Top South Shetland Islands Trips & Tours in January 2026

from $23,795

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

Roundtrip Punta Arenas - 12 Day Itinerary aboard Greg Mortimer

Starts / Ends

Punta Arenas / Punta Arenas

Activities

Snorkeling

Activity Level

Variable

Embark on a 12-day Across the Antarctic Circle: Fly the Drake - Fly/Fly Expedition roundtrip Punta Arenas aboard Greg Mortimer, exploring remote areas of Antarctica. Begin on the legendary Drake Passage, where the Pacific and Atlantic oceans converge, creating a challenging waterway.

• Fly over the Drake Passage
• Fly over the Sothern Ocean
• Discover the Antarctic Peninsula
• Witness the Antarctic wildlife

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from $20,295

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Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake

Roundtrip Punta Arenas - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Explorer

Starts / Ends

Punta Arenas / Punta Arenas

Activity Level

Variable

Explore King George Island and the Antarctic Peninsula, skipping the Drake Passage on this 8-day polar experience. Zodiac cruise in search of whales, seabirds, and astounding icebergs, and enjoy daily landing excursions in the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands.

• Fly over the Drake Passage
• Meet Antarctica´s wildlife
• Zodiac cruise around Pleneau Island
• View Neko Harbor´s icebergs

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from $18,995

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Classic Antarctica Air Cruise

8 Day Itinerary aboard Magellan Explorer

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 the South Shetland Islands
• View penguins, seals, and whales
• Attend lectures and presentations
• Explore the Antarctic landscape

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from $24,995

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Polar Circle Air Cruise

10 Day Itinerary aboard Magellan Explorer

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.

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

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from $15,995

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Polar Circle Air Cruise

10 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Nova

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.

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

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from $18,266

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Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage

Roundtrip Puerto Natales - 10 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Orion

Starts / Ends

Puerto Natales / Puerto Natales

Activities

Hiking, Skiing, Land & Sea Exploration

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.

• Skip the traditional Drake Passage
• Explore into channels and coves
• Experience activities
• Explore Antarctica's wildlife
• Seven days Antarctic experience

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from $13,595

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Classic Antarctica Air Cruise

8 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Nova

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 the South Shetland Islands
• View penguins, seals, and whales
• Attend lectures and presentations
• Explore the Antarctic landscape

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from $16,081

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Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage

Roundtrip Puerto Natales - 9 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Orion

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.

• Skip the traditional Drake Passage
• Explore into channels and coves
• Experience activities
• Explore Antarctica's wildlife

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from $13,896

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Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage

Roundtrip Puerto Natales - 8 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Explorer

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.

• Skip the traditional Drake Passage
• Explore into channels and coves
• Experience activities
• Explore Antarctica's wildlife

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from $16,995

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Antarctic Express: Fly South, Cruise North

Punta Arenas - Ushuaia - 10 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Explorer

Starts / Ends

Punta Arenas / Port of Ushuaia

Activities

Stand Up Paddle Boarding

Activity Level

Variable

On this 10-day Antarctic Express: Fly South, Cruise North Expedition Cruise from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia aboard Ocean Explorer, opt for the quickest route to Antarctica, for a unique aerial preview of the vast and dramatic landscape. Continue the adventure by ship experiencing wildlife and natural wonders and then return through the Drake Passage.

• Witness Antarctic wildlife
• Fly over the Drake Passage
• Presentations by polar experts
• Cruise in a Zodiac

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from $12,965

EBD 20%

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Celebrating Antarctica

Ushuaia Roundtrip - 12 Day Itinerary aboard MS Seaventure

Starts / Ends

Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia

Activity Level

Variable

Board the MS Seaventure for this 12-day cruise that takes you from Ushuaia, across the Drake Passage until you reach the Antarctic Peninsula where you will encounter unspoiled wildlife and scenery.

• Sail across the Antarctic Peninsula
• Encounter unforgettable wildlife
• Cruise among icebergs
• Stop to see historical sites

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from $13,195

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Crossing the Antarctic Circle

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 15 Day Itinerary aboard Sea Spirit

Starts / Ends

Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia

Activity Level

Variable

Embark on a 15-day expedition aboard the Sea Spirit from Ushuaia to the stunning Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands, where you can encounter whales, albatrosses, and vibrant wildlife. Enjoy kayaking, camping, and onboard festivities before returning to Ushuaia.

• Sail through the Beagle Channel
• Cruise Lemaire Channel's icy beauty
• Discover South Shetland Islands
• Cross the Drake Passage's waters

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from $7,390

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Classic Antarctica

10 Day Itinerary aboard MV Ushuaia

Starts / Ends

Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia

Activity Level

Variable

This classic small ship cruise to Antarctica lets you follow in the footsteps of the early Antarctic explorers like Shackleton, Cook & Ross. Explore amazing Antarctic scenery - pristine wilderness of sea, snow, ice, mountains, and an incredible abundance of wildlife on this 10-day Antarctic cruise on the MV Ushuaia which houses only 88 passengers.

• View vast penguin rookeries
• Explore the pristine wilderness
• Navigate narrow passages
• Cross the infamous Drake Passage

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from $15,695

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Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 11 Day Itinerary aboard World Explorer

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.

• Explore local bays and channels
• Scout for humpback & minke whales
• Experience a Polar Plunge swim
• Learn from on-board specialists

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from $28,295

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Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle

Roundtrip Punta Arenas - 11 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Explorer

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.

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

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from $4,995

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Antarctica Express Air Cruise

6 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Nova

Starts / Ends

Port of Ushuaia / Punta Arenas

Activity Level

Variable

The fastest possible trip to Antarctica, and one of most economical is this 6-day cruise/flight starting in Ushuaia. Sail the Beagle Channel, Cape Horn, and mythical Drake Passage to experience a day in one of the most spectacular places on earth - Antarctica! Return on a flight from King George Island to Patagonia's Punta Arenas, Chile.

• Visit the legendary Cape Horn
• Attend presentations and lectures
• Sail through ice-filled bays
• Explore Antarctic bases & stations

Cruise Details

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from $10,595

EBD 20%

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Antarctica All-Access

Ushuaia Roundtrip - 11 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Albatros

Starts / Ends

Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia

Activities

Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing, Kayaking, Camping, Photography Seminars, Adventure Options, 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.

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

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from $9,250

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Antarctica - Discovery and Learning Voyage

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 11 Day Itinerary aboard MV Plancius

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.

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

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