Experience the Antarctic Peninsula from two remarkable perspectives on the Antarctic Peninsula Expedition Micro Cruise by Air & Sea, a 10-day journey combining the legendary Drake Passage with intimate exploration of the White Continent and a convenient flight back to Chilean Patagonia. Beginning in Ushuaia, Argentina, with an included stay at Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa, this expedition sails south aboard Aureum, a purpose-designed polar vessel accommodating just 36 guests, supported by six senior polar guides, four Zodiacs, and a dedicated photography guide. Spend two days crossing the Drake Passage, watching for wandering albatrosses and enjoying educational presentations before reaching Antarctica for four full days of exploration. Depending on conditions, discover the dramatic scenery of the Gerlache Strait, Wilhelmina Bay, Paradise Bay, Lemaire Channel, Deception Island, and other remarkable locations. Opportunities include Zodiac cruises, continental landings, photography, and encounters with gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguins, seals, humpback whales, and minke whales. After exploring the Peninsula, take an approximately 2.5-hour charter flight from King George Island to Puerto Natales, replacing the return Drake Passage crossing with a flight and a farewell stay at Weskar Lodge. With its flexible itinerary, experienced expedition team, and exceptional small-group atmosphere, this journey combines the adventure of reaching Antarctica by sea with the efficiency of returning by air.
Day by day
Cruise Includes
Accommodation aboard the MV Aureum in the selected cabin category.
Full-board dining throughout the expedition.
Tea, coffee, drinking water, and selected beverages with meals.
Daily cabin housekeeping service.
Guided Zodiac cruises and shore landings, subject to weather and ice conditions.
Expert expedition leadership and professional polar guides.
Educational lectures, presentations, and workshops.
Wildlife observation and photography guidance.
Complimentary use of rubber expedition boots during shore excursions.
Starlink Wi-Fi access, subject to availability in remote polar regions.
Access to onboard medical facilities and the expedition doctor (consultations and treatment may incur additional charges).
Applicable expedition permits, port charges, and operational fees.
Pre-departure information and assistance from the Secret Atlas team.
One-way private charter flight between Puerto Natales and Antarctica, in the direction specified by the itinerary.
One pre- or post-expedition hotel night at Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa, including breakfast, as specified in the itinerary.
Access to the resort's fitness center, indoor swimming pool, indoor and outdoor relaxation pools, outdoor hot tubs, and pool bar.
Unlimited access to the walking trails of Cerro Alarkén Nature Reserve.
Patagonian welcome or farewell dinner at Weskar Lodge in Puerto Natales, according to the direction of travel.
Scheduled transfers between airports, included hotels, the expedition vessel, and the Antarctic charter flight, as described in the itinerary.
Secret Atlas Peace of Mind Programme for expeditions ending in Puerto Natales, including up to three additional nights with breakfast when applicable and subject to published terms.
Expedition leadership and guidance throughout the voyage, including lectures, workshops, Zodiac cruises, and shore landings.
All scheduled Zodiac excursions, transfers, and landings, subject to weather, sea, ice, and operational conditions.
Shipboard accommodation with daily cabin service.
Full-board meals aboard the vessel, including tea, coffee, and drinking water.
Selected beverages served with meals.
Starlink Wi-Fi when available, although connection quality and speed cannot be guaranteed in remote polar regions.
Complimentary use of rubber expedition boots for shore landings.
Access to onboard medical facilities and the expedition doctor; treatment and medication may incur additional charges.
Sea kayaking and light mountaineering programs on selected departures, subject to conditions, availability, and approval from the Expedition Leader and specialist guides.
Photography guidance and workshops.
IAATO fees, permits, landing fees, port charges, and applicable operational fees.
Comprehensive pre-departure information and assistance from the Secret Atlas team.
Cruise does not include
International and domestic flights unless specifically included in the selected itinerary.
Passport, visa, vaccination, and other entry-related expenses.
Mandatory comprehensive travel insurance, including medical evacuation coverage.
