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This epic photography expedition follows in the footsteps of Shackleton’s legendary Endurance voyage, offering a 20-day immersion into the raw wilderness of the Antarctic Peninsula, the Weddell Sea, Elephant Island, and South Georgia. Exploring the Southern Ocean, Antarctica, and the Subantarctic Islands feels like stepping inside a BBC nature documentary, especially as the southern summer draws to a close and the light softens into extraordinary pastels, wrapping icebergs, mountains, and wildlife in a glow found only in the world’s most remote polar regions. It really doesn’t get better than this!
Wildlife encounters here are intensely personal. Penguins waddle past your boots, seals lounge on sculpted blue ice, and whales surface with breathtaking proximity. This is a rare world where animals are indifferent rather than cautious, allowing photographers to capture moments that simply don’t exist in more crowded destinations.
This photography adventure of the Antarctic Peninsula & South Georgia is designed for photographers of all levels who want to push their craft in one of the most photogenic regions on the planet. From the vast, towering peaks of the Antarctic Peninsula to the epic icebergs of the Weddell Sea, and onward to the historic drama of Elephant Island and the wildlife-rich landscapes of South Georgia, every landing unfolds with new light, fresh compositions, and stories that ask to be told through your lens.
Antarctica feels unlike anywhere else on Earth. And there is nowhere more like stepping into a David Attenborough BBC show than South Georgia. This trip will be my fourth visit and promises to be the more incredible yet. We will be on a photography expedition for 20 days and get to photograph Elephant Island and stand with thousands of penguins on South Georgia. It doesn't get better than this!!!
Highlights:
- Experience the magical, low-angle light of the late Antarctic summer, delivering glowing sunsets, soft pastels, and dramatic skies.
- Be a part of a special photography-centric departure limited to just 100 passengers, with only 8 guests per Zodiac - giving you time, space, and freedom to shoot without pressure.
- Photograph whales at peak activity, from powerful fluke dives to breaching humpbacks against ice-filled horizons.
- Capture waddling & porpoising penguins such as the beautifully coloured King penguin, curious Gentoos and Adélie penguins.
- See the iconic ice seals, including leopard, Weddell and crabeater seals, resting on sculptural floes.
- Explore Antarctica, South Georgia, the Weddell Sea and Elephant Island aboard a small ship tailored for photographers who want access, flexibility, and meaningful time ashore.
- Follow in the footsteps of legendary polar explorers, photographing historic sites frozen in time, while enjoying a level of comfort they could only have dreamed of.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime photographic journey to the very edge of the world where light, wildlife, and wilderness come together in their most powerful form. Join Nigel Danson, Mads Peter Iversen, James Popsys, and Jeroen Van Nieuwenhove on this epic photography experience and don’t miss out!
South Georgia & Antarctica: Through the Lens | Expedition Map
Meet the Expert Photographers
 | Nigel DansonNigel Danson is a YouTube creator and landscape photographer. Being dyslexic, photography had a profound impact on Nigel’s early life, when he uncovered the joys of developing images in a makeshift darkroom. He discovered his love of light and how it could create infinite possibilities of what was otherwise a static landscape. Nigel’s philosophy is to seize the moment, to capture the essence of his experiences. He runs workshops all over the world to share his knowledge and passion for landscape photography. |
 | James PopsysJames Popsys is a British Outdoor Photographer and Youtuber who lives in Wales. Before YouTube he worked as a commercial conceptual photographer but being a firm believer that all the best stuff in life happens outdoors, he prefers to send his time in the field rather than in Photoshop these days. James is drawn to documenting nature but also the human impact on it, for better and for worse. |
 | Mads Peter IversenMads Peter Iversen, is a photographer living in Denmark. An educated schoolteacher with a master degree in educational philosophy, after trying out other photography genres, such as headshot photography and commercial videography with great success, he settled on fine art landscape pictures. Mads started out as a photographer in 2011 and his experience with video editing goes back to 2002. Mads finds inspiration all over the world but he’s especially drawn to the nordic, cold and harsh yet stunningly beautiful nature. |
 | Jeroen Van NieuwenhoveJeroen Van Nieuwenhove is a full-time Belgian Icelandic nature photographer working out of Reykjavík, Iceland. Being inspired by extremes, he has largely dedicated his photography to documenting the Arctic, with a special focus on volcanic eruptions & the Icelandic Highlands. Jeroen is also a self-published author and teaches photography through workshops & ebooks. |
Antarctica | Credit: Nigel Danson
Gold Harbour, South Georgia | Credit: Michael Baynes
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Punta Arenas
Arrive in Punta Arenas, where you will be met by a representative of Aurora Expeditions and transferred to our hotel. We ask that you arrive no later than 2:00pm on this day. In addition to ensuring your arrival in time for our important pre-flight briefings, if weather conditions deem it necessary, we may depart for King George Island on Day 1 as opposed to Day 2.
