On the 15-day South Georgia cruise aboard MV Polar Athena, you depart Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands and sail across the Scotia Sea. Spend time on deck photographing wandering albatrosses, dolphins, and dramatic ocean views, and attend expert-led talks on wildlife, history, and photography. By day three, you begin to see the first snow-covered peaks of South Georgia on the horizon. Explore the rugged coastline with Zodiac landings at king penguin colonies in St Andrew’s Bay, Salisbury Plain, and Gold Harbour. Visit Prion Island for nesting albatrosses, see macaroni penguins at Cooper Bay, and explore Grytviken’s historic whaling station and Shackleton’s grave. Sail past glaciers in Drygalski Fjord before returning to Port Stanley.
Highlights
Cross the Scotia Sea with chances to view marine wildlife
Visit vast king penguin colonies at St Andrew’s Bay and Gold Harbour
Zodiac cruise to Prion Island to see nesting albatrosses
Capture glaciers, snowy peaks, and South Georgia’s remote landscapes
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
On day one, you leave Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands in the afternoon. You sail across the Scotia Sea toward South Georgia. Look around for wandering albatrosses flying near the ship and dolphins swimming in the wake.
During the Scotia Sea crossing, you spend time on deck with your camera. Between photos, you attend talks and workshops about photography and South Georgia’s wildlife, history, and geology. By day three, you begin to see the first snow-covered peaks of South Georgia on the horizon.
Day 4-7: South Georgia | St Andrew’s Bay | Salisbury Plain | Gold Harbour
Dramatic coastlines and penguin colonies
You aim to explore South Georgia’s rugged coastline, making daily Zodiac landings to discover its most spectacular wildlife. With 450,000 king penguins, it’s home to some of the planet’s greatest concentrations. Your flexible schedule should take you to key colonies at St Andrew’s Bay, Salisbury Plain, and Gold Harbour — at the best times to capture these awe-inspiring moments.
Day 8-12: South Georgia | Prion Island | Cooper Bay | Grytviken
Exploring sights others can’t
You aim to Zodiac cruise into South Georgia’s wildest corners and photograph nesting albatrosses on Prion Island from the water. At Cooper Bay, you might find macaroni penguins nestled in tussock grass, and also visit Grytviken, a historic whaling station and the final resting place of legendary explorer Ernest Shackleton. All while the remote, towering glaciers of Drygalski Fjord surround you in breathtaking, untamed beauty.
Reflecting, relaxing and connecting
As you sail back to the Falkland Islands, you can enjoy insightful lectures from the expert guides reflecting on the wildlife, history, and landscapes you’ve experienced in South Georgia. As well as keeping an eye out for wildlife in the open waters, this is a good time to unwind in the sauna, share stories, and connect with fellow photographers.
Upon arrival in Port Stanley, you disembark after breakfast, concluding an unforgettable expedition.
Day 15: Port Stanley, Falkland Islands | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Upon arrival in Port Stanley, you disembark after breakfast, concluding an unforgettable expedition.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$18,9952-3 travelers
Classic Twin
This cabin on Deck 3 measures 12.5m² and has a porthole window. It sleeps two guests in two lower berths and includes a private bathroom with a shower and toilet. Amenities feature Starlink Wi-Fi, a 220V European plug socket, and all the essentials for a comfortable stay.
Signature Twin
These cabins on Decks 4 and 5 measure 12m² and feature a window. Each sleeps two guests in lower berths and has a private bathroom with a shower and toilet. Amenities include Starlink Wi-Fi and a 220V European plug socket for added convenience.
Classic Suite
This cabin on Deck 5 measures 16.8m² and offers space for two guests. It features a double bed, a lounge area with a sofa, corner desk, and chair, plus a private bathroom with a shower and toilet. Amenities include Starlink Wi-Fi and a 220V European plug socket.
Signature Suite
This cabin on Deck 5 measures 22.5m² and is designed for two guests. It includes a double bed, a spacious lounge area with a sofa, corner desk, and chair, plus a private bathroom with a shower and toilet. Amenities feature Starlink Wi-Fi and a 220V European plug socket.
Signature Single
This cabin on Deck 4 measures 11m² and is designed for one guest. It features a lower berth, a window, and a private bathroom with a shower and toilet. Amenities include Starlink Wi-Fi and a 220V European plug socket.
Initial deposit is 30%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by Bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
14 Breakfasts, 13 Lunches, 14 Dinners
14 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Use of Zodiac (Dinghies) for shore landings and photography opportunities
Full Board (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Highly experienced Captain and Cook
Lectures and tutorials on board
Zodiac excursions (MK V heavy-duty inflatable boats) for shore landings and unforgettable photography opportunities
Free use of ship’s Wi-Fi powered by Starlink
Rubber Muck boots for shore landings
All transfers included—from the airport to your hotel on arrival, between your hotel and the ship for embarkation and disembarkation, and from your hotel to the airport on departure day
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
