Secret Atlas is expanding its small-group polar expedition program with Aureum, a new ice-class explorer yacht that will carry just 36 guests on voyages to Antarctica and South Georgia.
The ship will operate for Secret Atlas during the 2027-28 and 2028-29 polar seasons through a long-term partnership with Antarpply Expeditions. Its itineraries will include new Antarctica by air programs, in-depth South Georgia voyages and expeditions combining both destinations.
Secret Atlas describes Aureum as the first purpose-designed expedition ship of its size to operate in Antarctica. Its introduction also marks the company’s expansion from its established Arctic micro-cruises into the Antarctic region.
Small-Group Exploration in Antarctica
The arrival of Aureum reflects growing interest in smaller expedition vessels that provide more time ashore and a less crowded experience.
Conventional expedition ships may carry hundreds of passengers. Aureum will accommodate only 36 guests, allowing everyone to participate in landings and Zodiac excursions without being divided into numerous groups.
The yacht will carry four Zodiacs, enabling all passengers to leave the vessel at approximately the same time when local conditions permit. This can provide greater flexibility when navigating Antarctica’s unpredictable weather, ice and wildlife activity.
Expedition routes in the polar regions are rarely fixed in the same way as conventional cruise itineraries. Captains and expedition leaders regularly adjust plans according to wind, sea conditions, ice and wildlife sightings. A smaller vessel can make those decisions more quickly and take advantage of opportunities as they arise.
Inside Explorer Yacht Aureum
Aureum is undergoing an extensive upgrade in South America ahead of its first Secret Atlas season.
Following the work, the yacht will offer 22 guest cabins, including suites and eight dedicated single cabins. Its relatively small passenger capacity is intended to create an intimate atmosphere while still providing the amenities expected on a contemporary expedition vessel.
Public areas will include a panoramic observation lounge, a bridge lounge, expansive outdoor viewing decks and an open observation bow. These spaces will give guests several vantage points for watching wildlife, icebergs and changing polar landscapes.
A wellness area will feature a sauna and outdoor hot tub, offering a place to warm up and relax after shore landings or Zodiac excursions. The onboard restaurant will accommodate every passenger in a single sitting, reinforcing the ship’s small-group character.
A High Guide-to-Guest Ratio
Aureum’s expeditions will operate with one senior polar guide for every six guests. With 36 passengers, this represents a team of six guides drawn from fields that may include expedition leadership, natural history, photography and polar science.
The smaller groups should give guests more opportunities to speak with guides, ask questions and receive support during landings.
“By expanding beyond the Arctic and launching our inaugural Antarctic and South Georgia expeditions, we’re building on the principles that have defined Secret Atlas from the beginning: exploration in small groups, deeper wildlife encounters and access to experiences that larger ships simply cannot replicate,” said Secret Atlas co-founder Michele D’Agostino.
Flying to Antarctica from Patagonia
Among the new Aureum itineraries is an Antarctica by air program designed for travelers who want to reduce the amount of time spent crossing the Drake Passage.
Participating guests will travel through Secret Atlas’ expedition hub in Puerto Natales, Chile, a Patagonian city also known as a gateway to Torres del Paine National Park. From there, a charter flight will travel to King George Island in the South Shetland Islands, where passengers will board Aureum.
The flight takes approximately two and a half hours, replacing as much as four days at sea on a traditional round-trip voyage from Ushuaia.
This approach gives guests more time in Antarctica while avoiding either one or both Drake Passage crossings, depending on the selected itinerary.
The available programs will include expeditions exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and journeys attempting to reach the Antarctic Circle at 66°33′ south. As with any polar expedition, reaching a particular location depends on weather and ice conditions.
Air-and-Sea Expeditions
Travelers who still want to experience the Drake Passage will be able to choose an air-and-sea itinerary.
These voyages combine a one-way sailing from Ushuaia with a flight in the opposite direction. The format preserves the experience of arriving in Antarctica by sea while reducing the total number of days spent crossing open water.
Once in Antarctica, planned activities will center on Zodiac cruising, shore landings, wildlife observation and guided exploration. Potential destinations include the Antarctic Peninsula, Gerlache Strait and Lemaire Channel, although the final route will be determined by conditions encountered during each voyage.
Exploring South Georgia in Greater Depth
Aureum will also operate dedicated South Georgia voyages.
Located in the southern Atlantic Ocean, South Georgia is known for its mountainous scenery, glaciers and remarkable concentrations of wildlife. Its beaches and coastal plains support large colonies of king penguins, while wandering albatrosses, fur seals and other seabirds can also be observed around the island.
The South Georgia In Depth Expedition Micro Cruise will devote more time to the island than itineraries that include it as a brief stop on a longer Antarctic journey. The extended format provides additional opportunities for shore landings, wildlife photography and exploration of historically significant sites.
Another voyage will combine South Georgia, Elephant Island and the Antarctic Peninsula, following locations connected to the historic Endurance expedition. The itinerary blends polar history with wildlife encounters and contemporary expedition cruising.
Responsible Polar Tourism
Secret Atlas and Antarpply Expeditions say their partnership is built around small-group exploration, responsible tourism and operational experience in polar environments.
Antarpply has operated Antarctic expeditions for more than 25 years, while Secret Atlas has specialized in small-group Arctic voyages since launching in 2019.
Aureum’s limited capacity naturally keeps landing groups well below the 100-person maximum permitted at many Antarctic visitor sites. Fewer passengers can also reduce congestion around sensitive environments and give guides more time to supervise responsible wildlife viewing.
With only 36 guests, extensive observation areas and expedition programs connecting Antarctica, Patagonia and South Georgia, Aureum introduces a more intimate option for travelers interested in exploring the polar south.
