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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 23 tours hand-selected by the travel experts at Adventure Life. Explore the best of South Shetland Islands, and King George Island during January 2026 as you enjoy cruises, wildlife viewing, wildlife & safari exploration, small ship cruises, and whale watching. Prices for trips in January 2026 range from $4,995 to $90,895 for a vacation of 6 to 23 days. Choose any of the below 23 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
$18,995
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
Activities:
Fly Cruises, Kayaking, Small Ship Cruises, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
Fly round-trip from Punta Arenas Chile over Cape Horn and the mythical waters of the Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula. You are invited on this 8-day adventure to one of the coldest, highest, windiest, driest, and most inhospitable places - Antarctica. In a little over three hours of flying …
Cruise Details
0
Chinstrap penguin sighting
$9,595
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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
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Enjoy this classic 10-day voyage to the great white continent aboard Ocean Victory. Depart Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world, to cross the infamous Drake Passage to reach Antarctica. Spend two days exploring the sub-Antarctic South Shetland islands, which abound with volcanic …
Cruise Details
0
Ice in Antarctica
$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
Activities:
Fly Cruises, Kayaking, Small Ship Cruises, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Jumping over Cape Horn and the mythical waters of the Drake Passage, you are invited on this 8-day adventure to one of the coldest, highest, windiest, driest, and most inhospitable places - Antarctica. In a little over three hours of flying from Punta Arenas to King George Island, find yourself at …
Cruise Details
0
Camping in the Polar regions
$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
Activities:
Adventure Options, Camping, Kayaking, Small Ship Cruises, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
During this 11-day Antarctic expedition, dramatic ice formations ignite your imagination as you search the landscape for the wildlife that calls it home. Whether it’s humpback whales alongside the ship, a leopard seal diving beneath your Zodiac, penguins sliding into crystal waters from an …
Cruise Details
0
Rosy midnight sun colors over icy seas
$9,595
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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
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Depart Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world, to cross the infamous Drake Passage to reach Antarctica. Spend two days exploring the sub-Antarctic South Shetland islands, which abound with volcanic landscapes, massive glaciers, towering icebergs, and abundant wildlife. Look for …
Cruise Details
0
Sightseeing on South Georgia
$38,595
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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:
Adventure Options, Helicopter Tours, Kayaking, Small Ship Cruises, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
This epic Antarcticavoyage aboard the Ultramarine includesall ofthe major Antarctic highlights you can imagine. 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. Start with …
Cruise Details
0
Incredible ice formations
$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
Activities:
Fly Cruises, Small Ship Cruises, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
For those short on time this Antarctic Express Air Cruise optimizes your experience so you can see it all! Embark the Ocean Nova in Ushuaia and set sail for Cape Horn. Depending on the weather, be one of the few to step foot on this rarely-visited island! Begin by crossing the Drake Passage en …
Cruise Details
0
Penguin jump in Antarctica
$20,295
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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
Activities:
Adventure Options, Fly Cruises, Kayaking, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Skip the four days of Drake Passage crossings and optimize your Antarctica experience by flying! A short two-hour flight takes you between Punta Arenas, Chile, and King George Island. Once in Antarctica, the penguins, seals, and whales keep you and your camera busy, as do the massive icebergs, …
Cruise Details
0
Air Cruise Flight
$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
Activities:
Fly Cruises, Kayaking, Small Ship Cruises, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
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, pengiun 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 …
Cruise Details
0
Cruising in the zodiac looking for wildlife
$9,975
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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
Activities:
Fly Cruises, Hiking, Kayaking, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Easy Active
Explore the majestic beauty of Antarctica more efficiently with the 8-day Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage Cruise roundtrip to Puerto Natales. Skip the traditional Drake Passage crossing and opt for a two-hour flight to and from Antarctica, ensuring you experience all highlights without …
Cruise Details
0
Leopard Seal
$9,250
EXPLORE

