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South Shetland Islands & Antarctica Voyage

A classic 10-day voyage to the White Continent. Perfect for those wanting great value and comfortable accommodation. Sail aboard a purpose-built X-bow expedition ship with an average of 175 passengers.

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South Shetland Islands & Antarctica Voyage

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Trip type

Antarctic Peninsula

Trip length

9-12 Days

From

$6,995 -$30,095

Ship Comfort

Comfort & Adventure

South Shetland Islands & Antarctica Voyage - 9-12 Days - $6,995

Trip Summary and Itinerary Map

  • 4 full days exploring Antarctica = 8 planned "off ship" excursions
  • Wide range of departure dates to choose from
  • Antarctic operational experience since 2017 
  • Expedition staff to guest ratio of 1:8
  • Paddling, camping & snowshoeing optional activities available (at additional cost, select departures only)
  • Complimentary 3-in-1 parka jacket, plus house wine, beer and soda with dinner

Start from Ushuaia and end at Ushuaia

Landmarks potentially visited on South Shetland Islands & Antarctica Voyage

Operator's Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival Ushuaia

Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina - the world’s southernmost town. Explore the quaint city or local countryside. Alternatively, consider a day trip off the beaten path to the raw, natural archipelago of Tierra del Fuego. It's a hiker's paradise with rugged snow-capped mountains, glaciers, flower-filled meadows and boggy quagmires.

In the afternoon you will then board the ship. Your journey begins as we navigate through the calms of the Beagle Channel, a strait in the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago.


Days 2 & 3: Crossing the Drake Passage

Sailing onward, we cross the famed Drake Passage – a body of water that marks the intersection of the cold Antarctic with the warmer Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The Drake Passage is known for rollicking conditions and strong westerly winds, called the Roaring Fifties.

While this passage may be challenging, you can rest confidently aboard the expedition vessel, which is purpose-built with stabilizers, powerful engines and a highly-qualified crew. The most spirited sailors consider Drake Passage a lifetime achievement, and you will complete the crossing twice!

In the Drake, the excitement builds as Antarctic wildlife comes into view. Weather permitting, we will catch our first sight of seals and penguins! The area is also well-known for its abundance of birds.


Days 4 & 5: South Shetland Islands

Over the next two days, we will begin the exciting Antarctic experience our ancestors only dreamed of. During these days we will explore the sub-Antarctic islands of the South Shetland chain and absorb captivating landscapes along the way. Weather permitting, our projected landfalls include: King George Island; Deception Island, an extinct volcano with waters warm enough for a polar swim; and Half Moon Island with nesting Wilson's storm petrels and chinstrap penguins.

The itinerary and activities over the next few days depend on weather and ice conditions. The route and shore landings will be determined by the captain and expedition leader and communicated to guests through regularly scheduled briefings.


Days 6 & 7: Antarctic Peninsula

As the white shimmer of Antarctica looms on our horizon, the presence of wildlife multiples by tens of thousands with many species of lively penguins, inquisitive seals, nesting birds and the spray of marine mammals. Wildlife abounds on our projected route along the Antarctic Peninsula: leopard, fur and Weddell seals of Cuverville Island; humpback whales of Gerlache Strait; Paradise Bay; the dramatic Lemaire Channel's orcas and much more.

The itinerary and activities over the next few days depend on weather and ice conditions. The route and shore landings will be determined by the captain and expedition leader and communicated to guests through regularly scheduled briefings.

Please note that all the outings and landings rely on weather, sea and ice conditions being favorable both for the ship to access the areas, as for the zodiacs and kayaks to maneuver under adequate conditions, ensuring the safety of all our passengers and staff. For this reason, during moments of harsh weather and throughout the entire trip, the ship has excellent public areas such as wellness/sauna, restaurant, bar and a library for our passengers to spend their spare time. The vessel is staffed by experts in the field who will also share great lectures along the way, ranging from exploration history to biology, geology, ice and wildlife. 


Days 8 & 9: Depart Antarctica

We depart Antarctica and spend two days at sea on our way back to the calms of the Beagle Channel and Ushuaia, Argentina. En-route, we will cross the Drake Passage and cruise past Cape Horn, a legendary maritime landmark and the southern-most tip of South America. During our time at sea, a variety of activities will be arranged onboard which will provide the perfect opportunity to socialise with fellow travellers. Enjoy lectures by our expedition team, visit our shop and relax at leisure using the ship’s facilities. 


Day 10: Back to Ushuaia & disembarkation

This morning, we arrive back in Ushuaia for the conclusion of our tour, where you can continue your adventures or begin your return journey home. 


NOTE: This itinerary is for guidance only as each voyage will vary depending on ice and weather conditions, and opportunities to see wildlife. Flexibility is key and all part of the adventure of an expeditionary cruise. 

