We offer over 2,100 tours in South America with more than 4,700 customer reviews. Tour durations range from 1 to 193 days. Our South America tours are offered by qualified and hand-picked tour operators and each South America trip comes with a best price guarantee and no added booking fees.
Ever wondered what it’s like to retrace the epic journey of Shackleton through the Antarctic? The In Shackleton's Footsteps - M/V Sylvia Earle tour invites experienced travelers on a relaxed 20-day polar expedition from Ushuaia, Argentina. Cruise across the Drake Passage, set foot on the Antarctic Peninsula, and venture deep into the Weddell Sea before visiting the wildlife paradise of South Georgia and the legendary Elephant Island.
Savor the endless days of Antarctic summer, marveling at colossal tabular icebergs and spotting seals, penguins, and whales in their natural element. Guided by an expert expedition crew, you’ll gain historical insights and wildlife-spotting tips, enriching every landing and Zodiac excursion. One of the journey’s highlights is hiking from Fortuna Bay, echoing the final steps of Shackleton’s traverse—a tangible connection to polar exploration’s greatest story.
With comfort and camaraderie aboard the modern Sylvia Earle vessel, this trip balances adventure with ease, making it accessible to those who prefer a relaxed activity level. The tour’s unique selling point is its opportunity to follow Shackleton’s route while enjoying contemporary amenities and expert guidance—a rare blend of history, wildlife, and polar wonder for those who dream of the White Continent.
Polar expeditions and cruise
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Camping, Hotel, Hut, Ship Cabin
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Ushuaia, South Georgia, At Sea
Ushuaia, South Georgia, At Sea, Drake Passage, Antarctic Peninsula, Weddell Sea, Elephant Island
Imagine crossing the legendary Antarctic Circle, a milestone reached by only the most intrepid travelers. The "Antarctic Circle - M/V Ocean Victory" tour begins and ends in Ushuaia, embarking on a 12-day polar expedition cruise through the Drake Passage and the South Shetland Islands. Tailored for seasoned explorers seeking a relaxed yet immersive adventure, this trip offers the rare opportunity to journey south of 66°33'—a feat often thwarted by dense pack ice but made possible by your robust expedition vessel. As you sail ever deeper into the Antarctic Peninsula, relish extended time ashore thanks to the itinerary's two extra exploration days. Marvel at the surreal phenomenon of the midnight sun, where daylight lingers almost endlessly, and savor encounters with seals, whales, penguins, and a vibrant array of birdlife. With comfortable accommodations, all meals included, and expert guidance throughout, this small group tour package is ideal for those who want to experience the majesty of the Great White Continent beyond what most expeditions offer. The unique selling point: crossing the Antarctic Circle itself—an achievement few travelers can claim—paired with ample time to witness the region's untamed wildlife and dramatic landscapes.
Polar expeditions and cruise
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hut, Hotel, Ship Cabin
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Ushuaia, Drake Passage, Antarcti
Ushuaia, Drake Passage, Antarctic Circle, South Shetland Islands
Experience the outstanding birdlife of the Falkland Islands. Marvel at the vast King penguin rookeries of South Georgia, before experiencing one of the most spectacular wilderness areas on earth. Antarctica has a remarkable collection of wildlife; snow-capped mountains and blue icebergs; penguins, whales and a rich diversity of birdlife - all of which await you on an exploratory journey of the Great White Continent.
King Penguin rookeries 100,000 strong - experience the stunning wildlife spectacle on Salisbury Plain
Antarctic wilderness - enjoy the freedom of being in this vast, ice-sculpted, wilderness
Breathtaking scenery - enjoy the views from the bridge or from the outer decks of your vessel
Antarctic Peninsula - explore the small islands of the peninsula by zodiac and on foot
Polar expeditions and cruise
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Ship Cabin
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Elephant
Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Elephant Island, South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Drake Passage, Antarctic Peninsula
A voyage into the Antarctic Circle will take you as far south as the ice will allow. Our small ships allow access to this inhospitable and impossibly beautiful area, which only the lucky few will ever see. Imagine being encircled in rookeries of chinstrap, Adelie and gentoo penguins, so close to colossal glaciers and icebergs towering high above you.
Travel even further into Antarctica - join an expedition cruise to cross the Polar Circle
Superb wildlife - excellent viewing opportunities from our Zodiacs and on-shore landings
Incredible landscapes - immerse yourself in the vast icescapes of Antarctica
Marine wildlife - sail with whales and past seals basting in the sun on passing ice floes
Polar expeditions and cruise
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
The South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula form one of the most spectacular wilderness areas on Earth. A remarkable collection of wildlife lives in the shadow of snow-capped mountains and blue icebergs; penguins, whales and a rich diversity of birdlife await you an this exploratory journey into the Great White Continent.
Travel into scenic Antarctica - explore the islands of the peninsula
Enjoy a variety of penguins - walk amongst vast penguin rookeries of gentoo, Adelie and chinstrap penguins
Incredible scenery - enjoy the freedom of being in the vast, ice-sculpted, Antarctic wilderness
Polar expeditions and cruise
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hut, Ship Cabin
Age Range
16-79 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Ushuaia, Drake Passage, Antarcti
Ushuaia, Drake Passage, Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands
The South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula form one of the most spectacular wilderness areas on earth. A remarkable collection of wildlife lives in the shadow of snow-capped mountains and blue icebergs; penguins, whales and a rich diversity of birdlife await you on this exploratory journey of the Great White Continent.
Search for orca and minke whales - as they hunt in icy bays
Penguin rookeries - see Adelie, gentoo and chinstrap penguin busily building their nests
Enjoy the freedom of Antarctica - being in the vast, ice-sculpted Antarctic wilderness
Polar expeditions and cruise
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Ship Cabin
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Ushuaia, Drake Passage, South Sh
Ushuaia, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula