south georgia


10th october - 7th Novemer 2026

Start and finish in
Stanley (Falkland Islands)

Have you ever dreamt about following in the footsteps of legendary explorer Ernest Shackleton and exploring the awe-inspiring landscape and natural wonderland of South Georgia?

How about getting up close and personal with the island’s magnificent wildlife including King penguins, albatross, elephant seals and fur seals? In 2026, international award-winning photographers, Scott Portelli & Matt Smith are leading an exclusive 28-day expedition exploring the incredible natural wonders of the area.

This is truly an expedition as we sail from the Falkland Islands across to South Georgia, with a focus on wildlife, underwater and nature photography.

We aim to visit the largest King Penguin Colonies on the planet, snorkel and dive in the extensive giant kelp forests, explore the local the natural environment and interact with fur seals, leopard seals and whales in one of the most spectacular places on this wild planet.

Wild life encounters. dramatic landscapes. zodiac cruIsing. underwater photography.

Dates: 10th October – 7th November 2026

Duration: 28 days

Start: Stanley, Falkland Islands

Finish: Stanley, Falkland Islands

Cost: $35,900 USD per person

Deposit: $2,500 USD per person (Non-refundable)

Activities: Wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, zodiac cruising, underwater photography, and snorkeling (Diving option available)

Equipment: If you plan to dive or snorkel, you’ll need to bring your own drysuit and polar diving/snorkeling gear. Cold water diving/snorkeling experience is highly recommended for the Sub-Antarctic conditions.

Prerequisite: This is a true expedition on a working yacht, sailing through the demanding southern ocean. Experience on small vessels in open water is recommended, and you’ll take part in daily operations — including regular three-hour watches during crossings. A good level of fitness is required when part of an expedition yacht.

Overview

inclusions

  • Comprehensive pre-departure information

  • All meals and drinks onboard during the voyage

  • Expert guiding services from our trip leader and expedition team

  • Exploration of landscapes surrounded by icebergs and abundant wildlife

  • Stepping ashore in Antarctica, the final frontier of wilderness

  • All shore excursions and Zodiac (inflatable boat) cruises

  • Port taxes and charges

  • All entry fees to historic landing sites

  • Airport transfers

  • Transport to and from port to yacht

exclusions

  • International or domestic flights to/from yacht/port

  • Airport arrival or departure taxes

  • Visa, passport, and vaccination charges

  • Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges

  • Hotels and meals not included in the itinerary

embark on the ultimate Sub Antarctic expedition to south georgia

Set sail from the charming town of stanley, falkland islands, where your journey into the heart of the sub Antarctic begins.

Nestled on the edge of the Beagle Channel, this gateway to the frozen wilderness marks the start of an extraordinary expedition—one filled with unparalleled landscapes, extraordinary wildlife, and the thrill of exploring one of the most remote places on Earth.

Expedition

Highlights

  • Take in the amazing South Georgia landscape and experience the abundance of wildlife including, king penguin rookeries in excess of 250 thousand pairs, nesting albatrosses, fighting elephant seal, fur seal colonies and massive whale aggregations.

  • Snorkel/dive in the kelp forests and experience seals and penguins underwater. Our focus will be on King penguins, Leopard Seals and Baby Elephant Seals.

  • Explore abandoned whaling stations and historic huts

  • Visit the stunning Nordenskjold Glacier

  • Receive expert photography guidance by award winning wildlife and nature photographers, Scott Portelli & Matt Smith

A dynamic itinerary. chasing epic moments.

Our itinerary is shaped by 20 years of Sub Antarctic experience and expert knowledge of the region

Unlike larger vessels with rigid schedules, our approach gives us the freedom to adapt and stay where the action is.

This flexibility allows us to chase the best photographic opportunities or linger in search of breathtaking moments that other large ship based tours miss. It's this pursuit of incredible imagery that sets us apart and offers you a truly unique experience.

exploring the Region

Penguin Colonies

St Andrews Bay

Salisbury Plain

Gold Harbour

Rookery Point

Royal Bay

Walks & Whaling stations

Grytviken

Fortuna Bay to Stromness - Shackleton Walk

Leith Harbour

snorkeling/diving

Hercules Bay

Little Moltke Harbour

Gothul

Cooper Bay

Cape Rosa

Exploration

Drygalski Fjord

Nordenskjold Glacier

Elsehul


The vinson of antarctica boat

the vessel



The bare aluminium hull and deck structure is reinforced to withstand navigation in brash ice without deformation.

The schooner sail plan provides manageable sail handling in high winds and rough seas; and also redundancy, as the two mainsails are of equal size – the aft sail will fit on the forward mast.

A robust fixed keel with a solid aluminium machined centreboard allows for safe navigation in shoal waters.

Twin engines, with well-protected propellers.

A workshop forward of the accommodation means running repairs can be made at sea. Hawser reels on in the transom and another on the foredeck can be used for shore anchors.


The bamboo interior joinery and furniture is comfortable yet hard-wearing and easy to maintain. Able to sleep 12, the yacht is designed for both private use and commercial chartering.


A sturdy gantry frame on the transom will carry an expedition RIB (a second RIB is stowed on deck) as well as the sat-nav antennae so in case of damage to the Axxon carbon masts, the yacht will not lose navigation and satellite communication capability. It also doubles as mainsail traveler track foundation.

