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Beautiful blue icebergs emerge from the ocean.

South Shetland Islands Tours December 2025

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Experience the awe-inspiring wonders of the Antarctic on our 35 unforgettable tours to the South Shetland Islands in December 2025. Explore a pristine wilderness where icebergs glisten under the midnight sun and penguins frolic on icy shores, offering a glimpse into a world untouched by time. Over 8 to 23 days, you can marvel at the raw beauty of the landscape, witness diverse wildlife from seals to seabirds, and immerse yourself in the serenity of this remote region. With activities like wildlife viewing, kayaking, and hiking, there are opportunities for adventure at every turn. Starting at $6,120 to $66,495, these tours promise an unforgettable journey through one of the most breathtaking destinations on Earth. To embark on a once-in-a-lifetime expedition to the South Shetland Islands in Antarctica, contact one of Adventure Life's Antarctic specialists for help planning your next seamless trip.
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    • South Shetland Islands
Icebergs at sunset
from $18,995
Save $2000
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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.
Cruise Details
0
Ice in Antarctica
from $11,495
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
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.
Cruise Details
0
Camping in the Polar regions
from $16,195
Save 25%
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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
0
Enjoy close-up wildlife watching!
from $17,995
25% OFF
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Across the Antarctic Circle

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 13 Day Itinerary aboard Greg Mortimer
  • Cross the Antarctic Circle
  • See leopard and crabeater seals
  • Tour scientific research stations
  • Dive and snorkel in the Antarctic
  • Capture wildlife activity
Starts / Ends
Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia
Activities
Scuba Diving
Activity Level
Variable
On this 13-day Across the Antarctic Circle Expedition Cruise Roundtrip Ushuaia aboard Greg Mortimer, celebrate this magical frozen area of extraordinary beauty, powerful orcas, leopard seals, ethereal snow petrels, bristling mountain ranges, and surreal icebergs. Expect a Christmas and New Year celebration like no other.
Cruise Details
0
from $32,295
25% OFF
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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
Activities
Land & Sea Exploration
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
0
from $16,195
25% OFF
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Spirit of Antarctica

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 12 Day Itinerary aboard Sylvia Earle
  • Hone your photography skills
  • Explore the Drake Passage
  • Navigate on a Zodiac
  • Take a Polar Plunge
Starts / Ends
Ushuaia / Ushuaia
Activity Level
Variable
Explore all the wonders that Antarctica has to offer on this 12-day adventure cruise roundtrip Ushuaia aboard Sylvia Earle. Have a tour of Ushuaia and enjoy the wildlife experience in this polar region. Take in the Antarctic beauty on all shore excursions and Zodiac cruises and the educational lectures and guiding services from the expedition team.
Cruise Details
0
The wildlife was so abundant it was difficult to land.
from $18,475
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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
Kayaking, Wildlife Viewing, Hiking, Skiing
Activity Level
Variable
The 10-day Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage Cruise roundtrip from Puerto Natales aboard National Geographic Orion presents an effective means to discover Antarctica. Travelers fly directly, avoiding the Drake Passage, to explore channels, coves, observe whales, and maneuver icebergs on Zodiac cruises.
Cruise Details
0
Cruising in the zodiac looking for wildlife
from $13,975
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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 roundtrip from Puerto Natales aboard 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.
Cruise Details
0
Cruising in the zodiac looking for wildlife
from $12,448
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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.
Cruise Details
0
A humpback whale dives beneath the Antarctic waters
from $17,995
Save 25%
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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.
Cruise Details
0
from $11,295
EBD 30%
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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
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.
Cruise Details
0
Winter Island Zodiac cruise with Aurora Expeditions
from $16,995
25% OFF
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Antarctica Active (All Inclusive Activities)

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 15 Day Itinerary aboard Greg Mortimer
  • Cross the Drake Passage
  • Explore Antarctic wildlife
  • Enjoy included activities
  • Attend lectures
Starts / Ends
Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia
Activities
Camping, Adventure Options, Snorkeling, Photography Seminars
Activity Level
Variable
Join a 15-day roundtrip expedition to Antarctica from Ushuaia, crossing the Drake Passage to explore the White Continent. Enjoy Zodiac excursions, shore landings, and optional activities like the polar plunge on the Antarctic Peninsula. Experience stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife.
Cruise Details
0
Midnight sun over the flat-topped icebergs of the Weddell Sea
from $15,499
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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.
Cruise Details
0
A majestic view from the kayak
from $17,895
Save 10%
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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.
Cruise Details
0
Nights in Ushuaia
from $16,795
Save 25%
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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.
Cruise Details
0
A seal sits on snow.
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
0
Gentoo penguin
from $17,095
Save 10%
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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
0
Hiking for a stunning view of Antarctica
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
0
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