Top South Shetland Islands Trips & Tours in January 2026

Join a 12-day Exploring the Last Continent cruise board the World Traveller, starting in Ushuaia, Argentina. Cross the Drake Passage to Antarctica, exploring wildlife and volcanic landscapes in the South Shetland Islands, with possible stops at Deception Island and Elephant Island. The trip continues to the Antarctic Peninsula and ends in Ushuaia.

Join this 11-day Antarctic Discovery exploration cruise roundtrip from Ushuaia aboard World Voyager. Highlights include navigating the famous Drake Passage & seeing hourglass dolphins, daily landings, & complimentary zodiac safaris. Watch for penguins hatching from late December to January, or search for orcas & sperm whales from January to March.

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. 

Join this 9-day expedition cruise on the Greg Mortimer to explore the stunning landscapes of Antarctica, starting from Ushuaia. Experience daily excursions, wildlife encounters, and optional activities like the polar plunge before concluding your journey in Punta Arenas.

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.

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.

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.

Embark on a 21-day expedition cruise aboard the Sea Spirit, starting in Ushuaia and exploring the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, where you can see king penguins and historic whaling sites. Experience the Antarctic Peninsula's stunning landscapes and wildlife before a memorable Drake Passage crossing.

Come aboard World Navigator for a 13-day cruise crossing the Antarctic Circle. Sail through the challenging Drake Passage, see incredible wildlife, and explore the South Shetland Islands' beautiful landscapes, with possible landings on Elephant Island and Deception Island. Experience Captain's Choice ports of call for thrilling surprises and more.

Board the Polar Pioneer for a 13-day Across the Antarctic Circle - Sail/Fly Expedition from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas aboard the Sylvia Earle to the Antarctic Peninsula and the Antarctic Circle. Take a flight over the Drake Passage to maximize your time for exploration on the remarkable White Continent.

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.

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.

Embark on a 12-day Antarctic Discovery cruise aboard World Voyager cross the legendary Drake Passage and explore the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula. Daily landings offer rare wildlife, active adventures, and changing landscapes—each selected by the Captain to maximize your expedition.