Ocean Nova
Thoroughly rebuilt in 2006, Ocean Nova now works as a small and comfortable expedition ship in Antarctica.
78 Guests
Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica Micro Cruise
Micro Cruise
Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica Micro Cruise
Rates from
£11,800
€13,590
US$14,590
CA$19,990
AU$23,700
pp
Duration
21 days
Dates
Oct — Nov
Guests
78
Sail on an expedition that threads together three of the planet’s most wildlife-rich and storied regions—the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and Antarctica—in a uniquely intimate expedition.
With just 78 guests on board, this is expedition travel at its most considered: smaller crowds, less time waiting, and the freedom to adapt each day to what the Southern Ocean reveals.
We are proud to announce that wildlife director, producer and film maker Alastair Fothergill will join us on this trip as a special lecturer. Alastair is a director and co-founder of Silverback Films. Recent productions include Sir David Attenborough’s "A Gorilla Story", "Wild Isles" and "Our Planet" for Netflix. Alastair is behind 5 of the top 10 grossing natural history cinema films ever. He has been at the forefront of natural history programming for over 30 years.
Sail deep into the Southern Ocean as three of the planet’s most wildlife-rich regions begin to stir from winter.
From the Falkland Islands’ wild coastlines to South Georgia’s teeming rookeries and Antarctica’s icy, wildlife-filled bays, witness the southern polar wilderness unfold before your eyes.
Our journey opens in the Falkland Islands, where wind-shaped coastlines and open grasslands host rockhopper penguins, black-browed albatrosses, and thriving seabird colonies. Zodiac landings and coastal cruising offer an intimate introduction to this remote Atlantic outpost.
As South Georgia emerges from winter, the island bursts back to life. Golden light illuminates vast penguin rookeries, where tens of thousands of birds fill the air with a chorus of calls, their colonies alive with courtship.
While summer may be the peak chick season, king penguins’ unique year-long breeding cycle means fluffy chicks can still be found huddled beside their devoted parents. Around them, male elephant seals thunder across the beaches, roaring and jostling for dominance, while high above, wandering albatrosses spread their vast wings and perform courtship dances.
Continuing south, Antarctica stirs from its long winter, still cloaked in ice and snow. Penguin colonies come alive as gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguins begin courtship rituals, while the first whales of the season breach offshore amid sculpted icebergs.
Expedition Highlights
Explore the Falkland Islands — discover wind-swept coastlines, remote beaches, rockhopper penguins, and vast seabird colonies thriving in the open South Atlantic.
Discover South Georgia — see towering king penguin colonies, elephant seals on golden beaches, and majestic wandering albatrosses soaring overhead.
Follow Shackleton’s legendary route — visit historic sites steeped in polar exploration history amid pristine wilderness.
Witness Antarctica’s spring awakening — watch gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguins court and nest on rocky shores.
Spot early-season whales — humpbacks, minkes, southern right whales, orcas, and sei whales feed in the nutrient-rich Southern Ocean.
Navigate stunning Antarctic waterways — including the Gerlache Strait, Neumayer and Lemaire Channels, and possibly the remote Antarctic Sound, often packed with tremendous icebergs.
Exceptional photographic opportunities —capture stunning wildlife encounters, dramatic icescapes, and the unique Antarctic light.
Expert-led exploration — enjoy specialist lectures and excursions led by our experienced expedition guides, deepening your connection to this unique environment.
The Expedition Micro Cruise concept
"The island is mountainous and covered with glaciers; it is wild and inhospitable, yet strikingly beautiful."
— Sir Ernest Shackleton
Stories from the Ice
Every expedition leaves a mark. Discover honest reflections, unforgettable moments, and personal highlights shared by guests who have explored the polar regions with us.
Experiences
We don’t follow a fixed itinerary
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, and follow the strictest environmental protocols.
For even more flexibility, get in touch about making this a private yacht charter.
What your expedition could look like
Day 01
Ushuaia, Argentina
Arrive in Ushuaia, the “End of the World,” nestled among snow-capped mountains. Spend the night in a centrally located hotel and soak in the quiet charm of this southern gateway.
Day 2
Embarkation
This morning, explore Ushuaia at your own pace before boarding the ship. We sail through the Beagle Channel, where Magellanic penguins may greet us along the way.
Day 3
Sail across the Southern Ocean
A day to settle into expedition life. Keep watch for seabirds, dolphins, and whales as our polar experts begin their onboard talks, sharing stories of exploration and wildlife.
Hands-on photography sessions will help you sharpen your skills for polar environments, while time on deck offers endless opportunities to connect with the wilderness.
