Antarctic Circle Christmas Micro Cruise by Air | 11 Days

Discover a different way to celebrate Christmas with the Antarctic Circle Christmas Expedition Micro Cruise by Air, an 11-day polar journey designed for travelers seeking intimate encounters with Antarctica's wildlife and extraordinary frozen landscapes. Departing from Puerto Natales, Chile, this expedition begins with a stay at Weskar Lodge and a traditional Patagonian asado before a charter flight carries guests to King George Island in approximately 2.5 hours, eliminating the need to sail across the Drake Passage. Aboard Aureum, a purpose-designed expedition vessel welcoming only 36 guests, travelers benefit from the expertise of six senior polar guides, four Zodiacs, and dedicated photography guidance. The voyage aims to provide seven full days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula, with potential visits to the South Shetland Islands, Gerlache Strait, Paradise Bay, Wilhelmina Bay, and Lemaire Channel. December's Antarctic summer brings opportunities to observe penguin colonies, seals, humpback whales, and immense ice formations beneath extended daylight. Each departure also aims to venture toward the Antarctic Circle at 66°33'S, with the possibility of exploring remote southern waterways and landing on sea ice when conditions permit. With Christmas departures scheduled for 2027 and 2028, this expedition combines small-group exploration, flexible navigation, and a remarkable holiday experience at the southern end of the world.

11 Day Antarctica Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Patagonia: The Antarctic Adventure Begins

Your journey begins in Puerto Natales, Chile, where the landscapes of Patagonia provide the setting for the first stage of your Antarctic expedition. Arrive at Weskar Lodge and check in between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM. This is the designated meeting location before your flight to the White Continent. The expedition team hosts pre-departure briefings to introduce the voyage and explain the flexible nature of Antarctic travel. Unlike conventional cruises with fixed port schedules, this expedition responds to weather patterns, ice conditions, and opportunities for wildlife encounters. The evening brings everyone together at the Weskar Lodge clubhouse for a Patagonian asado, a traditional regional barbecue that officially launches the expedition. This opening gathering offers an opportunity to become acquainted with fellow guests and the expedition team before the journey south.

Meals Included: Lunch / Dinner

Day 2: From Puerto Natales to the Antarctic Wilderness

The next stage of your expedition is the flight from Puerto Natales to King George Island, the Antarctic arrival point in the South Shetland Islands. Instead of spending days crossing the Drake Passage by ship, you travel aboard a chartered British Aerospace 146 aircraft. The journey takes approximately two and a half hours, providing an efficient connection between Chilean Patagonia and Antarctica. The departure is governed by the availability of a safe weather window. The expedition is prepared to fly from Day 2 onward, with the captain determining the appropriate timing. Should conditions prevent the flight from operating, guests remain at Weskar Lodge while the expedition team monitors the situation. This possibility is built into the expedition's longer duration, which provides a broader operational window for reaching Antarctica. Once the flight takes place, the Antarctic voyage continues aboard Aureum, the expedition ship designed for just 36 guests.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 3: First Encounters with the Antarctic Peninsula

The Antarctic Peninsula becomes the focus of the journey as the expedition enters its planned seven-day exploration period. Here, towering mountains, extensive ice formations, and wildlife-rich coastlines create the setting for daily discoveries. The precise route is intentionally left open. Instead of visiting predetermined sites regardless of conditions, the expedition team chooses the most suitable locations based on weather, ice movement, and wildlife activity. Among the destinations that may be explored are the South Shetland Islands, the Gerlache Strait, Wilhelmina Bay, Paradise Bay, and Cuverville Island. Zodiac cruises and possible shore landings provide opportunities to experience these environments beyond the observation decks of the ship. The small number of guests makes exploration particularly flexible. With four Zodiacs operating together and six senior polar guides supporting the group, participants can take advantage of changing opportunities without being divided into lengthy excursion rotations.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 4: The Wildlife-Rich Shores of Antarctica

