Secret Atlas Launches 36-Guest Antarctic Explorer Yacht Aureum

Secret Atlas has announced the addition of Explorer Yacht Aureum, a purpose-built expedition vessel designed to carry just 36 guests, for the 2027/28 and 2028/29 Antarctica and South Georgia seasons.

Key Features of Aureum
- Purpose-designed expedition yacht with ice-class certification.
- Accommodates only 36 guests in 22 cabins, creating a highly intimate expedition experience.

Offers:
- Spacious suites
- Eight dedicated single cabins with no single supplement
- Panoramic observation lounge
- Bridge lounge
- Expansive outdoor viewing decks
- Open observation bow
- Wellness area with sauna and outdoor hot tub
- Single-seating restaurant where all guests dine together

Partnership with Antarpply Expeditions
Aureum will operate under the Secret Atlas brand through a long-term strategic partnership with Antarpply Expeditions, supporting a shared focus on:
- Small-group exploration
- Responsible tourism
- Operational excellence
- Enhanced guest experiences

Expedition Micro Cruise Concept
Secret Atlas specializes in Expedition Micro Cruises, emphasizing:
- Small group sizes
- Closer wildlife encounters
- Access to locations that are often difficult for larger expedition ships to reach

Guests benefit from an industry-leading 1:6 guide-to-guest ratio, with experienced polar guides, scientists, naturalists, and expedition leaders providing in-depth interpretation and expertise throughout each voyage.

New Antarctic and South Georgia Itineraries
Bookings are now open for the 2027/28 and 2028/29 seasons, including:
- South Georgia In Depth Expedition Micro Cruise
- South Georgia & Antarctica – Shackleton Special Expedition Micro Cruise

Antarctica By Air Program
One of the most notable additions is the new Antarctica By Air program.
Key benefits:
- Operates through Secret Atlas' expedition hub in Puerto Natales, Chile.
- Guests fly directly to Antarctica, significantly reducing or avoiding the traditional Drake Passage crossing.
- Maximizes time spent exploring Antarctica.

Program options include:
- Antarctic Circle By Air Expedition Micro Cruise
- Antarctic Peninsula By Air & Sea Expedition Micro Cruise, combining a flight with a one-way voyage from Ushuaia.

Key Takeaway
With the introduction of Aureum, Secret Atlas is expanding beyond its traditional Arctic offerings and entering Antarctica and South Georgia with a purpose-built vessel focused on ultra-small-group exploration. The 36-guest capacity, high guide-to-guest ratio, and new fly-in Antarctic options position the company to meet growing demand for immersive and personalized polar expedition experiences.