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Top South Shetland Islands Tours & Cruises in 2026

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Discover South Shetland Islands in 2026 on one of these trips hand selected by the travel experts at Adventure Life. Select any of the below 32 top-rated trips where you will explore South Shetland Islands, and King George Island with an exceptional bilingual guide on a small group or customizable private tour. The most popular things to do in South Shetland Islands in are cruises, wildlife viewing, wildlife & safari exploration, small ship cruises, and whale watching. Our South Shetland Islands trips in 2026 range in price from $4,995 to $95,395 for trips of 6 to 23 days. Contact one of Adventure Life's expert South Shetland Islands trip planners for help planning a seamless experience.
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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
Chinstrap penguin sighting
$9,095
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
$13,595
Save $2000
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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
$13,195
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
$20,095
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Wild Antarctica - Fly/Sail

Punta Arenas to Ushuaia - 13 Day Itinerary aboard Sylvia Earle
  • Be awed by the array of wildlife
  • Marvel at enormous tabular icebergs
  • Learn about volcanic islands
  • Watch whales feed on krill
Starts / Ends:
Punta Arenas / Port of Ushuaia
Activities:
Adventure Options, Kayaking, Land & Sea Exploration, Small Ship Cruises, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
Famed for its tremendous tabular icebergs, year-round sea ice, fascinating fossils and the pivotal role it played in Shackleton’sEnduranceexpedition, the Weddell Sea offers unsurpassed opportunities for exploration. Embark on a true Antarctic expedition as you not only explore the west …
Cruise Details
0
$6,595
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Antarctic Small Ship Expedition

10 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Nova
  • Sail along ice-filled fjords
  • Cross the infamous Drake Passage
  • Explore the Antarctic landscape
  • Search for penguins, seals & whales
Starts / Ends:
Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia
Activities:
Kayaking, Small Ship Cruises, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Board Ocean Nova Air Cruises for a 10-day journey to the 7th Continent: Antarctica. These cruises are at the beginning and end of the season, are economically priced, and recommended for travelers on a budget that want the full Antarctic experience. Depart from Ushuaia, Argentina and cross the …
Cruise Details
0
Rosy midnight sun colors over icy seas
$8,095
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
Sightseeing on South Georgia
$40,595
Save 30%
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Epic Antarctica: Crossing the Circle via Falklands & South Georgia

23 Day Itinerary aboard Ultramarine
  • Explore the Antarctic Peninsula
  • See thousands of pairs of penguins
  • Follow in Shackleton's footsteps
  • Cross the Antarctic Circle
  • Enjoy Flightseeing tours
Starts / Ends:
Buenos Aires / Buenos Aires
Activities:
Adventure Options, Helicopter Tours, Kayaking, Small Ship Cruises, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
This epic Antarcticavoyage aboard the Ultramarine includesall ofthe major Antarctic highlights you can imagine. 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. Start with …
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
$18,295
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
Leopard Seal
$9,250
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Antarctica - Discovery and Learning Voyage

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 11 Day Itinerary aboard MV Hondius
  • Sail across the Drake Passage
  • Set foot on the Antarctic Continent
  • Zodiac cruise by alpine peaks
  • Explore the South Shetland Islands
Starts / Ends:
Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia
Activities:
Hiking, Small Ship Cruises, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Explore the Antarctic Peninsula and enjoy the most dramatic scenery and the widest variety of wildlife in Antarctica on this special 11-day cruise. Visit the volcanic islands of the South Shetlands and explore the wide variety of flora and fauna in South Shetland.This classic route to the Antarctic …
Cruise Details
0
Kayaking in antarctica
$16,195
Save 30%
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Antarctic Express: Fly South, Cruise North

Punta Arenas - Ushuaia - 10 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean 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:
Adventure Options, Kayaking, Small Ship Cruises, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
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 and witness the continent from the air, offering a distinctive preview of its vast landscape, which remains one of the last …
Cruise Details
0
Whale sighting in Polar waters!
$12,965
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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:
Adventure Options, Camping, Citizen Science, Kayaking, Small Ship Cruises, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Celebrate the best that the Antarctic Peninsula offers on this 12-day cruise 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. This extensive …
Cruise Details
0
Nature at its finest
$13,195
EBD 20%
EXPLORE

Crossing the Antarctic Circle

Wildest Antarctica - 15 Day Itinerary aboard Sea Spirit
  • Observe majestic albatross
  • Admire unique Antarctic wildlife
  • Enjoy whale watching on board
  • Visit the famous “Kodak Gap”
Starts / Ends:
Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Sail south in quest of the fabled Antarctic Circle on this 15-day Sea Spirit expedition. After crossing the circle proceed inshore to visit some of most breathtaking sites this far south. Work your way north along the peninsula, and navigate the waterways and bays, exploring and looking for …
Cruise Details
0
A majestic view from the kayak
$16,995
Save 30%
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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
Activities:
Adventure Options, Kayaking, Small Ship Cruises, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
On this 10-day Antarctic Express: Cruise South, Fly North Expedition Cruise aboard Ocean Explorer, experience the thrill of cruising the Drake Passage upon departure from Ushuaia, complemented by the convenience of a return flight heading north. Along the way to the northernmost point of the …
Cruise Details
0
Gentoo penguin
$27,295
Save 30%
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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
Activities:
Adventure Options, Fly Cruises, Kayaking, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Enjoy Antarctica in style — by flying south of the Antarctic Circle and then cruising! A three-hour flight connects Punta Arenas, Chile, to King George Island, Antarctica. By excluding all additional days at sea, you can focus exclusively on the Antarctic's best landscapes and wildlife …
Cruise Details
0
Gentoo penguin
$16,295
Save 30%
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Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent

Buenos Aires - Ushuaia - 12 Day Itinerary aboard Ultramarine
  • Explore the white continent
  • Observe wildlife
  • Explore landscapes
  • Explore Antarctica's history
Starts / Ends:
Buenos Aires / Buenos Aires
Activities:
Adventure Options, Helicopter Tours, Hiking, Kayaking, Small Ship Cruises, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
On this 12-Day Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent Cruise from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia aboard Ultramarine.This trip is an adventure-filled expedition to Antarctica, starting with a transfer from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia. After exploring the port town, embark on a journey through the …
Cruise Details
0
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