Top South Shetland Islands Trips & Tours in January 2026

from $18,995

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Classic Antarctica Air Cruise

8 Day Itinerary aboard Magellan Explorer

Starts / Ends

Punta Arenas / Punta Arenas

Activity Level

Variable

Embark on this 8-day Antarctic cruise on 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.

• Cruise the South Shetland Islands
• View penguins, seals, and whales
• Attend lectures and presentations
• Explore the Antarctic landscape

Cruise Details

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from $9,595

EBD 15%

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South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

10 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Victory

Starts / Ends

Port of Ushuaia / Antarctica Peninsula

Activity Level

Variable

Board Ocean Victory on this 10-day cruise to the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula. Set foot on the Antarctic continent as well as sub-Antarctic islands and experience the incredible wildlife, stunning mountain scenery, and gigantic icebergs of this remote region on this expedition cruise.

• Sail across the Drake Passage
• Look for spectacular wildlife
• Explore the South Shetland Islands
• Set foot on the Antarctic continent

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from $13,595

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Classic Antarctica Air Cruise

8 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Nova

Starts / Ends

Punta Arenas / Punta Arenas

Activity Level

Variable

Embark on this 8-day Antarctic adventure with Ocean Nova Air Cruises. Fly over the Drake Passage 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 the surrounding landscape.

• Cruise the South Shetland Islands
• View penguins, seals, and whales
• Attend lectures and presentations
• Explore the Antarctic landscape

Cruise Details

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from $15,695

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Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 11 Day Itinerary aboard World Explorer

Starts / Ends

Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia

Activity Level

Variable

On this 11-day adventure to the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula you'll cruise through sea ice, witness penguins building their nests, kayak along icebergs, and experience exhilarating encounters with abundant wildlife including penguins, seals and whales.

• Explore local bays and channels
• Scout for humpback & minke whales
• Experience a Polar Plunge swim
• Learn from on-board specialists

Cruise Details

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from $9,595

EBD 15%

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South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

10 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Albatros

Starts / Ends

Port of Ushuaia / Antarctica Peninsula

Activity Level

Variable

Board Ocean Albatros on this 10-day cruise to the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula. Set foot on the Antarctic continent as well as sub-Antarctic islands and experience the incredible wildlife, stunning mountain scenery, and gigantic icebergs of this remote region on this expedition cruise.

• Sail across the Drake Passage
• Look for spectacular wildlife
• Explore the South Shetland Islands
• Set foot on the Antarctic continent

Cruise Details

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from $40,595

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Epic Antarctica: Crossing the Circle via Falklands & South Georgia

23 Day Itinerary aboard Ultramarine

Starts / Ends

Buenos Aires / Buenos Aires

Activities

Helicopter Tours

Activity Level

Variable

From the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) to South Georgia to the Antarctic Peninsula, you will have countless unforgettable moments on this adventure-packed, 23-day voyage aboard the Ultramarine. This epic Antarctica  expedition includes all of the major Antarctic highlights you can imagine, full of significant milestones for any world traveler.

• Explore the Antarctic Peninsula
• See thousands of pairs of penguins
• Follow in Shackleton's footsteps
• Cross the Antarctic Circle
• Enjoy Flightseeing tours

Cruise Details

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from $23,795

Air Credit

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

Roundtrip Punta Arenas - 12 Day Itinerary aboard Greg Mortimer

Starts / Ends

Punta Arenas / Punta Arenas

Activities

Snorkeling

Activity Level

Variable

Embark on a 12-day Across the Antarctic Circle: Fly the Drake - Fly/Fly Expedition roundtrip Punta Arenas aboard Greg Mortimer, exploring remote areas of Antarctica. Begin on the legendary Drake Passage, where the Pacific and Atlantic oceans converge, creating a challenging waterway.

• Fly over the Drake Passage
• Fly over the Sothern Ocean
• Discover the Antarctic Peninsula
• Witness the Antarctic wildlife

Cruise Details

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from $20,295

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Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake

Roundtrip Punta Arenas - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Explorer

Starts / Ends

Punta Arenas / Punta Arenas

Activity Level

Variable

Explore King George Island and the Antarctic Peninsula, skipping the Drake Passage on this 8-day polar experience. Zodiac cruise in search of whales, seabirds, and astounding icebergs, and enjoy daily landing excursions in the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands.

• Fly over the Drake Passage
• Meet Antarctica´s wildlife
• Zodiac cruise around Pleneau Island
• View Neko Harbor´s icebergs

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from $15,995

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Polar Circle Air Cruise

10 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Nova

Starts / Ends

Punta Arenas / Punta Arenas

Activity Level

Variable

This Antarctic experience flies from Punta Arenas, Chile to King George Island where you embark on a cruise of the Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands for a full 6 days before flying back to Chile. This tour is excellent for those who wish to maximize time in Antarctica and minimize time sailing the high seas crossing the Drake Passage.

