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Trips Visiting South Shetland Islands
3 Tours
When do you want to go?
2026
I'm flexible
Passengers
Adults (18+)
Children (0 - 17)
Discover Antarctica trips visiting South Shetland Islands
Set out on expedition cruises for close-up wildlife and dramatic polar landscapes.
Trips visiting the South Shetland Islands bring you to Antarctica’s wild edge, where dark volcanic shorelines meet bright ice, shifting weather, and open sea. Most departures run as expedition cruises, combining time on deck with expert talks and shore landings whenever conditions are suitable. Wildlife is central to the experience, from busy penguin colonies and seals hauled out on the beach to seabirds cutting across the bays on the wind. The islands also offer an immediate sense of Antarctica’s scale, with glaciers, icebergs, and steep peaks appearing close enough to feel within reach. In clear polar light, the scenery can look crisp and luminous, even when the landscape itself is stark.
South Shetland Islands trips at a glance
Trip and guiding style
Trips to Antarctica operate as expedition cruises and are fully guided by an English-speaking expedition team, who manage briefings, landings, and day-to-day decisions. The crew and naturalists help you interpret what you’re seeing, while practical guidance makes it easier to handle changeable polar conditions.
Accommodation
Accommodation is on expedition ships such as The Ushuaia Polar Vessel, Ocean Albatros, or Ocean Victory, with facilities and cabin categories varying by ship. Some itineraries also include a 5 star hotel alongside the expedition ship, and upgrades may be available on request depending on availability.
Trip pacing
The pace is generally medium, although the daily plan can shift quickly with weather, sea state, and ice. Many days blend deck time, expert presentations, and opportunities to go ashore, so flexibility and a steady routine tend to make the experience more comfortable.
Popular sail & cruise trips visiting South Shetland Islands
Why visit South Shetland Islands
A first taste of Antarctica, with big views, wildlife, and expert support.
The South Shetland Islands are often an ideal first step into Antarctica, not least because the scenery can change dramatically within a single day. You might pass snow-covered slopes and broad glaciers, then arrive at black sand beaches and steep coastal cliffs shaped by volcanic history. Wildlife is frequently close at hand, with penguins and seals visible from both shore and ship, and seabirds tracking the vessel along the coast. Under low, clear light, even familiar scenes can take on a sharper, more atmospheric quality. If you prefer a clear framework with expert support, expedition cruises are well suited to this environment and its natural uncertainty. A fully guided team adds context on ice, weather, and wildlife behaviour, while also managing the practicalities of safe landings. Shore excursions are a highlight on many voyages, but time on deck can be equally rewarding when icebergs drift past and birds ride the wind over the channels. Although the islands are usually part of a longer route, these days often stand out for accessible wildlife encounters and your first wide views of Antarctica’s scale.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of trips visit the South Shetland Islands?
Most trips to the South Shetland Islands are expedition cruises in Antarctica, designed around sailing time, wildlife viewing, and shore landings when conditions allow. An expedition team leads briefings and coordinates the majority of activities, so you understand both the environment and the day’s plan.
Are South Shetland Islands trips fully guided?
Yes. These Antarctica trips are fully guided by an English-speaking expedition team, who lead shore landings and deliver onboard talks throughout the voyage. They also give practical interpretation, helping you identify wildlife and understand the landscape you’re travelling through.
What wildlife is common around the South Shetland Islands?
Wildlife is a major highlight around the South Shetland Islands, particularly during landings and along coastal sailings. Travellers commonly look for penguins and seals on shore, while seabirds are often visible from the ship as you move between bays and channels.
Do trips include shore landings in the South Shetland Islands?
Many itineraries include shore landings in the South Shetland Islands, although timing and locations depend on weather, sea state, and local conditions. The expedition team manages the process from briefing through to landing operations, with safety and environmental guidelines clearly explained.
Is Deception Island visited on South Shetland Islands itineraries?
Some Antarctica itineraries that visit the South Shetland Islands also include Deception Island, depending on routing and conditions. It is known for its dramatic volcanic setting, making it a particularly striking place for a landing and for coastal viewpoints.
What is the pace like on an expedition cruise to the South Shetland Islands?
The pace is usually medium, combining deck time, briefings, talks, and planned landings, with the order adjusted as required. Weather and sea conditions can change quickly in Antarctica, so flexibility is a normal and expected part of the experience.
What is accommodation like on these Antarctica trips?
Accommodation is on expedition ships, and the onboard standard depends on the itinerary and vessel used. Cabin categories, facilities, and layouts vary by ship, and similar ships may occasionally be substituted if operational needs or availability need it, especially on high-demand sailing dates.
Are meals included on South Shetland Islands cruises?
Yes, meals are typically included on these expedition cruises, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner outlined in the itineraries. The exact meal count and any inclusions beyond standard dining can vary, so it’s worth checking the trip notes for your chosen departure.
Where do cruises to the South Shetland Islands usually start and end?
Most cruises start in Ushuaia and end in Ushuaia, using it as the gateway for voyages across to Antarctica. The South Shetland Islands are then visited as part of the wider route, alongside other Antarctic Peninsula highlights on many sailings.
What is the minimum age for Antarctica cruises visiting the South Shetland Islands?
The minimum age depends on the itinerary and ship policy, so it should be confirmed before booking. Some trips set the minimum at 12, while others set it at 15, particularly where landing operations or sea conditions need extra caution.