Please visit the Aurora Expeditions hospitality desk in the lobby between 2.00 pm – 6.00 pm to collect your luggage cabin tags. Our team will confirm details regarding your embarkation day, answer any questions and provide you with information about where to dine or purchase last minute items.
Overlooking the Straits of Magellan, the city sits astride one of the world's most historic trade routes. Today, Punta Arenas reflects a great blend of cultural backgrounds, from English sheep ranchers to Portuguese sailors. It remains an utterly fascinating testament to Chile's rich history. Modern day Punta Arenas is home to many popular restaurants, and bars, offering a mix of local and international fare (meals at your own expense today).
At 7.00 pm this evening, meet your fellow expeditioners at a voyage briefing where we will reconfirm your transfer times for tomorrow, explain the procedures for your flight to King George Island and outline important IAATO regulations for visitors to Antarctica.
Day 2: Fly Punta Arenas to King George Island, Embarkation
This morning, we will be transferred to Punta Arenas airport for our charter flight to King George Island, Antarctica (weather permitting). The flight will take approximately one hour and forty-five minutes. On arrival into King George Island our expedition team is on hand to greet you and to prepare you for your Zodiac transfer to the vessel. You will have time to settle into your cabin before our important safety briefings.
Note: Luggage restrictions apply to our charter flight, 1 x checked piece (<20kg) + 1 x carry-on piece (<7kg). The overhead bins of a BAE146 are substantially smaller than those on a regular commercial flight. Dimensions are Height: 45 cm / Width: 40 cm / Depth: 20 cm
If your camera gear combined with your usual luggage means you may go over these weight limits, please let your reservations consultant know. As we have chartered the plane, we have some flexibility with the weight. If you would like to bring your camera gear on board with you, please take note of the overhead bin dimensions above, otherwise it will need to be placed under the seat in front of you or checked in. It is important to note that your checked luggage will be taken from the plane directly to the ship, and you will not have access to your checked luggage until it is brought to your cabin.
Note: King George Island is located at the northern part of the Antarctic Peninsula in the South Shetland Islands and is one of the most remote places on Earth. A clear sky with perfect visibility is required for safe take-off and landing. A contingency plan will be applied to your itinerary should your flights not proceed today. Your safety is our utmost priority. We apologise in advance for any delays caused due to this unpredictable situation. Please refer to our terms and conditions for a more detailed explanation.
Days 3-7: Antarctic Peninsula
It’s almost impossible to describe the feeling of arriving in Antarctica. Spotting your first iceberg and taking a deep breath of some of the most fresh, crisp air on earth is an experience that will stay with you forever.
Your experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area, in partnership with our team of photography experts, will use their expertise to design your voyage from day to day, getting you in the best position based on the prevailing weather, ice conditions and wildlife opportunities. Flexibility is key on an Antarctic expedition, especially a photography expedition. Rest assured that if a wildlife event presents itself, or the light hits a glacier just right, the team will do what they can allow you more time to capture it, provided it is possible and safe to do so, of course!
Once we arrive, the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands are ours to explore, and we have a host of choices available to us. We generally make landings or Zodiac excursions twice a day, and the timings of these will depend on what the day brings us. You will want to rug up before joining Zodiac cruises along spectacular ice cliffs or among grounded icebergs, keeping watch for whales, seals and porpoising penguins. We have been known to have longer Zodiac excursions than originally planned... sometimes we are just presented with a special moment that cannot be missed. One can never know what wonders Mother Nature will serve up! And that is all part of the beauty and the fun of an expedition to the Antarctic. Keep an ear out for the creak and deep rumble of glaciers as they carve their way from summit to sea. With the engine turned off, take a quiet moment to experience the wonder of this incredible white continent.
The Zodiac excursions are a major part of the expedition and on this voyage, we have reduced the passenger numbers on the voyage and in the Zodiacs. This will allow our photographers to manoeuvre around the Zodiacs to capture their subject matter with ease, as well as allow sufficient room for their gear. Zodiacs will also transport you from the ship to land, where you can visit penguin rookeries, discover historic huts and explore some of our favourite spots along the peninsula.
While ashore, our expeditioners will be given a choice of how they would like to explore that site. Quite often, one of the options will be to hike up to a vantage point with mountains towering overhead and ice-speckled oceans below. The light can vary dramatically, depending on the weather on the day, but the view from the ridgeline never disappoints. We are travelling in the late summer, which is perfect for capturing the beauty of an Antarctic sunset. We plan to have some sunset excursions to take in the pastel-painted sky.
If your focus is on the wildlife, you may choose to wander along pebbly beaches where you are likely to find a variety of penguins (in this area, mainly gentoo), seals, and birds. Occasionally you may capture a leopard seal coming close to shore to find a snack. Whichever option you choose, our team will be with you every step of the way.
In addition to Zodiac cruises and shore excursions, we may ship cruise some of the narrow, dramatic straits separating offshore islands from the mainland, or linger in scenic bays to watch whales travelling or feeding.
This is a great time to enjoy the library or the Observation Lounge, featuring huge windows and superb views. The bridge will be opened at the Captain’s discretion, which will give our photographers a different perspective of the running of an expedition through these waters. Of course, we will also offer the tradition of the polar plunge, where those who dare to will have the chance to fully immerse themselves in polar waters - conditions permitting!
When we aren’t exploring by foot or Zodiac, we encourage all expeditioners to join as many lectures and workshops as they can. We will offer a variety of photography-focused workshops, but also offer lectures from our expedition team of naturalists, historians, marine biologists, etc as well.
Note: The scheduler, where Antarctic operators book their dates and sites, opens closer to departure. Once our sites are booked, we will be able to provide more information on places we are likely to visit on this voyage. Keeping in mind that this is an expedition and there is always an element of flexibility.
Day 8: Weddell Sea
Remote and inaccessible, entry into the Weddell Sea is highly prized among polar adventurers. Your passage begins at the northernmost extreme of the Antarctic Peninsula, in the beautifully barren Antarctic Sound. In this seldom-visited part of the Peninsula volcanic peaks tower above penguin colonies, and wave-sculpted icebergs parade through the deep channels leading to the Weddell Sea.
Continuing further east, embrace the expedition spirit as you forge your way as far as possible into the Weddell Sea. The Weddell Sea is renowned for its breathtaking tabular icebergs and expansive sea ice, which attracts an abundance of wildlife, including crabeater seals, Weddell seals and an array of seabirds. Take some time out on deck to observe the flight of storm petrels, prions and Antarctic cormorants drawn here by the rich blooms of Antarctic krill that flourish in the shelter of this ice-covered sea.
As you travel, take a moment to reflect on the truly historic seas you’re sailing. It wasn’t so far from here that the wreck of Ernest Shackleton's Endurance was discovered, mostly intact, on March 5, 2022. Researchers aboard the polar research vessel S.A. Agulhas II were astonished to find the well-preserved vessel only 6.4km (4 miles) south of the position calculated by Captain Worsley in 1915, when he last laid eyes on his ship.
Day 9: Antarctic Sound and Elephant Island
Today we set a course for Elephant Island, the lonely outpost where 22 of Shackleton’s men survived several winter months under the shelter of two upturned boats. Perhaps there will be a presentation today on the awe-inspiring story of Shackleton and his men, who spent 9 months stuck in Weddell Sea pack ice and 6 months camping on drifting sea ice before making a desperate escape from the sea ice in three open boats. They spent almost a week battling the wind, currents, swell and treacherous ice to finally make landfall on Elephant Island, a striking, ice-covered extremity of the South Shetland Islands, after 497 days at sea.