Day 4
West Falklands
Explore the windswept western islands, home to rockhopper and gentoo penguins and nesting black-browed albatrosses. Zodiac landings provide intimate encounters with seabird colonies and pristine beaches.
Day 5
Port Stanley, East Falklands
Arrive and disembark at Port Stanley. Wander the quaint streets of Stanley and discover its maritime history, once a key port for ships rounding Cape Horn.
Days 6–7
Sail across the Southern Ocean
We sail southeast toward South Georgia, crossing the Antarctic Convergence and noting the first icy waters of the Southern Ocean. Lectures continue, and keen eyes may spot whales, seals, and penguins.
Days 8–11
South Georgia
As we approach South Georgia, we may first pass the remote Shag Rocks, alive with seabirds.
Depending on conditions, there’s a chance for an evening Zodiac excursion — your first thrilling taste of the subantarctic.
Over four full days, we plan to explore South Georgia from north to south, aiming to visit iconic wildlife havens such as St Andrews Bay, Salisbury Plain, Gold Harbour, and Cooper Bay. Walk among vast king penguin colonies, watch elephant seals lounging on golden beaches, and visit Grytviken, the final resting place of Sir Ernest Shackleton.
We’ll aim to embark on a Zodiac excursion alongside the towering glaciers of Drygalski Fjord, and witness large numbers of albatrosses heading out to fish from their nests on Prion Island.
Days 12–14
Sail across the Scotia Sea
We begin our crossing toward Antarctica through the Scotia Sea, one of the world’s most storied seaways. As in the Southern Ocean, the days will be filled with expert-led presentations on polar science, history, and wildlife, plus active workshops in photography to refine your craft. Out on deck, keep watch for seabirds, seals, and the first Antarctic iceberg of the voyage.
Days 15–18
Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands
If conditions allow, we may first sail by Elephant Island — the refuge where Shackleton’s men endured months of isolation — or the South Orkney Islands.
Then, the Antarctic Peninsula awaits. As you navigate through waterways like the Gerlache Strait, Neumayer, and Lemaire Channels, Antarctica will begin to astound with its array of blue ice. Land on beaches where gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguin colonies stretch out in vast numbers.
Zodiac cruise past magnificent icebergs of deep blue and keep watch for humpback whales bubble-netting in krill-rich waters. With flexible navigation and a small-ship advantage, we’ll venture into less-visited areas such as the Antarctic Sound or the Weddell Sea if conditions permit.
Days 19–20
At Sea – Drake Passage
As your voyage north unfolds, icebergs and the Antarctic continent fade on the horizon. While crossing the Drake Passage, albatrosses may glide above as you enjoy workshops, and expert-led lectures.
Day 21
Disembarkation in Ushuaia
Sail through the Beagle Channel before concluding your journey with disembarkation in Ushuaia, Argentina.
Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica Micro Cruise
From £11,800 €13,590 US$14,590 CA$19,990 AU$23,700 pp
28 Oct — 17 Nov 2026
21 Days
Ocean Nova
78 Guests
Why Secret Atlas?
Because we’re explorers, delivering expeditions for explorers like you.
We’re fuelled by the long-lost spirit of adventure, guided by environmental and cultural responsibility, and committed to creating transformative travel experiences.
We’re pioneers of the Expedition Micro Cruise, offering the smallest group sizes at both poles. That means a flexible itinerary. It means more time exploring and photographing. It means a deeper connection with your team and the natural world.
We understand that, out here, less is more. Less waiting to board Zodiacs, more time ashore. Less strict itineraries, more adventure. Less crowd, more immersion.
That’s why we’re not just small. We’re micro.
Because we’re explorers, delivering expeditions for explorers like you.
We’re fuelled by the long-lost spirit of adventure, guided by environmental and cultural responsibility, and committed to creating transformative travel experiences.
We’re pioneers of the Expedition Micro Cruise, offering the smallest group sizes at both poles. That means a flexible itinerary. It means more time exploring and photographing. It means a deeper connection with your team and the natural world.
We understand that, out here, less is more. Less waiting to board Zodiacs, more time ashore. Less strict itineraries, more adventure. Less crowd, more immersion.
That’s why we’re not just small. We’re micro.
