South Shetland Islands

Antarctica

Witness colonies of thousands of penguins waddling across pristine ice shelves while towering glaciers calve into crystal waters.

💱 Currency No local currency (Antarctic Treaty Zone)

🗣 Language English, Spanish (regional)

🕐 Time Zone ART (UTC-3) / CLST (UTC-3)

☀️ Best Time to Visit Nov–Mar

🚢 Typical Duration 10-14 nights

💰 Price Range $7,238–$36,720 per person

⚓ Port Type Port of Call

🚤 Tender Port Yes

Gateway to Antarctica's most accessible penguin colonies, dramatic glaciers, and pristine polar wilderness with exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities.

Next Departures from South Shetland Islands

About South Shetland Islands

The South Shetland Islands stand as one of Antarctica's most visited cruise destinations, with six major cruise lines including Silversea, Quark Expeditions, and Swan Hellenic regularly calling here. With over 215 upcoming cruises on the schedule, these remote islands serve primarily as a port of call on longer Antarctic voyages, typically as part of 10-night expeditions that also visit the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia Island, and Ushuaia. The peak season runs from November through March, when favorable weather conditions bring the most active cruise activity to this polar region.

Passengers disembarking at South Shetland Islands can expect authentic polar exploration experiences, from observing abundant wildlife including penguins, seals, and seabirds in their natural habitat to visiting historic research stations that tell the story of Antarctic discovery. Whether you're an expedition cruise enthusiast seeking immersive polar adventures or a traveler drawn to one of Earth's last great wildernesses, the South Shetland Islands offer an unforgettable introduction to Antarctica's raw beauty and scientific significance.

Witness Penguin Colonies Up Close

Encounter thousands of chinstrap, gentoo, and macaroni penguins in their natural habitat across the South Shetland Islands. Zodiac excursions from your ship bring you to pristine breeding colonies where you'll observe these remarkable birds nesting, molting, and diving into icy waters—an unforgettable wildlife experience found nowhere else on Earth.

Explore Historic Whaling Station Ruins

Visit the haunting remnants of early 20th-century whaling operations at Deception Island and other sites throughout the archipelago. These weathered structures tell the dramatic story of Antarctic exploration and industrial heritage, offering profound insights into the region's complex human history amid stunning glacial landscapes.

Kayak Through Pristine Polar Waters

Paddle your kayak among icebergs and alongside seals in the crystalline waters surrounding the South Shetland Islands. This immersive adventure allows you to experience the raw beauty of Antarctica at water level, navigating between towering ice formations while spotting marine wildlife in their element.

Trek Across Glaciers and Snowfields

Hike across expansive glaciers and volcanic terrain on guided excursions from King George Island and neighboring peaks. These moderate to challenging walks reward you with panoramic vistas of the Drake Passage, surrounding peaks, and vast ice shelves while your expedition guides share fascinating geological and ecological insights.

Photograph Otherworldly Volcanic Landscapes

Capture stunning images of Deception Island's geothermal features, including steaming vents and black sand beaches created by volcanic activity. This unique Antarctic destination combines dramatic geology with abundant wildlife, offering photographers and nature enthusiasts unparalleled opportunities for extraordinary shots in an alien-like environment.