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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 32 top-rated South Shetland Islands tours ranging from $8,195 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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Midnight sun over the flat-topped icebergs of the Weddell Sea
from $20,395
EBD
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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.
Cruise Details
0
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
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.
Cruise Details
0
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.
Cruise Details
0
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.
Cruise Details
0
Whale sighting in Polar waters!
from $10,145
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Whale Season in Antarctica

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 11 Day Itinerary aboard MS Seaventure
  • Diverse wildlife sightings
  • Sightings of Humpback whales
  • Encounters with Orcas & Minke whale
  • Majestic icebergs
Starts / Ends
Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia
Activity Level
Variable
This 11-day Whale Season in Antarctica Cruise roundtrip Ushuaia aboard MS Seaventure offers diverse wildlife sightings, including iconic penguins, seals, and majestic icebergs. Notably, abundant whale sightings make this journey truly exceptional. Expect encounters with Orcas and Minke whales in Antarctica's pristine wilderness.
Cruise Details
0
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
Hiking, Stand Up Paddle Boarding
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.
Cruise Details
0
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
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.
Cruise Details
0
A whale plays near the surface at dusk.
from $9,895
EXPLORE

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
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.
Cruise Details
0
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
0
Ice falling from a glacier
from $12,195
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Antarctic Peninsula: An Explorer’s Expedition

Ushuaia Roundtrip - 11 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Albatros
  • Explore South Shetlands islands
  • Spot penguins and whales
  • Kayak pristine Antarctic waters
  • Cross legendary Drake Passage
Starts / Ends
Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia
Activities
Camping
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on an 11-day cruise from Ushuaia to Antarctica aboard Ocean Albatros. Explore the South Shetland Islands, witness glaciers and penguins, engage in Citizen Science, and visit historic bases. Cross the Drake Passage, enjoy guided excursions, Zodiac rides, and optional camping under the Antarctic stars.
Cruise Details
0
Observing penguins from the zodiacs.
from $11,095
EXPLORE

Antarctic Peninsula: An Explorer's Expedition

Ushuaia Roundtrip - 11 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Albatros
  • 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
Embark on an 11-day Antarctica expedition from Ushuaia aboard the Ocean Albatros. Discover pristine glaciers, penguin colonies, and icy fjords while crossing the legendary Drake Passage and exploring the White Continent’s untamed beauty.
Cruise Details
0
Penguin jump in Antarctica
from $11,695
EXPLORE

Best of Antarctica In Depth

Ushuaia Roundtrip - 13 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Nova
  • Discover South Shetland Islands
  • Spot whales, seals, and seabirds
  • Hike icy Antarctic terrain
  • Join snowshoeing and camping
Starts / Ends
Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia
Activity Level
Variable
Explore the Best of Antarctica In Depth on a 13-day roundtrip cruise from Ushuaia aboard Ocean Nova. Cross the legendary Drake Passage and explore the stunning landscapes of the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula. Take part in daily Zodiac excursions, hike icy terrain, and spot penguins, whales, and seals in their natural habitat.
Cruise Details
0
Stunning reflections in the Lemaire channel
from $15,195
EXPLORE

Ultimate Antarctic Circle Crossing

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 15 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Albatros
  • Cross the Antarctic Circle
  • Explore South Shetland Islands
  • Visit Antarctic Peninsula bays
  • Spot penguins and seals
Starts / Ends
Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia
Activities
Citizen Science, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing, Photography Seminars, Kayaking
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 15-day expedition from Ushuaia aboard Ocean Albatros. Cross the Drake Passage, explore South Shetland Islands, and reach the Antarctic Peninsula. Observe penguins, seals, whales, and icebergs, visit historic huts, and cross the Antarctic Circle for a rare polar experience.
Cruise Details
0
from $22,995
EXPLORE

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica

Ushuaia Roundtrip - 20 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Albatros
  • Visit Falklands Islands
  • Discover South Georgia
  • Explore Historic Grytviken
  • Visit the scientific bases
Starts / Ends
Arakur Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 20-day polar adventure from Ushuaia aboard the Ocean Albatros, exploring the Falklands, South Georgia, and the Antarctic Peninsula. Encounter vast penguin colonies, historic sites, and breathtaking ice-filled landscapes on this unforgettable voyage.
Cruise Details
0
A whale comes up to say hello
from $10,895
EXPLORE

Best of Antarctica: Whale Discovery

Ushuaia Roundtrip - 12 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Nova
  • Cross the legendary Drake Passage
  • Explore South Shetland Islands
  • Observe colonies of penguins
  • Join guided Zodiac excursions
Starts / Ends
Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia
Activities
Small Ship Sailing, Spa Relaxation
Activity Level
Variable
Experience a 12-day Antarctic cruise from Ushuaia aboard the Ocean Nova. Cross the Drake Passage, explore the South Shetland Islands, and encounter whales, penguins, and seals. Enjoy activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and photography workshops.
Cruise Details
0
Hiking in Antarctica is rewarded with spectacular views
from $9,095
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Antarctica Springs to Life

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 10 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Victory
  • Cross Drake Passage waters
  • Explore Ushuaia harborfront
  • Visit Deception Island beach
  • Experience Antarctic wildlife
Starts / Ends
Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 10-day Antarctica Springs to Life from Ushuaia aboard Ocean Victory. Cross the legendary Drake Passage, explore the pristine landscapes of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. Witness penguins nesting, seals resting on ice, and whales surfacing in the icy waters.
Cruise Details
0
King penguins on South Georgia
from $10,075
EXPLORE

Best of Antarctica: Wildlife Explorer

Ushuaia Roundtrip - 11 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Nova
  • Cross the legendary Drake Passage
  • Explore the South Shetland Islands
  • Spot penguins, seals, and whales
  • Join Zodiac excursions
Starts / Ends
Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia
Activity Level
Variable
Explore the best of Antarctica on this 11-day Wildlife Explorer roundtrip cruise from Ushuaia aboard the Ocean Nova. Navigate the legendary Drake Passage, witness towering icebergs, and discover the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula. Enjoy daily Zodiac excursions, guided hikes, and close encounters with penguins, whales, and seals.
Cruise Details
0
1-18 of 32 Results

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