1 hotel night at the Albatros Hotel in Ushuaia before bording the ship
Lectures, workshops on board, and daily exploratory activities
Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) beverages served during meals, while on board our micro cruises
Rubber polar standard boots for shore landings
IAATO and AECO fees, and operational fees and permits included
Slideshow from the trip
NOT INCLUDED
International flights – we recommend booking early. For excellent service and support, consider using our partner Exito Travel
Travel and cancellation insurance – we strongly recommend securing coverage to protect your expedition. For guidance, see our Travel Insurance Checklist
Additional expenses outside of what is included in the voyage or optional activities
Gratuities
Additional purchases or services on board
Other transfer or hotels unless specified as included as part of the voyage description
Solo explorers
Solo travellers are welcome on all our voyages. We often host solo travellers – the chances are you won’t be the only one. We offer the following accommodation options:
Single cabins (where available)
The option to share a twin cabin with another traveller of the same gender
The option to have your own double cabin for an additional supplement. Please contact us for this option as the price varies depending on trip and availability
FAQs
What wildlife can we expect to see?
The Falklands are home to several penguin species, including rockhopper and gentoo penguins, as well as black-browed albatrosses. Zodiac landings and coastal cruising allow for close but respectful encounters, offering excellent opportunities for photography and wildlife observation.
In South Georgia, you can expect to see huge colonies of king penguins, elephant seals forming early harems, fur seals arriving, macaroni penguins in tussock grass, and nesting Wandering Albatrosses. While sailing, keep an eye out on deck for albatrosses, whales, dolphins, and possibly orcas.
What is the best time of year to visit the Falklands?
Spring, around October and November, is ideal. Wildlife is returning from winter, penguins are beginning courtship and nesting, and the islands are quieter with fewer visitors, allowing for more intimate wildlife encounters.
Will we visit Stanley, the capital of the Falklands?
We plan to visit Stanley, a quaint harbour town with a rich maritime history. Guests can wander its streets, explore local shops, and learn about the Falklands’ role as a key port for ships rounding Cape Horn.
Will we visit Grytviken and Shackleton’s grave?
We’ll aim to visit Grytviken, the historic whaling station on South Georgia. Here, you’ll have the chance to see the grave of the legendary explorer Ernest Shackleton and learn about the island’s fascinating history.
Will we visit Prion Island and see the Wandering Albatross?
With a small group of just 78 guests, we have the opportunity to reach remote sites like Prion Island by Zodiac cruise, and we will aim to do so. This allows you to witness Wandering Albatrosses nesting for an extraordinary photographic opportunity.
Please note, however, that access is not guaranteed due to potential restrictions and variable weather conditions.
What is the best time of year to visit South Georgia?
October and November offer a magical and photogenic early-season experience when the landscape is still covered in snow, the wildlife is highly active, and there are fewer ships in the area. These months provide golden light and pristine conditions that are ideal for photography.
To find out more about South Georgia, visit:
When can we see penguin chicks?
Penguin chicks tend to appear later in the season, from December onwards. In October and November, we focus more on the vast king penguin colonies at St Andrew’s Bay, Salisbury Plain, and Gold Harbour, where adults are engaged in courtship and early breeding stages.
What is the weather like on South Georgia?
In early season (October to November), you can expect snow-covered landscapes and crisp, cool temperatures that create a pristine, untouched atmosphere. The low, golden light during this time is perfect for dramatic and moody photography. The weather can be variable, so flexibility is key, but these conditions provide stunning contrasts that make every shot truly special.
What is the best time to visit Antarctica?
The Antarctic season runs from November through March. Each month offers unique conditions—Antarctica in November is pristine, Antarctica in December and January brings peak wildlife activity, and Antarctica in March is golden and whale-rich.
Is Antarctica colder in spring, summer or autumn?
Spring and autumn are cooler than midsummer. Antarctica weather in November and December is crisp and snowy, while Antarctica in March is milder but with shorter days and golden light.
How physically fit do I need to be?
To get the most from a Antarctic expedition, it’s important to be stable on your feet and able to undertake short hikes. But there’s no requirement to undertake any given activity, and we usually split into two groups: those who want to go to the top of the hill, and those who’d prefer a more leisurely stroll at the bottom (or a Zodiac cruise!).
How much luggage can I bring?
We recommend bringing a soft-sided luggage bag that can be easily stored in your cabin. It’s important to check with your airline about luggage size or weight restrictions.
Do you cater for specific dietary requirements (e.g. vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies)?
Yes, we can accommodate all dietary requirements. After you make your booking, we’ll ask you to provide details about your specific needs.
Explorer’s Handbook
Everything you need to know to help you plan your polar expedition, from destination guides to weather insights and what to pack…
Design your own private expedition micro cruise with Secret Atlas
Share the journey with those who matter most.
