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.

Contact an Expert

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.

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.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

Contact Us

Start planning your trip


Send us an enquiry

Complete our enquiry form and start your next journey.

Review Contact Form

Name(Required)

Why Choose Steppes?

Our knowledge, curiosity and expertise set us apart, driving us to create remarkable holidays and Beautiful Adventures tailored perfectly to you, carefully curated to help protect and conserve our planet.

Are you ready to Discover Extraordinary?


More about Steppes