Sail from Ushuaia
Most voyages cross the Drake Passage from the southern tip of Argentina; some fly across to the South Shetlands to shorten the sea passage.
Antarctic Peninsula
Weddell & Gerlache, Antarctic Peninsula
The Antarctic Peninsula is the heartland of the polar penguins. Each summer, gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie penguins throng the rocky points and islands along its coast, with emperor colonies further south on the sea ice.
The polar penguins
Colonies on the ice
As the sea ice breaks up in the austral summer, the peninsula's penguins crowd onto the exposed rock to breed. Adélies and chinstraps build pebble nests in dense rookeries, while gentoos — now spreading south as the region warms — nest on the lower, snow-free slopes. The stains of the colonies are visible from the water long before you land.
This is the most accessible part of Antarctica, and the destination of most expedition voyages from South America. Landings put you ashore among the rookeries, with penguins porpoising through the brash ice and trudging their worn 'penguin highways' up the snow to their nests.
4 speciesgentoo, chinstrap, Adélie and emperor
Nov–Febthe summer breeding season
Expedition shipthe way in
Via Ushuaiamost voyages sail from Argentina
Plan your visit
Watching well at Antarctic Peninsula
The peninsula is reached by expedition ship, usually across the Drake Passage from Ushuaia.
Go in the summer
November to February is the season. Early on, the snow is deep and courtship is underway; by late summer the rookeries are full of chicks.
Keep your distance
Expedition rules require a set distance from the birds — but penguins are curious and often approach. Stay still and let them come and go.
Watch for the highways
Penguins wear deep paths through the snow between the sea and their nests. Never block a highway; stop and let the commuting birds pass.
Keep exploring
More places to see penguins
Antarctic Peninsula is one of many wild shores where penguins come ashore. Follow them around the globe.
Where to see penguins