South Georgia and Antarctica Autumn Micro Fly Cruise
Micro Cruise
South Georgia and Antarctica Autumn Micro Fly Cruise
Expeditions coming soon
Experience the unparalleled opportunity to explore both South Georgia and Antarctica in a single expedition and witness the polar wilderness transition into autumn.
In South Georgia, moulting elephant seals roar across crowded beaches, fur seal pups tumble through the colonies, and wandering albatrosses glide effortlessly above landscapes glowing with the rich hues of autumn.
Farther south, Antarctica shimmers in ice and brilliance—fjords turn to glass, glaciers gleam like crystal, and the ocean teems with life. Penguin chicks take their first tentative steps into the icy waters, leopard seals patrol nearby beaches, and whales feed at their seasonal peak in krill-rich seas beneath soft, golden autumn light.
Two worlds, one expedition: South Georgia’s wild spectacle and Antarctica’s autumn radiance.
For explorers ready to embrace both realms—South Georgia’s bustling wildlife colonies and Antarctica’s vast, untamed wilderness beckon.
Whether you’re a photographer inspired by the beauty of nature in remote places, a wildlife enthusiast, an aficionado of polar history, or an avid birdwatcher, this expedition has been thoughtfully tailored with you in mind.
Our fly-and-cruise operations for this expedition are based in Puerto Natales, Chile — gateway to Torres del Paine, where jagged peaks, turquoise lakes, and vast glaciers form Patagonia’s most dramatic landscapes. Whether explored before or after your voyage, it’s the perfect complement to Antarctica.
South Georgia is known as the 'Serengeti of the Southern Ocean,' and it's easy to see why. Discover the island's remarkable biodiversity—from king penguins and elephant seals to wandering albatrosses and Shackleton’s historic haunts. Spend four full days traversing this wild island, hiking scenic trails, Zodiac cruising past towering glaciers, and soaking in awe-inspiring landscapes teeming with wildlife.
Once in Antarctica, we’ll sail as far south as ice conditions allow, navigating narrow channels such as the Gerlache Straits, the Neumayer Channel and the Lemaire Channel to reach wildlife-rich sites and incomparable scenery like Paradise Bay and Cuverville Island—where gentoo penguins and lapis blue-eyed Antarctic shags nest.
Should conditions open to the east, we may venture into the remote Antarctic Sound and Weddell Sea — known for dramatic icescapes and rare sightings of emperor penguins. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or simply looking to capture unforgettable moments, the otherworldly light, dramatic icescapes, and wildlife encounters offer extraordinary photographic opportunities.
With flexibility, freedom, and just 44 guests, you’ll venture where larger ships can’t. No queues, no crowds, no rigid itinerary.
In this frozen, awakening world, nature leads—and we follow, quietly and respectfully.
Expedition highlights
Exclusive Antarctica Fly-Cruise via Puerto Natales—fly from Puerto Natales, Chile, the gateway to Torres del Paine, where jagged peaks and vast glaciers form Patagonia’s dramatic landscapes— the perfect prelude to your trip.
Explore South Georgia in autumn’s golden glow—witness penguin chicks taking their first leaps toward independence, elephant seals lounging on beaches as breeding season winds down, and wandering albatrosses soaring beneath soft, mellow light.
Follow Shackleton’s legendary route—visit historic whaling stations and expedition sites framed by autumn’s changing tundra hues and quiet, pristine wilderness.
Experience Antarctica’s autumn transformation—observe gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguins preparing to leave the colonies, seals hauling out in preparation for winter, and the landscape shifting with the first signs of freeze.
Spot whales preparing for migration—see humpbacks, minkes, orcas, and sei whales as they feed actively before heading to warmer waters.
Navigate breathtaking Antarctic waterways—including the Gerlache Strait, Neumayer and Lemaire Channels, and, conditions permitting, the remote Antarctic Sound, all under spectacular autumn skies and shifting light.
Exceptional photographic opportunities—capture intimate moments of wildlife in transition, stunning landscapes bathed in soft autumn light, and the vivid colours of polar dusk.
Expert-led exploration—deepen your connection to this unique environment through specialist lectures and guided excursions by experienced expedition teams sharing their passion for the polar autumn.
The Expedition Micro Cruise concept
‘The island is mountainous and covered with glaciers; it is wild and inhospitable, yet strikingly beautiful.’
— Sir Ernest Shackleton
Stories from the Ice
Every expedition leaves a mark. Discover honest reflections, unforgettable moments, and personal highlights shared by guests who have explored the polar regions with us.
Experiences
We don’t follow a fixed itinerary
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. We pledge to follow the strictest environmental protocols.
