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Top South Shetland Islands with Citizen Science Tours

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Embark on an unforgettable journey to South Shetland Islands in 2026, where you can actively participate in citizen science initiatives while exploring the beauty of the region. These tours offer a unique opportunity to engage with local ecosystems, contribute to important research, collect environmental data, and make a meaningful impact. Choose from the 36 top-rated South Shetland Islands tours ranging from $9,095 to $65,895, which include a variety of activities that allow you to contribute to real-world scientific projects. Popular activities this year include Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing, Kayaking, Photography Seminars, and Camping. Share your ideal citizen science experience with us, and our team of travel experts will help you plan a trip that makes a difference.
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    • South Shetland Islands
An ocean of icebergs.
from $13,495
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Complete Antarctica: Fly In, Sail Out

Punta Arenas - Ushuaia - 9 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Nova
  • Cross Drake Passage flight
  • Explore Antarctic Peninsula sites
  • Observe penguins seals whales
  • Tour South Shetland Islands
Starts / Ends
Punta Arenas / Ushuaia
Activities
Kayaking, Citizen Science, Wildlife Viewing, Photography Seminars, Whale Watching
Activity Level
Variable
Travel 9 days from Punta Arenas, Chile to Ushuaia, Argentina aboard Ocean Nova. Fly across the Drake Passage, explore Antarctica and the South Shetland Islands, and observe penguins, seals, and whales. Take part in guided landings, Zodiac excursions, and educational sessions with polar experts.
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Midnight sun over the flat-topped icebergs of the Weddell Sea
from $20,395
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Wild Antarctica featuring the Weddell Sea: In Partnership with New Scientist Discovery - Fly/Sail

Punta Arenas - Ushuaia - 13 Day Itinerary aboard Sylvia Earle
  • Explore Punta Arenas history
  • Marvel at Weddell Sea icebergs
  • Discover Antarctic Sound wildlife
  • Engage in citizen science
Starts / Ends
Punta Arenas / Port of Ushuaia
Activities
Snorkeling
Activity Level
Variable
Join a 13-day Weddell Sea Fly/Sail expedition on Sylvia Earle with New Scientist Discovery Tours, exploring Antarctica's remote regions rich in ice, wildlife, and history tied to Shackleton's Endurance expedition. Encounter seals, discover ancient fossils, and observe migrating whales while delving into polar science and the unique ecosystem.
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Jumping penguins
from $12,965
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Antarctic Peninsula: The Classic Voyage

Ushuaia Roundtrip - 12 Day Itinerary aboard MS Seaventure
  • Explore Ushuaia’s southern charm
  • Cross the Drake Passage
  • Discover South Shetland Islands
  • Visit Deception Island
  • Cruise amid towering icebergs
Starts / Ends
Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia
Activities
Camping
Activity Level
Variable
Discover the wonders of Antarctica on an unforgettable 12-day cruise from Ushuaia aboard MS Seaventure. Experience breathtaking glaciers, rare wildlife encounters, and the thrill of exploring the White Continent’s remote beauty.
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Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake
from $13,395
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Antarctic Express: Fly South, Sail North

Punta Arenas - Buenos Aires - 9 Day Itinerary aboard World Voyager
  • Fly to King George Island
  • Spot whales and penguins
  • Cross the legendary Drake
  • Experience thrilling Zodiac rides
  • Cruise the Antarctic Peninsula
Starts / Ends
Punta Arenas / Buenos Aires
Activity Level
Variable
Explore the Antarctic on this 9-day Antarctic Express: Fly South, Sail North cruise from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia aboard World Voyager. Explore the breathtaking Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands, where you'll encounter towering glaciers, massive icebergs, and diverse wildlife, including penguins, whales, and seals.
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A whale plays near the surface at dusk.
from $15,665
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Best of Antarctica's Whale Season

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 12 Day Itinerary aboard MS Seaventure
  • Discover Ushuaia’s museums
  • Cross legendary Drake Passage
  • Witness Antarctica’s seascapes
  • Spot whales in Antarctic waters
Starts / Ends
Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia
Activity Level
Variable
Join a 12-day Antarctic expedition cruise on the MS Seaventure, focusing on peak whale-watching season. Experience diverse wildlife, including penguins, seals, and humpback whales, with expert guides leading daily excursions.
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Antarctic sunset
from $14,495
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New Year's Antarctic Circle Crossing

