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Union Glacier, in Antarctica’s Ellsworth Mountains, is a remote hub for exploration. Its vast icefields and 24-hour daylight make it a gateway to scientific research, adventure, and Antarctica’s untouched landscape.

Union Glacier is a striking expanse of ice in the Heritage Range of Antarctica’s Ellsworth Mountains. Spanning 86-kilometres in length, this remote glacier flows towards the Ronne Ice Shelf, carving a path through some of the continent’s most dramatic landscapes. Its high-altitude and windswept terrain creates a challenging yet awe-inspiring environment, where endless icefields meet towering peaks.

As one of the few places in Antarctica with a naturally occurring blue-ice runway, Union Glacier is a crucial base for polar exploration. The seasonal camp established here serves as a logistical hub for scientists, mountaineers, and adventurers venturing into Antarctica’s interior. With 24-hour daylight during the Antarctic summer, visitors can fully immerse themselves in this frozen wilderness, experiencing its stark beauty and extreme conditions firsthand.

Union Glacier serves as the vital gateway to the remote Gould Bay Emperor Penguin Camp. From here, travellers take a scenic flight over the Antarctic landscape to reach the colony, where they can observe emperor penguins in their natural habitat and experience an unforgettable stay.

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Key info

  • Ideal for viewing: emperor penguin
  • Where: Ellsworth Mountains, Antarctica

Wildlife trips

This wildlife location is featured in the following itinerary:

Camping with Emperor Penguins

Venture into the heart of Antarctica for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience - camping on the sea ice alongside a colony of emperor penguins. This exclusive expedition offers access to one of the planet’s most remote and breathtaking environments, where you can observe these iconic birds in their natural habitat. Find out more about Camping with Emperor Penguins

  • Price (exc. flights): 12 days from £49,995
  • Trip type:
    Group Tour
  • When to go:
    • N
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Union Glacier Camp

Union Glacier Camp

Union Glacier Camp is a full-service expedition camp set amidst the breathtaking southern Ellsworth Mountains. Open November to January, this seasonal camp offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the vast Antarctic wilderness and embark on guided wildlife expeditions to see emperor penguins. Find Out More about Union Glacier Camp