Cruise port South Shetland Islands
Info for port South Shetland Islands on 21 Nov 2026
Port information & tips for South Shetland Islands
The South Shetland Islands form the spectacular gateway to Antarctica and inspire as an untouched natural paradise of rugged rocks and eternal ice. The atmosphere is characterized by majestic glaciers and fascinating wildlife, which ensures unforgettable expedition experiences thanks to numerous penguin colonies and passing whales. Striking highlights include the volcanically shaped Whalers Bay on Deception Island and the picturesque Half Moon Island with its impressive chinstrap penguins. Thanks to flexible landings by Zodiac, usually in Maxwell Bay off King George Island, travelers reach this wonderland safely and comfortably. This direct connection also allows immediate contact with the untouched wilderness and the international research stations amidst the Antarctic silence.
The South Shetland Islands form the gateway to Antarctica and are primarily accessed via the ports of Ushuaia in Argentina or Punta Arenas in Chile as part of expedition cruises. Since there are no direct road or rail connections to this remote archipelago, travel from the DACH region always involves a combination of long-haul and regional flights.
Airplane
Travel from Germany, Austria, or Switzerland leads via the international hubs of Buenos Aires (EZE) or Santiago de Chile (SCL). From there, regional flights take you to the southernmost commercial airports in the world, Ushuaia (USH) or Punta Arenas (PUQ), which serve as base ports for further travel by ship or charter flight to the South Shetland Islands.
Transfer & Embarkation
In the departure ports of Ushuaia and Punta Arenas, the piers are centrally located and can be easily reached from the regional airport in about 15 to 20 minutes by taxi or cruise line shuttle. For special fly-cruise options, the transfer takes place directly via charter flight from Punta Arenas to the Marsh Martin airfield on King George Island, where immediate embarkation onto the expedition ship takes place in Maxwell Bay.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long flight duration and dependence on weather conditions in the Drake Passage, arriving at least one to two days before the scheduled embarkation is highly recommended. Most expedition ships offer coordinated pre-cruise packages in first-class hotels in Ushuaia or Punta Arenas, which already include the transfer to the port on the day of departure and guarantee a smooth start to the expedition.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the latest announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times may change at short notice.
The South Shetland Islands form the gateway to Antarctica and are primarily accessed via the ports of Ushuaia in Argentina or Punta Arenas in Chile as part of expedition cruises. Since there are no direct road or rail connections to this remote archipelago, travel from the DACH region always involves a combination of long-haul and regional flights.
Airplane
Travel from Germany, Austria, or Switzerland leads via the international hubs of Buenos Aires (EZE) or Santiago de Chile (SCL). From there, regional flights take you to the southernmost commercial airports in the world, Ushuaia (USH) or Punta Arenas (PUQ), which serve as base ports for further travel by ship or charter flight to the South Shetland Islands.
Transfer & Embarkation
In the departure ports of Ushuaia and Punta Arenas, the piers are centrally located and can be easily reached from the regional airport in about 15 to 20 minutes by taxi or cruise line shuttle. For special fly-cruise options, the transfer takes place directly via charter flight from Punta Arenas to the Marsh Martin airfield on King George Island, where immediate embarkation onto the expedition ship takes place in Maxwell Bay.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long flight duration and dependence on weather conditions in the Drake Passage, arriving at least one to two days before the scheduled embarkation is highly recommended. Most expedition ships offer coordinated pre-cruise packages in first-class hotels in Ushuaia or Punta Arenas, which already include the transfer to the port on the day of departure and guarantee a smooth start to the expedition.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the latest announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times may change at short notice.
In Antarctica, ships anchor in protected bays and landings are made directly using the ship's own boats. Thanks to the professional organization of the expedition leadership, you will reach the pristine nature safely and comfortably.
Zodiac Inflatable Boats
These robust inflatable boats are the most important means of transport for getting from the ship to the rocky coasts or beaches. They also allow for exciting excursions along icebergs and offer direct encounters with wildlife from the water.
On Foot
Exploration of islands such as Deception Island or King George Island takes place on foot over unpaved terrain. Marked paths lead you directly to penguin colonies or research stations while offering breathtaking views of the polar landscape.
Expedition Kayaks
On many voyages, kayak tours are offered as a silent and environmentally friendly way to get around. Thanks to these special boats, you will experience the polar silence particularly intensely and approach the floating ice floes in a very personal way.
To make the most of your visit to the South Shetland Islands, we recommend focusing on the impressive combination of volcanic activity, historic research stations, and unique polar wildlife.
Deception Island
The horseshoe-shaped volcanic island allows for a spectacular entrance directly into the flooded crater and offers a surreal experience in Whalers Bay thanks to steaming beaches and the historic ruins of a whaling station. The geothermically warmed shores are also perfect for one of the most unusual natural experiences of the entire Antarctic journey.
Half Moon Island
This crescent-shaped island impresses with its striking rock formations and is home to an impressive colony of chinstrap penguins; furthermore, the gentle terrain allows for unforgettable walks amidst a majestic glacial backdrop. The island is ideal for nature observations and, thanks to its protected location, offers excellent conditions for a safe landing with the Zodiacs.
King George Island
As the logistical center of the region, the island houses various international research stations and offers exciting insights into human life in the eternal ice, thanks to the settlement of Villa Las Estrellas. This location is perfect for those interested in culture and simultaneously allows for a visit to a small polar church and a post office at the end of the world.
Whalers Bay (Deception Island)
Whalers Bay on Deception Island is an outstanding destination in the South Shetland Islands and, thanks to its protected location inside a flooded volcanic caldera, it is ideally suited for landings with the ship's own Zodiacs. This location impresses with its striking black volcanic beach and the historic remains of a former whaling station, which together create an incomparable and mystical atmosphere. A visit is also worthwhile for the unique experience of the geothermal springs, which let gentle steam rise from the sand in places and are perfect for nature observations of seals and penguins directly on the shore. Ideally, plan your excursion for the morning to enjoy the silence of the bay to the fullest, and return relaxed to the ship to watch the spectacular departure through the imposing rocky gorge of Neptune’s Bellows from the outdoor deck.
The journey back to your ship in the pristine nature of the South Shetland Islands is safe and takes place directly across the water, thanks to the excellent logistics of the expedition teams.
Zodiac Transfer
The return journey is made exclusively with the ship's own Zodiac inflatable boats, which shuttle at regular intervals between the landing site and the gangway. You will reach the ship comfortably within a few minutes and also enjoy a fantastic view of the surrounding glaciers and passing icebergs.
Meeting Point on the Beach
The central meeting point for the return journey is located directly on the shore of the respective island where you previously went ashore, such as in Whalers Bay on Deception Island or on Half Moon Island. Thanks to the clear markings by the ship's staff, you will easily find this location at any time and can board the next available boat directly there.
Coordination by the Expedition Team
The experienced local staff monitors departure times and, through precise planning, ensures that all guests return on board punctually and safely. Simply follow the instructions of the guides on the beach and focus entirely on the impressive wildlife, as the return is professionally organized.
In port on 21 Nov 2026
