The South Shetland Islands are a group of 20 islands and islets that were first reached in February 1819. The Islands are also the first piece of land after crossing the Drake Passage from Patagonia and before reaching Antarctica.

The Islands are teaming with wildlife and are a must-see for anyone travelling on an Antarctic cruise. Here you can expect to see huge penguin rookeries and beaches teaming with seals. On King George Island, you can see cute Adélie and Chinstrap Penguins, as well as Kelp Gulls, Blue-eyed Cormorants, Antarctic Terns and Southern Giant Petrels. This is also where the Chilean and Argentinian goverments have their research bases.