Weddell Sea Region
Step into the heart of Antarctica’s wildest frontier — the Weddell Sea
Weddell Sea Region
Step into the heart of Antarctica’s wildest frontier — the Weddell Sea
Home to colossal tabular icebergs, legendary exploration history, and elusive Emperor penguins, this region rewards only those who venture east and south of the Peninsula. Antarctica's Weddell Sea offers an experience few travelers achieve — a world of endless ice, dramatic geology, and fascinating history. Here, towering icebergs drift like floating cities, seals rest on frozen leads, and explorers once fought for survival amid the pack ice. It was in these waters that Sir Ernest Shackleton’s ship Endurance met its icy fate in 1915 — a story of courage that still defines Antarctic legend.
Last-Minute Rates
Weddell Sea Quest: M/V Ushuaia
February
12 days
An 11 day expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands & Weddell Sea aboard the M/V Ushuaia
Elephant Island Weddell Sea & Polar Circle
March
15 days
An extended 14 night extended Antarctic voyage with ice-class M/V Plancius, searching for whales and penguins in the wondrous ice beyond the polar cir
Early Booking Rates
Emperor Penguin Quest: Expedition to Snow Hill
November
14 days
A 14 day expedition to Antarctica's Weddell Sea to see emperor penguins on board helicopter-equipped Ultramarine
On Sale
Highlights of the Antarctic Spring: Ocean Victory
November
10 days
A shorter, 10-day voyage to the Great White Continent with incredible wildlife, stunning mountain scenery and icebergs in 9 action-packed days
Weddell Sea Emperor Penguin Voyage: M/V Ortelius
November - December
11 days
An expedition on the M/V Ortelius with its onboard helicopters in search of the Emperor penguin colony near Snow Hill Island in the Weddell Sea
On Sale
Antarctica by Helicopter: Ultramarine
November-December
12 days
A 12 day expedition with new Ultramarine to the jewels of the Antarctic: South Georgia and the Peninsula
Earlybird Rates
Antarctica, Elephant Is, Weddell Sea, Polar Circle
February-March
15 days
Sail into the Antarctic Circle aboard Plancius — historic Elephant Island, remote Weddell Sea and epic polar wildlife & icebergs
Weddell Sea Explorer Basecamp: Ortelius
March
13 days
A special voyage featuring outdoor adventure options to the Antarctic Peninsula aboard the luxury ice class expedition ship RCGS Resolute
Weddell Sea Basecamp M/V Hondius
December
13 days
An extended 12 night Antarctic expedition with free camping, kayaking, hiking and other activities on brand-new Polar-6 ice-class ship M/V Hondius
Explore One of Antarctica’s Most Extraordinary Seas
The Weddell Sea is where the spirit of polar exploration still thrives. Few travelers venture here — but those who do return forever changed. This ice-bound region lies east of the Antarctic Peninsula, extending toward the Filchner and Larsen Ice Shelves — one of the most remote seas on Earth. Most voyages last 12–14 days, though Emperor penguin trips can extend to 16–18 days. Only a handful of ice-strengthened vessels can safely navigate this challenging region. These ships combines cutting-edge technology with decades of polar experience. Some expeditions use helicopters to access Emperor penguin colonies near Snow Hill Island — a rare, bucket-list experience.
Why Cruise the Weddell Sea?
- Extreme Ice & Scenery: Massive tabular icebergs and shimmering blue floes unlike anywhere else.
- Historic Exploration: Follow the path of Shackleton and his crew.
- Wildlife Encounters: Look for Emperor penguins, Adélies, seals, and whales.
- True Adventure: Unpredictable conditions, flexible itineraries, and unmatched expedition spirit.
These are real expedition voyages — every route shaped by ice, wind, and the expertise of your polar crew. Voyages operate from November through March, but conditions vary more than anywhere else in Antarctica.
Our polar specialists can help match you with the right ship, timing, and operator for your goals — whether that’s Shackleton history or Emperor penguins.
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