South Georgia and Antarctica Fly Micro Cruise

Overview
Itinerary
Dates & Prices
Ships

Journey to the Heart of the Polar Worlds: South Georgia and Antarctica

Experience the awe-inspiring contrast of two polar realms—South Georgia’s thriving wildlife spectacle and Antarctica’s majestic, ever-changing landscapes—on an expedition that brings you face to face with nature at its most raw and spectacular.

In South Georgia, dramatic coastlines are alive with activity year-round. Vast king penguin rookeries stretch across the beaches, where adults tend to their fluffy chicks or engage in elaborate courtship rituals depending on the season. Massive elephant seals haul out along the shores, clashing in thunderous battles or resting in sprawling harems, while soaring above, wandering albatrosses trace elegant arcs across the sky.

Farther south, Antarctica unfolds as a land of extremes—timeless, pristine, and teeming with life. Sculpted icebergs drift through icy bays, home to bustling penguin colonies and patrolling leopard seals. Depending on the time of your visit, you may witness penguins courting, nesting, or raising their young, while whales breach and dive among floes and ice-clad fjords.

From the sub-Antarctic riches of South Georgia to the stark, silent beauty of Antarctica, each moment in these remote wildernesses offers a rare and unforgettable glimpse into the rhythm of life at the edge of the world.

Highlights

• Exclusive Antarctica Fly-Cruise — Travel in comfort and style with an exclusive fly-cruise journey, flying back to Puerto Natales, Chile—gateway to Patagonia’s Torres del Paine. Jagged peaks, sweeping valleys, and ancient glaciers offer the perfect finale to your polar adventure.

• Explore South Georgia — Discover the island’s extraordinary wildlife, from towering king penguin colonies and bellowing elephant seals on sweeping beaches to majestic wandering albatrosses soaring above rugged cliffs.

• Follow Shackleton’s Legendary Route — Step into the story of polar exploration as you visit key sites from Sir Ernest Shackleton’s epic journey, set amid South Georgia’s dramatic landscapes and remote coastlines.

• Immerse Yourself in Antarctica’s Wildlife — Throughout the season, witness gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguins in various stages of their life cycle—from elaborate courtship rituals to chick-rearing in bustling colonies.

• Encounter Marine Giants — Spot whales feeding in the nutrient-rich Southern Ocean. Depending on the time of year, sightings may include humpbacks, minkes, southern right whales, orcas, and sei whales.

• Sail Iconic Antarctic Waterways — Navigate spectacular channels and straits, including the Gerlache Strait, Neumayer and Lemaire Channels, and, conditions permitting, the remote Antarctic Sound with its towering tabular icebergs.

• World-Class Photography Opportunities — Capture breathtaking moments: wildlife in action, surreal ice formations, and the shifting moods of the polar light—from soft pastels to dramatic contrasts.

• Expert-Led Exploration — Learn and discover with the guidance of seasoned expedition leaders, naturalists, historians, and scientists who bring the polar regions to life through insightful lectures and immersive shore landings.

Day 1 Arrival at Port Stanley, the Falkland Islands

After meeting our team at Mount Pleasant Airport, you’ll transfer to Port Stanley, where you’ll have time to explore the town, shop for local souvenirs, and enjoy the charming streets. In the late afternoon, you’ll board your ship, settle into your cabin ready to set sail eastward, leaving the rugged beauty of the Falklands astern as we enter the legendary waters of the Southern Ocean.
Days 2 - 3 Sail across the Southern Ocean

Between spotting wandering albatrosses gliding effortlessly above the swells and dolphins dancing in the wake, you’ll enjoy a dynamic, curated program of lectures, workshops, and personal accounts from our expedition team. Hands-on photography sessions will help you sharpen your skills for polar environments, while time on deck offers endless opportunities to connect with the wilderness.
Days 3 - 8 South Georgia

As we approach South Georgia, we may first pass the remote Shag Rocks, alive with seabirds.

Depending on conditions, there’s a chance for an evening Zodiac excursion — your first thrilling taste of the subantarctic.

Over the next four full days, we’ll explore South Georgia from north to south, aiming to visit iconic wildlife havens such as St Andrews Bay, Salisbury Plain, Gold Harbour, and Cooper Bay. Walk among vast king penguin colonies, watch elephant seals lounging on golden beaches, and visit Grytviken, the final resting place of Sir Ernest Shackleton.

