Top South Shetland Islands Trips & Tours in December 2026

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

Activities

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

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.

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from $15,195

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Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 11 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Explorer

• Trek up snowy pathways for views
• Zodiac ashore each day to explore
• Watch glacier calve into the ocean
• Explore bays & channels each day

Starts / Ends

Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia

Activity Level

Variable

This exciting Antarctic cruise crosses the famed Drake Passage, explores the wildlife-rich shores of the South Shetland Islands, and makes numerous stops along the Antarctic Peninsula. Join us on a trip of a lifetime aboard the Ocean Explorer.

Cruise Details

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from $16,195

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Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent

Roundtrip Buenos Aires - 11 Day Itinerary aboard World Voyager

• Sail through Beagle Channel
• Zodiac ashore each day to explore
• Experience the Drake Passage
• Enjoy guided Zodiac excursions

Starts / Ends

Buenos Aires / Buenos Aires

Activity Level

Variable

Join this 11-day Discovering the 7th Continent Antarctic Small Ship Cruise on the World Voyager. Fly from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, sail through the Beagle Channel, explore Antarctica’s icy landscapes, witness penguins and whales, and cross the legendary Drake Passage.

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from $11,695

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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

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from $10,075

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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

Activities

Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Small Ship Sailing, Spa Relaxation

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.

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from $24,795

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Classic Antarctica Air Cruise

Roundtrip Punta Arenas - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Magellan Discoverer

• Direct Flight to Antarctica
• Wildlife Encounters in Antarctica
• Sail through Ice-Filled Fjords
• Expert-Led Zodiac Landings

Starts / Ends

Punta Arenas / Punta Arenas

Activity Level

Variable

The Classic Antarctica air-cruise offers an 8-day adventure from Punta Arenas, Chile, flying directly to Antarctica. Explore the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula, sailing through ice-filled fjords and encountering penguins, seals, and whales. Enjoy Zodiac landings with expert guides before returning to Punta Arenas.

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from $16,243

Save 10%

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Antarctica Direct: Sail and Fly the Drake Passage

Ushuaia - Puerto Natales - 10 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Explorer

• Flight to Puerto Natales
• Explore channels and coves
• Engage in exciting activities
• Experience activity options

Starts / Ends

Port of Ushuaia / Puerto Natales

Activity Level

Variable

Experience the 10-day Antarctica Direct: Sail and Fly the Drake Passage Cruise from Ushuaia to Puerto Natales on the National Geographic Explorer. Cruise outbound through the Drake Passage and return via a 2-hour flight from Antarctica, saving time at sea.

Cruise Details

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from $18,895

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Spirit of Antarctica: In Partnership with New Scientist

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 12 Day Itinerary aboard MV Douglas Mawson

• Explore Ushuaia’s landscapes
• Admire views of Lake Escondido
• Witness Antarctica’s icy landscapes
• Participate in citizen science

Starts / Ends

Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia

Activity Level

Variable

Join a 12-day expedition cruise aboard the Douglas Mawson from Ushuaia, perfect for nature and science enthusiasts. Experience stunning landscapes, wildlife, expert talks, and flexible itineraries tailored to weather and sightings.

Cruise Details

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from $9,650

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Antarctica - Discovery and Learning Voyage

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 11 Day Itinerary aboard MV Hondius

• Sail across the Drake Passage
• Set foot on the Antarctic Continent
• Zodiac cruise by alpine peaks
• Explore the South Shetland Islands

Starts / Ends

Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia

Activities

Scuba Diving

Activity Level

Variable

Meet thousands of penguins and other wildlife on this 11-day Classic Antarctic Cruise aboard MV Hondius. Explore remote landscapes and possible sites like Deception Island, Cuverville Island, Neko Harbour, Paradise Bay, and Crystal Sound in one of the world’s most extreme environments.

