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South Shetland Islands Cruises in 2025

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Explore the ethereal realm of the South Shetland Islands with our 73 exceptional Antarctic expeditions slated for 2025. These remote islands, shrouded in ice and teeming with wildlife, offer an unparalleled opportunity for intimate wildlife encounters and breathtaking glacial landscapes. Over the course of 6 to 23 days, adventurers can immerse themselves in activities such as kayaking amidst icebergs, whale watching in pristine waters, and wildlife viewing that brings you face-to-face with penguin colonies and seals. Each expedition promises a symphony of nature's wonders, with the chance to learn from on-board specialists and partake in photography seminars that capture the stark beauty of this frozen frontier. With a starting point of $4,995, these voyages are a testament to the spirit of exploration. To set sail on an unforgettable Antarctic adventure, contact one of Adventure Life's Antarctic specialists for help planning your next seamless journey.
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    • South Shetland Islands
Icebergs at sunset
$15,995
Save $5000
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Classic Antarctica Air Cruise

8 Day Itinerary aboard Magellan Explorer
  • Cruise the South Shetland Islands
  • View penguins, seals, and whales
  • Attend lectures and presentations
  • Explore the Antarctic landscape
Starts / Ends:
Punta Arenas / Punta Arenas
Activities:
Fly Cruises, Kayaking, Small Ship Cruises, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Fly round-trip from Punta Arenas Chile over Cape Horn and the mythical waters of the Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula. You are invited on this 8-day adventure to one of the coldest, highest, windiest, driest, and most inhospitable places - Antarctica. In a little over three hours of flying …
Cruise Details
0
Whale watching in Antarctica
$18,995
Save 30%
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Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake

Roundtrip Punta Arenas - 8 Day Itinerary aboard World Explorer
  • Cross the Drake in a few hours
  • Zodiac cruise in search of whales
  • Enjoy on-board lectures
  • Marvel at the Peninsula highlights
Starts / Ends:
Punta Arenas / Punta Arenas
Activities:
Adventure Options, Fly Cruises, Kayaking, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Optimize your Antarctica experience by flying over the Drake Passage, the fastest and most direct way to the 7th Continent. Board the World Explorer in King George Island and begin your expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula, a land of snow-capped mountain peaks, beaches dotted with leopard seals …
Cruise Details
0
Chinstrap penguin sighting
$8,995
15% Off
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South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

10 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Victory
  • Sail across the Drake Passage
  • Look for spectacular wildlife
  • Explore the South Shetland Islands
  • Set foot on the Antarctic continent
Starts / Ends:
Port of Ushuaia / Antarctica Peninsula
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Enjoy this classic 10-day voyage to the great white continent aboard Ocean Victory. Depart Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world, to cross the infamous Drake Passage to reach Antarctica. Spend two days exploring the sub-Antarctic South Shetland islands, which abound with volcanic …
Cruise Details
0
Ice in Antarctica
$11,495
Save $2000
EXPLORE

Classic Antarctica Air Cruise

8 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Nova
  • Cruise the South Shetland Islands
  • View penguins, seals, and whales
  • Attend lectures and presentations
  • Explore the Antarctic landscape
Starts / Ends:
Punta Arenas / Punta Arenas
Activities:
Fly Cruises, Kayaking, Small Ship Cruises, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Jumping over Cape Horn and the mythical waters of the Drake Passage, you are invited on this 8-day adventure to one of the coldest, highest, windiest, driest, and most inhospitable places - Antarctica. In a little over three hours of flying from Punta Arenas to King George Island, find yourself at …
Cruise Details
0
Camping in the Polar regions
$11,395
Save 30%
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Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 11 Day Itinerary aboard World Explorer
  • Explore local bays and channels
  • Scout for humpback & minke whales
  • Experience a Polar Plunge swim
  • Learn from on-board specialists
Starts / Ends:
Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia
Activities:
Adventure Options, Camping, Kayaking, Small Ship Cruises, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
During this 11-day Antarctic expedition, dramatic ice formations ignite your imagination as you search the landscape for the wildlife that calls it home. Whether it’s humpback whales alongside the ship, a leopard seal diving beneath your Zodiac, penguins sliding into crystal waters from an …
Cruise Details
0
Enjoy close-up wildlife watching!
$16,195
+AirCredit
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Across the Antarctic Circle

