Scenic Discovery Yachts Delivers Guests to Experience the Unique Antarctica Emperor Penguin Colony

Pressemitteilung

Where advanced technology, world-class design, expertise and helicopter experiences make Antarctic exploration truly life-changing – only on Scenic Eclipse.

Scenic Discovery Yachts are proud to be providing guests with unrivalled helicopter flights to experience one of the most extraordinary wildlife encounters on Earth: the remote Emperor penguin colony of Snow Hill Island in the Weddell Sea. Home to more than 4,000 breeding pairs, Snow Hill is one of Antarctica’s most inaccessible sites – a place Scenic makes possible for guests to visit.

This unique experience is enabled by Scenic’s state-of-the-art technology, advanced Discovery Yacht design, deep expertise and two on board helicopters^. Purpose-built for the Polar regions, Scenic Eclipse carries a Polar Class 6 rating, sophisticated navigation systems and GPS Dynamic Positioning, allowing precise manoeuvring without dropping anchor on sensitive seabeds. The pair of Airbus H130-T2 helicopters^, custom-designed to be the quietest in the sky, provide seamless access to Snow Hill Island, which, due to ice and geography make it inaccessible from the coastline by other ships.

Upon landing, the Scenic Eclipse specialist Discovery Team lead guests on a short snow hike to a carefully selected vantage point (to not disturb the colony). Guided by the on-board ornithologist, guests witness the spectacle of Emperor penguins and their fluffy chicks – one of the most profound wildlife experiences anywhere in the world.

At the core of every Antarctic voyage is the Scenic Discovery Team – of up to 20 polar experts, naturalists, and field leaders whose skill and knowledge shapes each guest’s experience, ensuring it’s both safe and profoundly enriching. Excursions by helicopter^, submersible^, Zodiac, kayak, stand-up paddleboard and onshore exploration, are complemented by the comfort of truly all-inclusive ultra-luxury: world-class dining and beverages, the 550sqm Senses Spa, and spacious all-verandah suites with butler service.

Scenic’s Antarctica voyages continue to lead the industry in exclusive access and depth of experience. This extends to the upcoming season in East Antarctica and the Ross Sea where guests can visit the historic Mawson’s Huts and the McMurdo Dry Valleys for exclusive helicopter landings^. These journeys are made possible through Scenic’s unmatched technology platform, innovative yacht design and decades of expedition expertise.

Featured Itineraries with opportunity to visit Snow Hill Island

Antarctica, South Georgia & The Falkland Islands

20 Days | Departing Buenos Aires, 15 November 2026

This all-inclusive expedition combines three of the Southern Ocean’s most spectacular destinations with the exclusive opportunity to join the Snow Hill Island helicopter excursion^. Explore the wildlife-rich Falkland Islands, South Georgia’s dramatic landscapes home to the world’s largest King penguin colonies, and the pristine Antarctic Peninsula.

Experience multiple daily landings led by Scenic’s Discovery Team of specialists, with all-inclusive luxury featuring up to 10 culinary experiences and spacious all-verandah suites. Prices start from EUR 25.945 per person* with savings from €5.650 per person* and includes flights to Ushuaia and a pre-night stay in Buenos Aires.

Antarctica in Depth

13 Days | Departing Buenos Aires, 17 December 2026

Embark on an extraordinary polar expedition focusing on the Antarctic Peninsula’s breathtaking glacial landscapes and unparalleled wildlife encounters. With the opportunity to join the Snow Hill Island helicopter excursion^, witness Emperor penguin colonies in their natural habitat during the optimal viewing season.

This focused itinerary maximises time exploring Antarctica with daily Zodiac landings, kayaking excursions, and expert-led discoveries. The voyage is designed for deeper immersion in the pristine landscapes with Scenic Eclipse’s signature all-inclusive 6-star luxury and almost 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio.

Prices start from EUR 18.495 per person* with savings from €1.250 per person* and includes flights to Ushuaia and a pre-night stay in Buenos Aires.

For complete itinerary details and pricing, visit scenic.eu

^The Snow Hill Island helicopter excursion is offered at an additional cost and is subject to weather and ice conditions. This exclusive experience includes significant time near the colony and a guided snow hike led by Scenic’s expert ornithologists.

Text: PM Scenic Group