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

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

Starts / Ends

Punta Arenas / Punta Arenas

Activities

Snorkeling

Activity Level

Variable

Fly over the Drake Passage and explore Antarctica aboard the Greg Mortimer on a 12-day air cruise from Punta Arenas to the Antarctic Circle, and back. Skip the seas, see more wildlife.

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from $18,995

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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.

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from $24,995

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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.

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from $17,949

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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.

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from $19,829

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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

Hiking, 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.

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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.

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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 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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from $13,595

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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.

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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

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

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.

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from $12,965

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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

Activity Level

Variable

Join a 12-day cruise on MS Seaventure to explore Antarctica's stunning wildlife and landscapes, with extra time for flexibility in your itinerary. Experience rich wildlife in the South Shetland Islands and the remote Antarctic Peninsula, enjoying more landings and Zodiac excursions.

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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.

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from $7,390

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Classic Antarctica

10 Day Itinerary aboard MV Ushuaia

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

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.

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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

• 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.

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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

• 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.

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from $4,995

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Antarctica Express Air Cruise

6 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Nova

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

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.

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from $10,595

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Antarctica All-Access

Ushuaia Roundtrip - 11 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Albatros

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

Starts / Ends

Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia

Activities

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

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from $14,695

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The Antarctic Peninsula and Extreme Weddell Sea

Ushuaia Roundtrip - 12 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Albatros

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

Starts / Ends

Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia

Activity Level

Variable

Embark on a 12-day Antarctic Peninsula and Extreme Weddell Sea cruise aboard Ocean Albatros roundtrip Ushuaia. Glide through the Beagle Channel and Drake Passage, encountering marine life. Discover the Antarctic Sound, Weddell Sea, and the Peninsula's wonders. Visit penguin colonies, historic sites, and breathtaking landscapes.

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from $21,895

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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

Activities

Helicopter Tours

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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