This exclusive expedition reveals unparalleled biodiversity and incredible landscapes, from vast penguin colonies to wandering albatross and elephant seals. Discover the best of South Georgia and Antarctica on this unique micro-vessel.
Venture into the heart of South Georgia, where towering mountains meet expansive glaciers and rugged coastlines. Marvel at king penguin colonies, numbering in the hundreds of thousands, witness the graceful flight of wandering albatross, and be awed by the sheer size of elephant seals as they gather on the beaches.
We set sail from the Falkland Islands, and waiting in the distance is the remote paradise of South Georgia. Wildlife abounds here, with over 450,000 breeding pairs of king penguins, alongside chinstrap, gentoo, and macaroni penguins, plus a variety of seal and bird species.
Beyond its iconic wildlife, South Georgia's landscape is a natural masterpiece, with towering peaks, cascading glaciers, and carved fjords. With more time here than any other expedition, we have the opportunity to explore further, maximise wildlife encounters, and refine our polar photography. Each day offers new opportunities for exploration, whether landing ashore, cruising by Zodiac, or enjoying a guided hike.
Continuing south, we cross into the icy realms of Antarctica, where sculpted glaciers, iceberg-strewn waterways and dramatic mountains provide an awe-inspiring backdrop for our daily explorations. We visit rookeries of gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie penguins, and watch as Weddell, crabeater and, with luck, the formidable leopard seal rest on pack ice or patrol the coastline. While early in the season, there's also the chance of encounters with cetaceans, such as humpback, fin and orca.
Travelling on board one of the smallest vessels to operate in these waters, Polar Athena is a classic expedition vessel, lovingly refurbished and offering spacious and comfortable accommodation, and excellent observation areas for wildlife viewing and photography. This unique expedition promises the very best of South Georgia and Antarctica — a rare opportunity to explore, discover, and photograph these remarkable regions in depth.
Typical Itinerary
-
Day 1:
Depart the UK, arriving the next day
-
Day 2:
Arrive in Santiago
We arrive in the welcoming city of Santiago. The day's free for you to relax or explore at your own pace. Tonight we stay near the airport, ready for an early flight tomorrow morning.
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Santiago Airport
-
Day 3:
Fly to the Falkland Islands & embark
Today, we depart on an early flight to the Falkland Islands. On arrival, we're met and transferred to town for some free time before boarding our vessel. This afternoon we set sail on our adventure.
Accommodation: Polar Athena, 14-nights
-
Days 4-5
:
Southern Ocean
Our wildlife experiences begin as we enjoy watching and photographing the many seabirds, including several species of albatross, shearwaters, petrels, prions and skuas. Encounters with cetaceans may also be possible. Spend your time out on the deck, or in one of the observation areas.
You can also enjoy the many facilities on board. For the photographers among us, our tour leaders are on hand to provide practical photography guidance to help us hone our skills in polar conditions.
-
Day 6:
Shag Rocks & approaching South Georgia
Depending on weather conditions, we may sail past Shag Rocks, named after the South Georgian Shags, known for their bright blue eyes and yellow patch on their beak. The nutrient-rich waters in this region offer a particularly lively feeding area for seabirds and whales.
Later we approach the wildlife haven of South Georgia, and in the days ahead we plan to trace South Georgia’s spectacular coastline from north to south, exploring many remarkable wildlife sites.
-
Days 7-10
:
South Georgia
Spend the next four days uncovering the delights of South Georgia. There are plenty of potential sites to explore. Salisbury Plain, St. Andrews Bay and Gold Harbour boast the largest king penguin colonies in South Georgia and are among the world's largest breeding beaches for southern elephant seals.
Fortuna Bay is inhabited by numerous king penguins and seals, meanwhile chinstrap penguins occupy the shores of Cooper Bay. In Grytviken, we have an opportunity to visit the South Georgia Museum and Shackleton’s grave.
Our days are filled with adventure, as we enjoy spectacular Zodiac cruises, wonderful guided hikes, and encounters with an abundance of wonderful wildlife on shore landings.
-
Days 11-12
:
Scotia Sea
As we leave South Georgia in our wake, we settle into the rhythm of the ocean as we cross the Scotia Sea towards Antarctica. These days at sea offer us valuable time to work on our photography, reviewing images and refining techniques.
Sea ice might be present along this path, with an array of seabirds following the ship, such as wandering albatross, south polar skua, and snow petrel. Enjoy the facilities on board and attend lectures on a whole host of subjects.
-
Day 13:
Approaching the Antarctic Peninsula
As we draw closer to Elephant Island, there’s a shift in the atmosphere. Glacier-capped peaks rise abruptly from the ocean, and the wind and waves shape the coastline. From here, the
Antarctic Peninsula awaits.
-
Days 14-16
:
Antarctica
Towering mountains, sculpted glaciers, and deep-blue ice set the stage for remarkable wildlife encounters, with porpoising penguins and seals hauled out on ice floes often spotted as we navigate dramatic waterways such as the Gerlache Strait, Neumayer Channel, and the photogenic Lemaire Channel. Swift Zodiac disembarkations allow us to maximise our time exploring, whether we're setting foot ashore or cruising quietly among towering bergs.
November is a wonderfully active month, as the breeding season is in full swing. Colonies of gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguins bustle with courtship rituals, nest-building and noisy squabbles over precious pebbles. Weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals may be found resting on ice or patrolling the shallows, while skuas wheel overhead in search of an opportunity.
The long hours of daylight at this time of year bring crisp, clean light that's ideal for photography. With the agility of our small vessel, we have the freedom to adapt to conditions and explore both iconic sites and lesser-visited corners. Depending on the weather and ice, possible places we may visit include the iceberg-strewn Antarctic Sound, the volcanic caldera of Deception Island, or penguin-packed Half Moon and Cuverville Islands.
-
Day 17:
Disembark & fly to Puerto Natales
After breakfast on board, we disembark on King George Island and fly to Puerto Natales for an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Weskar Lodge
-
Day 18:
Fly to Santiago
Today, transfer to the airport for the flight to Santiago, and spend the remainder of the day at leisure.
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Santiago Airport
-
Day 19:
Fly back to the UK
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before flying back to the UK.
-
Day 20:
Arrive in the UK
Please note: Exact itinerary will depend on local conditions.
OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS
To further enhance this epic adventure, why not extend your journey and experience even more remarkable wildlife destinations? Before setting sail, consider a visit to the
Falkland Islands for superb close-up encounters and a fascinating insight into island life.
After your voyage, you could explore the dramatic landscapes of Patagonia and search for elusive pumas in
Torres del Paine with expert trackers.
Speak to us for more information on how to make the most of your time in the region.
MICRO VESSEL
