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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 south will stop at the South Shetland Islands, offering visitors exceptional wildlife encounters and wonderful photo opportunities in this dramatic, ice-strewn landscape.

These islands pulsate with biodiversity and provide a haven where wildlife thrives amidst the frozen wilderness. Elephant seals haul out along the rocky shores, while leopard and crabeater seals are frequently spotted resting on the ice or patrolling the waters. Colonies of gentoo penguins can also be found here, alongside south polar skuas, Wilson’s storm petrels and Cape petrels. Offshore, it’s not uncommon to glimpse whales – including humpbacks and orcas – drawn to the nutrient-rich waters surrounding the islands.

One of the most fascinating stops in the archipelago is Deception Island, a flooded volcanic caldera with a haunting, otherworldly atmosphere. The island’s black sand beaches are warmed by geothermal activity, and steam often rises from the shoreline, creating a surreal contrast with the surrounding snow and ice. Chinstrap penguins nest along its slopes, and the sheltered bay occasionally attracts fur seals and seabirds seeking refuge. In addition to being a wildlife haven, Deception Island is steeped in history – remnants of an old whaling station and former research bases still stand, offering a glimpse into Antarctica’s human past.

View suggested itineraries

Key info

  • Ideal for viewing: Adélie penguin, elephant seal, chinstrap penguin, gentoo penguin, southern right whale, leopard seal, South polar skua, Antarctic minke whale

Wildlife trips

This wildlife location is featured in the following itineraries:

Antarctic Circle Penguin & Whale Safari

EXCLUSIVE VOYAGE

Join us on an unforgettable journey beyond the Antarctic Circle in search of icy vistas and remarkable wildlife, from penguins and cetaceans to pinnipeds and seabirds, onboard a state-of-the-art vessel. This exclusive group departure promises an intimate exploration of the world's southernmost continent. Find out more about Antarctic Circle Penguin & Whale Safari

  • Price (inc. flights): 17 days from £15,375
  • Trip type:
    Voyage
  • When to go:
    • F

Antarctica Whale Safari

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

  • Price (exc. flights): 11 days from £9,350
  • Trip type:
    Voyage
  • When to go:
    • M

Classic Antarctic Fly-Sail

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

  • Price (exc. flights): 8 days from £11,125
  • Trip type:
    Voyage
  • When to go:
    • J
    • F
    • M
    • N
    • D

Classic Antarctica

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

  • Price (exc. flights): 10-13 days from £5,645
  • Trip type:
    Voyage
  • When to go:
    • J
    • F
    • M
    • N
    • D

Polar Circle Fly-Sail

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

  • Price (exc. flights): 9-11 days from £14,570
  • Trip type:
    Voyage
  • When to go:
    • J
    • F
    • M
    • N
    • D

Ultimate Antarctica

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

  • Price (exc. flights): 23 days from £17,780
  • Trip type:
    Voyage
  • When to go:
    • J
    • F
    • D

Weddell Sea Explorer

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

  • Price (exc. flights): 12 days from £11,315
  • Trip type:
    Voyage
  • When to go:
    • M

Whales & Dolphins of Antarctica & the Chilean Fjords

EXCLUSIVE VOYAGE

Journey to the far south on this exclusive whale and dolphin expedition, travelling at the most rewarding time for cetacean activity in Antarctica. Aboard our privately chartered ship, explore the Antarctic Peninsula and the dramatic, glacier-carved channels of the Chilean Fjords. Find out more about Whales & Dolphins of Antarctica & the Chilean Fjords

  • Price (inc. flights): 22 days from £18,995
  • Trip type:
    Voyage
  • When to go:
    • M
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