South Shetland Islands Cruises in 2025

from $18,995

EXPLORE

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

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.

Cruise Details

0

from $18,995

Save 10%

EXPLORE

Classic Antarctica Air Cruise

Punta Arenas Roundtrip - 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

Activity Level

Variable

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.

Cruise Details

0

from $24,995

Save $5000

EXPLORE

Polar Circle Air Cruise

Punta Arenas Roundtrip - 10 Day Itinerary aboard Magellan Explorer

• 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

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.

Cruise Details

0

from $18,597

Save 20%

EXPLORE

Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage

Roundtrip Puerto Natales - 9 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Orion

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

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.

Cruise Details

0

from $19,249

Save 20%

EXPLORE

Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage

Roundtrip Puerto Natales - 10 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Orion

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

Starts / Ends

Puerto Natales / Puerto Natales

Activities

Wildlife Viewing, Kayaking, Hiking, 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.

Cruise Details

0

from $15,995

EXPLORE

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

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.

Cruise Details

0

from $17,677

EXPLORE

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

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.

Cruise Details

0

from $11,495

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

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 Details

0

from $17,995

EXPLORE

Antarctic Express: Fly South, Cruise North

Punta Arenas - Ushuaia - 10 Day Itinerary aboard World Explorer

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

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.

Cruise Details

0

from $12,965

EXPLORE

Celebrating Antarctica

Ushuaia Roundtrip - 12 Day Itinerary aboard MS Seaventure

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

Starts / Ends

Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia

Activities

Camping, Photography Seminars, Citizen Science

Activity Level

Variable

Join a 12-day cruise on MS Seaventure to explore Antarctica's stunning wildlife and landscapes, with extra time for flexibility in your itinerary. Experience rich wildlife in the South Shetland Islands and the remote Antarctic Peninsula, enjoying more landings and Zodiac excursions.

Cruise Details

0

from $16,999

EXPLORE

Drake Express

King George Island Roundtrip - 10 Day Itinerary aboard World Voyager

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

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.

Cruise Details

0

from $13,195

EXPLORE

Crossing the Antarctic Circle

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 15 Day Itinerary aboard Sea Spirit

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

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.

Cruise Details

0

from $17,995

EBD

EXPLORE

Across the Antarctic Circle

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 13 Day Itinerary aboard Greg Mortimer

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

Starts / Ends

Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia

Activities

Snorkeling, Scuba Diving

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.

Cruise Details

0

from $17,895

EXPLORE

Antarctic Express: Cruise South, Fly North

Ushuaia - Punta Arenas - 10 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Explorer

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

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.

Cruise Details

0

from $7,390

Save 30%

EXPLORE

Classic Antarctica

10 Day Itinerary aboard MV Ushuaia

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

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.

Cruise Details

0

from $6,790

EXPLORE

Classic Antarctica

11 Day Itinerary aboard MV Ushuaia

• Sail the Drake Passage
• Explore the Antarctic Peninsula
• Navigate beautiful waterways
• Visit an Antarctic station

Starts / Ends

Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia

Activity Level

Variable

The Antarctic Peninsula’s remarkable history provides you with a type of excitement often only associated with the early explorers. Enjoy plenty of time to explore its amazing scenery, a pristine wilderness of snow, ice, mountains and waterways, and an incredible wide variety of wildlife on this 11-day polar voyage.

Cruise Details

0

from $25,595

EXPLORE

Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle

Roundtrip Punta Arenas - 11 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Explorer

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

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.

Cruise Details

0

from $16,195

EXPLORE

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

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.

Cruise Details

0