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South Shetland Islands Cruises & Tours

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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 2026-2027

Icebergs at sunset

Classic Antarctica Air Cruise

8 Days from $15,995
Embark on this 8-day Antarctica cruise by air and have an adventure with the Magellan Explorer. Fly over the Drake Passage round-trip from Punta Arenas to King George Island where you meet your ship. Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula as you search for wildlife and explore stunning landscapes.
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Zodiac tour through the icebergs.

Across the Antarctic Circle: Fly the Drake - Fly/Fly Expedition

11 Days from $30,195
Join an 11-day Antarctic expedition on the Douglas Mawson, flying over the Drake Passage for deeper exploration below the Antarctic Circle. Experience stunning icebergs, unique wildlife, and the isolation of the deep south through daily Zodiac cruises.
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Gentoo penguins coming ashore at Neko Harbour, Graham Land, Antarctica

Antarctic Peninsula: Fly the Drake - Fly/Fly Expedition

10 Days from $24,595
Embark on a 10-day Antarctic Peninsula: Fly the Drake – Fly/Fly Expedition roundtrip from Punta Arenas aboard the Douglas Mawson, flying over the Drake Passage to maximize exploration time. Discover stunning icebergs, abundant wildlife, and the breathtaking landscapes of this remote region.
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Air Cruise Flight

Polar Circle Air Cruise

10 Days from $24,995
Bypass the Drake Passage by flying directly to the South Shetland Islands. Exit the airplane to a world unlike any other on earth; ice-filled fjords, penguin rookeries, and great expanses of ice await. Sail as far south as possible in an attempt to reach the Polar Circle. Flexibility is key to a successful voyage as conditions can change quickly.
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Cruising in the zodiac looking for wildlife

Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage

9 Days from $14,303
This 9-day Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage, round trip from Puerto Natales aboard the National Geographic Orion, offers an efficient way to experience Antarctica. Travelers fly directly, bypassing the Drake Passage, to explore channels, coves, watch for whales, and navigate icebergs on Zodiac cruises.
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The wildlife was so abundant it was difficult to land.

Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage

10 Days from $17,803
The 10-day Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage Cruise, roundtrip from Puerto Natales aboard the National Geographic Orion, is an amazing way to discover Antarctica. Travelers fly directly, avoiding the Drake Passage, to explore channels and coves, observe whales, and maneuver around icebergs on Zodiac cruises.
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Penguin chicks

Polar Circle Air Cruise

10 Days from $29,795
On this 10-day Polar Circle Air Cruise aboard the Magellan Discoverer, fly directly to the South Shetland Islands, skipping the Drake Passage, and witness fjords, penguin colonies, and vast icy landscapes. Sail southward to reach the Polar Circle, embracing the flexibility required to adapt to ever-changing conditions for a memorable trip.
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An ocean of icebergs.

Complete Antarctica: Fly In, Sail Out

9 Days from $13,495
Travel 9 days from Punta Arenas, Chile to Ushuaia, Argentina aboard Ocean Nova. Fly across the Drake Passage, explore Antarctica and the South Shetland Islands, and observe penguins, seals, and whales. Take part in guided landings, Zodiac excursions, and educational sessions with polar experts.
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An expedition moment in the icy waters of Antarctica

Antarctic Peninsula: Fly the Drake - Fly/Fly Expedition

8 Days from $21,895
Experience the Antarctic Peninsula on an 8-day Fly/Fly expedition aboard the Douglas Mawson, avoiding the rough Drake Passage. After a scenic flight over the Southern Ocean, quickly board your vessel to explore glaciers, penguin rookeries, and spot whales.
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Sunset and icebergs during Antarctica cruise

Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage

8 Days from $12,611
Explore Antarctica on this 8-day Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage cruise, and bypass the traditional Drake Passage with a two-hour flight. Join experts aboard the National Geographic Explorer, venturing into channels and coves framed by towering peaks. Enjoy activities like whale watching, Zodiac cruising around icebergs and hiking.
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South Shetland Islands Travel Guide

A colony of Gentoo penguins tilts their heads up in the snow in the South Shetland Islands, Antarctica.

South Shetland Islands

The South Shetland Islands are a chain of islands located off the northern end of the Antarctic Peninsula and include King George Island, Elephant Island, Livingston Island, and the volcanic Deception Island. King George Island is the most heavily populated region of the Antarctic and is where the airport for Antarctic fly/cruise tours is located.
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Deception Island, Antarctica

Even if its name is mysterious, 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 go around the bend and suddenly a slot in the mountain opens up and our Zodiac enters into a narrow opening. We enter into the caldera of an active volcano! The volcano last erupted in 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 to mix the perfect water temperature. 

Read more about Deception Island, and see all cruises that visit Deception Island. 

Ready to kayak

Half Moon Island, Deception Island

Deception Island is a volcanic island where you can sail into the caldera of the volcano, dig a hole in the beach and soak in natural hot springs!
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Blue icebergs near King George Island

King George Island

King George Island is the most highly populated region in all of Antarctica and is home to many research stations and the most heavily trafficked airport in Antarctica.
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Real South Shetland Travel Stories

Beginning our Antarctica Air Cruise Adventure

Antarctica Air Cruise on the Ocean Nova
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Coatless with L'Austral, Neko Bay, Antarctica

Memories of the Falkland Islands, South Georgia & Antarctic
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