The Polar Travel Company

A 16-day luxury micro-cruise combining South Georgia's peak summer wildlife (King Penguins, seals, albatross) with Antarctic Peninsula exploration. Features Fly/Sail operation via Puerto Natales, Chile, small group size (44 guests), and flexible, expert-led excursions.

�SAT

Duration: 16 days / 15 nights
Starts: Puerto Natales, Chile
Ends: Port Stanley, Falkland Islands
Language: English speaking voyage

The itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather and ice conditions. Your Captain and Expedition Leader will make the necessary adjustments to ensure the best possible experience.

Included

Experience South Georgia and Antarctica at their vibrant peak on this 16-day Summer Micro Fly Cruise. This unique journey begins with an exclusive Fly/Cruise operation from Puerto Natales, Chile�the gateway to Torres del Paine�bypassing a segment of the Southern Ocean by taking a 2.5-hour charter flight directly to King George Island, Antarctica. Once there, you will navigate stunning Antarctic waterways like the Gerlache Strait and Lemaire Channel, witnessing gentoo, chinstrap, and Ad�lie penguin chicks thriving, seals lounging, and humpbacks, minkes, and orcas actively feeding in the rich summer waters.

The expedition dedicates four full days to South Georgia, often called the 'Serengeti of the Southern Ocean', during its full summer bloom. You will walk among towering King Penguin colonies with fluffy chicks, observe Elephant Seals, and follow Shackleton�s legendary route, visiting historic whaling stations and his final resting place at Grytviken. Designed for just 44 guests, this micro-cruise offers unparalleled flexibility, freedom, and intimacy�with no crowds or rigid itineraries�allowing you to venture where larger ships cannot, concluding with arrival at Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands.

Highlights:
Exclusive Antarctica Fly-Cruise via Puerto Natales�the gateway to Torres del Paine�cutting down time at sea.
Explore South Georgia in full summer bloom�witness towering King Penguin colonies with fluffy chicks and Elephant Seals breeding.
Follow Shackleton�s legendary route�visit historic whaling stations and his final resting place at Grytviken.
Navigate stunning Antarctic waterways�including the Gerlache Strait, Neumayer and Lemaire Channels, and possibly the remote Antarctic Sound and Weddell Sea.
Spot active summer whales�humpbacks, minkes, orcas, and sei whales feeding energetically.
Benefit from a Transformative small-group experience (Micro Cruise, 44 guests) with no queuing or waiting for excursions.
Exceptional photographic opportunities�capture stunning wildlife encounters, dramatic icescapes, and the unique Antarctic light.

�SAT

Day 1: Arrive in Puerto Natales, Chile
Arrival and Transfer to Hotel
Begin your Antarctic journey in the remote Puerto Natales. The team will meet you at the airport upon your arrival and transfer you to your hotel.

Day 2: Fly from Puerto Natales to King George Island, Antarctica
Charter Flight Across the Drake Passage and Embarkation
After meeting the team, board a two-and-a-half-hour charter flight (British Aerospace 146) across the Drake Passage to King George Island. Upon landing, a Zodiac transfer will take you to your ship, where your voyage into the white continent begins.

Days 3�6: Antarctic Peninsula
Antarctic Waterways and Summer Wildlife Exploration
If conditions allow, we may first sail by Elephant Island (Shackleton�s refuge) or the South Orkney Islands. Then, the Antarctic Peninsula exploration begins, navigating through waterways like the Gerlache Strait, Neumayer, and Lemaire Channels, offering an array of blue ice. Land on beaches where gentoo, chinstrap, and Ad�lie penguin colonies stretch out. Zodiac cruise past magnificent icebergs and keep watch for humpback whales bubble-netting. We may venture into less-visited areas such as the Antarctic Sound or the Weddell Sea if conditions permit.

Days 7�8: Sail across the Scotia Sea
Sailing North and Onboard Enrichment
We head north across the Scotia Sea, retracing the path of Shackleton�s famed voyage. Onboard, enjoy a rich program of expert talks on polar history, wildlife, and science, or hone your skills in photography workshops. Out on deck, scan the horizon for seabirds, seals, and your first glimpse of South Georgia�s peaks, including the remote Shag Rocks.

Days 9�13: South Georgia
Four Days of Wildlife Havens and Shackleton�s Final Rest
Over four full days, we 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, as well as historic whaling stations. We aim to embark on a Zodiac excursion alongside the towering glaciers of Drygalski Fjord, and witness large numbers of albatrosses from their nests on Prion Island.

Days 14�15: Sail across the Southern Ocean
Final Sailing and Curated Workshops
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.

Day 16: Arrival at Port Stanley, the Falkland Islands
Disembarkation and City Exploration
Our voyage concludes in Port Stanley, where you�ll disembark. Before your onward journey, take time to stroll the colourful streets, visit local shops, or enjoy a final taste of island life before transferring to the airport.