Oceanwide Expeditions announces successful return to Snow Hill Island, with guests able to visit the iconic emperor penguin colony
Expedition cruise vessel m/v Ortelius has successfully entered the Weddell Sea again, delivering guests by helicopter to the iconic emperor penguin colony at Snow Hill Island, marking them out as champions of the Weddell Sea.
Vlissingen, 26.11.24 - Oceanwide Expeditions, a 30-year veteran of polar expedition cruises, has announced the second successful landing of guests at Snow Hill Island amid challenging ice conditions in the Weddell Sea yesterday, 25 November, 2024.
m/v Ortelius approached Snow Hill Island to within 14.8 nautical miles, where the emperor penguin colony was visible from the vessel. Adding to the magic, around 20 emperor penguins visited the vessel at night, creating an awe-inspiring connection with nature. It’s moments like these that define the unique adventure of a Weddell Sea expedition, bringing guests as close to the heart of nature as possible.
This means both trips scheduled for this Antarctic expedition cruise season, saw guests visit the iconic emperor penguin colony at Snow Hill Island, where emperor penguin chicks were finding their feet in this harsh but beautiful polar environment, offering fantastic conditions for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts on board. Landing guests by helicopter from within the Weddell Sea itself, Oceanwide Expeditions has delivered upon its goal of getting guests closer to the heart of nature through a flexible, innovative approach to itinerary planning and vessel operation.
Operational flexibility and pioneering DNA
Operating in Antarctica’s Weddell Sea brings significant challenges, including drift ice and unpredictable weather. Oceanwide Expeditions had alternative plans ready to ensure guests could still visit the Snow Hill Island emperor penguin colony if conditions made it difficult. However, thanks to the ice-strengthened m/v Ortelius and the onboard helicopters, the original itinerary went ahead successfully, with helicopter landings conducted from the Weddell Sea.
This season, m/v Ortelius became the first expedition ship to enter the Weddell Sea, marking a major achievement. This success, as well as the second landing, highlight the crew's expertise and Oceanwide's commitment to bold exploration in some of the world’s most remote and dynamic regions.
The company acknowledges the outstanding work of the m/v Ortelius team, particularly Captain Per Andersson and Expedition Leader Sara Jenner, whose dedication ensured this remarkable experience for guests.
Discover the secrets of the Weddell Sea with Oceanwide Expeditions
Oceanwide Expeditions will return to the Weddell Sea later this season for a Remote Weddell Sea Explorer trip. For the upcoming Antarctic season Oceanwide Expeditions hopes to provide guests with an unforgettable emperor penguin encounter at Snow Hill Island again.
Guests can book their place aboard m/v Ortelius in 2025, enter the drift ice, encounter some of the world's most iconic species, and explore the most magnificent landscapes on Earth.
Tags: Oceanwide Expeditions
