Antarctic Circle Expedition by Air
Fly to Antarctica for an 11-day, 36-guest expedition with seven planned exploration days and an objective of reaching the Antarctic Circle.
Personal advice · No obligation · No advisory fees
Photo: Jean-Paul de la Harpe / Secret Atlas
Why we chose this voyage
The appeal of travelling towards the Antarctic Circle is the journey through the Peninsula’s channels as much as the line on the map. The team needs time to work south, read the ice and choose where to explore along the way.
Flying to King George Island replaces the Drake Passage sea crossing with an air connection, while the programme sets aside seven exploration days. With 36 guests, there are fewer people to move between ship and shore, giving the guides more scope to use a workable landing window or change the plan without coordinating a large passenger rotation.
We chose this voyage for that combination of time in Antarctica and a manageable group. Crossing the Circle remains an objective; the expedition should be rewarding whichever latitude the team reaches.
The ambition of travelling farther south
Reaching the Antarctic Circle
Secret Atlas introduces its Antarctic Circle expedition and the appeal of travelling farther south.
Watch on YouTubeWhy book this voyage with us?
Choose your voyage and cabin with confidence. We’ll help with the rest of your journey.
Operator Pricing
Pay the operator’s fare, with our advice and booking support included. We check available offers, at no extra cost to you.
Independent Advice
Compare ships, seasons and cabins across our partners. We recommend what fits your priorities, including voyages beyond those on our website.
Field Experience
Choose with insight from polar guides. Understand how the ship, guest numbers and expedition operations shape your experience aboard and ashore.
Beyond the Cruise
Bring the whole journey together with flight guidance, hotels, transfers and practical preparation, backed by personal support from the EA team.
Personal advice · No obligation · No advisory fees
Your expedition, at a glance
Fly from Puerto Natales to King George Island, join Aureum and explore the Peninsula with an objective of reaching the Circle, then return for the flight to Chile.
- Day 1
Welcome to Puerto Natales
Meet the team, attend the briefing and settle into the included hotel stay. Review flight logistics and equipment.
- Day 2
Fly to King George Island
Take the charter flight to King George Island, transfer to Aureum and begin the expedition.
Your Antarctic gatewaySnow, sea and mountain scenery around King George Island.Photo: Alamy / Secret Atlas - Days 3-9
Peninsula and Circle exploration
Seven planned exploration days may reveal the Gerlache Strait, sheltered bays, glacier fronts and penguin colonies. The expedition aims to continue south through Crystal Sound towards the Circle, with possible exploration around Detaille Island or Marguerite Bay. A compact vessel and small shore party can give the team more workable anchorage and landing options than a much larger operation. Fewer guests also make it easier to regroup for a change of plan or extend a rewarding zodiac exploration.
Explore at water levelZodiac exploration around Pléneau Island on the Antarctic Peninsula.Photo: Jean-Paul de la Harpe / Secret Atlas 
Leave the ship and look closerA guided landing at Pléneau Island, beneath the Peninsula’s mountain scenery.Photo: Jean-Paul de la Harpe / Secret Atlas 
Life along the ice edgeGentoo penguins beside brilliant blue Antarctic water.Photo: Shutterstock / Secret Atlas - Day 10
Fly back to Chile
Return to King George Island and fly to Puerto Natales. The programme includes the stated post-expedition hotel night.
- Day 11
Onward travel
Depart or continue exploring Chile. Build in flexibility rather than a tight international connection.
Your expedition follows the opportunities of the day. Weather, ice and local permissions shape the route and landings.
Life aboard
Designed for 36 guests, Aureum has a published team of six expedition guides and four zodiacs. Planned facilities include an observation lounge, dining room, expedition mudroom and wellness spaces. The emphasis is personal guiding and a small community.
Aureum’s interiors are Secret Atlas visualisations of the planned refit for 2027. Final finishes may differ.
Cabins & suites
Choose between twin accommodation, dedicated singles and the larger Signature Suite. Images show the planned interiors supplied by Secret Atlas.
Aureum Classic Twin
Approximately 17.5 m² on the Main Deck, with porthole and private bathroom.
Aureum Signature Twin
Approximately 18 m² on the Upper Deck, with window and private bathroom. Confirm twin or double configuration.
Aureum Signature Suite
Approximately 24.5 m² on the Bridge Deck, with panoramic windows, sitting area and private bathroom. The most spacious category.
Travelling solo?
Classic Single and Signature Single cabins are approximately 12.5 m² with private bathrooms. Classic Singles have a Main Deck porthole; Signature Singles have an Upper Deck window. EA checks availability.
Departure planning
Selected departures in the 2027/28 programme. EA checks the exact edition and live cabin inventory.
| Season | Selected published departures | Ship |
|---|---|---|
| 2027/28 | 13-23 Dec 2027 | Aureum |
| 2027/28 | 21-31 Dec 2027, Christmas edition | Aureum |
| 2027/28 | 29 Dec 2027-8 Jan 2028, New Year edition | Aureum |
EA will confirm current cabin availability and booking terms for your preferred departure.
Enquire about this voyagePractical details
What is included
Included in the programme
- Return programme charter flights between Puerto Natales and King George Island, with specified transfers.
- The stated hotel night before and after the expedition, with listed meals and welcome/farewell arrangements.
- Shipboard accommodation, full board, selected mealtime drinks, guiding, zodiac outings and landings.
- Loan boots, stated fees and available Wi-Fi.
Arrange separately
- International travel and flights outside the included programme.
- Additional hotels, meals and transfers not expressly included.
- Required travel and evacuation insurance, personal purchases, medical costs and gratuities.
- Optional activities unless specifically included.
Before you book
Protect the flight connection
Antarctic flights can be delayed. We plan buffers and explain published disruption arrangements, including applicable extra hotel nights.
Check specialist activities
Kayaking and light mountaineering may be offered on selected departures. Availability, suitability and conditions require confirmation.
Keep the Circle in perspective
Enjoy the journey south as much as the milestone: glacier-lined channels, zodiac explorations and wildlife encounters are at the heart of the expedition.
Explore your Antarctic fly-cruise options
Ask about Antarctic Circle Expedition by Air or check availability for your preferred dates. Your enquiry will identify this voyage automatically, so EA can check the right programme and cabin options.
Independent advice · Personal planning · No advisory fees