For even more flexibility, get in touch about making this a private yacht charter.
What your expedition could look like
Arrive in Puerto Natales, Chile
Begin your Antarctic journey in the remote Puerto Natales, and experience Patagonia’s soul from the first moment. Our team will meet you at the airport upon your arrival and transfer you to your hotel.
Fly from Puerto Natales to King George Island, Antarctica
After meeting our team in Puerto Natales, Chile, you’ll board a two-and-a-half-hour charter flight with your fellow guests across the Drake Passage to King George Island, your gateway to Antarctica.
Upon landing, a Zodiac transfer will take you to your ship, where your voyage into the white continent begins.
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.
Sail across the Scotia Sea
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.
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 four full days, we plan to 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.
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.
Arrival at Port Stanley, the Falkland Islands
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.
Fly & Cruise
This convenient fly-and-cruise expedition cuts down time at sea with a private charter flight between Chile and Antarctica.
Flying aboard a British Aerospace 146, you’ll enjoy sweeping views over South America and the Southern Ocean.
Flight departure times depend on the weather, with contingency plans in place.
Flight time
Plane
Baggage
Expeditions coming soon
Why Secret Atlas?
Because we’re explorers, delivering expeditions for explorers like you.
We’re fuelled by the long-lost spirit of adventure, guided by environmental and cultural responsibility, and committed to creating transformative travel experiences.
We’re pioneers of the Expedition Micro Cruise, offering the smallest group sizes at both poles. That means a flexible itinerary. It means more time exploring and photographing. It means a deeper connection with your team and the natural world.
We understand that, out here, less is more. Less waiting to board Zodiacs, more time ashore. Less strict itineraries, more adventure. Less crowd, more immersion.
That’s why we’re not just small. We’re micro.
Because we’re explorers, delivering expeditions for explorers like you.
We’re fuelled by the long-lost spirit of adventure, guided by environmental and cultural responsibility, and committed to creating transformative travel experiences.
We’re pioneers of the Expedition Micro Cruise, offering the smallest group sizes at both poles. That means a flexible itinerary. It means more time exploring and photographing. It means a deeper connection with your team and the natural world.
We understand that, out here, less is more. Less waiting to board Zodiacs, more time ashore. Less strict itineraries, more adventure. Less crowd, more immersion.
That’s why we’re not just small. We’re micro.
What's Included?
Lectures, workshops on board, and daily exploratory activitiesLectures and tutorials on board
Free use of ship’s Wi-Fi powered by Starlink
Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) beverages served during meals, while on board our micro cruises
Rubber polar standard boots for shore landings
One piece insulation suits available on board
IAATO and AECO fees, and operational fees and permits included
Provision of an onboard basic medical clinic and an expedition doctor
Expeditions Starting in Puerto Natales
Private charter flight to Antarctica
Transfer airport to lodge
Complementary night & welcome dinner at a classic Patagonian Lodge
Expeditions Ending in Port Stanley
Transfer from vessel to airport
Welcome snack
Not included
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 outside of what is included in the voyage or optional activities
Gratuities
Additional purchases or services on board
Other transfer or hotels unless specified as included as part of the voyage description
Solo explorers
Solo travellers are welcome on all our voyages. We often host solo travellers – the chances are you won’t be the only one. We offer the following accommodation options:
Single cabins (where available)
The option to share a twin cabin with another traveller of the same gender
The option to have your own double cabin for an additional supplement. Please contact us for this option as the price varies depending on trip and availability
FAQs
Will we visit Grytviken and Shackleton’s grave?
We’ll aim to visit Grytviken, the historic whaling station on South Georgia. Here, you’ll have the chance to see the grave of the legendary explorer Ernest Shackleton and learn about the island’s fascinating history.
Can flights to / from King George Island be delayed?
Yes. Antarctic weather is unpredictable, and flights can be postponed until it is safe to travel. Secret Atlas builds flexibility into itineraries to accommodate these potential delays.
What if the outbound flight is moved forward or delayed?
Outbound Flight – Moved Forward
At times, outbound flights may be rescheduled to the afternoon or evening of Day 1. To help your journey begin smoothly, we ask that guests plan to arrive in Puerto Natales by 5pm (check in from 3pm) on the first day of the itinerary. Arriving later than this may mean we’re unable to board you onto the flight, and we want to avoid anyone missing the start of their adventure.
Outbound Flight – Delayed
If weather delays the outbound flight, the group will remain in Puerto Natales, with accommodation, meals, and, when possible, guided excursions to local attractions.
With Secret Atlas, our micro fly cruise voyages extend the flight window, giving you a much higher chance of reaching Antarctica. By contrast, while most operators set a cut-off on Day 4 (afternoon), we extend ours to Day 5 evening, increasing the operational flight window by over 45%.