We’ll aim to embark on a Zodiac excursion alongside the towering glaciers of Drygalski Fjord, and witness large numbers of albatrosses heading out to fish from their nests on Prion Island.
Days 9 - 10 Sail across the Scotia Sea

We begin our crossing toward Antarctica through the Scotia Sea, one of the world’s most storied seaways. As in the Southern Ocean, the days will be filled with expert-led presentations on polar science, history, and wildlife, plus active workshops in photography to refine your craft. Out on deck, keep watch for seabirds, seals, and the first Antarctic iceberg of the voyage.
Days 11 - 14 Antarctic Peninsula

If conditions allow, we may first sail by Elephant Island — the refuge where Shackleton’s men endured months of isolation — or the South Orkney Islands.

Then, the Antarctic Peninsula awaits. As you navigate through waterways like the Gerlache Strait, Neumayer, and Lemaire Channels, Antarctica will begin to astound with its array of blue ice. Land on beaches where gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguin colonies stretch out in vast numbers.

Zodiac cruise past magnificent icebergs of deep blue and keep watch for humpback whales bubble-netting in krill-rich waters. With flexible navigation and a small-ship advantage, we’ll venture into less-visited areas such as the Antarctic Sound or the Weddell Sea if conditions permit.
Day 15 Return to Puerto Natales

On your final morning, we hope to disembark at King George Island and take a charter flight back to Puerto Natales. There, you’ll stay at our very comfortable lodge, where you can relax and reflect on your extraordinary Antarctic experiences.
Day 16 Conclusion of the voyage

After breakfast, your voyage concludes in Puerto Natales. For those continuing their adventure, there’s the opportunity to join our Torres del Paine extension package, where you may go horseback riding through the stunning Patagonian landscapes, take a scenic hike to Mirador Base Las Torres, visit Laguna Sofia, explore the Milodón Cave, or enjoy other carefully planned activities.
Please note:

We prefer to embrace spontaneity and make the most of every opportunity nature presents to us. This is how we believe a true, authentic expedition should run…for those who don’t just travel—they explore.

Our listed itineraries are for guidance only. The day-to-day activities may vary depending on the ice, the weather, and the wildlife. Landings are subject to site availability and permissions, and always in line with IAATO guidelines and Antarctic Treaty regulations, and follow the strictest environmental protocols.

07 November, 2026 to 22 November, 2026

Special Departure

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South Georgia and Antarctica Photo Tour with Paul Goldstein

Classic Twin

$41,644 NZD pp

* indicative rate.

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The Classic Twin cabin offers a cosy, Scandinavian-inspired space featuring two lower twin beds and a porthole window. Recently refurbished, it includes a wardrobe and an en-suite shower and toilet, providing a stylish yet homely retreat. The perfect place to unwind after exploring the remote corners of the planet.

Signature Twin

$43,455 NZD pp

* indicative rate.

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The Signature Twin cabin combines comfort and charm with its Scandinavian-inspired design. This welcoming space offers two lower twin beds, and natural light gently brightens the room through thoughtfully placed windows. Enjoy the convenience of an ensuite shower and toilet, ample wardrobe space, and a dedicated desk area. A homely setting on your polar journey.

Signature Single

$51,605 NZD pp

* indicative rate.

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The Single Signature cabin is where Scandinavian design meets practical comfort, offering either two lower beds or bunk beds. Each cabin features windows that fill the space with natural light, a wardrobe for storage, and a private ensuite bathroom with an ensuite shower and toilet. Perfectly suited for solo travellers, these cabins provide a peaceful retreat to relax and recharge.

Classic Suite

$51,605 NZD pp

* indicative rate.

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The Classic Suite is a roomy and stylish Scandinavian-inspired sanctuary. This light and airy cabin features large windows, a plush double bed, a cosy lounge with a corner desk and a comfortable sofa, perfect for curling up on with a good book. With an ensuite shower and toilet, and thoughtful touches throughout, this is the perfect place to relax and enjoy peaceful moments after a day exploring the polar wilderness.

Signature Suite

$55,227 NZD pp

* indicative rate.

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The Signature Suite is Polar Athena’s most luxurious accommodation, fully refurbished with an elegant Scandinavian design. This spacious retreat features a plush double bed, a relaxing lounge area with a sofa, and a stylish corner desk—perfect for journaling your travel adventures. Large windows fill the cabin with natural light, offering scenic polar views and a tranquil sanctuary after your days of exploration.

22 January, 2027 to 06 February, 2027 (reverse)