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from $36,095

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Antarctica Complete (Christmas and New Year)

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 23 Day Itinerary aboard MV Douglas Mawson

• Holiday exploring Antarctica
• Explore Ushuaia’s landscapes
• Discover South Georgia’s wildlife
• Wander Stanley’s British charm

Starts / Ends

Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia

Activities

Land & Sea Exploration

Activity Level

Variable

Join this 23-day cruise from Ushuaia on the Douglas Mawson, celebrating Christmas while exploring the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia, and the Falklands-Malvinas. Experience wildlife-rich subantarctic islands, Zodiac cruises, and breathtaking landscapes for the ultimate polar adventure.

Cruise Details

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from $25,100

Save $7000

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Antarctica Peninsula - Round Trip Puerto Williams

Santiago to Puerto Williams - 14 Day Itinerary aboard Silver Cloud

• Marvel at spectacular icebergs
• Meet Antarctica's diverse wildlife
• Enjoy Zodiac excursions
• Crossing the Drake Passage

Starts / Ends

Puerto Williams / Puerto Williams

Activity Level

Variable

Explore Antarctica on this 14-day cruise that visits the Antarctic Sound, Antarctic Peninsula, and the South Shetland Islands to witness diverse seabirds, whales, penguins, and the amazing scenery of glaciers and icebergs.

Cruise Details

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from $17,000

Save $7000

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Antarctica Peninsula - Round Trip Puerto Williams

Santiago - Puerto Williams - 12 Day Itinerary aboard Silver Wind

• Explore Puerto Williams
• Discover Drake Passage
• Experience Antarctic Sound
• Visit the South Shetland Islands

Starts / Ends

Santiago / Puerto Williams

Activity Level

Variable

Join the Silver Wind on a 12-day expedition cruise from Puerto Williams, exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. Enjoy an exclusive program of small-group shore experiences, guided by a team of experts.

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from $11,395

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Antarctic Peninsula: The Classic Voyage

Ushuaia Roundtrip - 12 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Albatros

• Camp under Antarctic stars
• Encounter unforgettable wildlife
• Enjoy thrilling Zodiac excursions
• Visit historic research stations

Starts / Ends

Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia

Activity Level

Variable

Embark on a 12-day Classic Voyage from Ushuaia aboard the Ocean Albatros. Explore the Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands, and the Antarctic Peninsula with expert guides, thrilling Zodiac excursions, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.

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from $9,650

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Antarctica - Discovery and Learning Voyage + Long hikes

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 11 Day Itinerary aboard MV Plancius

• Hike Antarctic wilderness trails
• Zodiac cruise icy bays
• Observe penguins, albatross & more
• Enjoy trips ashore each day
• Explore the South Shetland Islands

Starts / Ends

Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia

Activities

Hiking, Snorkeling

Activity Level

Variable

Set out on an 11-day Antarctica expedition cruise aboard MV Plancius, featuring long hikes, Zodiac excursions, and close-up wildlife encounters. Discover glaciers, penguin colonies, and historic sites from Ushuaia to the Antarctic Peninsula.

Cruise Details

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from $18,899

$200+Perks

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Drake Express

King George Roundtrip - 10 Day Itinerary aboard World Traveller

• Explore Beak Island’s stark terrain
• Visit Elephant Island
• Explore Deception Island’s
• Witness Gentoo penguin rookeries

Starts / Ends

Punta Arenas / Punta Arenas

Activity Level

Variable

Embark on a 10-day Drake Express cruise aboard World Traveller, land at remote research stations, and witness abundant wildlife. This flexible itinerary brings you face-to-face with penguins, seals, and massive icebergs in some of the world’s most untouched places.

Cruise Details

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from $17,895

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Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake

Roundtrip Punta Arenas - 8 Day Itinerary aboard World Voyager

• Fly over the Drake Passage
• Visit South Shetland Islands
• Zodiac cruise around Pleneau Island
• Marvel at giant icebergs

Starts / Ends

Punta Arenas / Punta Arenas

Activity Level

Variable

Discover King George Island and the Antarctic Peninsula on this 8-day polar adventure aboard World Voyager, skipping the Drake Passage for a seamless journey. Fly directly from Punta Arenas to Antarctica, where you’ll explore the pristine landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula.

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