South Shetland Islands Tours December 2025

from $18,995

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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.

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from $18,995

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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

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.

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from $14,524

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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.

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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

• 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, Skiing

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.

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from $11,495

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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

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.

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from $15,003

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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.

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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

• 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.

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from $11,295

EBD 15%

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The Ultimate Antarctica Experience

12 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Victory

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

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.

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from $15,499

Air Credit

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Drake Express

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.

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from $17,995

EBD

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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

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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

• 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.

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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

• 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

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.

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from $6,120

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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.

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from $6,790

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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

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from $16,195

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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

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

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from $32,295

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Antarctica Complete

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 23 Day Itinerary aboard Sylvia Earle

• Step ashore on the Antarctic
• See the king penguins
• Cross the Antarctic Circle

Starts / Ends

Ushuaia / Ushuaia

Activity Level

Variable

Explore Antarctica along with South Georgia and the Falkland - Malvinas islands on this 23-day adventure cruise aboard the Sylvia Earle. Enjoy the wildlife experiences and the unique adventures while on this journey to the deep south.

Cruise Details

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from $17,095

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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

Helicopter Tours

Activity Level

Variable

Cross the 7th Continent off your list on this 12-Day Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent Cruise from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia aboard Ultramarine. Conquer the famed Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands, and Antarctic Peninsula; get up close and personal with penguins, whales, and other wildlife.

Cruise Details

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from $10,395

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Christmas in Antarctica

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 12 Day Itinerary aboard Sea Spirit

• Discover wildlife in Beagle Channel
• Navigate through Lemaire Channel
• Observe unique wildlife
• Celebrate Christmas in icy beauty

Starts / Ends

Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia

Activity Level

Variable

Embark on a 12-day expedition aboard the Sea Spirit, exploring Antarctica's breathtaking glaciers and diverse wildlife, including penguins and seals. Enjoy festive Christmas traditions in this stunning wilderness before returning with unforgettable memories.

Cruise Details

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