Top South Shetland Islands Trips & Tours in December 2026

from $18,995

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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.

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from $26,231

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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 $17,803

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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

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 $15,589

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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 $15,895

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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

Activities

Hiking, Stand Up Paddle Boarding

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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from $16,995

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Antarctica Active (All Inclusive Activities)

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 14 Day Itinerary aboard Sylvia Earle

• Cross the Drake Passage
• Explore Antarctic wildlife
• Enjoy included activities
• Attend lectures

Starts / Ends

Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia

Activities

Snorkeling

Activity Level

Variable

Embark on a 14-day Antarctica trip from Ushuaia, crossing the Drake Passage to the White Continent. Explore Antarctica's landscapes and enjoy activities like kayaking, camping, snowshoeing, and snorkeling. Optional experiences include the polar plunge. Return via the Drake Passage, attend lectures, and reflect on your journey.

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from $21,195

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Across the Antarctic Circle

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 13 Day Itinerary aboard Sylvia Earle

• Cross the Antarctic Circle
• Spot Antarctic Peninsula icebergs
• Explore Tierra del Fuego’s valleys
• Visit Antarctic historic huts

Starts / Ends

Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia

Activities

Skiing

Activity Level

Variable

Join a 13-day expedition cruise from Ushuaia on the Sylvia Earle, crossing the Antarctic Circle to explore remote icy landscapes. Experience stunning glaciers, vibrant wildlife, and historic sites while navigating pack ice and iceberg-laden waters.

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from $9,940

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Spirit of Terra Nova

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 11 Day Itinerary aboard RMS St. Helena

• Sail to Beagle Channel
• Explore Antarctic Peninsula
• Visit Adélie penguin colonies
• Visit Brown Bluff

Starts / Ends

Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia

Activity Level

Variable

During this 11-day Spirit of Terra Nova cruise aboard RMS St. Helena, explore Antarctica from Ushuaia and sail through the Beagle Channel. Cross the Drake Passage, attend expert-led briefings, and spot seabirds and whales along the way.

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from $6,390

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Classic Antarctica

Ushuaia Roundtrip - 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 $8,690

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Classic Antarctica

Ushuaia Roundtrip - 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 variety of wildlife on this 11-day polar voyage aboard MV Ushuaia.

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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

Activities

Wildlife Viewing, Whale Watching, Kayaking, Photography Seminars, Camping, Citizen Science

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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from $27,695

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Ultimate New Year’s: Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Circle

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 23 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Albatros

• Visit the South Shetland Islands
• View icebergs, seabirds, and whales
• Board Zodiacs for shore excursions
• Travel to 66º33´S

Starts / Ends

Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia

Activity Level

Variable

Ring in the New Year on a 23-day Antarctic cruise aboard the Ocean Albatros, exploring the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and the Antarctic Peninsula. Experience stunning wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and celebrate with a toast while aiming to cross the Antarctic Circle.

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from $15,995

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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.

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from $12,395

25% Off

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New Year in Antarctica

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 12 Day Itinerary aboard Sea Spirit

• Camping experience in Antarctica
• Enjoy feeding humpback whales
• Sail through Lemaire Channel
• Explore Gerlache Strait
• Discover nesting colonies penguins

Starts / Ends

Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia

Activity Level

Variable

Spend 12 days cruising and exploring the Antarctic Peninsula aboard Sea Spirit. Celebrate New Year's Eve amidst icebergs, glaciers, penguins, and whales on the seventh continent!

Cruise Details

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from $11,795

25% Off

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Christmas in Antarctica

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 12 Day Itinerary aboard Sea Spirit

• Sail through the Beagle Channel
• Cross Drake Passage
• Spot whales in Antarctic waters
• 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.

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from $44,500

Save $7000

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King George Island to King George Island

Antarctica Bridge - 10 Day Itinerary aboard Silver Endeavour

• Explore the Antarctic Peninsula
• Fly straight to Antarctica
• Discover King George Island
• Observe Adelie Penguins

Starts / Ends

Santiago / Puerto Williams

Activity Level

Variable

Sail on a 10-day fly-cruise aboard Silver Endeavour, flying to King George Island to begin an Antarctic expedition. Explore the Antarctic Sound, Antarctic Peninsula, and South Shetland Islands through guided Zodiac cruises, landings, and wildlife encounters.

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from $12,995

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Magellan Discoverer Inaugural Air-Cruise

Roundtrip Punta Arenas - 10 Day Itinerary aboard Magellan Discoverer

• Start your adventure in Punta Arena
• Enjoy Patagonia Adventures
• Beagle Channel and Drake Passage
• Antarctic Exploration
• Return Flight from King George Isla

Starts / Ends

Punta Arenas / Punta Arenas

Activity Level

Variable

Embark on a 10-day cruise on the Magellan Discoverer from Punta Arenas to Antarctica. Sail the Strait of Magellan, explore Glacier Alley, and cross the Drake Passage to the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula. Spend three days discovering fjords, icebergs, and wildlife before flying back from King George Island.

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from $11,795

25% Off

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Realm of Penguins & Icebergs

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 12 Day Itinerary aboard Sea Spirit

• Explore Gerlache Strait's glaciers
• Spot wildlife in Antarctica
• Explore Ushuaia's scenic landscapes
• Discover Antarctic Peninsula

Starts / Ends

Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia

Activity Level

Variable

Embark on a 12-day cruise aboard the Sea Spirit from Ushuaia to Antarctica, exploring the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. Experience wildlife encounters, thrilling activities like kayaking and ice camping, and navigate the scenic Lemaire Channel before returning across the Drake Passage.

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