December is a particularly active period for wildlife on the Antarctic Peninsula, making the region's penguin colonies an important focus of the expedition. Gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguins may be observed around their nesting areas, where chicks begin their early development during the Antarctic summer. Marine mammals are another prominent part of the landscape. Weddell and crabeater seals may be seen resting on ice, while leopard seals inhabit the surrounding coastal waters. The expedition may explore locations such as Cierva Cove, Trinity Island, Mikkelsen Harbour, Hydrurga Rocks, or Hughes Bay, depending on conditions and the vessel's route. Zodiac excursions allow travelers to discover sheltered waters, ice formations, and coastal wildlife habitats. Throughout these experiences, the dedicated photography guide can offer assistance with capturing wildlife behavior, Antarctic scenery, and the region's unusual natural light.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 5: Navigating the Gerlache Strait and Scenic Bays

The expedition's potential route includes the Gerlache Strait, one of the Antarctic Peninsula's most impressive waterways, where dramatic mountain scenery rises above the surrounding sea. The region offers numerous possibilities for exploration, including Wilhelmina Bay, Cuverville Island, Errera Channel, Neko Harbour, Paradise Bay, and the area around Almirante Brown Station. Each location presents a different combination of Antarctic scenery, wildlife habitats, and ice formations. During the voyage, humpback whales may appear in the channels, drawn to the feeding opportunities associated with the Antarctic summer. Minke whales are also among the species that may be encountered. The guiding team determines how long to remain in each area, taking advantage of wildlife sightings and favorable conditions. When suitable, Zodiac excursions and landings allow guests to experience the Peninsula from different perspectives, while the ship's observation spaces provide opportunities to appreciate the landscape from aboard Aureum.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 6: Through Ice-Filled Channels and Remote Coastal Waters

Continue discovering the Antarctic Peninsula through a network of waterways, bays, and islands that showcase the region's distinctive geography. The expedition's potential exploration range includes Dallman Bay, the Melchior Islands, Neumayer Channel, Port Lockroy, and the celebrated Lemaire Channel. These destinations are possibilities rather than scheduled stops, allowing the expedition team to choose routes that best match prevailing conditions. Large icebergs and dramatic coastal formations are central features of the Antarctic environment, creating opportunities for scenic navigation and photography. Guests may join Zodiac cruises, participate in permitted shore landings, or observe wildlife from the ship. Aureum features open deck spaces, a forward observation deck, and a bridge lounge, giving travelers several places from which to watch the surrounding landscape. The expedition's adaptable approach allows the team to change course when a wildlife encounter or particularly interesting area deserves additional attention.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 7: The Antarctic Circle: An Expedition Milestone

Traveling toward the Antarctic Circle is one of the defining ambitions of this voyage. Situated at latitude 66°33'S, the Circle marks an important geographic threshold and represents the expedition's principal southern objective. The team attempts to reach this latitude on every departure, although success depends entirely on ice conditions, weather, and safe navigation. When the southern route is accessible, the scenery may change to include increasingly extensive ice formations, frozen channels, and immense icebergs. Potential locations along the broader southern exploration route include Port Charcot, Petermann Island, the Argentine Islands, Wordie House, Crystal Sound, and Detaille Island. The December departure takes place around the Antarctic midsummer period, when daylight lasts exceptionally long and the light changes only gradually during the night. Whether the expedition reaches the Circle or turns back because of conditions, the guiding team continues to seek opportunities for wildlife observation and meaningful exploration.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 8: Beyond the Familiar: Antarctica's Deep South

If conditions permit the ship to venture into the deeper southern regions, this part of the expedition offers a chance to experience some of Antarctica's most isolated environments. Frozen channels, enormous icebergs, and areas of sea ice define the landscapes described for this portion of the journey. Under appropriate circumstances, guests may have the opportunity to step directly onto sea ice and walk among icebergs that have remained stationary for extended periods. Possible locations in the expedition's southern range include Lallemand Fjord, The Gullet, and Marguerite Bay. Wildlife encounters in these remote areas can be particularly unusual. Ross seals and emperor penguins inhabit the broader southern environment, although sightings are very rare and should not be expected. With only 36 guests aboard, the expedition team can adjust the day's activities to make the most of changing conditions. All excursions and landings remain subject to safety considerations, site permissions, and Antarctic environmental regulations.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 9: A Final Exploration of the White Continent