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 13 Day Itinerary aboard Greg Mortimer
  • Cross the Antarctic Circle
  • See leopard and crabeater seals
  • Tour scientific research stations
  • Dive and snorkel in the Antarctic
  • Capture wildlife activity
Starts / Ends:
Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia
Activities:
Adventure Options, Scuba Diving, Small Ship Cruises, Snorkeling, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
On this 13-day Across the Antarctic Circle Expedition Cruise Roundtrip Ushuaia aboard Greg Mortimer, have a chance to enter a different world more rarely seen, it feels more isolated and colder than further north, with great swathes of pack-ice and dreamlike icebergs. Thread through pack ice and …
Cruise Details
0
Jumping penguins
$11,985
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Celebrating Antarctica

13 Day Itinerary aboard MS Seaventure
  • Sail across the Antarctic Peninsula
  • Encounter unforgettable wildlife
  • Cruise among icebergs
  • Stop to see historical sites
Starts / Ends:
Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia
Activities:
Adventure Options, Camping, Kayaking, Small Ship Cruises, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Celebrate the best that the Antarctic Peninsula has to offer on this 13-day voyage aboard MS Seaventure – from towering icebergs and impressive glaciers to unreal wildlife encounters and fascinating historical sites. Antarctica is a fascinating and ever-changing environment. Our extensive …
Cruise Details
0
Rosy midnight sun colors over icy seas
$8,495
15% Off
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South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

10 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Albatros
  • Sail across the Drake Passage
  • Look for spectacular wildlife
  • Explore the South Shetland Islands
  • Set foot on the Antarctic continent
Starts / Ends:
Port of Ushuaia / Antarctica Peninsula
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Depart Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world, to cross the infamous Drake Passage to reach Antarctica. Spend two days exploring the sub-Antarctic South Shetland islands, which abound with volcanic landscapes, massive glaciers, towering icebergs, and abundant wildlife. Look for …
Cruise Details
0
$31,495
+AirCredit
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Antarctica Complete

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 23 Day Itinerary aboard Sylvia Earle
  • Step ashore on the Antarctic
  • See the king penguins
  • Cross the Antarctic Circle
Starts / Ends:
Ushuaia / Ushuaia
Activities:
Adventure Options, Kayaking, Land & Sea Exploration, Photography Seminars, Small Ship Cruises, Snorkeling, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Easy Active
Experience unparalleled adventure and discovery on your ultimate Antarctic voyage. If you want to see it all, this is the trip for you. Be transported to enthralling subantarctic islands rich with human history and unique wildlife. Then venture into the deep south of the Antarctic Peninsula, …
Cruise Details
0
$19,795
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Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica via Ushuaia

21 Day Itinerary aboard MS Seaventure
  • Explore Stanley, East Falkland
  • Cruise scenic bays and channels
  • See Grytviken Whaling Station
  • View bird colonies and seal wallows
Starts / Ends:
Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia
Activities:
Adventure Options, Kayaking, Photography Seminars, Small Ship Cruises, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
The sub-Antarctic Falkland Islands/Malvinas and South Georgia are home to some of the most unique and abundant wildlife on earth. With beaches covered in fur seals, elephant seals, and hundreds of thousands of penguins, it’s one of the most jaw-dropping nature scenes you will ever experience. …
Cruise Details
0
$15,595
Savings
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Spirit of Antarctica

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 12 Day Itinerary aboard Greg Mortimer
  • See penguin colonies
  • Zodiac cruise
  • Kayak or camp ashore
  • Explore Antarctic marine life
Starts / Ends:
Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia
Activities:
Adventure Options, Camping, Hiking, Kayaking, Photography Seminars, Skiing, Small Ship Cruises, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
Experience polar exploration on a traditional expedition to the white continent during this 12-day adventure cruise roundtrip Ushuaia aboard Greg Mortimer. Traverse the famous Drake Passage, admire stunning seabirds, and approach the ice by sea, similar to the early explorers. You'll get to …
Cruise Details
0
Incredible ice formations
$4,995
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Antarctica Express Air Cruise

6 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Nova
  • Visit the legendary Cape Horn
  • Attend presentations and lectures
  • Sail through ice-filled bays
  • Explore Antarctic bases & stations
Starts / Ends:
Port of Ushuaia / Punta Arenas
Activities:
Fly Cruises, Small Ship Cruises, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
For those short on time this Antarctic Express Air Cruise optimizes your experience so you can see it all! Embark the Ocean Nova in Ushuaia and set sail for Cape Horn. Depending on the weather, be one of the few to step foot on this rarely-visited island! Begin by crossing the Drake Passage en …
Cruise Details
0
Penguin jump in Antarctica
$18,495
Save 30%
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Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake

