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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 $1500
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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
0
Ice in Antarctica
from $11,495
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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 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
Camping
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
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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
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Across the Antarctic Circle

Roundtrip Ushuaia - 13 Day Itinerary aboard Greg Mortimer
  • Explore Ushuaia’s rugged landscapes
  • Spot Antarctica’s icebergs
  • Visit Antarctic research sites
  • Experience polar plunge
Starts / Ends
Ushuaia / Port of Ushuaia
Activity Level
Variable
Join this 13-day expedition cruise on the Greg Mortimer, exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. Discover wildlife and breathtaking landscapes, and enjoy expert-led outings while crossing the iconic Drake Passage and Cape Horn.
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
from $32,295
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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
Activity Level
Variable
Explore Antarctica along with South Georgia and the Falkland - Malvinas islands on this 23-day adventure cruise aboard the Sylvia Earle. Enjoy the wildlife experiences and the unique adventures while on this journey to the deep south.
Cruise Details
0
Zodiac tour through the icebergs.
from $23,795
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Across the Antarctic Circle: Fly the Drake - Fly/Fly Expedition

Roundtrip Punta Arenas - 12 Day Itinerary aboard Greg Mortimer
  • Fly over the Drake Passage
  • Fly over the Sothern Ocean
  • Discover the Antarctic Peninsula
  • Witness the Antarctic wildlife
Starts / Ends
Punta Arenas / Punta Arenas
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 12-day Across the Antarctic Circle: Fly the Drake - Fly/Fly Expedition roundtrip Punta Arenas aboard Greg Mortimer, exploring remote areas of Antarctica. Begin on the legendary Drake Passage, where the Pacific and Atlantic oceans converge, creating a challenging waterway.
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 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
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
from $17,895
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Antarctic Explorer - Fly/Sail Expedition

Punta Arenas - Ushuaia - 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 / Ushuaia
Activity Level
Variable
Explore Antarctica on this 12-day cruise from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas aboard Sylvia Earle. Reduce your time at sea by flying one way over the Drake Passage and sailing the other way. Discover the Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands, and the Legendary Cape Horn.
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
Mirrored reflection on our kayak excursion
from $22,895
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Antarctic Women’s Expedition: Fly the Drake

Roundtrip Punta Arenas - 10 Day Itinerary aboard Sylvia Earle
  • A cruise for women, by women
  • Chance to spot leopard seals
  • Cruise on a Zodiac
  • Fly over the Drake Passage
Starts / Ends
Punta Arenas / Punta Arenas
Activities
Snorkeling, Scuba Diving
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 10-day Antarctic Women’s Expedition: Fly the Drake Fly/Fly cruise aboard the Sylvia Earle. Designed by women, led by women, and for women, this adventure lets you explore Antarctica’s stunning landscapes and thriving wildlife. Skip the Drake’s rough seas with charter flights and celebrate trailblazing female conservationists.
Cruise Details
0
Penguin chicks
from $29,795
Save $1500
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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
The wildlife was so abundant it was difficult to land.
from $16,458
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Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage

Roundtrip Puerto Natales - 10 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Orion
  • Skip the traditional Drake Passage
  • Explore into channels and coves
  • Experience activities
  • Explore Antarctica's wildlife
  • Seven days Antarctic experience
Starts / Ends
Puerto Natales / Puerto Natales
Activities
Land & Sea Exploration, Skiing
Activity Level
Variable
The 10-day Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage Cruise roundtrip from Puerto Natales aboard National Geographic Orion presents an effective means to discover Antarctica. Travelers fly directly, avoiding the Drake Passage, to explore channels, coves, observe whales, and maneuver icebergs on Zodiac cruises.
Cruise Details
0
Cruising in the zodiac looking for wildlife
from $13,975
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Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage

Roundtrip Puerto Natales - 9 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Orion
  • Skip the traditional Drake Passage
  • Explore into channels and coves
  • Experience activities
  • Explore Antarctica's wildlife
Starts / Ends
Puerto Natales / Puerto Natales
Activity Level
Variable
This 9-day Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage roundtrip from Puerto Natales aboard National Geographic Orion offers an efficient way to experience Antarctica. Travelers fly directly, bypassing the Drake Passage, to explore channels, coves, watch for whales, and navigate icebergs on Zodiac cruises.
Cruise Details
0
Cruising in the zodiac looking for wildlife
from $11,975
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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
Activity Level
Variable
Explore Antarctica on this 8-day Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage cruise, and bypass the traditional Drake Passage with a two-hour flight. Join experts aboard the National Geographic Explorer, venturing into channels and coves framed by towering peaks. Enjoy activities like whale watching, Zodiac cruising around icebergs and hiking.
Cruise Details
0
Two Glacier Mountains symmetrically reflecting in the Antarctic water
from $18,695
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Antarctica: Through the Lens - Fly/Sail Expedition

Punta Arenas - Ushuaia - 12 Day Itinerary aboard Greg Mortimer
  • Fly over the Drake Passage
  • Explore Punta Arenas vibrant scene
  • Spot Antarctic icebergs
  • Photograph glaciers and icebergs
Starts / Ends
Punta Arenas / Ushuaia
Activities
Photography Seminars
Activity Level
Variable
Join a 12-day Antarctic Explorer Fly/Sail Expedition from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia on the Greg Mortimer. Discover stunning wildlife, majestic glaciers, and pristine landscapes as you cruise through the Antarctic Peninsula's icy bays.
Cruise Details
0
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