Atlas Ocean Voyages to Antarctica - Did you see Emperor Penguins

[pjules]

Hello, if you went on an Atlas Ocean Voyages cruise to Antarctica, did you see any Emperor Penguins? If so, do you recall where, and what was the itinerary? Thanks.

Edited March 10 by pjules

[Michael_A]

In January we did an Antarctic Cruise with them. We were largely on the western peninsula and didn't see any Emperor penguins; I believe they live a bit further north with their prime grounds being more to the east side of the peninsula and the south Shetland/Orkney islands, though in theory they could range along any of the coasts.

 

Here is a map that may be helpful. Do be aware that there are some (likely) increasing restrictions on shore landings due to Avian flu that could impact getting up close to them.

[ShopperfiendTO]

You probably already know this but you shouldn’t book an expedition cruise expecting to see or do something specifically other than the general “cross/ experience the Drake Passage”, “see icebergs” and “see penguins” (no specific species).

 

We did not see any Adelie penguin colonies, despite that species being quite common in Antarctica, even though we were on an 11 night cruise that had a longer stay in Antarctica proper.

 

That is, even if the colony is known to be in an area on your itinerary, you still have to have other stars align to actually see them, such as good weather, no ice and no other ships booked for that site.

[JanR]

Our February cruise went down the peninsula.  We were told we would not see Emperor Penguins as they are more often associated with being farther north and east.  We did see tons of Chinstrap, Gentoo, and Adélie penguins.  I'd advise not to go into this journey thinking you're missing something by not seeing Emperor Penguins. . .I had thought we had researched and prepared a great deal for our trip and was completely blown away by everything we encountered.  Have a great trip!

[81Zoomie]

We were lucky enough to see a handful of emperor penguins early one morning in the Waddell Sea (on Ponant).