The Weddell Sea extents far south and is therefore under the direct influence of the very cold Antarctic Continental Climate. The continental borders of the Weddell Sea are formed by huge floating sheets of ice. These ice-shelves produce the huge tabular ice-bergs that are so abundant in the Weddell Sea. Scientists have declared the waters of the Weddell Sea to be the clearest water of any sea on Earth. The clarity of the water is on par with distilled water.
The Weddell Sea is frequented by a large number of Orcas, Humpback, and Minke Whales as well as Leopard, Weddell, and Crabeater Seals. The area is also home to a large number of penguins, namely the Adelie Penguins - who have a colony of more than 100,000 breeding pairs - which nest on Paulet Island. Recently a colony of Emperor Penguins was also found nearby on Snowhill Island.
The Weddell Sea was discovered by the British sealer James Weddell in 1823.
Cruises to the Weddell Sea
Antarctica - Elephant Island - Weddell Sea - Polar Circle
9 Mar - 23 Mar, 2025
•Tripcode: PLA31-25
This expansive expedition takes you into the Antarctic Circle, combining the rich animal life of the Weddell Sea with the surreal shores and islands of the Antarctic Peninsula. Such key landing sites as the legendary Elephant Island and Crystal Sound...
from: 7700 USD
Weddell Sea – In search of the Emperor Penguin, incl. helicopters
11 Nov - 21 Nov, 2025
•Tripcode: OTL22-25
A true expedition, our Weddell Sea cruise sets out to explore the range of the Emperor Penguins near Snow Hill Island. We will visit the area via helicopter and see a variety of other birds and penguins including Adélies and Gentoos.
from: 12900 USD
Weddell Sea – In search of the Emperor Penguin, incl. helicopters
21 Nov - 1 Dec, 2025
•Tripcode: OTL23-25
A true expedition, our Weddell Sea cruise sets out to explore the range of the Emperor Penguins near Snow Hill Island. We will visit the area via helicopter and see a variety of other birds and penguins including Adélies and Gentoos.
from: 17150 USD
Weddell Sea – In search of the Emperor Penguin, incl. helicopters
1 Dec - 11 Dec, 2025
•Tripcode: OTL24-25
A true expedition, our Weddell Sea cruise sets out to explore the range of the Emperor Penguins near Snow Hill Island. We will visit the area via helicopter and see a variety of other birds and penguins including Adélies and Gentoos.
from: 12900 USD
Remote Weddell Sea Explorer incl. South Georgia - South Sandwich Islands - Neuschwabenland - Larsen Ice Shelf - Paulet and Devil Island - Elephant Island, incl. helicopters
22 Jan - 18 Feb, 2026
•Tripcode: OTL29a26
This adventurous expedition explores one of the least-visited areas on Earth, Antarctica’s amazing Weddell Sea. After visiting some of the same sites legendary explorer Ernest Shackleton’s charted in South Georgia, we’ll enjoy the Weddell’s exotic wildlife...
from: 26500 USD
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Latest blog and customer story
Fourth consecutive Snow Hill landing
We’re thrilled to report we made our fourth consecutive landing at the emperor penguin colony on Snow Hill Island last Friday.
A helicopter flight over Antarctica
Dutch journalist Gemma Venhuizen embarked on the m/v Ortelius during the Weddell Sea cruise ‘In search of the emperor penguins – including helicopters’. Flying over the Antarctic Peninsula was a dream coming true.
Latest highlight and wildlife
See the highlights you may experience:
See the highlights you may experience:
Map of
Weddell Sea photo
Weddell Sea cruise reviews
Amazing trip . Above expecta. Great food. Just frustrated, as everyone, since we never got to touch or see the main land or antartic peninsula as the program promised.
Weddell Sea FAQ
What animals can I spot at the Weddell Sea?
You can see enormous amounts of animals in and around the Weddell Sea such as Adelie penguins, Emperor penguins, Weddell seals and Orca.
What is the climate at the Weddell Sea?
The Weddell Sea has a big impact on the local climate. The area typically has strong surface winds, and this carries strong winds into the mountains and lower latitudes. These winds also have an impact on the South Atlantic Ocean because they tend to push ice into this area. The Antarctic Bottom Water of the Weddell Sea usually ranges from -0,8 to 0 degrees Celsius (31.8 to 32 degrees Fahrenheit), but surface temperatures are generally below freezing.
The western Weddell Sea (the Antarctic Peninsula) is experiencing warming conditions and decreasing sea ice while in the eastern Weddell Sea, sea ice has been increasing over the past few decades contributing significantly to an overall increase in Southern Ocean sea ice extent.
How can I reach the Emperor Penguins?
Although we may not be able to reach the emperor penguin rookery of Snow Hill Island in the Weddell Sea (less than 50% chance) we have good chances to observe individual emperors on the edge if the pack-ice.
Where is the Weddell Sea Located?
The Weddell Sea is located between the land boundaries of the Antarctic Peninsula to the west and Coats Land to the east. When you travel to the Weddell Sea region, your cruise will take you through territorial areas that have been claimed by Britain, Argentina and Chile. Most of the Weddell Sea is covered in dense sea ice all year around and only the northwestern part can be visited by ships.
How Big is the Weddell Sea?
The Weddell Sea takes up an area that is approximately 2.8 million square km (1.1 ×106 square miles). The widest part of the Weddell Sea is 2,000 km (1,200 miles).
Who Discovered the Weddell Sea?
James Weddell is believed to be the first person to discover and explore what would eventually become known as the Weddell Sea. Weddell and his crew reached the area in 1823, after mistaking some icebergs for land.
Photo gallery
About
Weddell Sea Weather
The eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula (where the Weddell Sea is located) is known for its wild weather. At its warmest you can expect temperatures around 0°C. What you really have to dress for on your Weddell Sea cruise is the winds which can howl through the area to carry away your body heat.
If you scroll one third of the way down this page you’ll find a handy guide to help you pack for your trip.
Facts about The Weddell Sea
- The majority of the southern part of the Weddell Sea is permanently covered by sea ice.
- The Weddell Sea is the body of water that sits to the east of the arm that is the Antarctic Peninsula and the main body of the continent.
- The Weddell Sea (along with the Antarctic Peninsula) is the most diverse area for marine life in the Antarctic region. The food chain starts with the massive amounts of krill that are found in the waters.
- The Weddell Sea as a whole is claimed by both Britain and Argentina, and Chile also claims a portion of the area.
- The Weddell Sea is named after James Waddell who, on the Jane and the Beaufoy, was the first to be able to sail into the area in 1823.
- There are over 200 species of fish in the area, including the Channichthyidae which are known as “bloodless fishes.”
- The Weddell Sea is said to have the clearest water of all the seas in the world.
Travel to the Weddell Sea
Heading to the east of the Antarctic Peninsula, your Weddell Sea expedition takes you to an area of amazing wildlife depth and diversification despite the harsh conditions. On your cruise including the Weddell Sea you’ll have the chance to encounter whales, seals, birds, and thousands of penguins, all of which have adapted to the remarkably difficult yet beautiful environment.
