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South Shetland Islands Cruises in 2025

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Explore the ethereal realm of the South Shetland Islands with our 66 exceptional Antarctic expeditions slated for 2025. These remote islands, shrouded in ice and teeming with wildlife, offer an unparalleled opportunity for intimate wildlife encounters and breathtaking glacial landscapes. Over the course of 6 to 23 days, adventurers can immerse themselves in activities such as kayaking amidst icebergs, whale watching in pristine waters, and wildlife viewing that brings you face-to-face with penguin colonies and seals. Each expedition promises a symphony of nature's wonders, with the chance to learn from on-board specialists and partake in photography seminars that capture the stark beauty of this frozen frontier. With a starting point of $4,995, these voyages are a testament to the spirit of exploration. To set sail on an unforgettable Antarctic adventure, contact one of Adventure Life's Antarctic specialists for help planning your next seamless journey.
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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
0
Chinstrap penguin sighting
from $9,095
EBD 30%
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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
Activity Level
Variable
Board Ocean Victory on this 10-day cruise to the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula. Set foot on the Antarctic continent as well as sub-Antarctic islands and experience the incredible wildlife, stunning mountain scenery, and gigantic icebergs of this remote region on this expedition cruise.
Cruise Details
0
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
Enjoy close-up wildlife watching!
from $17,995
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
Rosy midnight sun colors over icy seas
from $8,095
EBD 30%
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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
Activity Level
Variable
Board Ocean Albatros on this 10-day cruise to the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula. Set foot on the Antarctic continent as well as sub-Antarctic islands and experience the incredible wildlife, stunning mountain scenery, and gigantic icebergs of this remote region on this expedition cruise.
Cruise Details
0
from $32,295
25% OFF
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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
Land & Sea Exploration
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
from $14,895
25% OFF
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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
Activity Level
Variable
Explore all the wonders that Antarctica has to offer on this 12-day adventure cruise roundtrip Ushuaia aboard Sylvia Earle. Have a tour of Ushuaia and enjoy the wildlife experience in this polar region. Take in the Antarctic beauty on all shore excursions and Zodiac cruises and the educational lectures and guiding services from the expedition team.
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
The wildlife was so abundant it was difficult to land.
from $18,475
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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
Kayaking, Wildlife Viewing, Hiking, 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
Leopard Seal
from $7,750
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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
Activity Level
Variable
Meet the Antarctic's great stars, the penguins, which number in the thousands and include a variety of curious species. This 11-day Classic Antarctic Cruise takes you to the picturesque scenery found in one of the world's most inhospitable settings. Deception Island, Cuverville Island, Neko Harbour, Paradise Bay, and Crystal Sound may be visited during your Antarctic adventures.
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
Activities
Stand Up Paddle Boarding
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%
EXPLORE

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
Activities
Whale Watching, Camping, Adventure Options, Snorkeling, Photography Seminars
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%
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
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
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