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South Shetland Islands
Plum the mysteries of these mist-covered islands
The archipelago consists of 11 major islands and numerous smaller ones. They are mainly mountainous and more than 80% glaciated. The islands are of volcanic origin. Although the islands might have been sighted before, the first recorded sighting is that of William Smith, a British sailor whose ship was blown off course while rounding Cape Horn in 1819. Soon after, seal hunters frequented the islands in search of Fur Seals.
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Currently we do not have any South Shetland Islands cruises available.
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Latest blog and customer story
Blog（https://oceanwide-expeditions.com/blog/from-stonington-to-the-south-orkney-islands-the-legacy-of-nathaniel-palmer）
From Stonington to the South Orkney Islands: The legacy of Nathaniel Palmer（https://oceanwide-expeditions.com/blog/from-stonington-to-the-south-orkney-islands-the-legacy-of-nathaniel-palmer）
Nathanial Brown Palmer, also known as 'Captain Nat,' was an American sealer, whaler, ship designer, and explorer whose polar legacy continues today. Palmer played a crucial role in discovering and naming several iconic locations in Antarctica, many of which you can visit during an expedition cruise.
All related posts（https://oceanwide-expeditions.com/blog?region=antarctica&destination=south-shetland-islands&type=blog.news）
Customer story（https://oceanwide-expeditions.com/blog/antarctica-and-my-old-friend-ortelius-passenger-story-by-ann-lane）
Antarctica and My Old Friend, Ortelius: Passenger Story by Ann Lane（https://oceanwide-expeditions.com/blog/antarctica-and-my-old-friend-ortelius-passenger-story-by-ann-lane）
I was on the recent Antarctic trip on Ortelius, 16 Feb - 7 March. This has been my third expedition with Oceanwide, and I continue to be very impressed by the experiences.
Share your story（https://oceanwide-expeditions.com/customer-story/create）
Latest highlight and wildlife
Highlights（https://oceanwide-expeditions.com/to-do/experiences/zodiac-cruising-shore-program）
See the highlights you may experience:
— Zodiac Cruising & Shore Program（https://oceanwide-expeditions.com/to-do/experiences/zodiac-cruising-shore-program）
— Bird Watching（https://oceanwide-expeditions.com/to-do/experiences/bird-watching）
— Hiking Deception Island（https://oceanwide-expeditions.com/to-do/experiences/hiking-on-deception-island-antarctic-peninsula）
— Shore-Based Walking（https://oceanwide-expeditions.com/to-do/experiences/shore-based-walking-excursions-1）
More highlights（https://oceanwide-expeditions.com/to-do?region=antarctica&destination=south-shetland-islands&ttype=experiences）
Wildlife（https://oceanwide-expeditions.com/to-do/wildlife/arctic-tern）
See the highlights you may experience:
— Arctic Tern（https://oceanwide-expeditions.com/to-do/wildlife/arctic-tern）
— Crabeater Seal（https://oceanwide-expeditions.com/to-do/wildlife/crabeater-seal）
— Chinstrap Penguin（https://oceanwide-expeditions.com/to-do/wildlife/chinstrap-penguin）
— Southern Elephant Seal（https://oceanwide-expeditions.com/to-do/wildlife/elephant-seal）
More wildlife（https://oceanwide-expeditions.com/to-do?region=antarctica&destination=south-shetland-islands&ttype=wildlife）
Map of the South Shetland Islands
Fan(tastic) photo
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South Shetland Islands cruise reviews
Best trip ever（https://oceanwide-expeditions.com/review/best-trip-ever-12）
by Muriel de Kok
Antarctica（https://oceanwide-expeditions.com/antarctica）
We saw so many beautifull animals and surroundings! It feels unreal when you are there. Very happy we also did the Falkland Islands and South Georgia. Great expeditionteam and hospitalityteam on the ship.
Simply Outstanding（https://oceanwide-expeditions.com/review/simply-outstanding）
by Erin Erkun
Antarctica（https://oceanwide-expeditions.com/antarctica）
With Mother Nature on our side, we had an amazing expedition on the Remote Weddell Sea Explorer. Reaching 78S on this side of the continent was truly a wonder ... the zodiac cruising, the tabular iceberg landing, the ice floe and fast ice landings, the continental and very unique Berkner Island landings, the wildlife that we were able to view in close proximity. It all combined for a magnificent experience. Excellent expedition team led by Sara Jenner.
Trip of a Lifetime. Bucket List checked. In honor of my love Michael.（https://oceanwide-expeditions.com/review/trip-of-a-lifetime-15）
by Candice Quinn
Antarctica（https://oceanwide-expeditions.com/antarctica）
Solo travel on Hondius Feb 2025 to Falkland, South Georgia and Antarctica. Saw 7 different Penguin species. Rockhopper, Gentoo, Magellanic, Macaroni, Adelie, Chinstrap & King Penguin. Saw different Whales as well. Minke Whale, Killer Whale / Orcas, Humpback Whales. Saw different birds. Saw different Seals. Fur Seals, Crab Eater Seals, Leopard Seals, Weddell Seals. Beautiful Landscape. Expedition Team great. Crew and Staff great. Love everything about my trip. Worth the money spent. Thanks for the trip log & slideshow. Food is great. Activities great. Love the zodiac cruise and landings.
Trip of a lifetime!（https://oceanwide-expeditions.com/review/trip-of-a-lifetime-14）
by Jake Tant-Arrillaga
Antarctica（https://oceanwide-expeditions.com/antarctica）
My wife and I had such a good time aboard Hondius. Pippa and her team were great. We were well taken care of and fed by the hotel team and always felt safe aboard. We got so lucky with the weather and wildlife, which are always big variables in these types of trips. South Georgia is definitely one of the top places I've ever visited and we'll have memories of this trip for the rest of our lives! Thanks for everything!!!
This is your sign to book it!（https://oceanwide-expeditions.com/review/this-is-your-sign-to-book-it）
by Melissa Tant-Arrillaga
Antarctica（https://oceanwide-expeditions.com/antarctica）
My husband and I had an amazing 23 day journey to the Falklands + South Georgia + Antarctica! A huge part of this success came from the Oceanwide team — the ability of an expedition mindset allowed the team to be flexible and keep our best interests at heart. Whether that was prioritizing the safety of crew member during a med evacuation, or hopping out on the zodiacs earlier than expected because we came across a pod of 20+ orcas (1 of the biggest highlights of the trip!), the values of the staff speak volumes to the experience we had during our voyage. On and off board we had phenomenal service and communication. Everyone was incredibly kind, patient and knowledgable in their areas of expertise. We could not imagine going with another operator and had the trip of a life time! If you’re on the fence about booking, I say go for it!!! You have to experience the magic yourself :)