Antarctic Circle Expedition Micro Cruise by Air | 11 Days
Journey beyond the traditional Antarctic Peninsula routes on the Antarctic Circle Expedition Micro Cruise by Air, an extraordinary 11-day adventure designed to explore the remote southern reaches of the White Continent. Beginning in Puerto Natales, Chile, this expedition includes private charter flights to and from King George Island, avoiding the Drake Passage and allowing seven full days to discover Antarctica aboard Aureum, an ice-class expedition vessel accommodating just 36 guests. With four Zodiacs, an experienced polar guiding team, and dedicated photography guidance, travelers can explore spectacular locations such as the Gerlache Strait, Wilhelmina Bay, Paradise Bay, Lemaire Channel, and the South Shetland Islands. Every departure aims to reach the Antarctic Circle at 66°33'S, venturing toward rarely visited regions such as Crystal Sound, Detaille Island, Lallemand Fjord, The Gullet, and Marguerite Bay whenever weather and sea ice permit. Along the way, enjoy opportunities to observe gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguins, leopard and Weddell seals, crabeater seals, and humpback whales, with rare possibilities of encountering Ross seals and emperor penguins farther south. Zodiac cruises, permitted shore landings, wildlife photography, and potential walks on sea ice provide opportunities to experience the Antarctic environment at close range. The journey includes accommodation at Weskar Lodge before and after the expedition, Patagonian welcome and farewell dinners, and the operator's Peace of Mind Programme when applicable. With a flexible itinerary that prioritizes conditions and wildlife encounters over a fixed schedule, this microcruise offers an intimate exploration of Antarctica's remarkable southern wilderness.
Your Antarctic adventure begins in Puerto Natales, a gateway to the landscapes of Chilean Patagonia.
Upon arrival, check in at Weskar Lodge between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM, where your pre-expedition overnight stay is included.
This first day provides an opportunity to meet the expedition team and prepare for the journey toward the Antarctic Peninsula.
Pre-Antarctic briefings introduce travelers to the expedition's flexible approach, including the importance of weather conditions and operational planning.
The evening features a traditional Patagonian asado at the Weskar Lodge clubhouse.
This welcome dinner marks the official beginning of the expedition and offers a chance to meet fellow travelers before departing for Antarctica.
Your included accommodation at Weskar Lodge features breakfast, as specified in the operator's published inclusions.
Meals Included: Lunch / Dinner
Day 2: Charter Flight to King George Island, Antarctica
The expedition prepares to depart Puerto Natales aboard a private charter flight to King George Island in the South Shetland Islands.
The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours aboard a British Aerospace 146 aircraft.
Flying directly to Antarctica eliminates the need for a traditional sea crossing of the Drake Passage.
Flight departure times depend on suitable weather conditions rather than a fixed schedule.
The captain determines when the safest available flight window permits departure.
If the flight cannot operate on Day 2, travelers remain at Weskar Lodge while waiting for appropriate conditions.
The expedition's longer duration is specifically designed to provide additional flexibility for weather-dependent air operations.
Once the flight reaches King George Island, the Antarctic exploration phase begins aboard Aureum.
The vessel accommodates a maximum of 36 guests and is equipped with four Zodiacs for small-group exploration.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 3: First Explorations of the Antarctic Peninsula
The expedition begins its planned seven-day exploration period in Antarctica.
Rather than following a rigid daily schedule, the captain and expedition team select destinations according to weather, sea ice, wildlife activity, and landing opportunities.
The South Shetland Islands form part of the potential exploration area, including Deception Island.
Other possible destinations include the Gerlache Strait, Wilhelmina Bay, Paradise Bay, Cuverville Island, and the Lemaire Channel.
Zodiac cruises provide opportunities to explore Antarctic waterways, approach ice formations, and observe wildlife.
When conditions and permissions allow, shore landings offer the possibility of stepping onto the Antarctic continent.
The expedition's small-group format allows passengers to explore together without extended waiting periods.