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:
Hiking, Small Ship Cruises, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
Explore the Antarctic Peninsula and enjoy the most dramatic scenery and the widest variety of wildlife in Antarctica on this special 11-day cruise. Visit the volcanic islands of the South Shetlands and explore the wide variety of flora and fauna in South Shetland.This classic route to the Antarctic …
Cruise Details
0
Kayaking in antarctica
$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:
Adventure Options, Kayaking, Small Ship Cruises, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
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 and witness the continent from the air, offering a distinctive preview of its vast landscape, which remains one of the last …
Cruise Details
0
Whale sighting in Polar waters!
$12,965
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:
Adventure Options, Camping, Citizen Science, Kayaking, Small Ship Cruises, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Celebrate the best that the Antarctic Peninsula offers on this 12-day cruise aboard MS Seaventure – from towering icebergs and impressive glaciers to unreal wildlife encounters and fascinating historical sites. Antarctica is a fascinating and ever-changing environment. This extensive …
Cruise Details
0
Nature at its finest
$13,195
EXPLORE

Crossing the Antarctic Circle

Wildest Antarctica - 15 Day Itinerary aboard Sea Spirit
  • Observe majestic albatross
  • Admire unique Antarctic wildlife
  • Enjoy whale watching on board
  • Visit the famous “Kodak Gap”
Starts / Ends:
Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Sail south in quest of the fabled Antarctic Circle on this 15-day Sea Spirit expedition. After crossing the circle proceed inshore to visit some of most breathtaking sites this far south. Work your way north along the peninsula, and navigate the waterways and bays, exploring and looking for …
Cruise Details
0
Gentoo penguin
$30,095
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
Activities:
Adventure Options, Fly Cruises, Kayaking, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Enjoy Antarctica in style — by flying south of the Antarctic Circle and then cruising! A three-hour flight connects Punta Arenas, Chile, to King George Island, Antarctica. By excluding all additional days at sea, you can focus exclusively on the Antarctic's best landscapes and wildlife …
Cruise Details
0
Lemaire channel reflection
$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
Activities:
Adventure Options, Camping, Kayaking, Small Ship Cruises, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
Explore the Antarctic Peninsula and enjoy the most dramatic scenery and the widest variety of wildlife in Antarctica on this special 11-day cruise. Visit the volcanic islands of the South Shetlands and explore the wide variety of flora and fauna in South Shetland.This classic route to the Antarctic …
Cruise Details
0
Antarctic landscape
$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:
Camping, Kayaking, Photography Seminars, Small Ship Cruises, Snorkeling, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
Join a 21-day expedition aboard the Sylvia Earle departing from Ushuaia and explore the highlights of South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula. Witness incredible natural phenomena such as ice seals, blue icebergs, and whales in the Antarctic Peninsula. In South Georgia, have the opportunity to …
Cruise Details
0
Air Cruise Flight
$24,995
EXPLORE

Polar Circle Air Cruise

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
Activities:
Fly Cruises, Kayaking, Small Ship Cruises, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing
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 …
Cruise Details
0
1-18 of 23 Results
TrustScore 4.8 | 188 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
total score
Based on 188 reviews on
review score
4 days ago
Cheska is a great asset for your company she is very knowledgeable and pleasant to work with
Susan Johnson
review score
5 days ago
Adventure Life set us up with great guides and locations, seamless transportation, and good advice. Will work with them again. Thanks
Scott Sepsy
review score
1 week ago
Amazing trip and the best customer service
Liz
review score
1 week ago
Hannah and Nur got the gist of what we wanted our trip to be. They got us in hotels that were located centrally to historic tours. Tours and excursions that were significant, enriching and enjoyable. We had drivers that were on time/reliable. We got from location to location with ease. I would never have been able to plan this myself. I would not have known enough to ask for what we needed. This was above and beyond what I expected. Well done!
Kelly Mattingly
review score
1 week ago
This is at least the fifth trip we have booked with AdventureLife. Jess has always had excellent ideas.
Thomas Brayshaw

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