Antarctica is the most remote destination on the planet with an abundance of wildlife, gigantic icebergs the size of cities, and majestic mountain ranges. This exclusive expedition to the world’s southernmost emperor penguin colony at Gould Bay on the remote coast of the Weddell Sea is life changing. During the austral winter, the emperor penguins journey to the interior of Antarctica where they establish their colonies. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of a bustling emperor penguin colony as you camp on the same sea ice where thousands of birds come to raise and feed their young.

At 79 degrees south, you will find yourself deep in the Antarctic desert. Here you will experience life in one of the biggest tent-camps on the continent. A typical day at Union Glacier Camp starts with a briefing after breakfast where you’ll meet with your guide. Depending on weather conditions, you may go out for an overland outing to one of the magnificent local areas like Elephant’s Head or the Windscoop, you will get the opportunity to attend daily lectures about the white continent and its colourful history, or explore the ice on fat tyre bike or cross country skis. There is never a dull moment at Union Glacier Camp.

Weather

Possible severe storms with temperatures down to -25°F (-32°C).

Activity Levels

Moderate—walking up to 6-8 km each day on uneven snow and ice.

Wildlife Viewing

Emperor penguins, Adélie penguins, Weddell seals, south polar skua, snow petrels, and Antarctic petrels.

Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and rhythms of the colony. Walk to the colony with our experienced field guides to photograph penguins, seals, and seabirds. We provide small sleds and walking poles to help transport your camera equipment between camp and the colony. The sea ice generally provides a hard surface to walk on.

Our staff will make sure you are well looked after while staying out on the sea ice. We share our meals in the common dining tent and you will have the opportunity to learn more about the emperor penguins by talking to our penguin expert at the camp.

Scott Portelli is an international award winning wildlife, nature and underwater photographer and is regarded as a leading professional in his field. Scott has spent thousands of hours in remote locations across the globe filming and photographing nature, wildlife, the underwater environment and wild places.

Some of his recent accolades include:

GDT Nature Photographer of the Year 2024 – 1st place winner in the Mammals Category

HIPA 2023 – 1st place winner in “Diversity” Portfolio Category

Highly commended at the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the year in London in both 2016 & 2022,

Winner in the Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year 2021, and has previously been awarded winner in the animal behaviour category in 2017 and 2019

1st  Place Winner as part of a team representing Australia at the World Photographic Cup 2021.

Winner at the GDT Nature Photographer of the Year 2021  in the Other Animals category.

Winner in the Human & Oceans category at the Ocean Geographic Pictures of the Year awards 2021

Winner at Travel Photographer of the Year 2015 & 2018 and runner up in the landscape category in 2020.

National winner of the Sony World Photography awards 2016

Scott has spent over a decade working in the polar regions with a focus on Antarctica and the Sub-Antarctic areas producing a unique portfolio of fine art photography that showcases the intricate environment and its intriguing inhabitants. Working in extreme conditions, Scott’s photography provides a rarely seen glimpse above and below the surface in some of the harshest