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South Shetland Islands Cruise Port

South Shetland Islands
The South Shetland Islands are a group of islands located in the Southern Ocean off the coast of Antarctica.

Ships in port today
No ships in port today
Safety rank
#214
of 490 ports in the Other (Asia/Africa/Middle East)
Today · high / low
35° / -5°
September normals
South Shetland Islands cruise port
Other (Asia/Africa/Middle East)
South Shetland Islands
// South Shetland Islands cruise port overview

The cruise port in South Shetland Islands,
explained

Lat: 62.4°SLong: 60.2°WINTN code: SSIAQ

The South Shetland Islands are a group of islands located in the Southern Ocean off the coast of Antarctica. The islands are part of the Antarctic Peninsula and are home to a variety of wildlife, including penguins, seals, and whales.

The islands are also home to a number of research stations, including the British Antarctic Survey's Rothera Research Station and the Chilean Antarctic Institute's Presidente Eduardo Frei Montalva Station. The islands are also popular with tourists, who come to experience the unique wildlife and stunning scenery.

The islands are also known for their rich history, with the first recorded sighting of the islands being made by the British explorer William Smith in 1819. The islands are also home to a number of shipwrecks, including the HMS Protector, which was wrecked in 1821.

The South Shetland Islands are a unique and fascinating part of the world, and are well worth a visit.

// Departing soon

Upcoming cruises to South Shetland Islands.

29 cruises stop here in South Shetland Islands during the next 12 months. These are the next ones to leave, by sail date.

Prices refreshed daily
Silver Cloud
Nov 9, 2026Suite
Silversea Cruise Line

Silver Cloud

Nov 9, 2026 · 15 nights
from: Puerto Williams, Chile
$1,874/ night
$28,116 total
Silver Cloud
Nov 24, 2026Suite
Silversea Cruise Line

Silver Cloud

Nov 24, 2026 · 15 nights
from: Puerto Williams, Chile
$1,736/ night
$26,037 total
Silver Cloud
Dec 9, 2026Suite
Silversea Cruise Line

Silver Cloud

Dec 9, 2026 · 12 nights
from: Puerto Williams, Chile
$1,551/ night
$18,612 total
Silver Cloud
Dec 21, 2026Suite
Silversea Cruise Line

Silver Cloud

Dec 21, 2026 · 9 nights
from: Puerto Williams, Chile
$6,270/ night
$56,430 total
Silver Cloud
Dec 21, 2026Suite
Silversea Cruise Line

Silver Cloud

Dec 21, 2026 · 18 nights
from: Puerto Williams, Chile
$1,458/ night
$26,235 total
Silver Cloud
Dec 30, 2026Suite
Silversea Cruise Line

Silver Cloud

Dec 30, 2026 · 9 nights
from: King George Island, South Shetland Islands, Antarctica
$5,786/ night
$52,074 total
Silver Cloud
Jan 8, 2027Suite
Silversea Cruise Line

Silver Cloud

Jan 8, 2027 · 10 nights
from: Puerto Williams, Chile
$1,742/ night
$17,424 total
Silver Cloud
Jan 18, 2027Suite
Silversea Cruise Line

Silver Cloud

Jan 18, 2027 · 15 nights
from: Puerto Williams, Chile
$2,633/ night
$39,501 total
// South Shetland Islands Cruise Port location

Where is South Shetland Islands Cruise Port?

The South Shetland Islands cruise port is located in the Antarctic Peninsula, off the coast of the Antarctic continent. It is a popular destination for cruise ships, as it offers a unique opportunity to explore the Antarctic environment and its wildlife. The port is located in the northern part of the South Shetland Islands, near the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. It is surrounded by glaciers, mountains, and icebergs, and is home to a variety of wildlife, including penguins, seals, and whales.

General location
Other (Asia/Africa/Middle East)
Coordinates
62.38°S, 60.25°W
Cruise port · 62.38°S, 60.25°W
Map data · OpenStreetMap
// South Shetland Islands cruise port guide

What to do in South Shetland Islands

A shortlist of places worth your hours ashore, grouped by the kind of day you want.

Ways to spend the day

3 themes
Theme 1

Kayaking

Kayaking is a popular activity for cruise passengers visiting the South Shetland Islands. Kayaking allows passengers to explore the islands from a different perspective, as they paddle around the shoreline and take in the stunning views. Kayaking excursions often include visits to secluded coves and bays, where passengers can observe wildlife up close. Kayaking is a great way to explore the islands and experience the beauty of the region.

Theme 2

Wildlife Watching

The South Shetland Islands are home to a variety of wildlife, including penguins, seals, and whales. Cruise passengers can take part in wildlife watching excursions to observe these animals in their natural habitat. These excursions often include visits to penguin colonies, where passengers can observe the birds up close. Other wildlife watching opportunities include whale watching, seal spotting, and bird watching.

Theme 3

Hiking

The South Shetland Islands offer a variety of hiking opportunities for cruise passengers. From easy walks along the shoreline to more challenging hikes up mountains, there is something for everyone. Hiking is a great way to explore the islands and take in the stunning views. Many of the hikes offer the chance to spot wildlife, such as penguins, seals, and whales.