Roundtrip Punta Arenas - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Explorer
  • Fly over the Drake Passage
  • Meet Antarctica´s wildlife
  • Zodiac cruise around Pleneau Island
  • View Neko Harbor´s icebergs
Starts / Ends:
Punta Arenas / Punta Arenas
Activities:
Adventure Options, Fly Cruises, Kayaking, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Skip the four days of Drake Passage crossings and optimize your Antarctica experience by flying! A short two-hour flight takes you between Punta Arenas, Chile, and King George Island. Once in Antarctica, the penguins, seals, and whales keep you and your camera busy, as do the massive icebergs, …
Cruise Details
0
Air Cruise Flight
$15,995
Save $1500
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Polar Circle Air Cruise

10 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Nova
  • Attempt to cross the Polar Circle
  • Cruise along fjords & icebergs
  • Search for polar wildlife
  • View presentations by polar guides
Starts / Ends:
Punta Arenas / Punta Arenas
Activities:
Fly Cruises, Kayaking, Small Ship Cruises, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
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, pengiun 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 …
Cruise Details
0
$19,295
+AirCredit
EXPLORE

Antarctic Explorer - Fly/Sail

Punta Arenas - Ushuaia - 13 Day Itinerary aboard Greg Mortimer
  • Explore Antarctic Peninsula
  • Zodiac-cruise in search of whales
  • Explore Antarctic wildlife
  • Fly across Drake Passage
Starts / Ends:
Punta Arenas / Ushuaia
Activities:
Adventure Options, Kayaking, Land & Sea Exploration, Small Ship Cruises, Snorkeling, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
Embark on a 13-day Antarctic Explorer Expedition Cruise on the Greg Mortimer from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia and discover the enormity of Antarctica. Witness the splendor of the Antarctic Peninsula, where colossal glaciers cascade into the ocean, towering peaks dwarf penguins, and humpback and minke …
Cruise Details
0
$19,895
+AirCredit
EXPLORE

Antarctic Explorer - Fly/Sail

Punta Arenas - Ushuaia - 13 Day Itinerary aboard Sylvia Earle
  • History of Antarctic explorers
  • Zodiac-cruise in search of whales
  • Explore Antarctica
  • Encounter penguins
Starts / Ends:
Punta Arenas / Ushuaia
Activities:
Adventure Options, Fly Cruises, Kayaking, Land & Sea Exploration, Photography Seminars, Small Ship Cruises, Snorkeling, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Easy Active
Explore the deep south on this 13-day Antarctic Explorer Expedition Cruise from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia aboard Sylvia Earle. Experience the immensity of Antarctica and immerse yourself in the unimaginable beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula, where vast glaciers tumble into the sea, penguins are …
Cruise Details
0
Cruising in the zodiac looking for wildlife
$9,159
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Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage

Roundtrip Puerto Natales - 8 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Explorer
  • Skip the traditional Drake Passage
  • Explore into channels and coves
  • Experience activities
  • Explore Antarctica's wildlife
Starts / Ends:
Puerto Natales / Puerto Natales
Activities:
Fly Cruises, Hiking, Kayaking, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Easy Active
Explore the majestic beauty of Antarctica more efficiently with the 8-day Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage Cruise roundtrip to Puerto Natales. Skip the traditional Drake Passage crossing and opt for a two-hour flight to and from Antarctica, ensuring you experience all highlights without …
Cruise Details
0
Blue Eyed Shag in Neko Harbor, Antarctic Peninsula
$18,795
+AirCredit
EXPLORE

Antarctic Explorer with Chilean Fjords

Roundtrip Punta Arenas - 14 Day Itinerary aboard Sylvia Earle
  • Experience Zodiac cruises
  • Observe marine wildlife
  • Explore bays and coves
  • Discover marine wildlife
Starts / Ends:
Punta Arenas / Punta Arenas
Activities:
Adventure Options, Fly Cruises, Kayaking, Photography Seminars, Scuba Diving, Small Ship Cruises, Snorkeling, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Experience a 14-day travel adventure aboard the Sylvia Earle, a cruise that departs from and returns to Punta Arenas, featuring the Chilean Fjords and Antarctic Explorer. This expedition offers a chance to witness a range of wildlife in their natural habitats, such as penguin chicks, whales, …
Cruise Details
0
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