Sail beyond the icy frontier to cross the Antarctic Circle in late summer, where pristine landscapes burst to life with an extraordinary array of wildlife—and join the select few to experience this untouched wilderness firsthand.
Crossing the legendary Antarctic Circle at 66°33’ South — a latitude reached by only a small fraction of Antarctic visitors — you’ll enter a world where the sun can stay above the horizon for 24 hours, sea ice lingers in sweeping bays, and vast tabular icebergs drift silently past.
First navigated by Captain James Cook in 1773, this far-south route is still only attempted by a small number of vessels, and on our small-ship expedition, your access is rare and intimate.
We’ll celebrate the moment aboard the ship before venturing into seldom-seen areas like The Gullet, Lallemand Fjord, and Detaille Island, where Adelie penguins tend chicks, elusive Ross seals may appear, and humpback whales bubble-net feed in krill-rich waters.
Enter a realm few have reached and join an elite circle of Antarctic explorers.
- Exclusive Antarctica Fly-Cruise via Puerto Natales—skip the Drake Passage with round-trip flights from and back to Puerto Natales, Chile, the gateway to Torres del Paine, where jagged peaks and vast glaciers form Patagonia’s dramatic landscapes—the perfect prelude or finale to your trip.
- Sail beyond the Antarctic Circle—join the small club of travellers who have crossed 66°33′ South, venturing into a world of fast ice, towering tabular icebergs, and wildlife-rich bays rarely seen by visitors.
- Witness peak wildlife activity — watch penguin chicks, small and fluffy in their nests, while skuas and giant petrels stage daring raids. Seals lounge on ice floes, and whales gather in large numbers nearby.
- Explore iconic Antarctic sites — including the South Shetland Islands, Deception Island, The Gullet, Lallemand Fjord, Paradise Bay, Cuverville Island, and the Gerlache Strait.
- White, Pristine Landscapes – Experience the brilliance of late summer light on snow-covered islands, shimmering glaciers, and icebergs in every imaginable shape.
- Exceptional photographic opportunities — dramatic lighting, active wildlife, and vivid icescapes await your lens.
- Expert-led exploration — learn from seasoned expedition guides through enriching lectures, workshops, and shore landings.
Availability is always subject to confirmation. Please check with us before booking flights
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.
Begin your Antarctic journey in the remote Puerto Natales, and experience Patagonia’s soul from the first moment. Our team will meet you at the airport upon your arrival and transfer you to your hotel.
After meeting our team in Puerto Natales, Chile you’ll board a two-and-a-half-hour charter flight with your fellow guests across the Drake Passage to King George Island, your gateway to Antarctica.
Upon landing, a Zodiac transfer will take you to your ship, where your voyage into the white continent begins.
We plan to visit remote and rugged islands along the peninsula, where you’ll see dramatic volcanic cliffs, glacier-sculpted shorelines, and encounter large colonies of Adélie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins nesting side by side, with their hungry chicks.
You’ll glide through the narrow and stunning channels often packed with glittering sea ice and steep mountains on both sides by still waters.
Into Antarctica’s hidden places
Prepare to enjoy a Zodiac cruise through sapphire-blue iceberg-filled coves and serene reflective waters, as we are on the lookout for humpback whales, leopard seals, and calving glaciers.
We’ll also hope to land on islands, where gentoo penguins nest among whalebone relics, and young fur seals frolic in shallow waters, while elephant seals will be hauled out on shore.
Exploring Antarctica's raw and untouched beauty
We often sail into the heart of the Antarctic Peninsula through the scenic Gerlache Strait, flanked by jagged peaks.
If ice conditions allow, we’ll venture into regions renowned for impressive tabular icebergs and dramatic landscapes.
On the final day, we hope to disembark at King George Island and take a charter flight back to Puerto Natales. There, you’ll stay at our very comfortable lodge, where you can relax and reflect on your extraordinary Antarctic experiences.
For those continuing their adventure, there’s the opportunity to join our Torres del Paine extension package, where you may go horseback riding through the stunning Patagonian landscapes, take a scenic hike to Mirador Base Las Torres, visit Laguna Sofia, explore the Milodón Cave, or enjoy other carefully planned activities.
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… for those who don’t just travel—they explore.
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 guidelines and Antarctic Treaty regulations. We pledge to follow the strictest environmental protocols.
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.
