Antarctica Spring Photo Expedition
Photographing Penguins in snow and ice
Join us for a dedicated Antarctica Spring Photography Expedition from 17 November to 2 December 2027, designed especially for landscape and wildlife photographers who want to capture penguins and other wildlife in spring, when the landscape is predominantly white. Later in the season, colonies become muddier and less photogenic, making this early window ideal for great images.
This 15-day (14-night) photographic adventure begins and ends in Ushuaia, providing 9-10 full days to explore and photograph in the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula. You will get outstanding opportunities to photograph Adélie, Gentoo, and Chinstrap penguins, and with some luck, even the elusive Emperor penguin. The expedition also offers the chance to encounter Leopard seals, whales, and a variety of seabirds at this special time of year. To make the most of the light and maximise photographic opportunities, we plan early and late landings (weather permitting), taking advantage of the golden hours to create stunning images of Antarctica’s wildlife and landscapes.
We will be travelling onboard the legendary MV Ocean Nova. While the ship usually accommodates 78-80 passengers, we have limited our group to just 69 guests by converting some twin cabins to singles and removing the quad option. Fewer guests mean more space in the eight Zodiacs we will use for excursions, and more space for you during landings - crucial for dedicated photography.
If you are seeking a truly unique Antarctica photography expedition, this journey is perfect for you.
PhotographingPenguinsin Snow and Ice
• Meet the adorable Adélie, Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins
• Witness breeding activity in the colonies
• Possibility of penguin chicks by late November
• Witness breeding activity in the colonies
• Possibility of penguin chicks by late November
Adélie, Gentoo, and Chinstrap penguins are fantastic to photograph in Antarctica’s early season in stunning landscapes of snow and ice.
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PhotographingSealson Sea Ice
• Relaxed seals, perfect for close-ups or wider landscape shots
• Excellent photo opportunities of behaviour and interaction
• Possibilities for underwater photography using a polecam
• Excellent photo opportunities of behaviour and interaction
• Possibilities for underwater photography using a polecam
Leopard, Weddell, and Crabeater seals are often found resting on scenic ice floes, with spectacular Antarctic landscapes as a backdrop.
What more to photograph
Below, you can discover more about the photography opportunities in Antarctica during the early season.
SpectacularIcebergsin Great Light
• Tabular icebergs in striking shapes and sizes
• Smaller icebergs, sometimes with penguins on top
• Wonderful landscape photography opportunities
• Smaller icebergs, sometimes with penguins on top
• Wonderful landscape photography opportunities
From towering tabular icebergs to smaller sculpted formations, Antarctica’s ice is breathtaking — especially in the Antarctic Sound, with amazing photo opportunities.
WildPhoto has organized photo expeditions to Antarctica in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2024. Below you can read our trip report from our 1-14 November 2017 expedition.
Available spots on Antarctica Spring
Below is a list of available cabins for our Antarctica Spring expedition onboard Ocean Nova (maximum of 69 guests). The price displayed for each cabin is per person (in USD), not for the entire cabin (except for the single cabins). To inquire or book a spot, simply click the button under your preferred type of cabin, and you’ll be directed to an email to booking@wildphoto.com where you can provide more details about what you are interested in or request further information. Please let us know if your desired cabin isn't listed below. We can add you to the waiting list and notify you if spots become available later.
Itinerary Antarctica Photo Expedition
Based on our previous Antarctic photography expeditions we plan to use the travel route as illustrated on the map below, but this may change due to ice, weather, availability or other conditions. We will not have a fixed itinerary for the expedition, but rather adjust the expedition to the current conditions to make it as best as possible for photography.
DAY 1 Departure from Ushuaia, sailing out the Beagle channel, starting our Antarctic photography tour.
DAY 2 At sea, heading toward Antarctica.
DAY 3 Arriving South Shetland Islands, where we aim for a landing at Halfmoon Island or Yankee Harbour.
DAY 4-6 Antarctic Sound area with photographing great icebergs and Adelie penguins on ice. Possible landings at Brown Bluff and Gourdin Island. Depending on the ice conditions we might also extend our expedition into the Weddell Sea area where we have a chance to meet the Emperor penguin.
DAY 7-8 We will explore and photograph in the Cuverville Island area where there are a few landing options like Useful Island, Neko Harbour, Danko Island, Cuverville Island, and also some lesser known places.
DAY 9-10 Continue south through Lemaire Channel photographing in the area of Pleneu Bay and Petermanns Island. However, this area might be closed with ice this time of the year.
DAY 11 Heading north again with a possible landing / Zodiac cruise at Astrolab Island.
DAY 12 Deception Island is a nice place for landscape and penguin photography. If weather permits we try to land at Bailey Head with black volcanic beach and large numbers of Chinstrap penguins.
DAY 13 Last landing in South Shetland Islands before heading north toward Ushuaia. Depending on the weather situation, we might start the transportation north earlier.
DAY 14 At sea heading toward Ushuaia.
DAY 15 Return back to Ushuaia. Transfer to your hotel or fly directly home.
DAY 1 Departure from Ushuaia, sailing out the Beagle channel, starting our Antarctic photography tour.
DAY 2 At sea, heading toward Antarctica.
DAY 3 Arriving South Shetland Islands, where we aim for a landing at Halfmoon Island or Yankee Harbour.
DAY 4-6 Antarctic Sound area with photographing great icebergs and Adelie penguins on ice. Possible landings at Brown Bluff and Gourdin Island. Depending on the ice conditions we might also extend our expedition into the Weddell Sea area where we have a chance to meet the Emperor penguin.
DAY 7-8 We will explore and photograph in the Cuverville Island area where there are a few landing options like Useful Island, Neko Harbour, Danko Island, Cuverville Island, and also some lesser known places.
DAY 9-10 Continue south through Lemaire Channel photographing in the area of Pleneu Bay and Petermanns Island. However, this area might be closed with ice this time of the year.
DAY 11 Heading north again with a possible landing / Zodiac cruise at Astrolab Island.
DAY 12 Deception Island is a nice place for landscape and penguin photography. If weather permits we try to land at Bailey Head with black volcanic beach and large numbers of Chinstrap penguins.
DAY 13 Last landing in South Shetland Islands before heading north toward Ushuaia. Depending on the weather situation, we might start the transportation north earlier.
DAY 14 At sea heading toward Ushuaia.
DAY 15 Return back to Ushuaia. Transfer to your hotel or fly directly home.
Expedition ShipMV Ocean Novafor Antarctica
• Comfortable and modern expedition vessel
• Reduced capacity from 80 to just 69 passengers
• WildPhoto guide team and 8 Zodiacs for landings
• Reduced capacity from 80 to just 69 passengers
• WildPhoto guide team and 8 Zodiacs for landings
The MV Ocean Nova is a well-known expedition ship, offering comfort and space. With only 69 passengers, landings feel less crowded, and the reduced numbers allow us to provide more guides and single cabins — ensuring better experience for photographers.
FAQ - Antarctica Photo Expeditions
Click on the frequently asked questions below to learn more about our Antarctica Spring Photo Expeditions.
What penguin species can we photograph during this trip?
Do we have chances of photographing penguin chicks?
Is Antarctica cold in November?
What clothes should I wear in Antarctica?
Do I need to bring my own boots?
Expert Tips about Antarctica
Book your spot today
Please click on one of the buttons below to request more information about expeditions to Antarctica or if you want to reserve a spot.
About
WildPhoto Travel is a leading photo expedition company - specialized in polar regions. Since 2006, we have offered great photo opportunities for our guests and partners.
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