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 13 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Victory
  • Visit Damoy Point huts
  • Spot whales in Wilhelmina
  • Explore Deception Island
  • Discover South Shetlands
Starts / Ends
Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 13-day New Year’s Antarctic Circle Crossing aboard the Ocean Victory. Discover icy landscapes filled with penguins, whales, and seals. Explore historic research huts and awe-inspiring ice formations. This journey is an exceptional blend of adventure, discovery, and remarkable wildlife experiences.
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Kayaking glassy waters around incredible icebergs
from $32,595
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Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle

Punta Arenas Roundtrip - 11 Day Itinerary aboard World Voyager
  • Explore Punta Arenas attractions
  • Fly to King George
  • Land on penguin beaches
  • Cross the Antarctic Circle
Starts / Ends
Punta Arenas / Punta Arenas
Activities
Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Hiking
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on an 11-day Antarctic adventure from Punta Arenas, flying to King George Island to board the World Voyager. Explore the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands by Zodiac and on foot, observe penguins and seals, cross the Antarctic Circle, and marvel at dramatic glaciers before returning to Punta Arenas.
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Blue ice of Antarctica
from $12,445
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Journey to the Antarctic Circle

Ushuaia Roundtrip - 14 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Nova
  • Explore South Shetland Islands
  • Witness wildlife in their habitat
  • Reach the Antarctic Circle
  • Enjoy kayaking & polar plunge
Starts / Ends
Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia
Activities
Small Ship Sailing, Spa Relaxation
Activity Level
Variable
Experience a 14-day roundtrip cruise from Ushuaia aboard the Ocean Nova, sailing through the Beagle Channel and Drake Passage to explore the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. Encounter penguins, seals, whales, and seabirds while enjoying Zodiac landings, kayaking, and a polar plunge.
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A whale plays near the surface at dusk.
from $9,895
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Antarctica's Whale Season

Ushuaia Roundtrip - 11 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Albatros
  • Discover South Shetland Islands
  • Visit scientific research bases
  • Witness Antarctic wildlife encounte
  • Explore Ushuaia’s waterfront charm
Starts / Ends
Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia
Activity Level
Variable
Journey from Ushuaia aboard the Ocean Albatros to the majestic landscapes of Antarctica. Explore the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula, encountering penguins, seals, and whales in their pristine natural habitat.
Cruise Details
0
A group of kayakers pose in the icy waters of Antarctica.
from $9,895
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Exploring Antarctica's Spring

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 11 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Albatros
  • Explore Ushuaia beauty
  • Sail across the Drake Passage
  • Experince Zodiac cruising
  • Navigate South Shetlands
Starts / Ends
Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on an extraordinary 11-day Antarctic expedition aboard the Ocean Albatros. Discover the rich wildlife of this frozen world, including albatrosses, prions, petrels, penguins, seals, whales, and dolphins. Journey through the stunning landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula, Drake Passage, and South Shetland Islands.
Cruise Details
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Penguins on the shores of Antarctica
from $10,195
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Antarctic Peninsula: An Explorer's Expedition

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 11 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Victory
  • Cross the Drake Passage
  • Visit South Shetland Islands
  • Kayak through icy waters
  • Visit research base sites
  • Explore the Antarctic Peninsula
Starts / Ends
Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia
Activity Level
Variable
During this 11-day aboard Ocean Victory, sail through the Antarctic Peninsula: An Explorer's Expedition. Cross the legendary Drake Passage while spotting marine wildlife. Explore South Shetland Islands with penguins, seals, and whales, and navigate iceberg-rich channels to reach pristine Antarctic bays.
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Penguin and landscape
from $11,895
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Christmas Season in Antarctica

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 11 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Victory
  • Cross the Drake Passage
  • Visit research base sites
  • Cruise South Shetland Islands
  • Kayak Antarctic icy waters
Starts / Ends
Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia
Activity Level
Variable
During this 11-day aboard Ocean Victory, explore Ushuaia before crossing the Drake Passage. Cruise through the South Shetland Islands’ volcanic landscapes and glide by kayak across icy waters. Enjoy lectures, Citizen Science programs, and festive celebrations on board.
Cruise Details
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