South Georgia and Antarctic Summer Micro Fly Cruise | MV Polar Athena Expedition Ship

South Georgia and Antarctic Summer Micro Fly Cruise

The South Georgia region, which people call the 'Serengeti of the Southern Ocean', becomes alive with activity during the summer season. King penguin chicks grow quickly in their crowded breeding colonies, while elephant seals create harems during their breeding season, and wandering albatross chicks get ready to leave their nests under continuous daylight.

The Antarctic environment exhibits a gentle transition because snow disappears when it reaches protected coves. The penguin colonies maintain their successful breeding status because gentoo penguins and chinstrap penguins, and Adélie penguins continue to produce living offspring. The seals spend their time resting on floating ice sheets and coastal shores while humpback whales and minke whales, and orcas hunt for food during the abundant summer season.

Day by day

Day 1: Touch Down in the Hidden Gem of Puerto Natales, Chile

Feel the rugged essence of Patagonia seep into your soul the moment you set foot in this remote, breathtaking town of Puerto Natales! Your personal concierge team will be waiting for you at the airport, ready to whisk you away to your plush hotel in style.

Day 2: Fly from Puerto Natales to King George Island, Antarctica

You'll meet up with the team in Puerto Natales first, then hop on a 2.5-hour charter flight with fellow travelers, soaring across the famous Drake Passage, bound for King George Island - your first taste of Antarctica.

As the plane touches down, you'll hop onboard a Zodiac, and before you know it, you'll be sailing off into the frozen heart of Antarctica on your incredible voyage.

Day 3 - 6: Antarctic Peninsula

Day 7 - 8: Sail across the Scotia Sea

Day 9 - 13: South Of Georgia

Day 14 - 15: Embark on an Epic Southern Ocean Voyage

Day 16: Disembark in the Falkland Islands

Neko Harbour | Antarctic Peninsula | Zodiac landing

+12

Cruise Includes

Private charter flights between Puerto Natales (PNT) and King George Island (TNM)

Lectures and tutorials on board

Zodiac excursions (MK V heavy-duty inflatable boats) for shore landings and unforgettable photography opportunities.

Wi-Fi powered by Starlink

Full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), all-day soft drinks, and 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.

Transfers to Weskar Patagonia Lodge in Torres del Paine if doing the extension package.

Cruise does not include

International flights – we recommend booking early.

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

Highlights

The ultimate adventure awaits you when you fly from Puerto Natales, Chile, to the Torres Del Paine National Park entrance to experience the stunning natural beauty of Patagonia's mountains and glaciers up close.

The summer season transforms South Georgia into a paradise because visitors get to witness king penguin colonies with their charming chicks, while elephant seals occupy the sun-kissed beaches for their breeding season, and albatrosses soar through the endless daylight hours of summer.

Shackleton's historic expedition leads you to discover whaling stations and expedition sites that exist within a landscape of vibrant summer wildflowers and untouched natural beauty.

The Southern Ocean offers a majestic journey between the Falklands and Antarctica, where expert guides provide educational talks and interactive sessions while you observe amazing wildlife from the ship's deck during extended daylight hours.

The most stunning part of Antarctica reveals itself during summer, when you can watch penguin colonies multiply as gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguin chicks vocalize to their parents, and seals, along with seabird colonies, flourish on the rugged coastline that stands before massive ice formations.

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

Learn to capture wildlife and landscape shots in a small group photography program, including critiquing sessions and editing classes. Plus, Explorer Boat excursions with a dedicated photography expert on landings.

Explorer Boats

Achieve the best views and photographs from a forward facing Explorer Boats. They allow you to sit comfortably and securely while crackling through the ice-strewn waters. Look out for wildlife such as penguins, seals and whales as you cruise.

Yoga

It doesn’t get more serene than complimentary yoga classes to the tune of glacial scenery. Join the most unique exercise setting in the world after a day of exploration. Classes are regular but are dependent on weather conditions and swell.