Additional hotel accommodation before or after the expedition unless expressly included.
Meals and transfers not specified in the confirmed itinerary.
Personal expenses, including laundry, telephone calls, and premium internet services.
Alcoholic beverages and bar purchases outside the included beverage service.
Personal clothing and expedition equipment not expressly provided.
Medical treatment, medication, evacuation, and repatriation expenses.
Excess baggage fees and additional luggage charges.
Optional activities, private excursions, and independent arrangements not included in the itinerary.
Gratuities for the ship's crew and expedition team.
Additional services not expressly included in the confirmed booking.
International and domestic flights not expressly listed as included in the itinerary.
Passport, visa, vaccination, reciprocity, and other entry requirements or associated charges.
Comprehensive travel insurance, as required under Secret Atlas Terms and Conditions.
Excess baggage charges and luggage exceeding the published charter flight allowance; carriage or storage of excess baggage cannot be guaranteed on one-way itineraries.
Additional accommodation, meals, and transfers not expressly included or covered by the Peace of Mind Programme.
Additional accommodation, meals, transfers, or personal expenses resulting from Antarctic charter flight disruptions, except where expressly covered by the Peace of Mind Programme.
Personal expenses, including laundry, bar purchases outside the included service, telephone charges, and optional premium internet services.
Personal clothing and equipment not specifically listed as provided.
Medical treatment, medication, evacuation, and repatriation expenses.
Optional activities, private arrangements, or independent excursions not expressly included.
Gratuities for the shipboard crew and Expedition Team.
Additional taxes, government charges, or supplier surcharges, according to the operator's Terms and Conditions.
Any service not expressly stated as included in the confirmed itinerary or booking confirmation.
Independent travel arrangements between Ushuaia and Puerto Natales outside the confirmed program.
Highlights
The legendary Drake Passage: Experience the journey south from Ushuaia across one of the world's most famous ocean crossings, with opportunities to observe wandering albatrosses.
Fly back from Antarctica: Replace the return sea crossing with an approximately 2.5-hour charter flight from King George Island to Puerto Natales.
An exclusive 36-guest expedition: Explore with six senior polar guides and four Zodiacs, allowing the group to participate in excursions together.
Four planned days on the Antarctic Peninsula: Discover remote waterways, dramatic mountain landscapes, and wildlife-rich coastal environments.
Set foot on the seventh continent: Experience the possibility of landing on the Antarctic mainland when conditions and permissions allow.
Extraordinary wildlife encounters: Look for gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguins, seals, humpback whales, minke whales, and Antarctic seabirds.
Zodiac adventures: Navigate among icebergs and explore coastal waters with the support of experienced expedition guides.
Professional photography guidance: Receive assistance with photographing wildlife, ice formations, and the Peninsula's dramatic scenery.
Aureum's expedition design: Travel aboard an ice-class vessel with hybrid propulsion, fin stabilizers, and dedicated observation spaces.
A farewell night in Patagonia: Conclude the journey with accommodation at Weskar Lodge and a farewell dinner in Puerto Natales.
Specialist activities on selected departures: Sea kayaking and light mountaineering may be available subject to conditions, availability, and guide approval.
Activities
Sea Kayaking
Under full instruction from your sea kayaking guide, experience true tranquillity as you paddle through clinking ice floes and realise the enormity of the surrounding scenery. Look out for breaching whales, lounging seals and penguins zipping alongside your kayak. Some experience is required.
Ice Camping
Camp out on the ice and experience the silence which blankets the continent by night. This is your chance to completely connect with this ethereal ice world – wrap up warm and embrace the Antarctic elements.
Snowshoeing
Get a spring in your step when you slip on a pair of snowshoes in Antarctica. Enabling you to easily scale gentle slopes, this unique activity allows you to access hard to reach places and seek out the most impressive views.
Photography
Antarctic Peninsula Expedition Micro Cruise by Air & Sea
From USD 16995,00