As the planned Antarctic exploration period draws toward its conclusion, the expedition continues searching for rewarding locations along the Peninsula and surrounding islands. Depending on the vessel's position and the conditions encountered, the broader itinerary may include Half Moon Island, Yankee Harbour, Whalers Bay, Baily Head, or Deception Island. The expedition does not promise visits to these individual destinations. Instead, the guides and captain determine the most appropriate route according to ice, weather, wildlife, and available landing opportunities. Possible activities include Zodiac cruising, shore exploration, wildlife observation, and photography. Travelers may have further opportunities to encounter penguin colonies, seals, whales, and the distinctive iceberg landscapes that characterize Antarctica. The expedition's small-group philosophy emphasizes spending meaningful time in each environment rather than rushing between a fixed number of sites. Toward the end of the exploration period, the vessel prepares for its return to King George Island, where the flight back to Chile will operate when weather conditions permit.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 10: Leaving Antarctica and Returning to Patagonia

The return journey begins at King George Island, where Aureum waits in Maxwell Bay for the appropriate flight conditions. The charter aircraft operates only when a suitable weather window is available, and the expedition schedule remains flexible until departure can take place safely. If the flight is postponed, the Antarctic experience continues, allowing guests to spend additional time in the region rather than ending the voyage according to a rigid timetable. Once cleared to depart, the aircraft makes the approximately 2.5-hour crossing to Puerto Natales. Back in Chile, travelers return to Weskar Lodge for their final scheduled overnight stay. The evening includes a farewell dinner, bringing the group together to reflect on the expedition's wildlife encounters, remarkable ice formations, and shared experiences. This marks the end of the principal Antarctic journey, with one final day remaining in Puerto Natales.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 11: Puerto Natales and the End of the Expedition

Your expedition concludes in Puerto Natales, where the final day provides an opportunity to appreciate the atmosphere of Chilean Patagonia. The town is known for its distinctive frontier character, relaxed pace, and local seafood, offering a contrasting setting after the remote Antarctic landscapes. For travelers interested in spending additional time in the region, the source identifies Torres del Paine National Park as a nearby destination. Part of the UNESCO Torres del Paine Biosphere Reserve, the park is recognized for its granite towers, glaciers, turquoise lakes, and wildlife. The expedition operator also provides a Peace of Mind approach for Antarctica by Air departures, with up to three additional nights of accommodation in Puerto Natales available at no extra accommodation cost. This arrangement is intended to provide flexibility around the weather-dependent flight operations associated with Antarctic travel. The scheduled 11-day journey ends in Puerto Natales.

Meals Included: Breakfast

11 Day Antarctica Itinerary 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.

11 Day Antarctica Itinerary 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.

11 Day Antarctica Itinerary Highlights

An unforgettable Antarctic Christmas: Spend the festive season surrounded by penguin colonies, remote waterways, and the spectacular scenery of the White Continent.

A true micro-cruise experience: Join a maximum of 36 guests aboard Aureum, with personal attention from an experienced polar expedition team.

The Antarctic Circle objective: Venture toward 66°33'S on a route shaped by weather and sea ice conditions.

More time in Antarctica: Charter flights from Puerto Natales eliminate the Drake Passage sea crossing and support a planned seven-day Peninsula exploration period.

Close encounters with polar wildlife: Discover habitats frequented by penguins, seals, humpback whales, and minke whales.

Flexible Zodiac adventures: Four Zodiacs allow guests to explore together, with excursions adapted to the day's opportunities.

Remarkable Antarctic geography: Potential exploration areas include the Gerlache Strait, Lemaire Channel, Paradise Bay, and the South Shetland Islands.

Specialized photography support: Capture Antarctic wildlife and scenery with assistance from a dedicated photography guide.

Exploration of sea ice: Experience the possibility of walking on sea ice in suitable conditions.

The magic of midsummer: Witness the extended daylight of December and the seasonal activity of Antarctica's wildlife.

11 Day Antarctica cruise activities

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.

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.

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.

Learn to capture wildlife and landscape shots in a small group photography program, including critiquing sessions and editing classes. Plus, Explorer Boat excursions with a dedicated photography expert on landings.

Achieve the best views and photographs from a forward facing Explorer Boats. They allow you to sit comfortably and securely while crackling through the ice-strewn waters. Look out for wildlife such as penguins, seals and whales as you cruise.

It doesn’t get more serene than complimentary yoga classes to the tune of glacial scenery. Join the most unique exercise setting in the world after a day of exploration. Classes are regular but are dependent on weather conditions and swell.