The Bottom of the World
The journey to the South Pole covers 2,400 km (1,500 mi) from our main camps, beginning with a 5-hour flight to Dixie’s Camp, our remote expedition base. After a refuelling stop, the adventure continues with a further 2-hour flight to the South Pole — 90°S, the lowest point on Earth and an iconic milestone for any explorer.
Cruising 3,000 m (10,000 ft) above the ice across the High Polar Plateau, the views are breathtaking. After a few hours at the Pole, we return to Dixie’s Camp at 83°S to spend the night amid the vast, uninterrupted whiteness where horizon meets sky.
Against All Odds
Towering nearly 1.2 m (4 ft) tall and weighing up to 45 kg (99 lb), the Emperor Penguin is Antarctica's majestic giant. Every inch of these extraordinary birds is built for survival in one of the harshest climates on Earth: dense, waterproof feathers and a thick layer of insulating blubber protect them from temperatures plunging to -50°C (-58°F) and winds exceeding 193 km/h (120 mph).
Yet it is their behaviour that captivates the imagination. During the brutal Antarctic winter, females lay a single egg and pass it to the males, who incubate it on their feet beneath a warm brood pouch, fasting for up to two months through the polar night. The colony huddles together in a mesmerizing, slow-moving rhythm, each bird taking its turn in the center to survive.
The 2.5-hour flight to Atka Bay, soaring over the vast white expanse in our Basler aircraft, offers surreal views of the ice shelf, the ocean, and the sheer scale of the continent below. After landing a respectful distance from the colony, guests travel by PistenBullies across the frozen landscape, watching as the distant specks on the horizon slowly reveal themselves as thousands of penguins.
Our Camps
Sample Itinerary
South Pole & Emperors
Day-by-Day
A Note About Weather
Our main priority is to fly guests safely and successfully to the penguins and the South Pole, and we adjust each week's itinerary for those optimal flying windows. These can often change, so it's important to remain flexible.
Other Trips
Baby Penguins & Blue Tunnels
Witness the magic of Antarctica’s first penguin arrivals and explore the fleeting beauty of the blue ice tunnels. Observe emperor penguins in their natural breeding grounds, with minimal crowds and expert guides ensuring an intimate, unforgettable experience.
Long Stay
Combine the luxury of both Whichaway and Echo Camp with a range of unique Antarctica experiences — from ice cave explorations and nunatak hikes to ice climbing and traversing ice waves — as well as an expedition to the geographic South Pole, one of the most iconic destinations on the planet.
A Day on Ice
Cape Town to Antarctica and back — descend into a crystal cave, rappel down an ice shelf and toast with champagne in our ice bar during this extraordinary day trip.
Dates & Prices
Explore available travel dates and premium expedition rates as you prepare for an unforgettable journey into the heart of Antarctica.
