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Where Shackletons spent four months

Antarctica Small Ship Cruises

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Experience the wonders of Antarctica and the South Orkney Islands with Adventure Life's array of 16 small ship cruises for 2026. Join us on a cruise journey through icy waters and stunning mountain scenery, where you can witness captivating wildlife, admire gigantic icebergs, and navigate through the Lemaire Channel. From exploring Elephant Island to sailing through the Weddell Sea, each moment offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of the region. Engage in whale watching, wildlife viewing, and kayaking while surrounded by the natural splendor that has inspired explorers for generations. With prices starting at $9,650 to $83,500, begin your adventure to the South Orkney Islands and Elephant Island today and contact one of Adventure Life's tour specialists for help planning your next seamless trip.
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    • Elephant Island
Penguins at the Weddell Sea
from $27,700
EBD 10%
EXPLORE

Remote Weddell Sea Explorer

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 28 Day Itinerary aboard Ortelius
  • Explore the Weddell Sea
  • Discover South Georgia's wildlife
  • Explore Elephant Island
  • Wildlife on Elephant Island
Starts / Ends
Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia
Activities
Helicopter Tours
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 28-day Antarctic expedition roundtrip Ushuaia aboard MV Ortelius. Explore the Weddell Sea with its clear waters and massive tabular icebergs formed by the continent's floating ice sheets. Walk in the footsteps of polar explorer Ernest Shackleton, visit South Georgia with its abundance of wildlife, and ultimately reach Elephant Island.
Cruise Details
0
Incredible ice in the Weddell Sea
from $11,550
EXPLORE

Antarctica - Weddell Sea Explorer

Ushuaia - Ushuaia - 12 Day Itinerary aboard MV Plancius
  • Cross the Drake Passage
  • Land at Elephant Island
  • Navigate Antarctic Sound
  • Experience Brown Bluff
  • Encounter Antarctic wildlife
  • Enter the Weddell Se
Starts / Ends
Ushuaia / Ushuaia
Activities
Scuba Diving
Activity Level
Variable
Join a 12-day expedition aboard MV Plancius exploring Antarctica, the Antarctic Peninsula, and the Weddell Sea. Sail from Ushuaia, cross the Drake Passage, encounter vast icebergs, historic sites, and observe Antarctic wildlife.
Cruise Details
0
An ocean of icebergs.
from $19,995
Save $5000
EXPLORE

Antarctica & South Georgia Air-Cruise

Ushuaia - Punta Arenas - 18 Day Itinerary aboard Magellan Discoverer
  • Visit historic Grytviken
  • Witness king penguin colonies
  • Explore Antarctic Peninsula
  • Trace Shackleton’s expedition
Starts / Ends
Port of Ushuaia / Punta Arenas
Activity Level
Variable
Explore South Georgia and Antarctica on this 18-day expedition from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas aboard Magellan Discoverer. Visit Grytviken, St. Andrew’s Bay, Salisbury Plain, Elephant Island, the South Shetland Islands, and the Antarctic Peninsula. Travel by Zodiac, attend expert talks, and observe penguins, albatrosses, glaciers, and historic sites.
Cruise Details
0
Penguins gathering on the shore
from $15,995
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Falklands (Malvinas), South Georgia and Antarctica

Punta Arenas - Ushuaia - 20 Day Itinerary aboard Magellan Explorer
  • Explore Port Stanley settlement
  • Visit historic Grytviken site
  • Observe Salisbury Plain penguins
  • Cruise Antarctic Peninsula waters
Starts / Ends
Punta Arenas / Port of Ushuaia
Activity Level
Variable
Travel 20 days from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia aboard Magellan Explorer. Cross the Strait of Magellan and sail to the Falkland Islands (Malvinas), South Georgia, Elephant Island, and the Antarctic Peninsula. Visit Port Stanley, Grytviken, Salisbury Plain, St. Andrews Bay, and the South Shetland Islands.
Cruise Details
0
Stunning reflections in the Lemaire channel
from $18,995
EXPLORE

