Top South Shetland Islands Trips & Tours in February 2026

from $18,995

Save $1500

EXPLORE

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

from $15,995

EXPLORE

Polar Circle Air Cruise

10 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Nova

• Attempt to cross the Polar Circle
• Cruise along fjords & icebergs
• Search for polar wildlife
• View presentations by polar guides

Starts / Ends

Punta Arenas / Punta Arenas

Activity Level

Variable

This Antarctic experience flies from Punta Arenas, Chile to King George Island where you embark on a cruise of the Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands for a full 6 days before flying back to Chile. This tour is excellent for those who wish to maximize time in Antarctica and minimize time sailing the high seas crossing the Drake Passage.

Cruise Details

0

from $15,753

EXPLORE

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.

Cruise Details

0

from $17,254

EXPLORE

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

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.

Cruise Details

0

from $23,795

EBD

EXPLORE

Across the Antarctic Circle: Fly the Drake - Fly/Fly Expedition

Roundtrip Punta Arenas - 12 Day Itinerary aboard Sylvia Earle

• See the activity of a penguin city
• Chance to spot leopard seals
• Cruise on a Zodiac
• Fly over the Drake Passage

Starts / Ends

Punta Arenas / Punta Arenas

Activity Level

Variable

Get a chance to observe seals and penguins in their natural habitat. Spend 12 days aboard the Sylvia Earle exploring Antarctica's huge white continent. Additionally, fly through the Drake Passage during this expedition.

Cruise Details

0

from $12,664

EXPLORE

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

from $13,595

EXPLORE

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

from $20,095

EBD

EXPLORE

Wild Antarctica featuring the Weddell Sea - Fly/Sail

Punta Arenas to Ushuaia - 13 Day Itinerary aboard Sylvia Earle

• Explore the Antarctic Peninsula
• Marvel at enormous tabular icebergs
• Discover Antarctic Sound wildlife
• Visit historic huts on land

Starts / Ends

Punta Arenas / Port of Ushuaia

Activity Level

Variable

Join a 13-day expedition cruise on the Sylvia Earle to explore the Weddell Sea in Antarctica, famous for its icebergs and historical significance. Experience the breathtaking wilderness as you navigate pack ice and encounter stunning tabular icebergs.

Cruise Details

0

from $18,695

EBD

EXPLORE

Antarctica: Through the Lens - Fly/Sail Expedition

Punta Arenas - Ushuaia - 12 Day Itinerary aboard Greg Mortimer

• Fly over the Drake Passage
• Explore Punta Arenas vibrant scene
• Spot Antarctic icebergs
• Photograph glaciers and icebergs

Starts / Ends

Punta Arenas / Ushuaia

Activity Level

Variable

Join a 12-day Antarctic Explorer Fly/Sail Expedition from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia on the Greg Mortimer. Discover stunning wildlife, majestic glaciers, and pristine landscapes as you cruise through the Antarctic Peninsula's icy bays.

Cruise Details

0

from $16,995

Save 10%

EXPLORE

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

Activities

Stand Up Paddle Boarding

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

from $8,990

EXPLORE

Polar Circle Quest

12 Day Itinerary aboard MV Ushuaia

• Discover the Antarctic peninsula
• Spot varied wildlife
• Enjoy a full program of lectures
• Explore south for the Polar Circle

Activity Level

Variable

This 12-day small ship cruise to Antarctica on the MV Ushuaia sails to the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands from Ushuaia, Argentina. Conditions permitting, navigate some of the most beautiful waterways on the planet: the Gerlache Strait, Errera Channel, Neumayer Channel, and the extremely narrow Lemaire Channel.

Cruise Details

0

from $17,795

EBD

EXPLORE

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

0

from $25,595

Save 10%

EXPLORE

Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle

Roundtrip Punta Arenas - 11 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Explorer

• Explore the South Shetland Islands
• Look for whales and seabirds
• Enjoy daily land excursions
• Cross the Circle and reach 66º33´ S

Starts / Ends

Punta Arenas / Punta Arenas

Activity Level

Variable

On this 11-day journey onboard the Ocean Explorer, immerse yourself in the Antarctic landscape and experience the emotional roller coaster. Visit King George Island before embarking on a voyage to the Antarctic Peninsula. Cross the Antarctic Circle to arrive at 66º33´ S. Take pleasure in having reached a region of the world that relatively few people visit.

Cruise Details

0

from $6,990

EXPLORE

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

from $12,195

Save 30%

EXPLORE

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

from $16,295

Save 10%

EXPLORE

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

from $10,595

EBD 20%

EXPLORE

Antarctica All-Access

Ushuaia Roundtrip - 11 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Albatros

• Kayak near floating icebergs
• Explore South Shetland Islands
• Visit historic research stations
• Spot penguins and seals

Starts / Ends

Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia

Activities

Kayaking, Wildlife Viewing, Whale Watching, Camping, Photography Seminars, Citizen Science, Small Ship Sailing

Activity Level

Variable

Embark on an 11-day Antarctic cruise roundtrip from Ushuaia aboard the Ocean Albatros. Begin with a hotel stay and city exploration before sailing across the Drake Passage. Discover dramatic landscapes, wildlife-rich South Shetland Islands, and the icy wonders of Antarctica through Zodiac cruises, kayaking, and visits to research stations.

Cruise Details

0

from $10,999

Air Credit

EXPLORE

Antarctic Discovery

Ushuaia Roundtrip - 11 Day Itinerary aboard World Voyager

• Navigate the intrepid Drake Passage
• Discover Beak Island and more
• Explore the South Shetland Islands
• See Deception Island's

Starts / Ends

Buenos Aires / Buenos Aires

Activity Level

Variable

Join this 11-day Antarctic Discovery exploration cruise roundtrip from Ushuaia aboard World Voyager. Highlights include navigating the famous Drake Passage & seeing hourglass dolphins, daily landings, & complimentary zodiac safaris. Watch for penguins hatching from late December to January, or search for orcas & sperm whales from January to March.

Cruise Details

0