15 days from

£13515 GBP pp

* Current p/p indicative rate.

Overview

Highlights

Dates & Prices

Itinerary

Map

Ships

HighlightsEnjoy extended discovery—with 15 days at sea, you’ll journey deep into South Georgia’s rugged landscapes, from bustling macaroni, gentoo, and king penguin rookeries to remote beaches and sweeping glacial vistas.
Follow in Shackleton’s footsteps—walk the windswept shores where Sir Ernest Shackleton’s legendary expedition came to rest. Visit Grytviken, his final resting place, and experience the island’s rich polar history firsthand.
Explore iconic South Georgia destinations—from the immense king penguin colonies at St Andrews Bay and Salisbury Plain to the historic whaling station at Grytviken, the fjord-carved coastlines of Gold Harbour, and Prion Island’s nesting wandering albatrosses—each stop revealing unforgettable encounters and breathtaking scenery.
Exceptional photographic opportunities—capture wildlife in motion, dramatic seascapes, and the shifting moods of the Southern Ocean light.
Expert-led exploration—learn from experienced expedition guides and naturalists through lectures and shore excursions that deepen your understanding of this remarkable island and its living wilderness.

                    Highlights
                    Enjoy extended discovery—with 15 days at sea, you’ll journey deep into South Georgia’s rugged landscapes, from bustling macaroni, gentoo, and king penguin rookeries to remote beaches and sweeping glacial vistas.
Follow in Shackleton’s footsteps—walk the windswept shores where Sir Ernest Shackleton’s legendary expedition came to rest. Visit Grytviken, his final resting place, and experience the island’s rich polar history firsthand.
Explore iconic South Georgia destinations—from the immense king penguin colonies at St Andrews Bay and Salisbury Plain to the historic whaling station at Grytviken, the fjord-carved coastlines of Gold Harbour, and Prion Island’s nesting wandering albatrosses—each stop revealing unforgettable encounters and breathtaking scenery.
Exceptional photographic opportunities—capture wildlife in motion, dramatic seascapes, and the shifting moods of the Southern Ocean light.
Expert-led exploration—learn from experienced expedition guides and naturalists through lectures and shore excursions that deepen your understanding of this remarkable island and its living wilderness.

                  

Ship Polar Athena

Capacity: 42

Feture image for South Georgia Micro Cruise

Sail into South Georgia’s untamed wilderness—a place of towering beauty, abundant wildlife, and ever-shifting light.

We’ve crafted our longest-ever South Georgia expedition—a 15-day journey that takes you deep into one of the planet’s most extraordinary and remote environments.

Often called the Serengeti of the Southern Ocean, South Georgia teems with life in every season. Vast colonies of king penguins fill the shores, while elephant seals sprawl across the beaches and leopard seals prowl the icy shallows. Albatrosses soar effortlessly overhead, their immense wings cutting through the wind as glaciers glint in the distance.

Whether it’s the fresh vibrancy of summer, the golden calm of autumn, the stark drama of winter, or the crisp renewal of spring, South Georgia offers a raw, ever-changing spectacle of nature—wild, powerful, and unforgettable.

Enjoy extended discovery—with 15 days at sea, you’ll journey deep into South Georgia’s rugged landscapes, from bustling macaroni, gentoo, and king penguin rookeries to remote beaches and sweeping glacial vistas.
Follow in Shackleton’s footsteps—walk the windswept shores where Sir Ernest Shackleton’s legendary expedition came to rest. Visit Grytviken, his final resting place, and experience the island’s rich polar history firsthand.
Explore iconic South Georgia destinations—from the immense king penguin colonies at St Andrews Bay and Salisbury Plain to the historic whaling station at Grytviken, the fjord-carved coastlines of Gold Harbour, and Prion Island’s nesting wandering albatrosses—each stop revealing unforgettable encounters and breathtaking scenery.
Exceptional photographic opportunities—capture wildlife in motion, dramatic seascapes, and the shifting moods of the Southern Ocean light.
Expert-led exploration—learn from experienced expedition guides and naturalists through lectures and shore excursions that deepen your understanding of this remarkable island and its living wilderness.

Availability is always subject to confirmation. Please check with us before booking flights

10 October, 2026 to 24 October, 2026 on Polar Athena

Prices

Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.

Classic Twin

£15995 GBP pp

The Classic Twin cabin offers a cosy, Scandinavian-inspired space featuring two lower twin beds and a porthole window. Recently refurbished, it includes a wardrobe and an en-suite shower and toilet, providing a stylish yet homely retreat. The perfect place to unwind after exploring the remote corners of the planet.

Signature Twin

£16995 GBP pp

The Signature Twin cabin combines comfort and charm with its Scandinavian-inspired design. This welcoming space offers two lower twin beds, and natural light gently brightens the room through thoughtfully placed windows. Enjoy the convenience of an ensuite shower and toilet, ample wardrobe space, and a dedicated desk area. A homely setting on your polar journey.