Falklands (Malvinas), South Georgia and Antarctica

Punta Arenas - Ushuaia - 20 Day Itinerary aboard Magellan Discoverer
  • Explore Historic Grytviken Site
  • Encounter Salisbury Plain Penguins
  • Cruise Antarctic Peninsula Waters
  • Discover Elephant Island Coast
Starts / Ends
Punta Arenas / Port of Ushuaia
Activities
Wildlife Viewing, Whale Watching, Kayaking, Hiking
Activity Level
Variable
Set sail on a 20-day voyage from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia aboard Magellan Discoverer. Cross the Strait of Magellan, explore Saunders Island and Port Stanley, and cruise to South Georgia’s king penguin colonies. Visit Grytviken, St. Andrews Bay, Elephant Island, and the Antarctic Peninsula before ending in Ushuaia.
Cruise Details
0
Two Glacier Mountains symmetrically reflecting in the Antarctic water
from $33,195
EBD
EXPLORE

South Georgia & Antarctica: Through the Lens - Fly/Sail Expedition

Punta Arenas - Ushuaia - 20 Day Itinerary aboard Greg Mortimer
  • Tour Punta Arenas' cultural sites
  • Visit Elephant Island
  • Enter the remote Weddell Sea
  • Photograph glaciers and icebergs
Starts / Ends
Punta Arenas / Port of Ushuaia
Activities
Photography Seminars
Activity Level
Variable
Join a 20-day Fly/Sail photography expedition cruise on the Greg Mortimer, exploring the stunning landscapes of South Georgia and Antarctica. Capture breathtaking wildlife and surreal scenes in one of the world's most pristine environments, perfect for photographers of all skill levels.
Cruise Details
0
Shackleton's Walk
from $30,595
EBD
EXPLORE

In Shackleton’s Footsteps

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 20 Day Itinerary aboard Sylvia Earle
  • Tour the Andes Mountain Range
  • Retrace Shackleton's route
  • Explore the Antarctic Peninsula
  • Spot wildlife of the Scotia Sea
Starts / Ends
Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 20-day Antarctic cruise aboard Sylvia Earle, retracing Sir Ernest Shackleton's legendary journey from the Antarctic Peninsula to South Georgia. Experience wildlife sightings, including King Penguins and seals, while visiting historic sites like the Endurance shipwreck and Elephant Island.
Cruise Details
0
Abandoned whaling village of Stromness, South Georgia
from $17,995
Save $5000
EXPLORE

Antarctica and South Georgia Air-Cruise

Punta Arenas - Ushuaia - 18 Day Itinerary aboard Magellan Explorer
  • Explore Chile’s Frei Station
  • Admire Antarctica's natural beauty
  • Observe unique birdlife
  • Visit Grytviken & Prion Island
Starts / Ends
Punta Arenas / Port of Ushuaia
Activity Level
Variable
Let the clear Antarctic air fill your lungs on this magical 18-day cruise aboard the brand new Magellan Explorer. Admire the spectacular landscapes ad unique wildlife of one of the most remote locations on the planet. Starting in Punta Arenas, discovering Antarctica, South Georgia and finally disembarking back in Ushuaia.
Cruise Details
0
King penguins on South Georgia
from $30,295
EBD
EXPLORE

In Shackleton's Footsteps

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 20 Day Itinerary aboard MV Douglas Mawson
  • Explore Ushuaia’s landscapes
  • Discover Drake Passage
  • Spot Antarctic Peninsula’s fjords
  • Visit Elephant Island’s shores
Starts / Ends
Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia
Activity Level
Variable
Set sail on a 20-day expedition cruise on the Douglas Mawson, retracing Shackleton’s path through the Antarctic. Explore stunning landscapes, wildlife encounters, and enjoy guided excursions, culminating in a scenic return to Ushuaia.
Cruise Details
0
Landscape during Antarctica tour
from $19,500
EXPLORE

South Georgia and Antarctica - Round Trip Puerto Williams

Santiago to Puerto Williams - 17 Day Itinerary aboard Silver Cloud
  • Marvel at spectacular icebergs
  • Meet Antarctica's diverse wildlife
  • Enjoy Zodiac excursions
  • Follow the history of Shackleton
Starts / Ends
Santiago / Puerto Williams
Activity Level
Variable
This 17-day Antarctic trip on Silver Cloud takes you to South Georgia, the Antarctic Sound, the Antarctic Peninsula, and Elephant Island, where you might encounter seabirds, whales, penguins, glaciers, and icebergs.
Cruise Details
0
Albatross in the arctic.
from $11,700
EBD 10%
EXPLORE