Why combine South Georgia with Antarctica?
South Georgia adds a completely different dimension to the journey. While Antarctica is raw and otherworldly, South Georgia offers some of the largest wildlife spectacles on Earth, with immense penguin rookeries and dramatic, glacier-carved landscapes.
When is the best time to visit South Georgia with Antarctica?
The South Georgia and Antarctic season runs from November through March (during the austral summer). Each month offers something unique:
November: Pristine landscapes, courtship displays, and elephant seal pups in South Georgia.
December–January: Peak wildlife activity, with penguin chicks hatching, fur seal colonies thriving, and long days of sunlight.
February–March: Excellent whale watching, penguin fledglings on the move, and softer golden light for photography.
When is penguin breeding season in South Georgia and Antarctica?
In South Georgia, king penguins breed year-round, with the largest gatherings of adults and chicks visible from November through March. You’ll also find gentoo, macaroni, and chinstrap penguins here, all of which follow a more typical summer breeding cycle. Fur seals pup in December and January, adding to the island’s wildlife spectacle.
In Antarctica, Adélie, gentoo, and chinstrap penguins all follow a similar breeding cycle—laying eggs in November, hatching in December, and raising chicks that fledge by January and February. Crested species such as macaroni and southern rockhopper penguins also breed in suitable sub-Antarctic habitats, adding vibrant flashes of colour to the rookeries. Emperor penguins, which breed on the sea ice further south, follow a unique cycle—laying eggs in the winter and raising chicks that are ready to fledge by the Antarctic summer.
Can you visit South Georgia and Antarctica in winter?
No. Expedition travel is only possible from November to March, during the austral summer. In winter, sea ice, extreme cold, and lack of daylight make voyages impossible.
When is the best time for whale watching in South Georgia and Antarctica?
Whales are present throughout the season, but sightings peak in February and March, when humpbacks, minkes, and sometimes orcas gather in large numbers to feed on krill-rich waters.
How long does it take to fly between King George Island and Puerto Natales?
The flight between Puerto Natales and King George Island takes just two to two and a half hours, compared to the two full days required to cross the Drake Passage by sea.
Will we visit Prion Island and see the Wandering Albatross?
With a small group of just 44 guests, we have the opportunity to reach remote sites like Prion Island by Zodiac cruise, and we will aim to do so. This allows you to witness Wandering Albatrosses nesting for an extraordinary photographic opportunity.
Please note, however, that access is not guaranteed due to potential restrictions and variable weather conditions.
How much luggage can I bring?
We recommend bringing a soft-sided luggage bag that can be easily stored in your cabin. It’s important to check with your airline about luggage size or weight restrictions.
Where does this expedition depart from?
The expedition departs from Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands. Guests fly independently to Mount Pleasant Airport (MPN) in the Falklands (flights not included), with connections typically via Santiago, Chile or the UK. An included transfer will take you from the airport to the harbour for embarkation. Guests already on the islands or arriving earlier should meet at the jetty in front of the Falkland Islands Tourist Board (times and full details will be provided closer to departure). Embarkation begins in the afternoon on Day 1.
Explorer's Handbook
Everything you need to know to help you plan your polar expedition, from destination guides to weather insights and what to pack…
How to Get to South Georgia
How to Get to South Georgia
Falkland Islands Travel Guide | Wildlife and Things to Do
Falkland Islands Travel Guide | Wildlife and Things to Do
Antarctica Wildlife Calendar | When to See Penguins, Whales, and Seals
Antarctica Wildlife Calendar | When to See Penguins, Whales, and Seals
What to Pack for Antarctica and South Georgia
What to Pack for Antarctica and South Georgia
Travel Insurance Checklist
Travel Insurance Checklist
Grytviken | South Georgia’s historic heart in the Southern Ocean
Grytviken | South Georgia’s historic heart in the Southern Ocean
Prion Island, South Georgia | A Sanctuary for the Wandering Albatross
Prion Island, South Georgia | A Sanctuary for the Wandering Albatross
Sir Ernest Shackleton | The Story of Endurance
Sir Ernest Shackleton | The Story of Endurance
St. Andrews Bay | South Georgia Travel Guide
St. Andrews Bay | South Georgia Travel Guide
Salisbury Plain, South Georgia Island | King Penguin Colony & Travel Guide
Salisbury Plain, South Georgia Island | King Penguin Colony & Travel Guide
King George Island | Gateway to Antarctica
King George Island | Gateway to Antarctica
Design your own private expedition micro cruise with Secret Atlas
Share the journey with those who matter most.
