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Antarctica South Shetland Islands Cruises

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Experience the wonders of the South Shetland Islands in Antarctica with our 123 incredible Cruises for 2025. Join us on a journey through this pristine polar region, where you can witness breathtaking icy landscapes, encounter diverse wildlife, and explore historic sites. From thrilling Zodiac excursions to mesmerizing wildlife viewing opportunities, each moment promises a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you're navigating through icy waters, observing playful penguins, or marveling at towering glaciers, there's no shortage of adventure options to choose from. With trips ranging from 6 to 23 days, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this remote and captivating destination. Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime expedition to the South Shetland Islands and contact one of Adventure Life's tour specialists for help planning your next seamless trip.
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    • South Shetland Islands
Icebergs at sunset
$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
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
Whale watching in Antarctica
$16,795
Save 30%
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Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake

Roundtrip Punta Arenas - 8 Day Itinerary aboard World Explorer
  • Cross the Drake in a few hours
  • Zodiac cruise in search of whales
  • Enjoy on-board lectures
  • Marvel at the Peninsula highlights
Starts / Ends:
Punta Arenas / Punta Arenas
Activities:
Adventure Options, Fly Cruises, Kayaking, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
Optimize your Antarctica experience by flying over the Drake Passage, the fastest and most direct way to the 7th Continent. Board the World Explorer in King George Island and begin your expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula, a land of snow-capped mountain peaks, beaches dotted with leopard seals …
Cruise Details
0
Chinstrap penguin sighting
$8,995
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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:
Variable
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
$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
Activities:
Fly Cruises, Kayaking, Small Ship Cruises, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
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
$11,395
Save 30%
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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:
Variable
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
Almost ready to depart
$23,795
Savings
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Antarctic Peninsula: Fly the Drake - Fly/Fly Expedition

Punta Arenas - Punta Arenas - 12 Day Itinerary aboard Sylvia Earle
  • See the activity of a penguin city
  • Chance to spot leopard seals
  • Cruise on a Zodiac
Starts / Ends:
Punta Arenas / Punta Arenas
Activities:
Adventure Options, Fly Cruises, Kayaking, Small Ship Cruises, Snorkeling, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Easy Active
Early Antarctic explorers returned from their voyages to the deep south with tales of a magnificent, ice-covered land teeming with life. Experience the awe-inspiring immensity of Antarctica and immerse yourself in the unimaginable beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula, where vast glaciers tumble into …
Cruise Details
0
Enjoy close-up wildlife watching!
$16,195
Savings
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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:
Adventure Options, Scuba Diving, Small Ship Cruises, Snorkeling, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
On this 13-day Across the Antarctic Circle Expedition Cruise Roundtrip Ushuaia aboard Greg Mortimer, have a chance to enter a different world more rarely seen, it feels more isolated and colder than further north, with great swathes of pack-ice and dreamlike icebergs. Thread through pack ice and …
Cruise Details
0
$6,595
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Antarctic Small Ship Expedition

10 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Nova
  • Sail along ice-filled fjords
  • Cross the infamous Drake Passage
  • Explore the Antarctic landscape
  • Search for penguins, seals & whales
Starts / Ends:
Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia
Activities:
Kayaking, Small Ship Cruises, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
Board Ocean Nova Air Cruises for a 10-day journey to the 7th Continent: Antarctica. These cruises are at the beginning and end of the season, are economically priced, and recommended for travelers on a budget that want the full Antarctic experience. Depart from Ushuaia, Argentina and cross the …
Cruise Details
0
Jumping penguins
$11,985
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Celebrating Antarctica

13 Day Itinerary aboard MS Seaventure
  • Sail across the Antarctic Peninsula
  • Encounter unforgettable wildlife
  • Cruise among icebergs
  • Stop to see historical sites
Starts / Ends:
Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia
Activities:
Adventure Options, Camping, Kayaking, Small Ship Cruises, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
Celebrate the best that the Antarctic Peninsula has to offer on this 13-day voyage 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. Our extensive …
Cruise Details
0
Rosy midnight sun colors over icy seas
$8,095
Save 40%
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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:
Variable
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
$20,095
Savings
EXPLORE