Day 10: Elephant Island
In the vastness of the Southern Ocean, we find Elephant Island, a tiny toe of rock and ice. We plan to sail past Cape Valentine to see the beach where Shackleton’s men first put ashore over 100 years ago, then follow the coastline west to the exposed promontory of Point Wild. Weather permitting, we will take a Zodiac cruise or make a landing at historic Point Wild.
At this time of year, we will likely spot whales fattening up on krill as they begin their migration. Keep your cameras and your binoculars close at hand.
Days 11-12: Scotia Sea
After an exciting program of excursions and activities in Antarctica, relax and enjoy the slower pace of sea days as you sail towards South Georgia.
As you make your way across the Scotia Sea you’re following the route taken by Shackleton and five of his men when they sailed from Elephant Island in search of rescue. In their open wooden boat, the James Caird, they spent 17 days sailing into the unknown across this perilous patch of ocean. This boat journey, which concluded with their safe arrival in King Haakon Bay on the west coast of South Georgia, remains one of the greatest stories of maritime navigation and survival in polar history.
As you sail the onboard lecture program continues, with a series of entertaining presentations on South Georgia’s wildlife, geology and history in the lecture room. Or you might prefer to simply unwind: take a long lunch, catch up on your gym sessions, or curl up with a book from our polar library.
The Scotia Sea is known for its abundant wildlife including fin, humpback and blue whales. Keep watch for these gentle giants and elusive orca, which patrol these waters. Venture out on deck with your camera to capture cape petrels and prions wheeling, and albatross soaring gracefully amidst the swell.
Days 13-16: South Georgia
As you near the rugged island of South Georgia, spare a thought for Captain James Cook, who arrived here in 1775 and believed it to be the northern tip of a great southern continent! In fact, it is a small island only 176 km (110 mi) long, but with a 3,000 m (9,842 ft) snow-capped mountain range, some of the world’s largest congregations of wildlife and a truly fascinating human history, South Georgia is an island of incredible riches.
As you approach, jagged mountain peaks rise steeply, while seabirds are often spotted soaring around the ship. You will sail along the coast, taking in the spectacular glaciated scenery and enjoying a little shelter from the prevailing westerly winds. This enchanting coastline is yours to explore!
Zodiac cruise around craggy coves and along the rocky coastline in search of penguins, seal haul-outs and bird cliffs. Remember to keep an eye out for South Georgia’s kelp forests—these remarkable underwater ecosystems are quite mesmerising as their fronds sway back and forth on the water’s surface.
Zodiacs will also shuttle you from ship to shore, where you can visit some of the largest king penguin colonies on Earth, take a guided walk among fur seals and elephant seals (making sure you listen to your guides and keep your distance!) and wander along pebbled streams and grassy glacial outwash plains. We also hope to visit the remnants of South Georgia’s thriving whaling stations and visit the final resting place of Sir Ernest Shackleton, whose incredible voyage of survival is synonymous with this island.
In addition to Zodiac cruises and shore excursions, we may ship-cruise through fjords with towering cliffs of ancient stone, or into deeply indented bays towards dramatic glacier fronts. This is a great time to find a comfy spot in the observation lounge to enjoy uninterrupted views of South Georgia’s majestic coast.
For some intrepid Shackleton fans, the optional hike from Fortuna Bay to Stromness will be a highlight. This route follows the final stage of Shackleton, Worsely and Crean’s improbable traverse of South Georgia, from their landing place in King Haakon Bay on the east coast to Stromness in the west, where they finally found safety after 24 harrowing months at sea.
From Fortuna Bay the trail rises to a spectacular alpine plateau, before angling steeply down towards the abandoned Stromness whaling station. Conditions permitting, we aim to repeat this final section of their traverse.
“Bright moonlight showed us that the interior was tremendously broken,” Shackleton wrote. “High peaks, impassable cliffs, steep snow- slopes, and sharply descending glaciers could be seen in all directions.”
Day 17-19: At Sea
As we sail from South Georgia, you will be enthralled by the ceaseless flight of the many seabirds that follow the vessel, skilfully using the air currents created by the ship to gain momentum.
If time and weather conditions permit, we could pass close to Shag Rocks, a fascinating group of jagged rocky islets protruding from the sea, in the proximity of South Georgia.
