back with all your fingers â or your life, if you werenât picky.
Blog
Eight Ultimate Antarctica Adventures
Antarctica has adventure in its bones. Long before most travelers even reach the continent, they have to cross the Drake Passage, an oft-tumultuous waterway considered by many a hallmark of high adventure in itself. Once you do reach the Antarctic shores, the variations of landscape and wildlife are as multiform as the activities you can pursue there. While not all of these activities can or should be shoehorned into a single article, this piece will give you a survey of the top eight. Like everything in the polar regions, these activities are subject to weather conditions â and your own threshold for adventure.
Blog
All About Ice: Glaciers and Icebergs of the Arctic and Antarctica
Antarctica has adventure in its bones. Long before most travelers even reach the continent, they have to cross the Drake Passage, an oft-tumultuous waterway considered by many a hallmark of high adventure in itself. Once you do reach the Antarctic shores, the variations of landscape and wildlife are as multiform as the activities you can pursue there. While not all of these activities can or should be shoehorned into a single article, this piece will give you a survey of the top eight. Like everything in the polar regions, these activities are subject to weather conditions â and your own threshold for adventure.
Blog
Amazing Greenland
If you ever get the chance to take a trip to Greenland, you will be amazed by its coastlines, fjords, ice-covered peaks, and great expanse of snow-covered land. You will also notice that Greenland is a rugged area with a rich diversity of life, making it a dream location for scientists as well.
Blog
The Enchanting Islands of Svalbard
Svalbard is an Arctic archipelago situated between the North Pole and the Norwegian mainland, offering visitors some of the most stunning wildlife and landscapes in the world. Here we explore seven of the most visited Svalbard islands, highlighting the many wonders that draw people back year after year.
Blog
Cruising Solo: The Benefits of Single-Passenger Polar Travel
Traveling is often done with family, friends, or romantic partners. However, the benefits of solo travel, especially in polar regions, deserve more attention.
Blog
Exploration of the Polar Regions
From the Vikings via the first whale and seal hunters to Scott and Amundsen, from the maritime explorers Franklin and Nordenskiöld to present-day polar tourism, a quick tour through history reveals some of the aspects which motivated people to extend their horizons. Existential need, sheer curiosity, imperial greed, polar science, and a taste for adventure all converged in regions which pardon no mistakes.