A diesel stove in the spacious aft salon/dinette/galley provides efficient, reliable and comfortable heating to combat freezing temperatures. Radiators throughout the accommodations. During construction special attention was devoted to the insulation to combat the cold and condensation.

Life on board

Yacht life isn’t for everyone — but if you’re up for an adventure, this is an experience like no other.

Joining a small group on an expedition vessel to the Sub-Antarctic requires a spirit of adventure, patience, and teamwork. This journey will push you — but the rewards are immense. Be prepared for small spaces, limited resources (like showers every few days), tight sleeping quarters, and early morning watches.

But it’s the camaraderie and shared experience that makes life onboard unforgettable. Embrace the challenge, soak it all in, and savour the rare chance to explore one of the last truly remote places on Earth.

preparing for the adventure of a lifetime

An expedition to South Georgia isn’t your average holiday — it’s the ultimate adventure. And when you join our journey, we ensure you’re prepared every step of the way. It is a true expedition!

Ahead of your trip, you’ll receive an in-depth expedition guide covering everything you need to know — from what to pack to how to get the most out of your time in one of the most remote and breathtaking places on Earth.

Our comprehensive guide includes:

packing lists

Recommendations on clothing for both on and off the yacht, including thermal layers, in-water gear, and personal comfort items — everything you’ll need to stay warm, comfortable, and ready for every moment of the adventure..

travel preparation

Important information to help you prepare for your journey, including advice on arrival times, travel logistics, visa requirements, accommodation suggestions, and travel insurance.

gear recommendations

A detailed gear guide to help you prepare for photographing in Antarctica’s fast-changing conditions. It’ll cover camera bodies, lens recommendations, weather protection for your gear, and essential accessories to keep everything safe and ready to shoot.

onboard life

Insights into life on our expedition vessel, including storage before, during and after the expedition, laundry advice, meals, comfort essentials, and other practical tasks like cleaning and sailing shifts required on a working yacht.

Helpful apps & connectivity

Helpful apps and technology recommendations to stay in touch with loved ones and track your journey, including communication options and real-time tracking for family and friends.

pre-departure zoom calls

We also host group Zoom calls ahead of the trip so you can meet your fellow adventurers, get to know your guide, and ask any burning questions about travel, equipment, or the journey ahead. It’s a great way to start building the camaraderie that makes this experience even more special.

frequently asked quesitons

  • No need to be a sailor! While some sailing experience is a plus, it’s not required. To help with the workload, guests will rotate shifts, likely 3 hours on, 6 hours off, while crossing. During your shift, you might steer for a bit (it's easy!), but mostly, you'll make coffee and keep the pro-on-duty company. It’s actually a lot of fun—especially during the night or early morning shifts when you can spot bioluminescence or watch the sunrise with albatrosses soaring overhead.

  • During Summer the climate in Antarctica is not as harsh as you might imagine. The days are long, and the temperature is mild. You can expect daytime temps to range from +10°C to -5°C, though it can drop to -10°C. The vessel has heating indoors and will be toasty warm throughout the trip.

  • Drone usage is strictly prohibited without the correct permits and licenses. To fly a drone, you will need to be a fully licensed drone operator in your country of origin. You will also need a Commonwealth Marine Parks Permit as well as an Antarctic Division License.

  • Antarctica has no hospitals or medical evacuation services—help is days away. That’s why it’s crucial to take care of yourself and each other and know your limits.

    Days can be long and tiring, especially during the crossing. You may also want to hike to some stunning vantage points for those perfect Antarctic shots. A moderate level of fitness is recommended—hitting the gym or taking regular walks in the lead-up will help get your body ready. For in-water shooters, the freezing temperatures and heavy drysuits can quickly wear you down, so good cardio fitness is essential.

    You’ll need a general medical check-up and doctor's sign-off before the trip. The assessment must be within 6 months of departure. Don’t worry, we’re not climbing Everest—we just want you to be in good shape and ready for the adventure.

  • Check the visa requirements in your own country before travelling to Chile/Argentina. You may need to apply for a visa, which can take between 1 – 6 weeks, depending on which country you are from. And remember that most countries require you to have at least 6 months valid on your passport when travelling internationally.

  • Meal times are flexible due to the nature of the expedition and the 20 hours of daylight each day, as we may be watching wildlife events. However, there’s plenty of food for those who want to graze throughout the day. You’ll be invited to pitch in with meal prep, cooking, and cleaning the galley as part of the experience. If you have dietary requirements or need regular meals, we can make arrangements.

  • Starlink will be available which will allow basic email, social media, and WhatsApp use throughout the journey (no streaming). Alternatively, you can bring a Garmin Inreach Messenger for email and text messaging, though it’s not required.

    The system primarily supports crew communications for weather, safety, and boat-related matters. While the service works well, we can't guarantee uninterrupted internet access due to satellite coverage or technical issues.

Next Steps

  • Questionnaire

    Click the button below to fill in the questionnaire. This helps us get a sense of your experience and what you’re looking to get out of the trip.

  • application review

    We’ll get in touch to discuss the next steps. Whether it’s a few follow-up questions or confirming your spot, you’ll hear from us soon!

  • your adventure awaits

    Receive our comprehensive guide & get ready to explore untamed landscapes, witness incredible wildlife, and capture once-in-a-lifetime imagery.