Top South Shetland Islands Trips & Tours in February 2026

from $9,250

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Antarctica - Discovery and Learning Voyage

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 11 Day Itinerary aboard MV Plancius

• Sail across the Drake Passage
• Cruise between icebergs & fjords
• Observe penguins, albatross & more
• Enjoy trips ashore each day
• Explore the South Shetland Islands

Starts / Ends

Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia

Activity Level

Variable

Meet the Antarctic's great stars, the penguins, which number in the thousands and include a variety of curious species. This 11-day Classic Antarctic Cruise takes you to the picturesque scenery found in one of the world's most inhospitable settings. Deception Island, Cuverville Island, Neko Harbour, Paradise Bay, and Crystal Sound may be visited during your Antarctic adventures.

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from $10,145

EBD 20%

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Adventures in Antarctica

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 11 Day Itinerary aboard MS Seaventure

• Attend Antarctic presentations
• Sail across the Drake Passage
• Enjoy daily off-ship excursions
• Experience encounters with penguins
• Stop at scientific bases

Starts / Ends

Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia

Activity Level

Variable

View the abundant wildlife that call this frozen continent home including albatrosses, prions, petrels, penguins, seals, whales, and dolphins aboard the MS Seaventure on this 11-day Antarctica adventure. Experience the very best of the Antarctic Peninsula, Drake Passage and South Shetland Islands.

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from $20,295

EBD 20%

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Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica

20 Day Itinerary aboard MS Seaventure

• Explore Stanley, East Falkland
• Cruise scenic bays and channels
• See Grytviken Whaling Station
• View bird colonies and seal wallows

Starts / Ends

Arakur Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia

Activity Level

Variable

This 20-day unique expedition cruise goes beyond wildlife viewing and delves into the human history of Falklands and Antarctica. Board MS Seaventure in Ushuaia, Argentina, cruise through the Beagle Channel on your way to the Falkland Islands, then on to South Georgia, and finally the Antarctic Peninsula.

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from $10,999

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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.

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from $10,995

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Quest for the Circle

Ushuaia Roundtrip - 12 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Albatros

• Look for spectacular wildlife
• Cross the infamous Drake Passage
• Discover Gerlache Strait's beauty
• Explore the South Shetland Islands

Starts / Ends

Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia

Activities

Photography Seminars

Activity Level

Variable

Embark on a 12-day Quest for the Circle cruise from Ushuaia to Antarctica aboard Ocean Albatros. Cross the Drake Passage, explore the Antarctic Peninsula's stunning landscapes, and encounter diverse wildlife, including penguins, seals, and whales.

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from $19,795

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Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition

Buenos Aires - Ushuaia - 14 Day Itinerary aboard Ultramarine

• Sail the Drake Passage
• Cross the Antarctic Circle
• Set foot on the 7th Continent
• Look for minke and humpback whales
• Enjoy Flightseeing tours
• Take the Polar Plunge

Starts / Ends

Buenos Aires / Buenos Aires

Activity Level

Variable

Setting foot on the 7th Continent is a polar achievement few experience. Even more rare is the milestone of crossing the Antarctic Circle. Navigating south of 66°33' S is the highlight of the 14-day voyage, which rewards passengers daily with views of dramatic ice formations, humpback whales, leopard seals, penguins, and giant petrels. 

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from $9,095

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Best of Antarctica: Whale Journey

Ushuaia Roundtrip - 11 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Nova

• Cruise the Beagle Channel
• Brave the legendary Drake Passage
• Spot whales and seabirds
• Take thrilling Zodiac excursions

Starts / Ends

Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia

Activities

Kayaking, Wildlife Viewing, Whale Watching, Adventure Options, Citizen Science, Small Ship Sailing, Urban Exploration

Activity Level

Variable

Explore Antarctica on this 11-day adventure from Ushuaia aboard the Ocean Nova. Cross the legendary Drake Passage and reach the breathtaking landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. Witness incredible wildlife, including whales, penguins, and seabirds. Join thrilling Zodiac excursions and take a daring polar plunge.

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from $15,449

Savings

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Crossing the Antarctic Circle

Ushuaia Roundtrip - 13 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 13-day roundtrip exploration from Ushuaia to the Antarctic Circle on World Voyager. Highlights include crossing the Antarctic Circle and becoming a member of the Order of the Red Nose. Then search the waters for Weddell, elephant, & crabeater seals as your Captain navigates through picturesque channels of pristine icebergs and ice floes.

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from $13,499

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Crossing the Antarctic Circle

Ushuaia Roundtrip - 13 Day Itinerary aboard World Traveller

• 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 13-day roundtrip exploration from Ushuaia to the Antarctic Circle on World Traveller. Highlights include crossing the Antarctic Circle & becoming a member of the Order of the Red Nose. Then search the waters for Weddell, elephant, & crabeater seals as your Captain navigates through picturesque channels of pristine icebergs and ice floes.

