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Top South Shetland Islands Trips & Tours in January 2026

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Discover South Shetland Islands in January 2026 on one of these 30 tours hand-selected by the travel experts at Adventure Life. Explore the best of during January 2026 as you enjoy Wildlife Viewing, Kayaking, Whale Watching, Adventure Options, and Hiking. Prices for trips in January 2026 range from $4,995 to $95,395 for a vacation of 6 to 23 days. Choose any of the below 30 itineraries in January 2026 and customize it when you contact one of Adventure Life's expert South Shetland Islands trip planners.
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    • South Shetland Islands
Icebergs at sunset
from $18,995
Save $2000
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
Chinstrap penguin sighting
from $9,595
EBD 30%
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South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula

10 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Victory
  • 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 Victory 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
0
Ice in Antarctica
from $13,595
Save $2000
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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
Camping in the Polar regions
from $15,695
Save 25%
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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
Rosy midnight sun colors over icy seas
from $9,595
EBD 30%
EXPLORE

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
0
Sightseeing on South Georgia
from $40,595
Save 10%
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Epic Antarctica: Crossing the Circle via Falklands & South Georgia

23 Day Itinerary aboard Ultramarine
  • Explore the Antarctic Peninsula
  • See thousands of pairs of penguins
  • Follow in Shackleton's footsteps
  • Cross the Antarctic Circle
  • Enjoy Flightseeing tours
Starts / Ends
Buenos Aires / Buenos Aires
Activities
Helicopter Tours
Activity Level
Variable
From the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) to South Georgia to the Antarctic Peninsula, you will have countless unforgettable moments on this adventure-packed, 23-day voyage aboard the Ultramarine. This epic Antarctica  expedition includes all of the major Antarctic highlights you can imagine, full of significant milestones for any world traveler.
Cruise Details
0
Penguin jump in Antarctica
from $20,295
Save 25%
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Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake

Roundtrip Punta Arenas - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Explorer
  • Fly over the Drake Passage
  • Meet Antarctica´s wildlife
  • Zodiac cruise around Pleneau Island
  • View Neko Harbor´s icebergs
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.
Cruise Details
0
Air Cruise Flight
from $15,995
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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
The wildlife was so abundant it was difficult to land.
from $16,975
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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
Activities
Kayaking, Wildlife Viewing, Hiking, Skiing
Activity Level
Variable
The 10-day Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage Cruise roundtrip from Puerto Natales aboard National Geographic Orion presents an effective means to discover Antarctica. Travelers fly directly, avoiding the Drake Passage, to explore channels, coves, observe whales, and maneuver icebergs on Zodiac cruises.
Cruise Details
0
Cruising in the zodiac looking for wildlife
from $14,975
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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 roundtrip from Puerto Natales aboard 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
Cruising in the zodiac looking for wildlife
from $12,975
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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.
Cruise Details
0
Leopard Seal
from $9,250
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Antarctica - Discovery and Learning Voyage

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 11 Day Itinerary aboard MV Hondius
  • Sail across the Drake Passage
  • Set foot on the Antarctic Continent
  • Zodiac cruise by alpine peaks
  • Explore the South Shetland Islands
Starts / Ends
Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia
Activities
Scuba Diving
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.
Cruise Details
0
Kayaking in antarctica
from $16,995
Save 25%
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Antarctic Express: Fly South, Cruise North

Punta Arenas - Ushuaia - 10 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Explorer
  • Witness Antarctic wildlife
  • Fly over the Drake Passage
  • Presentations by polar experts
  • Cruise in a Zodiac
Starts / Ends
Punta Arenas / Port of Ushuaia
Activities
Adventure Options, 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.
Cruise Details
0
Whale sighting in Polar waters!
from $12,965
EBD 20%
EXPLORE

Celebrating Antarctica

Ushuaia Roundtrip - 12 Day Itinerary aboard MS Seaventure
  • Sail across the Antarctic Peninsula
  • Encounter unforgettable wildlife
  • Cruise among icebergs
  • Stop to see historical sites
Starts / Ends
Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia
Activities
Citizen Science
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.
Cruise Details
0
Nature at its finest
from $13,195
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Crossing the Antarctic Circle

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 15 Day Itinerary aboard Sea Spirit
  • Sail through the Beagle Channel
  • Cruise Lemaire Channel's icy beauty
  • Discover South Shetland Islands
  • Cross the Drake Passage's waters
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.
Cruise Details
0
Gentoo penguin
from $30,095
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
Lemaire channel reflection
from $9,250
EXPLORE

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.
Cruise Details
0
Antarctic landscape
from $29,795
EXPLORE

South Georgia, Falklands & Antarctic Odyssey

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 21 Day Itinerary aboard Sylvia Earle
  • Explore South Georgia
  • Discover South Georgia's wildlife
  • Explore Antarctic Peninsula
  • Look out for views and sceneries
Starts / Ends
Ushuaia / Ushuaia
Activities
Snorkeling, Camping, Whale Watching, Photography Seminars
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 21-day voyage aboard the Sylvia Earle from Ushuaia, exploring the tranquil and majestic landscapes of South Georgia, the Falklands, and Antarctica. Encounter the peaceful nesting grounds of penguins, witness whales as they feed, and delight in the playful seals amidst icy waters.
Cruise Details
0
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