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 $20,295

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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 $8,990

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Weddell Sea Quest

Ushuaia Roundtrip - 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 $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

Small Ship Sailing, Citizen Science

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 $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. 

Cruise Details

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from $19,395

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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

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 $18,459

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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 $9,095

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South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 10 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Victory

• Sail through the Beagle Channel
• Cross the legendary Drake Passage
• Explore the South Shetland Islands
• Spot Antarctic wildlife

Starts / Ends

Port of Ushuaia / Antarctica Peninsula

Activity Level

Variable

Embark on a 10-day expedition cruise to Antarctica aboard the Ocean Victory, starting in Ushuaia, Argentina. Experience breathtaking wildlife encounters and explore stunning ice formations with expert guides in one of Earth’s most untouched landscapes.

Cruise Details

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from $9,495

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South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

10 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Albatros

• Sail across the Drake Passage
• Look for spectacular wildlife
• Explore the South Shetland Islands
• Set foot on the Antarctic continent

Starts / Ends

Port of Ushuaia / Antarctica Peninsula

Activity Level

Variable

Board Ocean Albatros on this 10-day cruise to the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula. Set foot on the Antarctic continent as well as sub-Antarctic islands and experience the incredible wildlife, stunning mountain scenery, and gigantic icebergs of this remote region on this expedition cruise.

Cruise Details

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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 $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 $29,395

EBD

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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.

Cruise Details

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from $15,555

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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.

Cruise Details

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from $42,495

EBD

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Epic Antarctica: Crossing the 7th Continent

Dunedin - Ushuaia - 34 Day Itinerary aboard Douglas Mawson

• Cross Antarctic waters
• Witness Ross Sea’s ice shelves
• Encounter Macquarie’s landscapes
• Explore Dunedin’s coastal charm

Starts / Ends

Dunedin / Port of Ushuaia

Activities

Land & Sea Exploration

Activity Level

Variable

Join this 34-day expedition cruise on the Douglas Mawson to explore the subantarctic islands and the Ross Sea, starting in Dunedin. Experience penguins, albatrosses, and glaciers while crossing the Antarctic Circle, concluding your adventure in Ushuaia.

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from $70,590

OBC

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Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands

Roundtrip Buenos Aires - 22 Day Itinerary aboard Scenic Eclipse

• Explore Buenos Aires' vibrant arts
• Spot Antarctic wildlife
• Discover Stanley’s British charm
• Visit West Point Island's cliffside

Starts / Ends

Buenos Aires / Buenos Aires

Activities

Kayaking, Wildlife Viewing, Whale Watching, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Helicopter Tours

Activity Level

Variable

Join a 23-day cruise from Buenos Aires on the Scenic Eclipse to explore the wild wonders of the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, rich with wildlife and history. Experience the breathtaking landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula, a journey through some of the world's most remote areas.

Cruise Details

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from $17,800

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Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Elephant Island - Antarctica

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.

Cruise Details

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from $15,259

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Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage

Roundtrip Puerto Natales - 8 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

Activities

Hiking

Activity Level

Variable

This 8-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 icy landscapes, spot wildlife, and enjoy expert-led activities like hiking, kayaking, and Zodiac cruising.

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