SOUTH GEORGIA MICRO CRUISE
__________________
SOUTH GEORGIA MICRO CRUISE
Step into a world where everything is extraordinary. Colossal mountain ranges, turquoise oceans and towering icebergs greet you while albatrosses and petrels glide overhead. Watch nature’s greatest show unfold before your eyes: king penguins courting, elephant seals battling, and seabirds nesting amid rugged scenery.
ITINERARY SUMMARY
| Day | Place | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Port Stanley, Falkland Islands | Explore the capital of the Falklands before boarding the Polar Athena in the afternoon |
| 2 - 3 | At Sea | Cross the Scotia Sea, take photos out on deck and attend expert-led talks and workshops |
| 4 - 12 | South Georgia | Witness 450,000 king penguins, nesting albatrosses, macaroni penguins, learn about Shackleton's legacy |
| 13 - 14 | At Sea | Reflect on the wildlife, history and landscapes you've experienced in South Georgia |
| 15 | Port Stanley | Disembark after breakfast in Port Stanley to continue your adventure |
SHIP OFFERING THIS ITINERARY
Polar Athena
The Polar Athena was born as a research vessel and is in a class that has built a legacy for exploration in the polar regions. Constructed in 1974 as the Akademik Shuleykin, later re-named the Polar Pioneer, now the Polar Athena, she has a 1A super ice-class rating. As such, she’s built to slice through heavy sea ice.
Having undergone a significant refit in 2025/26, she now has space for just 42 guests in comfortable and modern cabins. Social spaces have also been upgraded and after a recent spell in dry-dock, her engines been overhauled and her stabilisers re-installed. The Polar Athena offers an excellent small-ship option for observation and versatility in the polar regions. Given her size, she can quickly board all guests into Zodiacs and be off exploring in a mater of minutes.
Day 1 Port Stanley, Falkland Islands
Explore the capital of the Falkland Islands before departing Port Stanley in the afternoon and setting sail across the Scotia Sea toward South Georgia. Keep your eyes peeled high and low for wandering albatrosses that tend to glide alongside the ship and dolphins playing in the wake.
Days 2 – 3 At Sea
Crossing the Scotia Sea is all part of the adventure. A time to spend time on deck with your camera and between these photographic moments, you’ll have the chance to 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 – 12 South Georgia
Explore South Georgia’s rugged coastline, making daily Zodiac landings to discover its most spectacular wildlife.
With 450,000 king penguins, it’s home to some of the planet’s greatest concentrations. The flexible schedule should take you to key colonies at St Andrew’s Bay, Salisbury Plain, and Gold Harbour — at the best times to capture these awe-inspiring moments.
Zodiac cruise into South Georgia’s wildest corners and photograph nesting albatrosses on Prion Island from the water.
At Cooper Bay, you might find macaroni penguins nestled in tussock grass, and also visit Grytviken, a historic whaling station and the final resting place of legendary explorer Ernest Shackleton. All while the remote, towering glaciers of Drygalski Fjord surround you in breathtaking, untamed beauty.
Days 13 – 14 At Sea
As you sail back to the Falkland Islands, enjoy insightful lectures from expert guides reflecting on the wildlife, history, and landscapes you’ve experienced in South Georgia. As well as keeping an eye out for wildlife in the open waters, this is a good time to unwind in the sauna, share stories, and connect with fellow photographers.
Day 15 Port Stanley
Upon arrival in Port Stanley, you’ll disembark after breakfast, concluding an unforgettable expedition.
We will tailor the perfect holiday to suit your needs.
Extend your trip to Patagonia
To make the most of your time in South America we can tailor a holiday to Patagonia to suit your voyage dates. If you have a bit more time we can create a tailor-made itinerary to some of the highlights of South America. Take a look at the Patagonia sample itineraries below and contact us to begin creating your perfect holiday.
