South Shetland Islands Cruises in 2025

from $18,995

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Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake

Roundtrip Punta Arenas - 8 Day Itinerary aboard World Explorer

Starts / Ends

Punta Arenas / Punta Arenas

Activity Level

Variable

Fly over the Drake Passage and experience the fastest and most direct way to Antarctica on this 8-day polar expedition. Zodiac cruise in search of whales, seabirds, and astounding icebergs, and enjoy daily landing excursions in the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula.

• Cross the Drake in a few hours
• Zodiac cruise in search of whales
• Enjoy on-board lectures
• Marvel at the Peninsula highlights

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from $18,295

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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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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

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0

from $24,995

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Polar Circle Air Cruise

10 Day Itinerary aboard Magellan Explorer

Starts / Ends

Punta Arenas / Punta Arenas

Activity Level

Variable

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.

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

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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

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from $19,249

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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

Wildlife Viewing, Kayaking, Hiking, Adventure Options, 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

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from $11,495

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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

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from $13,975

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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

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from $11,975

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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

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from $17,995

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Antarctic Express: Fly South, Cruise North

Punta Arenas - Ushuaia - 10 Day Itinerary aboard World 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 World 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

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0

from $11,295

EBD 15%

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The Ultimate Antarctica Experience

12 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Victory

Starts / Ends

Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia

Activities

Camping, Photography Seminars

Activity Level

Variable

Join this 12-day ultimate Antarctica cruise from Ushuaia & back aboard the Ocean Victory. Set sail from the grey waters of the Beagle Channel to the Antarctic mainland, cross the Drake Passage, & take in the wildlife-rich South Shetland Islands. Spot seals, sea lions, & whales among the icy glaciers and venture beyond the Antarctic Circle.

• Explore the South Shetland Islands
• Experience Zodiac excursions
• Spot bounty of wildlife
• See tabular icebergs of Weddell Sea

Cruise Details

0

from $11,275

EBD 20%

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Celebrating Antarctica

Ushuaia Roundtrip - 12 Day Itinerary aboard MS Seaventure

Starts / Ends

Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia

Activities

Citizen Science

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 $15,499

Air Credit

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Drake Express

10 Day Itinerary aboard World Voyager

Starts / Ends

Punta Arenas / Punta Arenas

Activities

Whale Watching

Activity Level

Variable

Embark on this 10-day expedition aboard World Voyager. Fly to King George Island, the unofficial capital of Antarctica, and explore the South Shetland Islands, rich with wildlife and stunning landscapes. Visit Elephant Island, Deception Island, and other remarkable sites. Experience the vast, icy expanse of the Antarctic Peninsula and more.

• Fly to King George Island
• Visit Elephant Island
• Explore Deception Island’s
• Witness Gentoo penguin rookeries

Cruise Details

0

from $17,995

Air Credit

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Across the Antarctic Circle

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 13 Day Itinerary aboard Greg Mortimer

Starts / Ends

Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia

Activities

Scuba Diving, Snorkeling

Activity Level

Variable

Join this 13-day expedition cruise on the Greg Mortimer, exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. Discover wildlife and breathtaking landscapes, and enjoy expert-led outings while crossing the iconic Drake Passage and Cape Horn.

• Explore Ushuaia’s rugged landscapes
• Spot Antarctica’s icebergs
• Visit Antarctic research sites
• Experience polar plunge

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0

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

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from $17,895

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Antarctic Express: Cruise South, Fly North

Ushuaia - Punta Arenas - 10 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Explorer

Starts / Ends

Port of Ushuaia / Punta Arenas

Activity Level

Variable

Embark on a 10-day Antarctic Express: Cruise South, Fly North Expedition from Ushuaia, crossing the Drake Passage. Encounter whales and penguins en route to the Antarctic Peninsula's northernmost tip. Despite the initial overwhelming silence, vibrant wildlife and fellow adventurers will deepen your appreciation for Antarctica's extremes.

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

Cruise Details

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from $16,795

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Antarctic Express: Cruise South, Fly North

Ushuaia - Punta Arenas - 10 Day Itinerary aboard World Explorer

Starts / Ends

Port of Ushuaia / Punta Arenas

Activity Level

Variable

Join a 10-day Antarctic Express: Cruise South, Fly North Expedition departing from Ushuaia. Pass by the Drake Passage, witness whales and penguins, and reach the northernmost point of the Antarctic Peninsula. In the middle of profound silence, the lively wildlife enhances travelers' understanding of Antarctica's unique contrasts.

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

Cruise Details

0

from $5,190

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Classic Antarctica

10 Day Itinerary aboard MV Ushuaia

Starts / Ends

Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia

Activity Level

Variable

This classic small ship cruise to Antarctica lets you follow in the footsteps of the early Antarctic explorers like Shackleton, Cook & Ross. Explore amazing Antarctic scenery - pristine wilderness of sea, snow, ice, mountains, and an incredible abundance of wildlife on this 10-day Antarctic cruise on the MV Ushuaia which houses only 88 passengers.

• View vast penguin rookeries
• Explore the pristine wilderness
• Navigate narrow passages
• Cross the infamous Drake Passage

Cruise Details

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