Aureum's four Zodiacs support flexible excursions guided by experienced polar specialists.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 4: Penguin Colonies and Wildlife Encounters
Continue discovering the Antarctic Peninsula's wildlife-rich coastal environments.
The region supports gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguins, which may be observed at coastal colonies or in surrounding waters.
Leopard, Weddell, and crabeater seals are among the marine mammals that inhabit the region.
Humpback whales may also be encountered in Antarctic channels.
Possible exploration areas include Cierva Cove, Trinity Island, Mikkelsen Harbour, Hydrurga Rocks, and Hughes Bay.
These locations are potential destinations rather than confirmed stops.
The expedition team adapts each day's activities to the wildlife and conditions encountered.
Zodiac excursions, authorized shore landings, and photography opportunities may form part of the day's exploration.
A dedicated photography guide accompanies the expedition to help guests capture wildlife behavior, ice formations, and Antarctic landscapes.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 5: Discovering the Gerlache Strait and Scenic Bays
The expedition may navigate the Gerlache Strait, one of the Antarctic Peninsula's most spectacular waterways.
Jagged mountain peaks rise above the channels, while glaciers and icebergs create an extraordinary setting for exploration.
Potential destinations include Wilhelmina Bay, Cuverville Island, Errera Channel, Neko Harbour, Paradise Bay, and the area around Almirante Brown Station.
Each location offers opportunities to experience the Antarctic environment from different perspectives.
When conditions permit, guests may participate in Zodiac cruises among ice formations and authorized shore landings.
Humpback whales may be observed in the surrounding channels, while penguins and seals inhabit the coastal areas.
The expedition's guiding team retains the flexibility to extend wildlife encounters or modify the route when new opportunities arise.
With a maximum of 36 guests, the experience emphasizes exploration without the crowds associated with larger expedition vessels.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 6: Exploring Antarctica's Ice-Filled Channels
Continue discovering the Peninsula's dramatic landscapes as the expedition moves through a network of bays, islands, and narrow waterways.
Possible locations include Dallman Bay, the Melchior Islands, Neumayer Channel, Port Lockroy, Port Charcot, and Petermann Island.
The itinerary remains flexible, with the expedition team choosing destinations according to weather, sea ice, and wildlife activity.
Zodiac excursions may provide opportunities to navigate among icebergs and explore coastal environments.
When site conditions and permissions allow, shore landings may also take place.
Aureum provides open decks, a forward observation deck, and a bridge lounge for watching wildlife and the surrounding scenery.
The vessel features an ice-class hull, fin stabilizers, and hybrid propulsion designed to reduce emissions and underwater noise.
These features support navigation and exploration in Antarctica's remote marine environment.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 7: The Antarctic Circle: A Journey Toward 66°33'S
One of the defining objectives of this expedition is the attempt to reach the Antarctic Circle at 66°33' south latitude.
Every departure is planned with the intention of progressing toward this geographic boundary, although the actual distance reached depends on weather and sea ice conditions.
The Antarctic Circle marks a region where the summer landscape can become increasingly dominated by extensive sea ice and enormous icebergs.
When navigation conditions permit, the expedition may explore more remote southern locations.
Potential destinations include the Argentine Islands, Wordie House, Crystal Sound, and Detaille Island.
These sites are part of the expedition's possible exploration range and are not guaranteed stops.
The journey offers the opportunity to experience landscapes rarely visited by Antarctic travelers.
If conditions allow the vessel to reach the Antarctic Circle, the source indicates that the occasion is celebrated aboard the ship.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 8: Sea Ice Exploration and Antarctica's Remote South
When weather and sea ice conditions allow the expedition to continue farther south, the surrounding environment may become increasingly remote and ice-covered.
Large icebergs, frozen channels, and extensive sea ice create a distinctive Antarctic landscape.
The expedition may explore areas such as Lallemand Fjord, The Gullet, Marguerite Bay, Stonington Island, and Detaille Island.
These destinations are possibilities within the expedition's wider exploration area.
In suitable conditions, guests may have the opportunity to go ashore directly onto sea ice and walk among icebergs.
This activity is subject to safety considerations and environmental conditions.
