Retrace one of history's most extraordinary polar survival stories on the South Georgia and Antarctica Shackleton Special Expedition Micro Cruise, an immersive 20-day voyage through the remote landscapes of the Southern Ocean. Beginning in Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands, this expedition follows the historic journey of Sir Ernest Shackleton through South Georgia, Elephant Island, and the Antarctic Peninsula aboard Aureum, an ice-class expedition vessel accommodating a maximum of 36 guests. Supported by six senior polar guides, four Zodiacs, and a dedicated photography guide, travelers explore places connected to Shackleton's remarkable expedition, including King Haakon Bay, where the James Caird landed after its 800-mile open-boat journey, Fortuna Bay, where a hike toward Stromness follows the final section of his mountain crossing, and Grytviken, where Shackleton is buried. The journey also aims to visit Point Wild on Elephant Island, where 22 men waited for rescue, before continuing south into Antarctica to discover the dramatic scenery of the Antarctic Sound, Weddell Sea, Gerlache Strait, and other possible exploration areas. Along the way, encounter South Georgia's vast king penguin colonies, elephant seals, wandering albatrosses, and the penguins, seals, and glaciers of the Antarctic Peninsula during the early summer season. The voyage concludes with a two-day Drake Passage crossing to Ushuaia, Argentina, followed by an included overnight stay at Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa. With departures in October 2027 and October 2028, this expedition brings polar history, wildlife, and small-group exploration together in a remarkable journey across the landscapes that shaped Shackleton's legacy.
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.
Scheduled transfer between Mount Pleasant Airport and the vessel in Stanley, as specified in the itinerary.
One post-expedition hotel night at Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa, including breakfast.
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.
Leadership and guidance throughout the voyage from the experienced Expedition Team, including lectures, workshops, Zodiac cruises, and shore landings.
All scheduled Zodiac cruises, transfers, and shore landings, subject to weather, sea, ice, and operational conditions.
Shipboard accommodation with daily cabin service.
Full-board dining aboard Aureum, including tea, coffee, and drinking water.
Selected beverages served with meals.
Starlink Wi-Fi when available, although connectivity and speed cannot be guaranteed in remote polar regions.
Complimentary use of rubber expedition boots for shore landings.
Access to the ship's medical facilities and expedition doctor; treatment and medication may incur additional charges.
Photography guidance and workshops.
IAATO fees, permits, South Georgia ESTA, 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, including flights to the Falkland Islands and from Ushuaia, unless expressly included.
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 any published flight allowance.
Additional accommodation, meals, and transfers not expressly listed as included.
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 costs.
Optional activities, private arrangements, or independent excursions not expressly included.
Gratuities for the shipboard crew and Expedition Team.
Highlights
Follow Shackleton's legendary survival route: Discover South Georgia, Elephant Island, and the Antarctic Peninsula on one continuous expedition.
King Haakon Bay: Attempt to visit the remote location where the James Caird landed after its approximately 800-mile voyage from Elephant Island.
Grytviken and Shackleton's grave: Explore the historic settlement, former whaling station, museum, and cemetery where Ernest Shackleton and Frank Wild are buried.
Fortuna Bay to Stromness: Experience the possibility of hiking the final section of Shackleton's historic mountain crossing.
Elephant Island and Point Wild: Attempt a landing or Zodiac cruise near the location where 22 expedition members waited for rescue.
South Georgia's extraordinary wildlife: Observe king penguin colonies, elephant seals, fur seals, and wandering albatrosses.
Early-season Antarctica: Explore the Peninsula during November, when ice remains extensive and penguin colonies are active at their nesting sites.
Intimate 36-guest expedition: Travel aboard Aureum with six senior polar guides, 26 crew members, and four Zodiacs.
Antarctic Zodiac adventures: Navigate among icebergs and discover remote coastal environments when conditions permit.
Photography guidance: Benefit from a dedicated photography guide and workshops throughout the voyage.
Legendary Southern Ocean crossings: Experience the Scotia Sea and Drake Passage aboard an ice-class vessel equipped with active fin stabilizers.
Comfortable conclusion in Ushuaia: Enjoy an included final night at Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa before departure.
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
South Georgia and Antarctica Shackleton Special Expedition Micro Cruise
From USD 22995,00
