
South Shetland Islands
Experience some of the most unique wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery
Information about South Shetland Islands
The South Shetland Islands are a group of rocky islands only about 75 miles north of the Antarctic Peninsula.
Several countries have research stations on the islands, with most being found on the largest island, King George Island. It’s here, at the Chilean Base Presidente Eduardo Frei Montalva, that there is a 4000ft runway that sees over 200 flights a year bringing people and supplies to and from the Islands and wider Antarctica.
Most of the islands are covered in ice for much of the year, but they are still home to large populations of Elephant and fur seals, as well as huge numbers of penguins and Antarctic sea birds, being the most diverse area in the whole 'peninsula' region. Frequent encounters here include gentoo, chinstrap (often one of the key species for landings in the South Shetlands), a few Adélie penguins colonies, and the odd Macaroni penguin pair or lone bird. Also Weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals, as well as and orca, humpback, and minke whales, with fin whales, and even southern bottlenose Whales, see on the approach close to the drop off to deeper waters.
Black-browed Albatross do not breed but can be seen, usually offshore in the Southern ocean, but also in the Bransfield Strait.
Interesting facts about South Shetland Islands
Because of the rocky nature of the South Shetland Islands, all your landings here will be by Zodiac. They are safe and fast, allowing you to get to several landing sites in a day, as well as giving you some stunning "up close and personal" experiences with icebergs, glaciers, and marine life.
Landings in the South Shetlands, or Zodiac or ship cruises, tend to be the first and last landings for Antarctic Peninsula cruises. It can be a very special experience as you see the South Shetlands, the first sighting of 'Antarctica', often surrounded by Cape Petrels that seem like a welcoming party!
Those going south of the circle, or including South Georgia, are likely to visit on the way in, or out, according to the final route.
Pictures of South Shetland Islands


