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South Shetland Islands Hiking Trips

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Venture with Adventure Life to the wild and mysterious South Shetland Islands of Antarctica on one of these 30 extraordinary hiking trips for 2026 and 2027. Immerse yourself in a world of incredible beauty, abundant wildlife, and spectacular vistas. From snow-capped peaks to ancient glaciers and glittering icebergs, this remote corner of Antarctica has something for everyone. With Adventure Life's commitment to safety and sustainable travel practices, you can experience this once in a lifetime opportunity with comfort and enjoyment. Our South Shetland Islands hiking trips start at $9,500 for adventures ranging from 8 to 21 days. Let's explore together! Contact one of our Antarctic specialists today to get started planning your next seamless trip!
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    • South Shetland Islands
Icebergs at sunset
from $15,995
Save $4000
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Classic Antarctica Air Cruise

Punta Arenas Roundtrip - 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 Antarctica cruise by air and have an adventure with 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
Air Cruise Flight
from $24,995
Save $5000
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Polar Circle Air Cruise

Punta Arenas Roundtrip - 10 Day Itinerary aboard Magellan Explorer
  • 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
Bypass the Drake Passage by flying directly to the South Shetland Islands. Exit the airplane to a world unlike any other on earth; ice-filled fjords, penguin rookeries, and great expanses of ice await. Sail as far south as possible in an attempt to reach the Polar Circle. Flexibility is key to a successful voyage as conditions can change quickly.
Cruise Details
0
Cruising in the zodiac looking for wildlife
from $14,303
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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, 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
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The wildlife was so abundant it was difficult to land.
from $17,803
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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
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
Penguin chicks
from $29,795
Save $5000
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Polar Circle Air Cruise

Roundtrip Punta Arenas - 10 Day Itinerary aboard Magellan Discoverer
  • Round-trip Air-Cruise
  • Wildlife Encounters
  • Zodiac Excursions and Hikes
  • Enriching Experiences
Starts / Ends
Punta Arenas / Punta Arenas
Activity Level
Variable
On this 10-day Polar Circle Air Cruise aboard the Magellan Discoverer, fly directly to the South Shetland Islands, skipping the Drake Passage, and witness fjords, penguin colonies, and vast icy landscapes. Sail southward to reach the Polar Circle, embracing the flexibility required to adapt to ever-changing conditions for a memorable trip.
Cruise Details
0
Sunset and icebergs during Antarctica cruise
from $12,611
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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.
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Mirror-like waters in Paradise Bay
from $16,995
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Antarctic Express: Fly South, Sail North

Punta Arenas - Ushuaia - 9 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Explorer
  • Fly to King George Island
  • Spot whales and penguins
  • Cross the legendary Drake
  • Witness glaciers calving
Starts / Ends
Punta Arenas / Port of Ushuaia
Activities
Small Ship Sailing
Activity Level
Variable
Explore the Antarctic on this 10-day Antarctic Express: Fly South, Sail North cruise from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia aboard Ocean Explorer. Navigate the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands, and witness towering glaciers, massive icebergs, and incredible wildlife, including penguins, whales, and seals.
Cruise Details
0
Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake
from $13,895
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Antarctic Express: Fly South, Sail North

Punta Arenas - Buenos Aires - 9 Day Itinerary aboard World Voyager
  • Fly to King George Island
  • Spot whales and penguins
  • Cross the legendary Drake
  • Experience thrilling Zodiac rides
  • Cruise the Antarctic Peninsula
Starts / Ends
Punta Arenas / Buenos Aires
Activity Level
Variable
Explore the Antarctic on this 9-day Antarctic Express: Fly South, Sail North cruise from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia aboard World Voyager. Explore the breathtaking Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands, where you'll encounter towering glaciers, massive icebergs, and diverse wildlife, including penguins, whales, and seals.
Cruise Details
0
A humpback whale dives beneath the Antarctic waters
from $17,795
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Antarctic Express: Sail South, Fly North

Buenos Aires - Punta Arenas - 10 Day Itinerary aboard World Voyager
  • Witness Antarctic wildlife
  • Fly over the Drake Passage
  • Visit research stations
  • Experience thrilling Zodiac rides
  • Witness massive icebergs
Starts / Ends
Port of Ushuaia / Punta Arenas
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 10-day Antarctic Express: Cruise South, Fly North Expedition aboard World Voyager. Antarctic cruise, exploring Ushuaia, the Drake Passage, and the Antarctic Peninsula. Encounter penguins, whales, and breathtaking ice landscapes on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Cruise Details
0
Kayaking glassy waters around incredible icebergs
from $32,595
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Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle

Punta Arenas Roundtrip - 11 Day Itinerary aboard World Voyager
  • Explore Punta Arenas attractions
  • Fly to King George
  • Land on penguin beaches
  • Cross the Antarctic Circle
Starts / Ends
Punta Arenas / Punta Arenas
Activities
Wildlife Viewing, Hiking, Whale Watching, Kayaking, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Photography Seminars, Citizen Science
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on an 11-day Antarctic adventure from Punta Arenas, flying to King George Island to board the World Voyager. Explore the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands by Zodiac and on foot, observe penguins and seals, cross the Antarctic Circle, and marvel at dramatic glaciers before returning to Punta Arenas.
Cruise Details
0
Gentoo penguin
from $13,595
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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
Mirror-smooth waters in the Lemaire Channel
from $19,400
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King George Island to King George Island

Antarctica Bridge - 10 Day Itinerary aboard Silver Endeavour
  • Explore the Antarctic Peninsula
  • Fly straight to Antarctica
  • Discover King George Island
  • Observe Adelie Penguins
Starts / Ends
Santiago / Puerto Williams
Activity Level
Variable
Sail on a 10-day fly-cruise aboard Silver Endeavour, flying to King George Island to begin an Antarctic expedition. Explore the Antarctic Sound, Antarctic Peninsula, and South Shetland Islands through guided Zodiac cruises, landings, and wildlife encounters.
Cruise Details
0
1-12 of 30 Results

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