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Antarctica · South Shetland Islands

South Shetland Islandsat the edge of wonder

The extraordinary sights.
The moments in between.

Explore the South Shetland Islands

Your first steps into the south.

Volcanic islands and polar shores near the Antarctic Peninsula. Explore them as part of an expedition whose landings and small-boat outings follow local conditions.

Choose by interest

How would you
like the South Shetland Islands to feel?

Historic whaling tanks and expedition visitors at Whalers Bay, Deception Island

A volcanic island

Deception Island

Discover Deception Island on an expedition that includes it in the planned route. The expedition team decides whether entry, small-boat outings or landings are possible.

Extraordinary journeys live in the details

Explore the South Shetland Islands your way

A journey with your rhythm

Compare the complete expedition, time at sea, and the operator’s planned route. Landings and small-boat outings depend on daily conditions and the expedition team’s decisions.

Browse by travel style

Plan the timing

When to go

Plan around the austral summer. Most visitor voyages take place from November to March; the exact route and landings depend on the operator, sea ice, and weather.

Seasonal guidance, not a forecast. Photographs illustrate the destination, not conditions in a particular season.

Early season

Historic whaling tanks and expedition visitors at Whalers Bay, Deception Island

The first summer voyages

November

Compare the operator’s early-season departures. Sea ice and weather can shape where the ship travels and whether landings are possible.

Explore these months →

High summer

Yellow expedition kayaks on polar water near a whale fluke

Make room for discovery

December–February

Explore summer expedition itineraries and the activities included. The expedition team adjusts each day to local conditions.

Explore these months →

Late season

Chinstrap penguin standing in falling snow

The season draws to a close

March

Check the final departures in the operator’s program. Routes, wildlife sightings, and landing opportunities vary.

Explore these months →

Planning season

Historic whaling tanks and expedition visitors at Whalers Bay, Deception Island

Look ahead to your expedition

April–October

Most visitor voyages pause outside the summer season. Use this time to compare ships and plan a future departure; ask about any specialist exceptions.

Plan a future expedition →

Good to know

Before your journey
takes shape

A little clarity now, so you can plan with confidence.

What do the featured journey cards include?

Each card opens a supplier offer. Review its itinerary, dates, price, and inclusions, then ask Gloria to confirm the details for your trip. Experiences elsewhere on this page are ideas and may not be included in an offer.

What will these searches show?

Supplier-provided journeys that match the destination and selected filters. Where an attraction has few matches, we also show broader destination results, clearly labeled. A journey mentioning a place is not necessarily an admission ticket or a visit to it. Check the itinerary, inclusions, dates and availability.

How long should I allow?

Compare the complete expedition itinerary, including travel to the embarkation point and any sea crossings or flight connections. Time at the destination is only part of the journey, and the route may change with conditions.

When should I plan to visit?

Most visitor expeditions operate during the austral summer. Compare published departures around November to March, checking any early or late-season sailings individually. Weather and sea ice shape access.

Where will I stay?

Most visitors stay aboard their expedition ship. Compare cabins, onboard facilities, sea time and the landing program when choosing a voyage.

What should I arrange early?

Choose the expedition and departure first, then coordinate flights, any pre-voyage stay, and the operator’s documents and equipment requirements. Confirm which activities are included and which need separate arrangements.

Is this expedition suitable for my family?

Check the operator’s age policies, health requirements and small-boat boarding demands. Discuss long crossings, remote conditions and the planned activities before choosing a voyage.

Are landings and wildlife sightings guaranteed?

No. The expedition team adjusts the route and daily activities for weather, sea ice, wildlife protection and site access. Follow their guidance ashore and aboard small boats.

Snow-covered coastal cliffs seen past a sailing vessel’s rigging

Your ideas. Our personal attention.

Bring us your ideas.
We will connect the journey.

You share what moves you. We design a journey with the right experiences, the right pace, and room for discovery.

Planyour journey