An integral part of most Antarctic cruises, the South Shetland Islands let you explore the northernmost islands of the Antarctic Peninsula including Elephant, Livingston, Deception Island & King George Island where you'll cruise past massive icebergs, jagged mountains, and incredible wildlife like penguin rookeries, elephant seals and whales. King George Island is the most highly populated area of Antarctica as many research stations are based here, and Antarctica's principal airport that receives flights from Punta Arenas, Chile is here making it the embarkation and disembarkation point for Antarctica Fly-Cruise trips. Deception Island is perhaps the most famous attraction, being an active volcano resulting in natural beachfront hot springs waiting for those who dare to take the polar plunge!
10 Best South Shetland Islands Cruises for 2024-2025
Even its name is shrowded in mystery. Upon first approaching Deception Island, it's hard to see what's so deceptive about it. It looks similar to the other mountain islands in the region that jut out of the sea.
But turn around the bend and suddenly a slot in the mountain opens up and as our zodiac enters into a narrow opening. We enter into the caldera of an active volcano! The volcano last erupted 1969 and still heats parts of the island resulting in a natural hot springs waiting for those who dare to take the polar plunge!
If you dig the sand away from the shore, you release hot water. Then you have to dig channels to allow the freezing cold ocean water and mix the perfect water temperature.
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.