Antarctica - Elephant Island - Weddell Sea - Polar Circle

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 15 Day Itinerary aboard MV Plancius
  • Sail to legendary Elephant Island
  • Set foot on the Antarctic Continent
  • Zodiac cruise by alpine peaks
  • Search for whales in polar waters
  • See stunning Weddell Sea
Starts / Ends
Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia
Activity Level
Variable
On this 15-day Antarctic expedition voyage aboard the MV Plancius, travel to remote polar coasts and witness magnificent scenery and animals. Explore Point Wild, Devil Island, Erebus, and Terror Gulf, as well as Vega Island. Continue your exploration of the Orleans Strait, Port Monuments, Crystal Sound, and the Yalour Islands.
Cruise Details
0
A group of penguins in the Falkland Islands
from $17,050
EBD 10%
EXPLORE

Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Elephant Island - Antarctica

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 23 Day Itinerary aboard MV Hondius
  • Bird watch a multitude of seabirds
  • Set foot on the Antarctic Continent
  • See Commerson’s Dolphins
  • Visit whaling and sealing station
Starts / Ends
Tierra del Fuego National Park / Port of Ushuaia
Activity Level
Variable
Join MV Hondius on a 23-day sailing adventure that allows you to discover and explore Antarctica, passing from the Falkland Island to Polar Circle. Experience some of the most dramatic landscapes on earth and enjoy close encounters with Gentoo and Adélie penguins, brown skuas, leopard seals, along with humpback and minke whales.
Cruise Details
0
Puerto Williams, Chile
from $27,100
EXPLORE

Antarctica Peninsula - Round Trip Puerto Williams

Puerto Williams Roundtrip - 20 Day Itinerary aboard Silver Wind
  • Explore New Island’s wild landscape
  • Tour West Point's rugged cliffs
  • Discover historic Port Stanley
  • Navigate the icy Antarctic Sound
Starts / Ends
Santiago / Santiago
Activities
Spa Relaxation
Activity Level
Variable
Set sail on a 20-day cruise aboard the Silver Wind, visiting the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and Elephant Island, rich in wildlife and history—Experience Antarctica’s remote wilderness for five days before returning via the Drake Passage.
Cruise Details
0
Colony of black-browed albratross on the Falklands
from $11,600
EXPLORE

Classic South Georgia

Ushuaia Roundtrip - 22 Day Itinerary aboard MV Ushuaia
  • Visit the Western Falkland Islands
  • Search for wildlife and seabirds
  • Explore the Eastern Falklands
  • Discover icy South Georgia
Starts / Ends
Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia
Activity Level
Variable
Embark the MV Ushuaia for a classic 22-day cruise to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, South Shetland Islands, and the Antarctic Peninsula. Encounter abundant and diverse wildlife and unique ecosystems on this voyage of a lifetime!
Cruise Details
0
Rockhopper penguin sighting
from $15,100
EXPLORE

Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica

Ushuaia Roundtrip - 19 Day Itinerary aboard Ortelius
  • Get a taste of Falklands history
  • See four S.Georgia penguin species
  • Discover the South Orkney Islands
  • Set foot on the Antarctic continent
Starts / Ends
Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 19-day cruise from Ushuaia to see black-browed albatrosses in the Falkland Islands, explore Port Stanley, visit South Georgia's king penguin colonies, marvel at Weddell Sea icebergs, and meet elephant seals. Experience an unforgettable adventure aboard the Ortelius!
Cruise Details
0
Penguins in Antarctica
from $9,650
EBD 10%
EXPLORE

Antarctica - Weddell Sea Explorer

Ushuaia - Ushuaia - 11 Day Itinerary aboard MV Plancius
  • Cross the Drake Passage
  • Visit Point Wild
  • Spot Antarctic wildlife
  • Discover the Devil Island
Starts / Ends
Ushuaia / Ushuaia
Activities
Archaeological Site Visits
Activity Level
Variable
Board MV Plancius in Ushuaia for an 11-day Antarctic adventure, sailing through the Beagle Channel and across the Drake Passage. Explore historic sites like Point Wild and the Weddell Sea, spot whales, seals, and seabirds, and witness stunning landscapes, including Antarctic Sound, Brown Bluff, and Devil Island, before returning to Ushuaia.
Cruise Details
0
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South Georgia Island, Shackleton walk

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Franny F.
South Georgia Island, Shackleton walk
Antarctica

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