Secret Atlas is once again reshaping the way travellers experience the polar regions. Launching from October 2026, its new Expedition Micro Cruises to Antarctica and South Georgia offer the smallest group sizes ever seen in the region—just 42 guests per voyage.
For business travellers and luxury explorers alike, this marks a significant shift toward more intimate, immersive, and environmentally conscious travel.
A New Era of Expedition Cruising
These micro cruises are designed to offer what traditional expedition ships – often carrying hundreds – cannot: flexibility, access, and a genuine sense of discovery. With fewer guests, itineraries can adapt to wildlife sightings and weather conditions in real time. Landings are swift and uncrowded, and remote, otherwise inaccessible locations become part of the journey.
The result is a deeper connection to the landscape and its wildlife, from Gentoo penguins and elephant seals to orcas and humpback whales. It’s a style of travel that prioritises presence over pace, and experience over spectacle.
From Patagonia to the Ice
Each voyage begins in Puerto Natales, a remote Patagonian town framed by the dramatic peaks of Torres del Paine National Park. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve sets the tone for the journey ahead. From here, guests board a two-and-a-half-hour charter flight over the Drake Passage to King George Island—bypassing the rough seas and beginning their polar safari in comfort.
Secret Atlas is currently the only operator offering Expedition Micro Cruises from Puerto Natales, adding a unique geographical and experiential dimension to the trip.
Life Aboard MV Polar Athena
Travellers sail on MV Polar Athena, a rugged, ice-strengthened vessel built for safe navigation through heavy pack ice. Despite its expedition-grade capabilities, the ship offers modern comforts including ensuite cabins, a stylish lounge and restaurant, a sauna, and a hot tub—ensuring guests experience the polar regions in both safety and style.
Itineraries and Availability
Three core itineraries are available for the 2026/27 and 2027/28 seasons. The 10-day Antarctic Spring Micro Fly Cruise departs four times in December 2026, priced from £14,995 per person. A shorter 9-day version, the Antarctic Spring Micro Fly Cruise – Sail One Way, runs five times in November and December, starting from £11,995. For those seeking a longer adventure, the 16-day South Georgia & Antarctica Spring Micro Fly Cruise departs twice in November 2026, from £19,495 per person.
All voyages are open to FIT explorers, private groups, and full charters. With only 42 places per departure, early booking is strongly recommended.
A Philosophy of Respectful Exploration
“At Secret Atlas, we believe the polar regions deserve to be explored slowly, respectfully, and in the smallest groups possible,” says Co-Founder Michele D’Agostino. “By limiting our voyages to just 42 guests, we offer something larger ships simply cannot: more time ashore, more space in zodiacs, and genuine freedom to follow wildlife and weather conditions as they unfold.”
This ethos resonates with a growing segment of business and luxury travellers seeking meaningful, low-impact experiences. For corporate groups, incentive planners, and executive retreats, these micro cruises offer a rare opportunity to combine exclusivity, sustainability, and adventure in one of the world’s most remote and awe-inspiring settings.