South Shetland Islands cruise port beaches

3 in our guide
H

Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay is a stunning beach located on the western side of the South Shetland Islands. It is a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking, as the waters are crystal clear and the beach is surrounded by lush vegetation. The beach is also a great spot for wildlife watching, as it is home to a variety of seabirds, penguins, and seals. Visitors can also take a boat tour to explore the nearby islands and glaciers.

D

Deception Island

Deception Island is a unique beach located in the South Shetland Islands. It is a volcanic island with a horseshoe-shaped beach, making it a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing. The beach is also a great spot for wildlife watching, as it is home to a variety of seabirds, penguins, and seals. Visitors can also take a boat tour to explore the nearby islands and glaciers.

K

King George Island

King George Island is a stunning beach located on the eastern side of the South Shetland Islands. It is a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking, as the waters are crystal clear and the beach is surrounded by lush vegetation. The beach is also a great spot for wildlife watching, as it is home to a variety of seabirds, penguins, and seals. Visitors can also take a boat tour to explore the nearby islands and glaciers.

// South Shetland Islands fun facts

Unique Wildlife

The South Shetland Islands are home to a wide variety of unique wildlife, including several species of penguins, seals, and whales. The islands are also home to several species of seabirds, including the Antarctic tern, the southern giant petrel, and the Cape petrel. The islands are also home to several species of seals, including the Weddell seal, the crabeater seal, and the leopard seal.

Historical Significance

The South Shetland Islands have a long and storied history. The islands were first discovered by the British explorer William Smith in 1819, and were later claimed by the United Kingdom in 1908. The islands have also been the site of several scientific expeditions, including the British Graham Land Expedition of 1934-37, and the United States Antarctic Service Expedition of 1939-41. The islands are also home to several historic sites, including the remains of a whaling station and a British research station.

Volcanic Activity

The South Shetland Islands are home to several active volcanoes, including Deception Island, which is one of the most active volcanoes in the Antarctic region. The volcano last erupted in 1970, and its eruptions have been known to cause tsunamis in the surrounding waters. The islands are also home to several other volcanoes, including Mt. Friesland, Mt. Foster, and Mt. Belinda.

South Shetland Islands cruise port shopping

3 in our guide
T

The South Shetland Souvenir Shop

The South Shetland Souvenir Shop is the perfect place to find unique souvenirs from the South Shetland Islands. Located near the cruise port, this shop offers a wide selection of items, from t-shirts and hats to mugs and keychains. They also have a variety of local artwork, including paintings and sculptures. Prices are reasonable and the staff is friendly and helpful.

T

The Antarctic Gift Shop

The Antarctic Gift Shop is a great place to find souvenirs from the South Shetland Islands. Located near the cruise port, this shop offers a wide selection of items, from t-shirts and hats to mugs and keychains. They also have a variety of local artwork, including paintings and sculptures. Prices are reasonable and the staff is friendly and helpful.

T

The Penguin Emporium

The Penguin Emporium is a great place to find unique souvenirs from the South Shetland Islands. Located near the cruise port, this shop offers a wide selection of items, from t-shirts and hats to mugs and keychains. They also have a variety of local artwork, including paintings and sculptures. Prices are reasonable and the staff is friendly and helpful.

// South Shetland Islands Cruise Port Terminals

Which South Shetland Islands cruise terminal will your ship use?

Your cruise line assigns the pier — here's what each one means for your day ashore.

3 piers in South Shetland Islands
Pier 1 of 3

Livingston Island Cruise Terminal

Livingston Island, South Shetland Islands

The Livingston Island Cruise Terminal is located on Livingston Island, one of the most remote and beautiful destinations in the South Shetland Islands. The terminal is equipped with modern facilities and provides easy access to the many attractions of the island. It is a popular destination for cruise ships and offers a variety of activities for passengers to enjoy, including kayaking, whale watching, and hiking.

Pier 2 of 3

Deception Island Cruise Terminal

Deception Island, South Shetland Islands

The Deception Island Cruise Terminal is located on Deception Island, one of the most popular destinations in the South Shetland Islands. The terminal is equipped with modern facilities and provides easy access to the many attractions of the island. It is a popular destination for cruise ships and offers a variety of activities for passengers to enjoy, including kayaking, whale watching, and hiking.

Pier 3 of 3

King George Island Cruise Terminal

King George Island, South Shetland Islands

The King George Island Cruise Terminal is the main cruise ship terminal in the South Shetland Islands. It is located on King George Island, the largest of the South Shetland Islands. The terminal is equipped with modern facilities and provides easy access to the many attractions of the islands. It is a popular destination for cruise ships and offers a variety of activities for passengers to enjoy.

Wi-Fi

Unfortunately, there is no public wifi access available in South Shetland Islands cruise port. However, some of the cruise ships that visit the area may offer wifi access to their passengers.