As we sail on towards Ushuaia you may choose to spend your final precious moments at sea soaking up the views on deck, enjoying the onboard facilities, or attending final lectures. There is plenty of time to enjoy the magic of the Southern Ocean, have a drink with newfound friends and reflect on the voyage you’ve shared.
On the final night, celebrate your unforgettable voyage with newfound friends at a special Captain’s farewell dinner.
We hope you will become ambassadors for the Antarctic region, telling your family, friends and colleagues about your journey to this magical place, and advocating for its conservation so that they might one day visit the region to experience what you have been lucky to see and do here.
Day 20: Disembark Ushuaia
During the early morning, we cruise up the Beagle Channel, before quietly slipping into dock in Ushuaia, where we will be free to disembark around 8.00 am. Farewell your expedition team and fellow passengers as we all continue our onward journeys, hopefully with a newfound sense of the immense power of nature.
Upon disembarkation, for those continuing their travels in the region, transportation to the hotel will be arranged exclusively for guests who have booked their accommodations through Aurora or for those staying in downtown areas near the port. Expeditioners departing on flights prior to 12:30 pm will be directly transferred to Ushuaia Airport, those with flights after 12:30 pm will have the opportunity to explore Ushuaia before an afternoon airport transfer, and the transfer procedures and details will be communicated onboard before disembarkation.
Note: At the conclusion of the voyage, we do not recommend booking flights departing Ushuaia prior to 12.00 pm on the day of disembarkation in case there are delays.
Antarctica | Credit: Nigel Danson
Antarctica | Credit: Nigel Danson
Pricing | From £20,606 per person
Aurora Stateroom Triple Share | £20,062 per person, twin share.
Aurora Stateroom Twin Share | £20,606 per person, twin share.
Balcony Stateroom Category C | £22,358 per person, twin share.
Balcony Stateroom Category B | £23,567 per person, twin share.
Balcony Stateroom Category A | £25,319 per person, twin share.
Balcony Stateroom Superior | £27,676 per person, twin share.
Junior Suite | £32,994 per person, twin share.
Captain Suite | £37,709 per person, twin share.
Prices correct as at 10 Feb 2026. Due to currency fluctuations some variation may occur. Final price will be given at the time of booking. Please enquire for solo pricing.
Inclusions
- All airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
- One night’s hotel accommodation including breakfast, in Punta Arenas on Day 1.
- Charter flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island.
- Onboard accommodation during voyage, including daily cabin service.
- All meals, snacks, tea, coffee, soft drinks and juices during voyage.
- Beer and house wine with dinner.
- Captain’s Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages.
- All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises.
- Educational lectures and guiding services provided by Expedition Team.
- Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consultation).
- One 3-in-1 waterproof, polar expedition jacket.
- Complimentary use of Muck Boots during the voyage.
- Comprehensive pre-departure information.
- Port surcharges, permits and landing fees.
- Wi-Fi*.
* Please note we travel to remote regions and therefore the connection can be unreliable.
Exclusions
- International or domestic flights – unless specified in the itinerary.
- Transfers – unless specified in the itinerary.
- Airport arrival or departure taxes.
- Passport, visa, reciprocity and vaccination fees and charges.
- Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges.
- Hotel accommodation and meals – unless specified in the itinerary.
- Optional excursions and optional activity surcharges.
- All items of a personal nature, including but not limited to alcoholic beverages (outside of dinner service), gratuities, laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses or phone charges.
Note: A $15 USD per person per day gratuity for the crew is automatically added to your onboard account. It is at your discretion if you would like to remove the tip (or adjust the amount) when you settle your bill. It is not necessary to tip the expedition team members. This gratuity amount is included for suites as part of their ‘Suite Benefits’.
Aurora Expeditions operates in remote and challenging environments, and in the spirit of expedition travel, we encourage you to adopt a flexible and adventurous attitude when joining our voyages. This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather, sea state and other conditions beyond our control.
*View Terms & Conditions.
South Georgia | Credit: Tyson Mayr
Gold Harbour, South Georgia | Credit: Peter Eastway
Book this Voyage
Complete the form below to reserve your space. Upon completion one of our friendly reservations team will be in touch to confirm your booking and answer any questions you may have.
By completing this form, you agree to sharing contact details with the Photographers named on this voyage, who may be in touch with extra details about this voyage specifically