Emperor Penguins and Chicks
Observe adults and growing chicks from a responsible distance in their natural environment.
POLAR TRAVEL TRIBEA REMOTE WILDLIFE AIR EXPEDITION
Emperor Penguins at Gould Bay
Fly through Union Glacier to a remote sea-ice camp at Gould Bay for several weather-led days observing wild adult emperor penguins and chicks.
About 9 days Typical durationNovember Travel seasonPunta Arenas Start and finish
Trip Overview
- Duration
- About 9 days
- Season
- November
- Voyage style
- Wildlife air expedition
Gould Bay offers one of the rare opportunities to spend multiple days near a wild emperor-penguin colony from a small seasonal sea-ice camp. Access is by intercontinental and ski aircraft rather than expedition ship.
Flights, camp duration and observation periods all depend on visibility, wind, sea-ice safety and wildlife-protection rules. Encounters are natural and can never be guaranteed.
Why This Route
Gould Bay Sea-Ice Camp
Stay in a small, remote tented camp on the Weddell Sea coast.
Several Observation Days
Use flexible days to respond to light, weather and penguin activity.
Responsible Photography
Follow strict routes, biosecurity and viewing distances without blocking penguin pathways.
Route Map
Punta Arenas → Union Glacier → Gould Bay → Union Glacier → Punta Arenas
The map shows the main sailing direction. Actual landing sites are selected by the captain and expedition team according to weather, sea ice and safety conditions.
DAY BY DAY
Day by Day
A representative itinerary. The order of landings and cruising is adapted to local conditions.
Before departure
Prepare in Punta Arenas
Complete extreme-cold equipment checks, baggage weighing, safety briefings and biosecurity procedures in Punta Arenas. Meet the specialist team and review the strict rules for the remote sea-ice camp. Every flight and camp operation depends on weather, visibility and local safety.
Day 1
Fly to Union Glacier
Fly into Antarctica when conditions permit, crossing the Peninsula before landing on Union Glacier’s blue-ice runway. Settle into camp, meet the interior operations team and receive the briefing for the onward ski-aircraft transfer, sea-ice conditions and responsible emperor-penguin observation protocols.
From Day 2
Fly to Gould Bay
When weather is safe at Union Glacier, along the route and at Gould Bay, continue by ski aircraft to the Weddell Sea coast. Move into four-season tents and learn the flagged routes and sea-ice rules.
Flexible stay
Days with Emperor Penguins
Walk with guides towards the colony on repeated visits, following marked routes across the sea ice and maintaining the required viewing distance. Spend unhurried time observing adults and growing chicks as they call, rest and move through their natural environment, always allowing penguins to choose their own path. Photography and observation periods respond to weather, light, animal activity and conservation requirements, so each visit can feel entirely different.
Days 7–9
Return to Union Glacier and Chile
Return by ski aircraft when sea ice and weather allow; the number of nights at Gould Bay may change. Continue to Punta Arenas on the next safe intercontinental flight, with ample buffer required afterwards.
PLANNING NOTES
Plan This Journey
- Departure
- Punta Arenas, Chile
- Arrival
- Punta Arenas, Chile
Who This Journey Suits
- Travellers focused on wild emperor penguins and photography
- Guests comfortable with a remote sea-ice tented camp
What You May See
- Emperor penguins
- Emperor penguin chicks
- Weddell seals
- Gould Bay sea ice
- Pressure ridges
- Weddell Sea coast
- Union Glacier
Physical Activity & Sea Conditions
- Moderate, including walking in severe cold over uneven sea ice and staying in compact expedition tents.
- There is no Drake Passage sailing, but every Antarctic flight depends on weather, visibility, wind and runway conditions.
Before You Book
- Strict wildlife distances and biosecurity rules apply
- The actual stay at Gould Bay changes with flight windows
- Wildlife encounters and photography conditions are never guaranteed
WHAT TO EXPECT
Inclusions and Exclusions
What Is Usually Included
- Shipboard accommodation and meals
- Scheduled landings and Zodiac cruising
- Expedition team lectures and guiding
- Loan of expedition boots on many ships
What Is Usually Not Included
- International and domestic flights
- Travel insurance and medical costs
- Optional adventure activities
- Gratuities and personal expenses
Important
- Final inclusions vary by operator and departure
- Activities depend on weather and ice
- Ask us to compare the exact terms before booking
PLAN THIS JOURNEY
Ready to plan an emperor penguin journey?
Tell us your preferred travel window, cabin style and priorities. We will help you compare suitable departures and expedition ships.