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from $8,990

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Weddell Sea Quest

12 Day Itinerary aboard MV Ushuaia

• View the icy South Shetlands
• Spot varied Antarctic wildlife
• Enjoy a full program of lectures
• Visit enigmatic Elephant Island

Starts / Ends

Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia

Activity Level

Variable

Embark on a 12-day expedition cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula, the South Shetland Islands, and the Weddell Sea aboard the MV Ushuaia. The Weddell Sea will always be remembered as the polar region that still echoes the ill-fated expedition of the great British polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton.

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from $29,395

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South Georgia, Falklands & Antarctic Odyssey

Ushuaia - Punta Arenas - 20 Day Itinerary aboard Sylvia Earle

• Discover Falklands’ beaches
• Marvel at South Georgia’s glaciers
• Spot Antarctica's wildlife
• Explore Ushuaia’s rugged landscapes

Starts / Ends

Port of Ushuaia / Punta Arenas

Activities

Snorkeling, Scuba Diving

Activity Level

Variable

Join a 20-day cruise on the Sylvia Earle, exploring Ushuaia, the Falklands, South Georgia, and Antarctica. Experience stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and expert-led activities, concluding with a flight from King George Island to Punta Arenas.

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from $19,395

Save 30%

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Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 14 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Explorer

• Sail the Drake Passage
• Cross the Antarctic Circle
• Set foot on the 7th Continent
• Look for minke and humpback whales
• Visit iconic landing sites
• Take the Polar Plunge

Starts / Ends

Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia

Activities

Helicopter Tours, Stand Up Paddle Boarding

Activity Level

Variable

Explore the Antarctic Peninsula on this 14-day Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition aboard Ocean Explorer. See penguins, seals, and whales in their natural habitat, visit Antarctic research stations, and learn about the history and geology of the region. Go sea kayaking through channels dotted with icebergs.

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from $13,799

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Crossing the Antarctic Circle

Ushuaia Roundtrip - 13 Day Itinerary aboard World Navigator

• Brave the intrepid Drake Passage
• Witness extraordinary wildlife
• Cross the Antarctic Circle
• Discover Antarctica's beauty

Starts / Ends

Buenos Aires / Buenos Aires

Activity Level

Variable

Come aboard World Navigator for a 13-day cruise crossing the Antarctic Circle. Sail through the challenging Drake Passage, see incredible wildlife, and explore the South Shetland Islands' beautiful landscapes, with possible landings on Elephant Island and Deception Island. Experience Captain's Choice ports of call for thrilling surprises and more.

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from $15,100

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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

Activities

Hiking

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.

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from $14,500

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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 $16,695

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Antarctic Wildlife Adventure

Ushuaia to Buenos Aires - 23 Day Itinerary aboard Sea Spirit

• Join this ultimate wildlife cruise
• Discover incomparable landscapes
• Visit Shackleton's resting place
• Explore Stanley, Falkland Islands

Starts / Ends

Port of Ushuaia / Buenos Aires

Activity Level

Variable

Embark on a 23-day expedition cruise from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires aboard the Sea Spirit, exploring stunning Antarctic landscapes and diverse wildlife like penguins and seals. Visit South Georgia and the Falkland Islands before concluding your journey with a scenic sail across the South Atlantic.

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from $15,555

EBD 20%

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Crossing the Circle

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 14 Day Itinerary aboard MS Seaventure

• Cross the Antarctic Convergence
• View icebergs, seabirds, and whales
• Board Zodiacs for shore excursions
• Travel to 66º33´S
• Visit Peninsula's bays and channels
• Explore scientific bases

Starts / Ends

Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia

Activities

Camping

Activity Level

Variable

Embark on a 14-day Antarctica cruise aboard MS Seaventure, departing from Ushuaia. Cruise through the Beagle Channel, Cape Horn, and the Drake Passage before reaching the Antarctic Peninsula and crossing the Antarctic Circle. Explore Antarctica using Zodiacs to visit penguin rookeries, seal wallows, bird colonies, and whale feeding areas.

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from $17,800

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Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Elephant Island - Antarctica - Polar Circle

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 23 Day Itinerary aboard MV Hondius

• Bird watch a multitude of seabirds
• Set foot on the Antarctic Continent
• See Commerson’s Dolphins
• Visit whaling and sealing station

Starts / Ends

Tierra del Fuego National Park / Port of Ushuaia

Activity Level

Variable

Join MV Hondius on a 23-day sailing adventure that allows you to discover and explore Antarctica, passing from the Falkland Island to Polar Circle. Experience some of the most dramatic landscapes on earth and enjoy close encounters with Gentoo and Adélie penguins, brown skuas, leopard seals, along with humpback and minke whales.

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