Snow Hill Island | Antarctica's Emperor Penguin Paradise
Many explorers and Antarctica veterans will tell you that the emperor penguin is one of the most beautiful creatures they have seen. Observing these fascinating creatures from close range is a dream for many guests in Antarctica.
Snow Hill Island is the perfect destination for photographing emperor penguins as it is a natural habitat for these birds. Largely unspoilt by human traces, Snow Hill is a special destination that has preserved its pristine natural state for millions of years.
Snow Hill Island geography
The ice-covered island is located in the Weddell Sea, off the eastern end of the Antarctic Peninsula. It is part of the multiple islands that come under Graham Land, a portion of the peninsula. The island is 33 kilometres in length and 12 kilometres in width. The northeast edge of the island, known as the Spath peninsula, is one area that remains ice-free.
Reaching Snow Hill Island is a challenging task as it is bordered by fast ice as well as pack ice. This makes it necessary for explorers to ride a helicopter to reach the island even during summer which is why visiting Snow Hill Island is nearly impossible.
Snow Hill Island is the most remote Emperor penguin colony accessible to visitors.
Getting there requires the right conditions, the right ship, and the right season. Talk to a specialist.
The significance of this island
An interesting fact about Antarctica is that it is inhabited by 4 penguin species. Snow Hill Island is home to around 8,000 emperor penguins and has been marked as an Important Bird Area (IBA).
It is one of the few spots in the Antarctic where emperor penguin colonies are found. Considering that scientists predict that these beautiful creatures will be at the edge of extinction by the end of the century, the island is a unique site.
Reaching the penguin rookery is not easy for Antarctica cruises. You will have to hike for around 2 hours through the snow to witness the largest of the penguin species and their chicks in action. With a helicopter you can land approximately one kilometer away.
There is also a bit of Paleontological importance as well. Snow Hill Island is part of the Snow Hill Island Formation, a Late Cretaceous sedimentary formation rich in fossils. Discoveries include remains of marine reptiles like mosasaurs and plesiosaurs, as well as dinosaur fossils, providing valuable information about prehistoric life in Antarctica.
Historical points
Beyond the wildlife, Snow Hill Island also has some history around it. While it was discovered on 6 January 1843 by a British Expedition, later expeditions studied it in much detail.
Nordenskjöld's expedition
In 1902, a Swedish Antarctic Expedition led by polar explorer Otto Nordenskjöld reached Snow Hill island. He and the other group members spent the next two winters on the island exploring the area. However, their ship Antarctic sank due to the effects of pack ice action and they were trapped on the island. After a remarkable adventure, the team was rescued by the Argentine Navy.
The historic cabin
The historic wooden cabin was constructed on Snow Hill Island by Nordenskjöld's team in 1902. Located on the island’s northeast coast the hut contains original objects from the expedition and serves as a museum. It is marked as a Historic Site and Monument No. 38 under the Antarctic Treaty.
Visiting Antarctica with Secret Atlas
The quest for an emperor penguin colony is one of the most satisfying journeys in this captivating wilderness of Antarctica. Visiting Antarctica is a rare opportunity that allows you to form an intimate connection with nature.
An Antarctic journey with Secret Atlas is a singular adventure that allows you to experience one of the rarest wildlife encounters on the planet. As always, our Antarctic cruises are curated to provide a transformative experience in the heart of the white continent.
While a trip to Snow Hill Island is not planned on regular expeditions, it’s possible that a private charter could visit if conditions and seasonality permits for it.
If your goal is to visit Snow Hill Island, get in touch with an expedition specialist today to see if this is possible.
South Georgia and Antarctica Shackleton Special Expedition Micro Cruise
54°16’S, 36°30’W
19 days. South Georgia, Elephant Island, and Antarctica in a single voyage. The three places that define the Endurance expedition, followed in sequence. 36 guests aboard Aureum. Spring breathes new life as South Georgia’s vast king penguin colonies teem with activity. Fur seal pups begin to appear, while wandering albatross soar effortlessly overhead.
- 36 guests
- 19 days
Antarctic Peninsula Expedition Micro Cruise by Air & Sea
54°16’S, 36°30’W
Sail the Drake Passage south from Ushuaia, then fly out of Antarctica direct to Patagonia. Four full days on the Peninsula, 36 guests, six senior polar guides, and a farewell night beneath Torres del Paine. The crossing is the point. The flight is the exit.
- 36 guests
- 9 days
Antarctic Circle Expedition Micro Cruise by Air
54°16’S, 36°30’W
Charter flight from Patagonia. Seven full days in Antarctica. A push for the Antarctic Circle at 66°33'S on every departure. Explore pristine ice, wildlife-rich bays, and iconic sites without crowds, and free from rigid schedules with only 36 guests, the first ship of this size in Antarctica.
- 36 guests
- 11 days
Antarctic Circle Christmas Expedition Micro Cruise by Air
54°16’S, 36°30’W
Christmas Day on the Antarctic Peninsula, in perpetual summer light. A charter flight from Puerto Natales, seven full days on the ice, and a push for the Antarctic Circle at 66°33'S.
- 36 guests
- 11 days
Antarctic Circle New Year Expedition Micro Cruise by Air
54°16’S, 36°30’W
Welcome the New Year in Antarctica on a 36-guest Fly & Cruise expedition. New Year's Eve on the Antarctic Peninsula, in light that does not fade. Charter flight from Puerto Natales, seven full days on the ice, a push for the Antarctic Circle at 66°33'S.
- 36 guests
- 11 days
Emperor penguins in the Weddell Sea. One of the rarest wildlife experiences in the world.
Snow Hill is conditions-dependent and rare. Book a free call and we'll tell you honestly what the chances are — and which expedition gives you the best shot.
The Expedition Micro Cruise concept
Other relevant articles
Hope Bay Antarctica | Why Travel There and...
Hope Bay Antarctica | Why Travel There and What to Expect
Paradise Bay in Antarctica | Why Travel to...
Paradise Bay in Antarctica | Why Travel to the Antarctic Wilderness?
Antarctica Wildlife Calendar | When to See...
Antarctica Wildlife Calendar | When to See Penguins, Whales, and Seals
Phone
USA
USA+CAN Toll Free
AUS Toll Free
We use cookies to provide a better online experience. Please let us know if you agree to them. You can read our Privacy Policy for more information.
Join the Secret Atlas newsletter
Join the Secret Atlas newsletter
Thank you for signing up!
Welcome to Expedition Micro Cruising. Discover the difference.
We will be exclusively sharing with you our best-kept secrets. You'll receive first-hand expert advice and inspiring stories from our team of explorers, plus our latest news and offers.
Plan Your Journey
Speak to an Expedition Specialist
Every expedition starts with a conversation. Let's discuss your polar adventure dreams and find the perfect journey for you.
Book a Video Call
Speak face-to-face with an expedition specialist. Ask questions, explore ideas, and start shaping a journey built around you.
Book a Phone Call
Talk with an expedition specialist. Get clear, honest guidance to help you plan your next Expedition Micro Cruise.
Download your brochure
Just enter a few details to receive your brochure.