South Georgia In Depth Micro Cruise
Fifteen days devoted to South Georgia, with 36 guests and eight planned exploration days. A focused journey for wildlife, photography and polar history.
Personal advice · No obligation · No advisory fees
King penguin colony · Photo: Shutterstock / Secret Atlas
Why we chose this voyage
South Georgia deserves more than a quick landing between days at sea. At a king penguin colony, time lets you notice the traffic between beach and birds, the calls across the colony and the smaller stories unfolding around you.
This voyage devotes eight planned exploration days to the island. With 36 guests, the team has a smaller shore party to land, supervise and regroup, with less pressure to cycle successive passenger groups through the same outing. That gives the guides more scope to adjust the pace and stay with a site that rewards attention.
We chose it because South Georgia is the focus of the expedition. The time at sea is a commitment, but the programme gives the island the space it deserves.
South Georgia, brought to life
Why visit South Georgia island?
Discover the wildlife and dramatic landscapes that make South Georgia such a remarkable expedition destination in this Secret Atlas film.
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
Embark in Stanley, cross the Scotia Sea and spend the main expedition period exploring South Georgia before returning to the Falklands.
- Day 1
Embark in Stanley
Join the ship in the Falklands. The scheduled Mount Pleasant Airport transfer is included as specified. Meet the team and attend safety briefings.
Begin in the FalklandsStanley is the embarkation gateway for this South Georgia voyage.Photo: Shutterstock / Secret Atlas - Days 2-3
Across the Scotia Sea
Lectures and photography sessions introduce the island, wildlife and history. Time on deck may offer seabird sightings as you travel towards South Georgia.
Watch the ocean skiesA wandering albatross in flight, one of the Southern Ocean’s remarkable seabirds.Photo: Shutterstock / Secret Atlas - Days 4-11
South Georgia in depth
Eight planned days allow the team to choose the best permitted landings and zodiac cruises. Possible areas include Grytviken, Fortuna Bay, Stromness, Salisbury Plain, St Andrews Bay and Drygalski Fjord. Colonies, seal beaches, mountains and Shackleton’s story shape the expedition. With fewer guests to supervise and regroup, guides can adjust the pace and spend longer observing wildlife. A compact vessel and small shore party may also make alternative anchorages or landing places practical where a larger operation would be harder to accommodate.
King penguins on an extraordinary scaleVast colonies fill the coastal plains, with snow-covered mountains rising behind them. Time ashore reveals the sounds, movement and sheer scale of South Georgia’s wildlife.Photo: Shutterstock / Secret Atlas 
Beyond the wildlife beachesIcebergs and mountain scenery in South Georgia’s Drygalski Fjord.Photo: Shutterstock / Secret Atlas 
More than one penguin storyA close view of macaroni penguins in South Georgia.Photo: Marco Miglionico / Secret Atlas - Days 12-14
Return to the Falklands
Cross the Scotia Sea with workshops and time to review the journey. The ship may reach the Falklands during day 14.
- Day 15
Disembark in Stanley
Disembark after breakfast and use the scheduled airport transfer where applicable. Confirm onward flight timings and any independent Falklands plans.
Your expedition follows the opportunities of the day. Weather, ice and local permissions shape the route and landings.
Life aboard
Aureum’s 36-guest format suits a voyage centred on wildlife and photography. The published plan includes six guides, four zodiacs, observation spaces and an expedition mudroom. Fin stabilisers are useful for the crossing, while the small community creates a sociable base between landings.
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
The first two published 2027 departures were marked sold out when checked. Later dates below are the more useful starting points for a new enquiry; live inventory still needs confirmation.
| Season | Selected published departures | Ship |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 16-30 Oct | Aureum |
| 2028 | 16-30 Sep | Aureum |
| 2028 | 30 Sep-14 Oct | Aureum |
| 2028 | 14-28 Oct | 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
- Scheduled transfers between Mount Pleasant Airport and the vessel, as specified.
- Shipboard accommodation, daily cabin service, full board and selected mealtime beverages.
- Guiding, photography guidance, workshops, scheduled zodiac cruises and landings when conditions permit.
- Loan boots, listed permits and programme fees including the South Georgia ESTA, and available Wi-Fi.
Arrange separately
- Flights to and from the Falkland Islands, additional hotels and arrangements outside the programme.
- Required comprehensive travel and evacuation insurance.
- Personal expenses, laundry, additional drinks, gratuities, medical treatment and evacuation costs.
- Optional activities and independent arrangements not expressly included.
Before you book
Plan the Falklands connection
Flight schedules deserve careful planning. EA helps fit the voyage into a realistic itinerary with suitable arrival buffers.
Be comfortable with time at sea
Consider your experience of ship movement and discuss concerns before choosing a cabin on this remote island expedition.
Travel responsibly ashore
Biosecurity, wildlife distances and landing rules are central to visiting South Georgia. Prepare for cold, wet conditions and changing sites.
Make South Georgia the destination
Ask about South Georgia In Depth Micro Cruise 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