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South Shetland Islands Whale Watching Cruises

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The South Shetland Islands, located in the stunning region of Antarctica, are a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. At Adventure Life, we offer a variety of awe-inspiring whale-watching cruises and tours that capture the essence of this breathtaking destination. Our specially curated tours, including the Classic Antarctica Air Cruise, Antarctic Express, and Antarctic Small Ship Expedition, take you on an unforgettable journey to witness the beauty of the South Shetland Islands. Get ready to marvel at penguins, seals, and of course, awe-inspiring whales, as you explore the Antarctic landscape. For the chance to embark on an adventure that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime, contact one of Adventure Life's tour specialists for help planning your next seamless trip. here.
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    • South Shetland Islands
Icebergs at sunset
from $15,995
Save $2000
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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
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Ice in Antarctica
from $11,495
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 $12,195
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
Almost ready to depart
from $23,795
25% OFF
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Across the Antarctic Circle: Fly the Drake - Fly/Fly Expedition

Roundtrip Punta Arenas - 12 Day Itinerary aboard Sylvia Earle
  • See the activity of a penguin city
  • Chance to spot leopard seals
  • Cruise on a Zodiac
  • Fly over the Drake Passage
Starts / Ends
Punta Arenas / Punta Arenas
Activity Level
Variable
Get a chance to observe seals and penguins in their natural habitat. Spend 12 days aboard the Sylvia Earle exploring Antarctica's huge white continent. Additionally, fly through the Drake Passage during this expedition.
Cruise Details
0
Enjoy close-up wildlife watching!
from $17,795
25% OFF
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Across the Antarctic Circle

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 13 Day Itinerary aboard Greg Mortimer
  • Cross the Antarctic Circle
  • See leopard and crabeater seals
  • Tour scientific research stations
  • Dive and snorkel in the Antarctic
  • Capture wildlife activity
Starts / Ends
Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia
Activities
Scuba Diving
Activity Level
Variable
On this 13-day Across the Antarctic Circle Expedition Cruise Roundtrip Ushuaia aboard Greg Mortimer, celebrate this magical frozen area of extraordinary beauty, powerful orcas, leopard seals, ethereal snow petrels, bristling mountain ranges, and surreal icebergs. Expect a Christmas and New Year celebration like no other.
Cruise Details
0
Sightseeing on South Georgia
from $33,295
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
Travelers on a zodiac tour in Antarctica
from $17,895
EBD
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Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake

Roundtrip Punta Arenas - 8 Day Itinerary aboard World Voyager
  • Fly over the Drake Passage
  • Visit South Shetland Islands
  • Zodiac cruise around Pleneau Island
  • Marvel at giant icebergs
Starts / Ends
Punta Arenas / Punta Arenas
Activities
Kayaking, Wildlife Viewing, Hiking, Whale Watching, Adventure Options, Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Activity Level
Variable
Discover King George Island and the Antarctic Peninsula on this 8-day polar adventure aboard World Voyager, skipping the Drake Passage for a seamless journey. Fly directly from Punta Arenas to Antarctica, where you’ll explore the pristine landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula.
Cruise Details
0
Penguin jump in Antarctica
from $18,295
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
Penguin chicks
from $29,795
Save $2000
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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
Kayaking in antarctica
from $16,195
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
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
A humpback whale dives beneath the Antarctic waters
from $17,995
Save 25%
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Antarctic Express: Fly South, Cruise North

Punta Arenas - Ushuaia - 10 Day Itinerary aboard World Explorer
  • Witness Antarctic wildlife
  • Fly over the Drake Passage
  • Presentations by polar experts
  • Cruise in a Zodiac
Starts / Ends
Punta Arenas / Port of Ushuaia
Activity Level
Variable
On this 10-day Antarctic Express: Fly South, Cruise North Expedition Cruise from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia aboard World 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
from $11,295
EBD 30%
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The Ultimate Antarctica Experience

12 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Victory
  • Explore the South Shetland Islands
  • Experience Zodiac excursions
  • Spot bounty of wildlife
  • See tabular icebergs of Weddell Sea
Starts / Ends
Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia
Activity Level
Variable
Join this 12-day ultimate Antarctica cruise from Ushuaia & back aboard the Ocean Victory. Set sail from the grey waters of the Beagle Channel to the Antarctic mainland, cross the Drake Passage, & take in the wildlife-rich South Shetland Islands. Spot seals, sea lions, & whales among the icy glaciers and venture beyond the Antarctic Circle.
Cruise Details
0
Winter Island Zodiac cruise with Aurora Expeditions
from $16,995
25% OFF
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Antarctica Active (All Inclusive Activities)

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 15 Day Itinerary aboard Greg Mortimer
  • Cross the Drake Passage
  • Explore Antarctic wildlife
  • Enjoy included activities
  • Attend lectures
Starts / Ends
Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia
Activity Level
Variable
Join a 15-day roundtrip expedition to Antarctica from Ushuaia, crossing the Drake Passage to explore the White Continent. Enjoy Zodiac excursions, shore landings, and optional activities like the polar plunge on the Antarctic Peninsula. Experience stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife.
Cruise Details
0
Whale sighting in Polar waters!
from $11,275
EBD 20%
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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
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
Midnight sun over the flat-topped icebergs of the Weddell Sea
from $15,499
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Drake Express

10 Day Itinerary aboard World Voyager
  • Fly to King George Island
  • Visit Elephant Island
  • Explore Deception Island’s
  • Witness Gentoo penguin rookeries
Starts / Ends
Punta Arenas / Punta Arenas
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on this 10-day expedition aboard World Voyager. Fly to King George Island, the unofficial capital of Antarctica, and explore the South Shetland Islands, rich with wildlife and stunning landscapes. Visit Elephant Island, Deception Island, and other remarkable sites. Experience the vast, icy expanse of the Antarctic Peninsula and more.
Cruise Details
0
from $12,095
EBD 30%
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The Ultimate Antarctica Experience

12 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Albatros
  • Explore the South Shetland Islands
  • Experience Zodiac excursions
  • Spot bounty of wildlife
  • See tabular icebergs of Weddell Sea
Starts / Ends
Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia
Activity Level
Variable
Join this 12-day ultimate Antarctica cruise from Ushuaia & back aboard the Ocean Albatros. Set sail from the grey waters of the Beagle Channel to the Antarctic mainland, cross the Drake Passage, & take in the wildlife-rich South Shetland Islands. Spot seals, sea lions, & whales among the icy glaciers and venture beyond the Antarctic Circle.
Cruise Details
0
from $16,995
25% OFF
EXPLORE

Antarctica Active (All Inclusive Activities)

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 14 Day Itinerary aboard Sylvia Earle
  • Cross the Drake Passage
  • Explore Antarctic wildlife
  • Enjoy included activities
  • Attend lectures
Starts / Ends
Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia
Activities
Camping, Snorkeling, Photography Seminars, Skiing
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 14-day Antarctica trip from Ushuaia, crossing the Drake Passage to the White Continent. Explore Antarctica's landscapes and enjoy activities like kayaking, camping, snowshoeing, and snorkeling. Optional experiences include the polar plunge. Return via the Drake Passage, attend lectures, and reflect on your journey.
Cruise Details
0
1-18 of 93 Results

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