Hike a snowy ridge above Orne Harbour to reach one of Antarctica's most accessible chinstrap penguin rookeries — thousands of birds nesting on volcanic rock, utterly indifferent to your awe-struck presence.
What to expect
The Zodiac lands on a black-pebble beach where the scent of the colony drifts down the hillside before the birds even come into view. You hike 45 minutes up a well-worn snow trail — trekking poles provided — emerging onto a windswept ridge where thousands of chinstrap penguins nest in every direction as far as you can see. The noise and smell are extraordinary; the 5-metre exclusion rule is easy to respect because the penguins routinely approach you first. The panorama of the Antarctic Peninsula unfurling below is among the most dramatic vistas on the continent.
Good to know
Moderate fitness required for the 45-minute uphill hike on snow. Waterproof boots with crampons (provided) are essential. Landings are tide and weather dependent — plan for flexibility. Binoculars are strongly recommended for summit-level wildlife observation.