Safety

The South Shetland Islands cruise port is generally considered to be a safe destination for travelers. The islands are part of the Antarctic Treaty System, which means that they are protected from military activity and are monitored by the Antarctic Treaty Secretariat. Additionally, the cruise ships that visit the islands are subject to strict safety regulations and are regularly inspected by the International Maritime Organization.

Port address

the Antarctic region and is accessible by cruise ships

South Shetland Islands cruise port car rental

The South Shetland Islands cruise port does not have any car rental options available. The closest car rental option is located in Punta Arenas, Chile, which is approximately a two-hour drive away. There are several car rental companies in Punta Arenas, including Hertz, Avis, Europcar, and Budget. All of these companies offer a variety of vehicles, from economy cars to luxury vehicles. Prices vary depending on the type of vehicle and the length of the rental.

Piers are assigned by the cruise line — check your ship's docking notice the morning you arrive.

// Weather

South Shetland Islands Cruise Port Weather

Other (Asia/Africa/Middle East)·30-year historical averages
Sep averages · South Shetland Islands
25°
Avg · °F
Cold, occasional showers
High
35°F
Low
-5°F
Rain
3.1 in
Excursions that suit this weather
// Year-round in South Shetland Islands

Average monthly temperature and rainfall. This month is highlighted.

Avg temp °FRainfall in
JANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDECMONTHLY NORMALS · °F AND IN
// South Shetland Islands cruise ship schedule

South Shetland Islands Cruise Port Traffic Today

No cruise ships are scheduled in South Shetland Islands today, Thursday, September 10, 2026. Check the schedule for another date to see when ships are next due alongside.

// Keep exploring

Popular ports in the Other (Asia/Africa/Middle East)

Other ports cruisers visit most in the Other (Asia/Africa/Middle East).

// Questions

South Shetland Islands cruise port, answered

The things cruisers ask most before a day ashore in South Shetland Islands.

Where is South Shetland Islands cruise port located?

South Shetland Islands cruise port is located in Other (Asia/Africa/Middle East). The South Shetland Islands cruise port is located in the Antarctic Peninsula, off the coast of the Antarctic continent. It is a popular destination for cruise ships, as it offers a unique opportunity to explore the Antarctic environment and its wildlife. The port is located in the northern part of the South Shetland Islands, near the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. It is surrounded by glaciers, mountains, and icebergs, and is home to a variety of wildlife, including penguins, seals, and whales.

Is South Shetland Islands a good cruise port to visit?

Yes, South Shetland Islands is a great cruise port. The islands are home to a variety of wildlife, including penguins, seals, and whales, and offer stunning views of the Antarctic landscape. There are also a number of historical sites to explore, such as the remains of a whaling station and a British research station.

How safe is South Shetland Islands cruise port for passengers?

South Shetland Islands cruise port has a safety score of 7.6 out of 10, ranking #214 of 490 ports in Other (Asia/Africa/Middle East). The South Shetland Islands cruise port is generally considered to be a safe destination for travelers. The islands are part of the Antarctic Treaty System, which means that they are protected from military activity and are monitored by the Antarctic Treaty Secretariat. Additionally, the cruise ships that visit the islands are subject to strict safety regulations and are regularly inspected by the International Maritime Organization.

What is the weather like at South Shetland Islands cruise port in September?

In September, South Shetland Islands cruise port has average high temperatures of 35°F (2°C) and average lows of -5°F (-21°C).

How many excursions are available at South Shetland Islands cruise port?

There are currently 6 excursions and tours available at South Shetland Islands cruise port, covering everything from guided sightseeing and cultural experiences to water sports and adventure activities. Book in advance to secure your preferred experience.

What are the top things to do at South Shetland Islands cruise port?

South Shetland Islands cruise port offers 3 featured activities and attractions. Popular highlights include: Kayaking, Wildlife Watching, Hiking. The South Shetland Islands are known for their stunning natural beauty and unique wildlife. Visitors can explore the rugged coastline, take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, and observe the abundant wildlife, including penguins, seals, and whales. There are also opportunities to go kayaking, fishing, and camping, as well as to take part in guided tours and educational activities. With its unique landscape and wildlife, the South Shetland Islands offer a truly unforgettable experience.

Can I rent a car at South Shetland Islands cruise port?

The South Shetland Islands cruise port does not have any car rental options available. The closest car rental option is located in Punta Arenas, Chile, which is approximately a two-hour drive away. There are several car rental companies in Punta Arenas, including Hertz, Avis, Europcar, and Budget. All of these companies offer a variety of vehicles, from economy cars to luxury vehicles. Prices vary depending on the type of vehicle and the length of the rental.

What is the WiFi situation at South Shetland Islands cruise port?

Unfortunately, there is no public wifi access available in South Shetland Islands cruise port. However, some of the cruise ships that visit the area may offer wifi access to their passengers.

Where is the cruise terminal at South Shetland Islands cruise port?

The South Shetland Islands cruise port does not have a specific address. The port is located in the Antarctic region and is accessible by cruise ships.

What is the South Shetland Islands Cruise Port cruise schedule?

There are no cruise ships scheduled at South Shetland Islands today. Use the cruise ship schedule above to check South Shetland Islands on any past or future date.

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