Highlights

Photograph the extraordinary wildlife and landscapes of South Georgia on this special 15-day expedition with renowned wildlife photographer Paul Goldstein. Sailing aboard the 36-guest Aureum, this early-season voyage is designed around exceptional photographic opportunities, from vast king penguin colonies at Salisbury Plain and St Andrews Bay to elephant seals, albatross and dramatic sub-Antarctic landscapes. Six senior polar guides accompany the expedition, maximising opportunities to explore the island’s remote bays, beaches and fjords while making the most of changing wildlife and weather conditions.

Photograph vast king penguin colonies at Salisbury Plain and St Andrews Bay, home to tens of thousands of birds.
Explore Gold Harbour, Fortuna Bay, Cooper Bay and Drygalski Fjord, surrounded by spectacular sub-Antarctic scenery.
Photograph elephant seals, fur seals, albatross and other South Georgia wildlife during the early-season period.
Travel with Paul Goldstein and six senior polar guides, with a strong focus on photography and maximising every opportunity ashore.

Map/Itinerary

Please note: This itinerary is meant to serve as a general guide. Plans may change along the way, depending on weather, sea conditions, or choices made by the Expedition Leader and team to give you the safest and most rewarding experience.

Day 1Depart Port Stanley, Falkland Islands

Most guests fly into Mount Pleasant Airport, where the expedition team will meet you. Luggage is transferred directly to the vessel. We take a charter bus into Stanley together.

If you are already on the Falklands, join us at the Tourist Office from 15:00. The afternoon is yours — the Maritime Museum, a walk along the waterfront, a pint at the Globe.

Aboard by 18:00 for mandatory safety briefings. That evening, the official start: welcome cocktail, dinner, first introductions.

Day 2-3Southern Ocean

The Scotia Sea passage. Aureum’s dynamic fin stabilisers keep the crossing manageable; the programme on board does the rest – polar science lectures, photography workshops, personal accounts from the expedition team.

On day 3, we hope to cross the Antarctic Convergence and pass Shag Rocks – isolated jagged islets with exceptional concentrations of seabirds, seals, and whales. The first land since the Falklands. South Georgia is close.

Day 4-11South Georgia

Eight days on the island, weather and opportunity deciding the order. Salisbury Plain, St Andrews Bay, Gold Harbour, Fortuna Bay, Cooper Bay, Drygalski Fjord among the objectives.

Wildlife meets at the water´s edge before the first landing and the sound of seven million penguins arrives before the sight does.

stand at Salisbury Plain among 50,000 king penguins, or at St Andrews Bay among 2000,000. Our schedule should take us to key colonies at the best times for photography.

Day 12-14Southern Ocean

The return crossing. Time to work back through the weeks images with Paul before landfall.

We hope to reach the Falkland Islands during the second half of day 14. Conditions allowing, a final shore visit before the expedition draws to a close.

Day 15Port Stanley

Disembarkation after breakfast. A briefing from local airport authorities on timings and procedures. The expedition team will organise the transfer to Mount Pleasent Airport.

Inclusions/Exclusions

Inclusions

Scheduled transfers between Mount Pleasant Airport and the vessel in Stanley, as specified in the itinerary.
Leadership throughout the voyage by the Expedition Team, including lectures, workshops, Zodiac cruising and shore landings.
All scheduled Zodiac cruises, transfers and shore landings, subject to weather, sea and operational conditions.
Shipboard accommodation with daily cabin service and full board.
Tea, coffee and drinking water, plus selected beverages served with meals.
Starlink Wi-Fi, where available; availability and speed cannot be guaranteed in remote polar regions.
Complimentary use of rubber expedition boots for shore landings.
Access to the ship’s medical facilities and expedition doctor; treatment and medication may be chargeable.
Photography guidance and workshops.
IAATO fees, permits, South Georgia ESTA, port charges and applicable operational fees.
Comprehensive pre-departure information and assistance from the Secret Atlas team.

Exclusions

International and domestic flights, including flights to and from the Falkland Islands, unless expressly listed as included.
Passport, visa, vaccination, reciprocity and other entry requirements or charges.
Comprehensive travel insurance, as required under the Terms and Conditions.
Excess baggage charges and luggage exceeding any published flight allowance.
Additional accommodation, meals and transfers not expressly listed as included.
Personal expenses, including laundry, bar purchases outside the included service, telephone charges and optional premium internet services.
Medical treatment, medication, evacuation or repatriation costs.
Optional activities, private arrangements or independent excursions not expressly listed as included.
Gratuities for the shipboard crew and Expedition Team.

Dates & Prices

All prices are subject to availability, quoted per person and expressed in USD

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