The deeper southern regions are also associated with two particularly elusive Antarctic species: Ross seals and emperor penguins.
Both species are very uncommon to encounter, and sightings cannot be guaranteed.
The expedition team continues to prioritize safe exploration and meaningful wildlife encounters rather than following a predetermined schedule.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 9: Final Antarctic Discoveries
The final planned day of Antarctic exploration offers another opportunity to discover the Peninsula's remarkable landscapes and wildlife.
Depending on the vessel's location and prevailing conditions, possible destinations include Half Moon Island, Yankee Harbour, Whalers Bay, Baily Head, and Deception Island.
Other locations from the expedition's wider Antarctic exploration range may also be considered.
Activities may include Zodiac cruises, wildlife observation, photography, and authorized shore landings.
The expedition team may choose to spend additional time at a particularly rewarding wildlife encounter or adjust the route according to conditions.
With only 36 guests aboard, the vessel's small-group format allows exploration to remain flexible throughout the voyage.
As the seven-day exploration period approaches its conclusion, Aureum prepares to return toward King George Island for the charter flight to Chile.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 10: Return Flight from Antarctica to Puerto Natales
Aureum waits in Maxwell Bay near King George Island until weather conditions allow the return charter flight to operate.
The flight to Puerto Natales takes approximately 2.5 hours.
As with the outbound journey, departure depends on a safe weather window.
If the flight cannot operate as scheduled, the expedition continues in Antarctica until suitable conditions become available.
This flexibility is an important part of the expedition's approach to operating in remote polar environments.
Once the flight arrives in Chile, guests return to Weskar Lodge for their final scheduled overnight stay.
The evening includes a farewell dinner, offering an opportunity to reflect on the extraordinary landscapes and wildlife encounters experienced during the voyage.
Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 11: Farewell to Puerto Natales and Chilean Patagonia
The expedition concludes in Puerto Natales, Chile.
This Patagonian town offers a distinctive setting after the Antarctic journey, with local seafood, a relaxed atmosphere, and access to the surrounding landscapes.
Travelers who wish to remain in the region may consider exploring nearby Torres del Paine National Park.
The park forms part of the UNESCO Torres del Paine Biosphere Reserve and is known for its granite towers, glaciers, turquoise lakes, and wildlife.
For travelers whose Antarctic flight operations are affected by weather, the Secret Atlas Peace of Mind Programme may provide additional flexibility.
When applicable and subject to its published terms, the program includes up to three additional nights of accommodation with breakfast in Puerto Natales.
The scheduled 11-day Antarctic Circle expedition ends in Puerto Natales.
Meals Included: Breakfast
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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
Attempt to cross the Antarctic Circle: Every departure aims to reach 66°33'S, subject to weather, ice, and navigation conditions.
Seven planned days in Antarctica: Explore the Antarctic Peninsula and potentially venture into rarely visited southern regions.
Avoid the Drake Passage: Travel between Puerto Natales and King George Island by private charter flights lasting approximately 2.5 hours each way.
Exclusive 36-guest expedition: Discover Antarctica aboard Aureum with four Zodiacs and an experienced polar guiding team.
Remote southern destinations: Potential exploration areas include Crystal Sound, Detaille Island, Lallemand Fjord, The Gullet, and Marguerite Bay.
Sea ice exploration: Experience the possibility of walking among icebergs on sea ice when conditions permit.
Antarctic wildlife encounters: Look for gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguins, leopard, Weddell, and crabeater seals, and humpback whales.
Rare wildlife possibilities: Ross seals and emperor penguins may be encountered farther south, although sightings are extremely uncommon.
Zodiac excursions and landings: Explore coastal environments and ice-filled waterways with the support of experienced guides.
Expert photography guidance: Benefit from a dedicated photography guide and workshops throughout the expedition.
Aureum's expedition design: Travel aboard an ice-class vessel with hybrid propulsion, fin stabilizers, and dedicated observation areas.
Patagonian hospitality: Enjoy included accommodation at Weskar Lodge and welcome and farewell dinners in Puerto Natales.
Itinerary Map
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.