Experience Antarctica in a whole new way as you move in and live on the pack ice. Fly from Chile, and transfer to a temporary camp so that you are just a mile or two away from the penguin rookery, and spend five days observing these spectacular creatures.
This is more than just wildlife viewing; this really is an incredible opportunity to get to know the penguins and learn about their way of life. You’ll be completely immersed in the activity of the emperor penguin rookery. Photograph the penguins against a spectacular backdrop of ice cliffs, pressure ridges and icebergs and come away with unique images, as the scenery changes each year. With luck you’ll get to watch them swim and dive, you’ll watch the parents feed their chicks, and get to say that you lived on the ice in Antarctica.
Day 1: Punta Arenas to Antarctica
Jump on board your flight, and glide down onto an ice runway in Antarctica. Your first night will be spent at Union Glacier Camp, a temporary camp that is set up on the ice for a short time during the summer (November to January). You’ll be surprised how comfortable a camp on the ice can be!
Day 2: Union Glacier Camp
With a day to settle in and acclimatise to Antarctic conditions, you’ll also have an orientation of the camp, and spend some time reviewing logistics with your guides. Enjoy presentations about wildlife viewing procedures and take in the majestic scenery.
Day 3: Fly to Emperor Penguin Colony
Weather permitting, pack up and fly by ski aircraft to the remote south coast of the Weddell Sea. You will land on the sea ice near the emperor rookery and set up camp near the aircraft. The rest of the day is for exploring, and you will get your first glimpse of the emperors.
Days 4 - 6: Living with the penguins
Wake in the morning to find curious penguins outside your tent, as curious about you as you are them. This really is an incredible opportunity to get to know the penguins and learn about their way of life.
Day 7: Return to Union Glacier Camp
After three and a half days of unrivalled wildlife experiences with the incredible emperor penguins it is time to return to the Union Glacier Camp. After the flight, there should be a bit of free time to explore the area around the camp.
Day 8: Union Glacier Camp
Depending on flights and weather conditions, today may be your final day at the camp, but you may get a few extra days to explore. You will also have a final celebration dinner with the group and receive a certificate proving that you had your very own ‘March of the Penguins’ experience.
Day 9: Return to Punta Arenas
Today – weather permitting - the aircraft will arrive from Punta Arenas to transport you back to reality. You will be met at the airport and transferred back to your hotel where your once in a lifetime adventure ends upon arrival.
Become one of few people to have lived on the white continent with a stay at Union Glacier Camp, the only temporary facility of its kind in Antarctica. This is a full-service camp located off the beaten track in the Heritage Range, below the spectacular Ellsworth Mountains. Accessible only by air, this camp provides a unique experience afforded to few. The accommodation in the camp is basic, but the experience is as real as it will get! The double-walled tents featuring high-tech nylon covers and wooden floors are designed to withstand the Antarctic conditions and will be naturally heated by the 24-hour sunlight. The sun usually brings the temperature in the tent up to 15 - 20°C and the tall interiors allow guests to move around the tent with ease. Each guest is provided with a cot, mattress, linens, pillow, towels and wash basin.
With no fixed schedule, you’ll be free to spend as much time as you wish with the penguins. You will have the option of heading out on guided walks with the naturalist guides or doing your own thing around the camp – (extra time with the penguins must be accompanied by a guide). Meal times are flexible and will allow you to photograph the penguins whenever the light and weather are just right. Your guides will be on hand to answer any questions and make sure the rookery is not disturbed. Wake in the morning to find curious penguins outside your tent, as curious about you as you are them. This really is an incredible opportunity to get to know the penguins and learn about their way of life.