• Attempt to cross the Polar Circle
• Cruise along fjords & icebergs
• Search for polar wildlife
• View presentations by polar guides

Cruise Details

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from $18,266

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Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage

Roundtrip Puerto Natales - 10 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Orion

Starts / Ends

Puerto Natales / Puerto Natales

Activities

Hiking, Skiing, Land & Sea Exploration

Activity Level

Variable

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.

• Skip the traditional Drake Passage
• Explore into channels and coves
• Experience activities
• Explore Antarctica's wildlife
• Seven days Antarctic experience

Cruise Details

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from $16,081

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Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage

Roundtrip Puerto Natales - 9 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Orion

Starts / Ends

Puerto Natales / Puerto Natales

Activity Level

Variable

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.

• Skip the traditional Drake Passage
• Explore into channels and coves
• Experience activities
• Explore Antarctica's wildlife

Cruise Details

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from $13,896

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Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage

Roundtrip Puerto Natales - 8 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Explorer

Starts / Ends

Puerto Natales / Puerto Natales

Activity Level

Variable

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.

• Skip the traditional Drake Passage
• Explore into channels and coves
• Experience activities
• Explore Antarctica's wildlife

Cruise Details

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from $9,250

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Antarctica - Discovery and Learning Voyage

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 11 Day Itinerary aboard MV Hondius

Starts / Ends

Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia

Activities

Scuba Diving

Activity Level

Variable

Meet the Antarctic's great stars, the penguins, which number in the thousands and include a variety of curious species. This 11-day Classic Antarctic Cruise takes you to the picturesque scenery found in one of the world's most inhospitable settings. Deception Island, Cuverville Island, Neko Harbour, Paradise Bay, and Crystal Sound may be visited during your Antarctic adventures.

• Sail across the Drake Passage
• Set foot on the Antarctic Continent
• Zodiac cruise by alpine peaks
• Explore the South Shetland Islands

Cruise Details

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from $16,995

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Antarctic Express: Fly South, Cruise North

Punta Arenas - Ushuaia - 10 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Explorer

Starts / Ends

Punta Arenas / Port of Ushuaia

Activities

Stand Up Paddle Boarding

Activity Level

Variable

On this 10-day Antarctic Express: Fly South, Cruise North Expedition Cruise from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia aboard Ocean Explorer, opt for the quickest route to Antarctica, for a unique aerial preview of the vast and dramatic landscape. Continue the adventure by ship experiencing wildlife and natural wonders and then return through the Drake Passage.

• Witness Antarctic wildlife
• Fly over the Drake Passage
• Presentations by polar experts
• Cruise in a Zodiac

Cruise Details

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from $12,965

EBD 20%

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Celebrating Antarctica

Ushuaia Roundtrip - 12 Day Itinerary aboard MS Seaventure

Starts / Ends

Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia

Activity Level

Variable

Board the MS Seaventure for this 12-day cruise that takes you from Ushuaia, across the Drake Passage until you reach the Antarctic Peninsula where you will encounter unspoiled wildlife and scenery.

• Sail across the Antarctic Peninsula
• Encounter unforgettable wildlife
• Cruise among icebergs
• Stop to see historical sites

Cruise Details

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from $13,195

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Crossing the Antarctic Circle

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 15 Day Itinerary aboard Sea Spirit

Starts / Ends

Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia

Activity Level

Variable

Embark on a 15-day expedition aboard the Sea Spirit from Ushuaia to the stunning Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands, where you can encounter whales, albatrosses, and vibrant wildlife. Enjoy kayaking, camping, and onboard festivities before returning to Ushuaia.

• Sail through the Beagle Channel
• Cruise Lemaire Channel's icy beauty
• Discover South Shetland Islands
• Cross the Drake Passage's waters

Cruise Details

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from $28,295

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Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle

Roundtrip Punta Arenas - 11 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Explorer

Starts / Ends

Punta Arenas / Punta Arenas

Activity Level

Variable

On this 11-day journey onboard the Ocean Explorer, immerse yourself in the Antarctic landscape and experience the emotional roller coaster. Visit King George Island before embarking on a voyage to the Antarctic Peninsula. Cross the Antarctic Circle to arrive at 66º33´ S. Take pleasure in having reached a region of the world that relatively few people visit.

• Explore the South Shetland Islands
• Look for whales and seabirds
• Enjoy daily land excursions
• Cross the Circle and reach 66º33´ S

Cruise Details

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from $10,595

EBD 20%

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Antarctica All-Access

Ushuaia Roundtrip - 11 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Albatros

Starts / Ends

Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia

Activities

Kayaking, Wildlife Viewing, Whale Watching, Camping, Photography Seminars, Adventure Options, Citizen Science, Small Ship Sailing

Activity Level

Variable

Embark on an 11-day Antarctic cruise roundtrip from Ushuaia aboard the Ocean Albatros. Begin with a hotel stay and city exploration before sailing across the Drake Passage. Discover dramatic landscapes, wildlife-rich South Shetland Islands, and the icy wonders of Antarctica through Zodiac cruises, kayaking, and visits to research stations.

• Kayak near floating icebergs
• Explore South Shetland Islands
• Visit historic research stations
• Spot penguins and seals

Cruise Details

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