Why our customers love Swoop

Expert impartial advice at no extra cost

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Choosing the right voyage is complicated, Swoop makes it easy. We offer no-nonsense advice on 1500 voyages across 30 ships to find you the right trip, cabin, price - and we don’t charge a fee.

The Antarctic Experts. No Compromises

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Our team has visited Antarctica over 150 times and has 100 collective years of polar experience, so from which trip is right for you to what shoes to bring - there’s no question we can’t answer.

The only B Corp certified Antarctic specialist

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We want to protect Antarctica for future generations - which is why we became a certified B Corp and set up our own conservation fund. So your adventures can be a force for good.

A full concierge service, unlike booking direct

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We leave nothing to chance in delivering your perfect trip and have over 6500 happy travellers to show for it. With a dedicated Antarctic co-ordinator & support throughout - you’re in safe hands.

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What our customers think of South Shetland Islands & Antarctica Voyage

South Shetland Islands & Antarctica Voyage trips scored 4.6/5 from 24 reviews

Animals (especially penguins), Icebergs, the the beauty of Antarctica!

Travelled: February 2024

Nathan -

Not just one, Antartica was incredible at every turn.

Travelled: January 2024

James -

Orca superpod event

Travelled: January 2024

Kate -

Polar Plunge

Travelled: January 2024

Patty -

Waking in the morning to view the first massive glaciers from our ship.

Travelled: January 2024

Anonymous -

Lectures delivered during the expedition.

Travelled: January 2024

Rajasundari -

Polar plunge

Travelled: January 2024

Janice -

Kayaking

Travelled: January 2024

Anthony -

Awesome dinners and service

Travelled: January 2024

Edward -

Embracing an iceberg that is of more than 100+yrs old.

Travelled: January 2024

Suresh -

Being on water surrounded by majestic mountains and incredible ice structures.

Travelled: January 2024

Marc A -

First encounter with penguins is one of the most memorable moments, as I only saw them in zoo or TV before.

Travelled: January 2024

Anonymous -

See a different world so peaceful pure and wonderful

Travelled: January 2024

Ziming -

Penguins, Drake Passage, Meeting new people.

Travelled: December 2023

Amos -

Taking the zodiacs out to tour the land or water. Cool getting closer to the animals and the landings

Travelled: November 2023

Bob -

There were many, clearing the Drake Passage, making the first landing on Antarctica, seeing just all the beautiful snow capped scenes, and the connection with fellow travelers on a ship the size of the Ocean Albotrsoe were equally life memory moments.

Travelled: November 2023

Keith Lorin -

Being out on the zodiac when a humpback started splashing it's dorsal fin.

Travelled: February 2023

Lu -

The landings! Also liked many of the lectures

Travelled: January 2023

Niki -

Watching a mother whale and her calf feed in Paradise Harbor

Travelled: January 2023

Nathalie -

Seeing glaciers and then penguins and then whales! Everything was spectacular

Travelled: January 2023

Leslie -

Review:

I sailed aboard Ocean Victory in February 2022 and loved waking up to panoramic views of sculptural icebergs and jagged glaciated mountains through the floor-to-ceiling balcony doors.  A perfect way to start the day!

Lizzie Williams Polar Product & Partnerships Manager

Prices, Departures and Inclusions

Prices quoted below are per person based on 2 people sharing. Cabin availability changes all the time so please contact us for up-to-date details and information on specific cabin availability.

