Oceanwide’s Ortelius has successfully re-entered the Weddell Sea, delivering guests by helicopter to the emperor penguin colony at Snow Hill Island.

In a press release, the company announced the second successful landing of guests at Snow Hill Island amid challenging ice conditions.

The landing occurred in the Weddell Sea on Nov. 25, 2024.

The Ortelius approached Snow Hill Island within 14.8 nautical miles, where the colony was visible from the vessel. Around 20 emperor penguins visited the vessel at night.

Both trips scheduled for this Antarctic expedition cruise season saw guests visit the iconic emperor penguin colony at Snow Hill Island, offering the right conditions for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts on board.

Landing guests by helicopter from within the Weddell Sea itself, Oceanwide Expeditions delivered upon its goal of getting guests closer to the heart of nature through its approach to itinerary planning and vessel operation, the company said.

According to the cruise line, operating in Antarctica’s Weddell Sea brings significant challenges, including drift ice and unpredictable weather. Oceanwide said it had alternative plans to ensure guests could still visit the colony if conditions made it difficult.

However, the original itinerary went ahead successfully, thanks to the ice-strengthened  Ortelius and the onboard helicopters.