One of the most unique travel destinations in Antarctica, the South Shetland Islands are inhabited by a large variety of seals, penguins – including Adelie and chinstrap, and seabirds – including Antarctic terns and giant petrels.
As the islands are directly on the route to the Antarctica Peninsula most cruise ships heading there will stop at the South Shetland Islands, offering visitors wonderful photo opportunities in this unique landscape.
These islands pulsate with biodiversity and provide a haven where wildlife thrives amidst the frozen landscape.
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to the icy wilderness of Antarctica in search of cetaceans, pinnipeds, and seabirds, including numerous species of penguin. This whale watching voyage is perfectly timed during peak season, when the whales are most active and sightings are at their best. Find out more about Antarctica Whale Safari
This trip takes the easiest way to Antarctica and flies from Punta Arenas in southern Chile, to save time and enjoy an aerial view of the Drake Passage. This active adventure involves daily landings by Zodiac inflatable, and with ever-changing ice and weather conditions, each voyage is unique. Find out more about Classic Antarctic Fly-Sail
This voyage is a perfect introduction to the Antarctic, visiting prime wildlife sites along the Peninsula and in the nearby South Shetland islands. Encounter huge rookeries of gentoo, chinstrap and Adelie penguins, beaches adorned with wallowing elephant seals, and whales and dolphins along the way. Find out more about Classic Antarctica
Flying to the South Shetlands over Cape Horn and avoiding the rough waters of the Drake Passage, this itinerary offers the easiest way to travel to Antarctica. Sailing down the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, the voyage passes spectacular icebergs in the company of sea birds, penguins, seals and whales. Find out more about Polar Circle Fly-Sail
Set sail on the ultimate expedition through the pristine wilderness of Antarctica. Spanning 23 days, your adventure will take you from the Falkland Islands to South Georgia and onward to the Antarctic Peninsula, surpassing the Antarctic Circle – an achievement few have the privilege to experience. Find out more about Ultimate Antarctica
A land of icebergs, volcanic islands and year-round sea ice, the Weddell Sea has played a pivotal role in Polar exploration. A haven for birdlife and a feeding ground for migrating whales, this voyage offers the opportunity to discover the less-visited side of the Antarctic Peninsula and icy perimeter of the Weddell Sea. Find out more about Weddell Sea Explorer
The Greg Mortimer introduces an exciting new generation of ship for cruising in the Polar regions. Purpose-built for expedition cruising with a uniquely designed ice-strengthened hull to provide a more comfortable voyage, this small ship can venture into remote areas that larger vessels cannot reach. Find Out More about Greg Mortimer
With decades of experience in polar expedition cruising, this vessel is purpose built for enjoying polar wildlife highlights. Every aspect of this innovative ship has been considered to make your polar voyage an incredible experience, from beautiful, comfortable rooms, to the excursions and everything between. Find Out More about Hondius
An extremely comfortable and well-equipped Polar expedition vessel, Ocean Nova is one of the leading vessels classified to operate in ice-filled waters. Accommodating around 60 passengers, cabins are outside facing and there is an excellent glass-enclosed forward observation lounge on the top deck. Find Out More about Ocean Nova
The ice-strengthened Ortelius is an excellent vessel for expeditions in the Arctic and Antarctic. With the highest ice-class notation, it offers possibilities to travel to remote locations such as the Ross Sea and Franz Josef Land. Flexibility assures maximum wildlife opportunities. Find Out More about Ortelius
The Plancius accommodates a maximum of 108 passengers in cabins ranging from triple to superior, all with outside view and private facilities. She offers a range of itineraries in Antarctica and the Arctic, and the large open deck spaces offer excellent opportunities to watch wildlife. Find Out More about Plancius
The M/V Janssonius exceeds all requirements set out in the Polar Code for ice-strengthened cruise ships, making her arguably one of the most advanced vessels on which to explore the polar regions. The latest sustainable technology also ranks her alongside the most environmentally friendly ships in the world. Find Out More about Janssonius
