South Georgia Autumn Micro Cruise

An intimate 15-day expedition into South Georgia's autumn. Witness the wild spectacle of moulting elephant seals, fur seal pups, and golden landscapes, following the legacy of Shackleton.


South Georgia
©SAT

Duration: 15 days / 14 nights
Starts: Port Stanley, Falkland Islands
Ends: Port Stanley, Falkland Islands
Language: Englsih speaking voyage

This is the operator's longest-ever South Georgia expedition. It is a "Micro Cruise" limited to 42 guests. The trip is photography-focused, with a flexible itinerary to allow lingering at extraordinary moments.


Included


Experience the unparalleled beauty of South Georgia, known as the 'Serengeti of the Southern Ocean,' in its raw autumn glory. This 15-day journey plunges you deep into this extraordinary wilderness where the island transforms into an elemental world—quiet, powerful, and unforgettable. You will witness the spectacle of moulting elephant seals lounging on crowded beaches, while fur seal pups tumble playfully along the icy shorelines. Penguin chicks rapidly shed their down, preparing for the colder months ahead under the soft, golden light of autumn.

The expedition is thoughtfully tailored for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts. Aboard a micro-sized vessel, limited to just 42 guests, you'll enjoy the freedom to linger longer at extraordinary moments, ensuring crowd-free views. You will follow the legacy of Sir Ernest Shackleton, visiting his final resting place in Grytviken and exploring the vast king penguin colonies of St Andrew’s Bay and Salisbury Plain. This voyage is an unparalleled chance to capture stunning wildlife and dramatic icescapes under the unique golden hues of the polar autumn.

Highlights:
Enjoy the longest South Georgia expedition available (15 days) for in-depth exploration.
Witness elephant seals during their post-breeding haul-out and fur seal pups tumbling along the shores.
Follow Shackleton’s legendary journey, visiting his final resting place in Grytviken.
Explore king penguin colonies at St Andrew’s Bay and Salisbury Plain, home to the planet's greatest concentrations.
Navigate the dramatic fjords of Gold Harbour and Zodiac cruise around Prion Island's albatross colonies.

Itinerary

©SAT
©SAT

Day 1: Port Stanley, Falkland Islands
Embarkation and sailing the Scotia Sea
Depart Port Stanley in the afternoon and set sail across the Scotia Sea toward South Georgia. Keep watch for wandering albatrosses gliding alongside the ship and dolphins playing in the wake.

Days 2-3: Crossing the Scotia Sea
Workshops and expert-led talks
Spend time on deck with your camera. You’ll take in expert-led talks and workshops on photography and South Georgia’s wildlife, history, and geology. By Day 3, the first dramatic snow-covered peaks of South Georgia start to appear on the horizon.

Days 4-7: South Georgia
Dramatic coastlines and penguin colonies
Explore South Georgia’s rugged coastline for four full days, making daily Zodiac landings to discover its most spectacular wildlife. The flexible schedule should take you to key colonies at St Andrew’s Bay, Salisbury Plain, and Gold Harbour, home to some of the planet’s greatest concentrations of king penguins.

Days 8-12: Exploring sights others can’t
Albatross, Grytviken, and towering glaciers
Aim to Zodiac cruise into South Georgia’s wildest corners. You will photograph nesting albatrosses on Prion Island and might find macaroni penguins at Cooper Bay. Visit Grytviken, a historic whaling station and the final resting place of Ernest Shackleton. All while the remote, towering glaciers of Drygalski Fjord surround you.

Days 13-15: Reflecting, relaxing and connecting
Sail back to the Falkland Islands and disembarkation
Sail back to the Falkland Islands, enjoying insightful lectures from expert guides. You can unwind in the sauna or share stories with fellow photographers. Upon arrival in Port Stanley, you'll disembark after breakfast, concluding an unforgettable expedition.

Itinerary

Day 1: Port Stanley, Falkland Islands
Embarkation and sailing the Scotia Sea
Depart Port Stanley in the afternoon and set sail across the Scotia Sea toward South Georgia. Keep watch for wandering albatrosses gliding alongside the ship and dolphins playing in the wake.

Days 2-3: Crossing the Scotia Sea
Workshops and expert-led talks
Spend time on deck with your camera. You’ll take in expert-led talks and workshops on photography and South Georgia’s wildlife, history, and geology. By Day 3, the first dramatic snow-covered peaks of South Georgia start to appear on the horizon.

Days 4-7: South Georgia
Dramatic coastlines and penguin colonies
Explore South Georgia’s rugged coastline for four full days, making daily Zodiac landings to discover its most spectacular wildlife. The flexible schedule should take you to key colonies at St Andrew’s Bay, Salisbury Plain, and Gold Harbour, home to some of the planet’s greatest concentrations of king penguins.

Days 8-12: Exploring sights others can’t
Albatross, Grytviken, and towering glaciers
Aim to Zodiac cruise into South Georgia’s wildest corners. You will photograph nesting albatrosses on Prion Island and might find macaroni penguins at Cooper Bay. Visit Grytviken, a historic whaling station and the final resting place of Ernest Shackleton. All while the remote, towering glaciers of Drygalski Fjord surround you.

Days 13-15: Reflecting, relaxing and connecting
Sail back to the Falkland Islands and disembarkation
Sail back to the Falkland Islands, enjoying insightful lectures from expert guides. You can unwind in the sauna or share stories with fellow photographers. Upon arrival in Port Stanley, you'll disembark after breakfast, concluding an unforgettable expedition.


©SAT
©SAT


INCLUSIONS

Lectures and tutorials on board
Zodiac excursions (MK V heavy-duty inflatable boats) for shore landings and unforgettable photography opportunities
Free use of ship’s Wi-Fi powered by Starlink
Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) all-day soft drinks, alcoholic beverages served with dinner
Rubber Muck boots for shore landings
All transfers included—from the airport to your hotel on arrival, between your hotel and the ship for embarkation and disembarkation, and from your hotel to the airport on departure day

EXCLUSIONS

International flights – we recommend booking early. For excellent service and support, consider using our partner Exito Travel
Travel and cancellation insurance – we strongly recommend securing coverage to protect your expedition. For guidance, see our Travel Insurance Checklist
Additional expenses – any extra costs such as museum entry or optional activities
Anything not mentioned in the inclusions.


Dates & Rates


Ship: Polar Athena | Date: 25 Mar 2028 - 08 Apr 2028 (4515)
Classic Twin
$17,995
Signature Double
$18,995
Classic Suite
$22,995
Signature Suite
$24,495
Signature Single
$22,995

* The prices are per person in US Dollars, unless expressly specified in a different currency. In that case, payment will be in US dollars at the exchange rate of the day.
** Rates are correct at the time of publication. All prices will be re-confirmed by email at the time of booking.
NOTE: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.

Gallery



Other options you will like


 



THE POLAR TRAVEL COMPANY LLC
USA

8175 NW 12 ST #120, Doral, FL 33126
Miami - Dade, Florida
Tel: +1 (786) 321-5654
WhatsApp: +1 (786) 705-2241
Email: travel@thepolartravelcompany.com

International Travel Awards - 2023 Winner
Trip Advisor Traveler's Choice Awards 2025

© 2020 The Polar Travel Company | All rights reserved | Terms & Conditions
THE POLAR TRAVEL COMPANY LLC is registered with the State of Florida as a Seller of Travel. Registration No. ST42392.

Write us via WhatsApp