2024

2025

Cat F Triple Stateroom Cat D Porthole Stateroom Cat E French Balcony Stateroom Cat C Balcony Stateroom Cat G Single Stateroom Cat B Balcony Suite Cat A Junior Suite Premium Suite Family Suite
October 2024
30-Oct-2024 $7,875 $10,795 $11,495 $12,595 $13,995 $13,995 $19,695 $23,095 $24,895 Enquire
November 2024 Save up to 33%
8-Nov-2024 $10,195 $13,295 Save 30%
$14,395
$10,077
Save 30%
$15,595
$10,917
Save 33%
$17,195
$11,476
Save 30%
$17,395
$12,177
Save 30%
$24,195
$16,937
Save 30%
$27,295
$19,107
Save 30%
$30,095
$21,067
Enquire
19-Nov-2024 Full Full Full Full Full Full Full Full Full Enquire
28-Nov-2024 $9,735 $12,695 $13,855 $14,985 $16,495 $16,495 $23,195 $26,395 Full Enquire
December 2024
6-Dec-2024 Full Full $12,795 $13,795 $15,195 $15,696 $21,395 $24,095 $26,695 Enquire
9-Dec-2024 Full Full Full Full Full Full Full Full Full Enquire
26-Dec-2024 $9,395 $12,395 $13,495 $14,595 $16,195 $15,995 $22,595 $25,595 $28,195 Enquire
January 2025
4-Jan-2025 Full Full Full Full Full Full Full Full Full Enquire
12-Jan-2025 $7,895 $10,295 $11,195 $12,195 $13,295 $13,295 $18,795 $21,195 Full Enquire
20-Jan-2025 Full Full Full Full Full Full Full Full Full Enquire
21-Jan-2025 $9,495 $12,395 $13,495 $14,595 $15,995 $16,095 $22,695 $25,595 $28,195 Enquire
29-Jan-2025 Full Full Full Full Full Full Full Full Full Enquire
30-Jan-2025 Full Full Full Full Full Full Full Full Full Enquire
February 2025
7-Feb-2025 Full Full Full Full Full Full Full Full Full Enquire
16-Feb-2025 $8,995 $11,895 $12,895 $13,595 $15,095 $15,295 $21,695 $24,095 Full Enquire
25-Feb-2025 $8,995 $11,895 $12,895 $13,595 $15,095 $15,295 $21,695 $24,095 Full Enquire
March 2025
3-Mar-2025 $8,495 $11,095 $12,095 $12,995 $14,395 $14,395 $20,195 $22,795 $25,095 Enquire
12-Mar-2025 Full Full Full Full Full Full Full Full Full Enquire
22-Mar-2025 Full Full Full Full Full Full Full Full Full Enquire
24-Mar-2025 $6,995* $9,895 $9,895 $10,495 $11,495 $11,895 $16,695 $18,895 Full Enquire

* Note: Prices are per person. Paid in USD ($) - figure above is based on today's exchange rate. Actual cost $6995

Additional Notes

Please note:

The departures on 18-Mar-2024 (9 Days), 12-Mar-2024 (11 days), 22-Mar-2024 (11 days) and 24-Mar-2024 (9 days) offer a specific whale watching focus.


The departures on 18-Feb-2024, 08-Nov-2024 and 28-Nov-2024 are 12 days long and perfect for those with an adventurous soul. On these departures, the ship has no set itinerary and will be aiming to explore less-visited Antarctic locations, potentially even venturing into the Antarctic Sound and Weddell Sea should conditions allow.


The departures on 4-Jan-2025, 12-Jan-2025 and 24-Mar-2025 are 9 day voyages, with 8 nights aboard the ship. This is one night fewer than in the itinerary about, with 3 days in Antarctica rather than 4.


The departure on 8-Nov-2024 (12 days) includes one complimentary paddle activity for all guests and an extra day in Antarctica

Single Supplement And Child Policy

Single Supplement: For those travelling solo the ship offers dedicated single cabins (Category G). If you are looking for a different cabin category, the single supplement in a twin cabin is 75% . However, there is no single supplement for passengers willing to share a cabin, which is possible in the Category F triples and Category C balcony staterooms.

Child Policy: At date of embarkation, the minimum age restriction of 8 years and a minimum height and weight requirement of 64 lbs or 29kg and 48” or 1.2 meters must be met.


Optional Adventure Activities

Enhance your trip with the following add ons. Limited places per activity.
Get in contact to check availability.

Activity Cost Additional Information
Add on icon Paddling Paddling $345 One-off paddle session during the course of your voyage. Available on all departures, subject to weather conditions. Previous kayaking experience is required. Cannot be booked in advance; onboard booking only. Cost for departures from November 2024 - March 2025 will be USD $345.
Add on icon Camping Camping $395 Available on select departures in November and December; subject to weather conditions. This is open air camping using a snow hole and bivy sack. Must be booked in advance.
Add on icon Snowshoeing Snowshoeing $225 Available on select departures in November and December, subject to weather and suitable snow conditions. Cannot be booked in advance; onboard booking only.
Add on icon Photography Photography $495 Available on select departures. Maximum 10 participants. The photography group will generally disembark first for zodiac cruises and landings. On board and off the ship the dedicated Photographer Guide will lead workshops and assist the group in developing their technical skills and artistic vision.

Includes

  • Voyage aboard the vessel as indicated in the itinerary
  • Accommodation & meals during the voyage on full board
  • Free tea and coffee 24 hours daily
  • House wine, beer and soda included with dinner
  • All Zodiac landings and excursions as per itinerary
  • Expedition parka
  • Rubber boot rentals
  • Guiding and lectures by our expedition leader and team
  • English-speaking expedition team
  • Taxes
  • Short shuttle transfer from water's edge pickup point to ship for embarkation
  • Shuttle transfer after disembarkation directly from the ship to the airport in the morning

Excludes

  • Extra excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Single room supplement and cabin upgrades
  • Meals not on board the ship
  • Tips for the crew (we recommend USD $13.5 per person per day)
  • Personal expenses

Questions about this Voyage?