Wild Antarctica featuring the Weddell Sea - Fly/Sail

Punta Arenas to Ushuaia - 13 Day Itinerary aboard Sylvia Earle
  • Be awed by the array of wildlife
  • Marvel at enormous tabular icebergs
  • Learn about volcanic islands
  • Watch whales feed on krill
Starts / Ends:
Punta Arenas / Port of Ushuaia
Activities:
Adventure Options, Kayaking, Land & Sea Exploration, Small Ship Cruises, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
Famed for its tremendous tabular icebergs, year-round sea ice, fascinating fossils and the pivotal role it played in Shackleton’s Endurance expedition, the Weddell Sea offers unsurpassed opportunities for exploration. Embark on a true Antarctic expedition as you not only explore the west …
Cruise Details
0
Sightseeing on South Georgia
$38,495
Save 30%
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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:
Variable
This epic Antarctica voyage aboard the Ultramarine includes all of the 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 …
Cruise Details
0
$19,795
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Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica via Ushuaia

21 Day Itinerary aboard MS Seaventure
  • Explore Stanley, East Falkland
  • Cruise scenic bays and channels
  • See Grytviken Whaling Station
  • View bird colonies and seal wallows
Starts / Ends:
Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia
Activities:
Adventure Options, Kayaking, Photography Seminars, Small Ship Cruises, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
The sub-Antarctic Falkland Islands/Malvinas and South Georgia are home to some of the most unique and abundant wildlife on earth. With beaches covered in fur seals, elephant seals, and hundreds of thousands of penguins, it’s one of the most jaw-dropping nature scenes you will ever experience. …
Cruise Details
0
$31,495
Savings
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Antarctica Complete

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 23 Day Itinerary aboard Sylvia Earle
  • Step ashore on the Antarctic
  • See the king penguins
  • Cross the Antarctic Circle
Starts / Ends:
Ushuaia / Ushuaia
Activities:
Adventure Options, Kayaking, Land & Sea Exploration, Photography Seminars, Small Ship Cruises, Snorkeling, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Easy Active
Experience unparalleled adventure and discovery on your ultimate Antarctic voyage. If you want to see it all, this is the trip for you. Be transported to enthralling subantarctic islands rich with human history and unique wildlife. Then venture into the deep south of the Antarctic Peninsula, …
Cruise Details
0
$14,895
Savings
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Spirit of Antarctica

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 12 Day Itinerary aboard Greg Mortimer
  • See penguin colonies
  • Zodiac cruise
  • Kayak or camp ashore
  • Explore Antarctic marine life
Starts / Ends:
Port of Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia
Activities:
Adventure Options, Camping, Hiking, Kayaking, Photography Seminars, Skiing, Small Ship Cruises, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
Experience polar exploration on a traditional expedition to the white continent during this 12-day adventure cruise roundtrip Ushuaia aboard Greg Mortimer. Traverse the famous Drake Passage, admire stunning seabirds, and approach the ice by sea, similar to the early explorers. You'll get to …
Cruise Details
0
$14,395
Savings
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Spirit of Antarctica

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 12 Day Itinerary aboard Sylvia Earle
  • Hone your photography skills
  • Explore the Drake Passage
  • Navigate on a Zodiac
  • Take a Polar Plunge
Starts / Ends:
Ushuaia / Ushuaia
Activities:
Adventure Options, Camping, Kayaking, Photography Seminars, Skiing, Small Ship Cruises, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
On this 12-day adventure cruise roundtrip Ushuaia aboard Sylvia Earle, immerse yourself in the essence of polar exploration with this traditional expedition to the sought-after white continent. Traverse the renowned Drake Passage, marveling at breathtaking seabirds and approaching the ice by sea, …
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:
Variable
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
$18,295
Save 30%
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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:
Variable
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
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