Emperor penguins, Snow Hill, Weddell Sea, Antarctica

Weddell Sea

First discovered by James Weddell in 1823, the Weddell Sea is home to vast tabular icebergs, colossal landscapes and some of Antarctica’s greatest penguin rookeries.

We have been specialising in expeditionary cruises to the Southern Ocean for over 15 years and offer a selection of voyages in the Weddell Sea. Travel aboard small expeditionary boats or ice-strengthened ships to some of the most challenging regions on Earth.

First discovered by James Weddell in 1823, the Weddell Sea is home to vast tabular icebergs, pack ice, a barren landscape, grand vistas and some of Antarctica’s greatest penguin rookeries. The south-western and southern borders of the sea are formed by the Larsen and the Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelves which produce the huge tabular icebergs that are so abundant in the Weddell Sea.

Emperor Penguin, Snow Hill, Antarctica
Emperor penguin, Snow Hill, Antarctica

Snow Hill Penguin Colony

The Snow Hill penguin colony, only recently discovered, offers a chance to see emperor penguins which you would normally have to travel to the Ross Sea to experience. Cruises with onboard helicopters will give the best chance of getting close to the colony. Epic stories of endurance and survival, such as Shackleton’s and Nordenskjold’s, will be fresh in the mind, but you will have the comfort of a well equipped expedition ship to return to each day.

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Antarctica, Uncovered
Browse the Great White Continent

We have created and curated these voyage ideas to get you inspired. Browse through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure to Antarctica.

Experiences

Things to do, places to explore and moments to experience.

Scroll to discover some of our most remarkable travel experiences in Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, from diving to photographing busy penguin rookeries.

Adelie penguins, Antarctica
Weddell Sea

Penguins of the Weddell Sea

Discover the clearest sea waters on earth, home to millions of penguins that include Adélies and emperors.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Polar Plunge, North Pole
Weddell Sea

The Polar Plunge

Plunge in the icy Antarctic waters of Paradise Bay, a completely exhilarating (and somewhat bonkers) way to experience the cold continent.

Suggested read: blog

Kayaking, Icebergs, Antarctica
Weddell Sea

Icy Water Kayaking

Navigate alongside icebergs in Wilhelmina Bay, looking out for curious penguins and whales, or embark on an overnight camping expedition.

Diver, Antarctica
Weddell Sea

Diving in Antarctic Waters

Don a dry suit and take a dip in the icy cold waters of Antarctica to dive or snorkel with curious penguins and marvel at the ice beneath the surface.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Leopard seal, Antarctica
Weddell Sea

Aperture on Cuverville Island

Head out on a photography tour on Cuverville Island, known for its deafeningly noisy penguin rookeries.

Camping in Antarctica
Weddell Sea

Camp near the South Pole

For a truly extraordinary and utterly unique experience, fly in to a specially constructed camp near the South Pole.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Ernest Shackleton's Grave, South Georgia
Weddell Sea

Explorers of Antarctica

Learn the fascinating history of the early explorers, perhaps visiting both the iconic huts and graves (and snow tombs) of Ernest Shackleton and Robert Falcon Scott.

Suggested Holiday Idea

World War 2 Gun Relic, Ordnance Point, Falkland Islands
Weddell Sea

Falkland Battlefields

Explore the battlefields of the 1982 conflict.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Emperor Penguins, Antarctica
Weddell Sea

Navigate the Ross Sea

Sail through the remote ocean region that is home to emperor penguins, orca whales, and leopard seals, and see the largest floating body of ice in the world.

Trekking, Antarctica
Weddell Sea

Snow Adventures in Antarctica

Try snowshoeing across the icy white plains of Antarctica, a challenging but exhilarating sport.

King Penguins, Volunteer Point, Falkland Islands
Weddell Sea

Photography in the Falklands

Make the most of the light clarity in the Falkland Islands, as it provides wonderful opportunities for photographers and artists.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Gypsy Cove, Falkland Islands
Weddell Sea

Walk on Gypsy Cove

Explore the stunning coastal paths and inland hills for magical sea views.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Sue Grimwood

The vast continent of Antarctica is Sue’s happy place. Immune to the pungent smell of penguin poo and the halitosis of elephant seals, she fell in love with its seemingly endless snowscapes, icebergs the size of stadiums and fascinating history of the explorers.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

John Faithfull

It is not often that John struggles with words, but this is a destination that left him speechless.

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  • 01285 880 980

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