Signature Single

£18095 GBP pp

The Single Signature cabin is where Scandinavian design meets practical comfort, offering either two lower beds or bunk beds. Each cabin features windows that fill the space with natural light, a wardrobe for storage, and a private ensuite bathroom with an ensuite shower and toilet. Perfectly suited for solo travellers, these cabins provide a peaceful retreat to relax and recharge.

Classic Suite

£19995 GBP pp

The Classic Suite is a roomy and stylish Scandinavian-inspired sanctuary. This light and airy cabin features large windows, a plush double bed, a cosy lounge with a corner desk and a comfortable sofa, perfect for curling up on with a good book. With an ensuite shower and toilet, and thoughtful touches throughout, this is the perfect place to relax and enjoy peaceful moments after a day exploring the polar wilderness.

Signature Suite

£21995 GBP pp

The Signature Suite is Polar Athena’s most luxurious accommodation, fully refurbished with an elegant Scandinavian design. This spacious retreat features a plush double bed, a relaxing lounge area with a sofa, and a stylish corner desk—perfect for journaling your travel adventures. Large windows fill the cabin with natural light, offering scenic polar views and a tranquil sanctuary after your days of exploration.

24 October, 2026 to 07 November, 2026 on Polar Athena

Prices

Classic Twin

£15995 GBP pp

Signature Twin

£16995 GBP pp

Signature Single

£18095 GBP pp

Classic Suite

£19995 GBP pp

Signature Suite

£21995 GBP pp

27 March, 2027 to 10 April, 2027 on Polar Athena

Prices

Classic Twin

£13515 GBP pp

Signature Twin

£14279 GBP pp

Signature Single

£17085 GBP pp

Classic Suite

£17085 GBP pp

Signature Suite

£18359 GBP pp

09 October, 2027 to 23 October, 2027 on Polar Athena

Prices

Classic Twin

£15399 GBP pp

Signature Twin

£16169 GBP pp

Signature Single

£19249 GBP pp

Classic Suite

£19249 GBP pp

Signature Suite

£20789 GBP pp

23 October, 2027 to 06 November, 2027 on Polar Athena

Prices

Classic Twin

£15399 GBP pp

Signature Twin

£16169 GBP pp

Signature Single

£19249 GBP pp

Classic Suite

£19249 GBP pp

Signature Suite

£20789 GBP pp

25 March, 2028 to 08 April, 2028 on Polar Athena

Prices

Classic Twin

£13859 GBP pp

Signature Twin

£14629 GBP pp

Classic Suite

£17709 GBP pp

Signature Single

£17709 GBP pp

Signature Suite

£18865 GBP pp

show reverse itinerary

Day 1 Port Stanley, Falkland Islands

Depart Port Stanley, Falkland Islands in the afternoon and set 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 Scotia 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 - 7 Dramatic coastlines and penguin colonies

We'll aim to 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. Our flexible schedule should take us to key colonies at St Andrew’s Bay, Salisbury Plain, and Gold Harbour — at the best times to capture these awe-inspiring moments.

Days 8 - 12 Exploring sights others can’t

We aim to 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 - 15 Reflecting, relaxing and connecting

As we sail back to the Falkland Islands, you'll enjoy insightful lectures from our 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.

Upon arrival in Port Stanley, you'll disembark after breakfast, concluding an unforgettable expedition.

Please note:

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. After all, the thrill of adventuring into the unknown is more rewarding than a journey that runs on tracks!

So all 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 regulations.

show main itinerary

Upon arrival in Port Stanley, you'll disembark after breakfast, concluding an unforgettable expedition.

We aim to Zodiac cruise into South Georgia’s wildest corners and photograph nesting albatrosses on Prion Island from the water.

We'll aim to explore South Georgia’s rugged coastline, making daily Zodiac landings to discover its most spectacular wildlife.

By day 3, the first dramatic snow-covered peaks of South Georgia start to appear on the horizon.

* = Indicative

Polar Athena

Length:	71 metres
Max passengers	42

Built for true polar exploration, MV Polar Athena combines the rugged power of an icebreaker with the intimacy of small-group travel. With the highest 1A Super ice-class rating and space for just 42 guests, she offers one of the most personal Antarctic experiences available. Born as a research vessel and reimagined for modern-day adventurers, Polar Athena slices through heavy sea ice with ease, offering unmatched agility, comfort, and access to remote destinations. Her small size ensures that all guests can disembark together for Zodiac excursions, maximising time ashore and embracing the spontaneity of wildlife encounters and shifting weather.

On board, guests enjoy Scandinavian-style comfort with thoughtfully designed cabins, panoramic observation lounges, and a warm, family-like atmosphere. Whether you're spotting whales from the elevated bow deck, relaxing in the wellness area’s hot tub, or enjoying freshly prepared meals in the cosy dining room, Polar Athena offers immersive exploration without the crowds. Her bridge lounges welcome guests throughout the voyage, offering behind-the-scenes insight and a shared sense of purpose with the crew, making each journey feel like a genuine expedition into the unknown.

Deck plans are for illustrative purposes only – The actual ship and cabin layout may differ.

Overview

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Itinerary

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15 days from £13515 GBP pp

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