When to visit South Georgia
Hailed as the Serengeti of the Southern Ocean, South Georgia is bursting with life throughout the cruise season, so choosing when to take your voyage will ultimately depend on what…
Discover MoreAt the height of the breeding season, there is said to be more wildlife here per square foot than any other place on the planet. South Georgia’s prodigious wildlife includes penguins, birds, whales and seals, and the numbers are absolutely staggering. Their lack of fear of humans also makes them incredibly curious, this is one of the best places in the world to be approached by an inquisitive penguin, or lolloping seal.
The diversity of landing sites on this small island make it one of the more spectacular places to visit in Antarctica. From a colony of 300,000 king penguins at St Andrews Bay, to Gold Harbour where the sun's rays bathe hanging glaciers in to make them glow in yellows and oranges, the scale of opportunities for wildlife spotting and taking in the scenery is unmatched.
This is also one of the richest places for history - the sleepy village of Grytviken protects the grave of Sir Ernest Shackleton, and you can even hike in the man himself's footsteps on the Shackleton Walk, from Fortuna Bay to Stromness where he raised the alarm in 1916.
The visitor season is limited to late October through to March. During these months the weather is at its more benign, though still highly unpredictable! As a rule, November and March are chillier, but the softer light is favourable for photographers. More important are the nuances among the wildlife:
As part of a longer cruise, most trips will also visit the Falklands and the Antarctic Peninsula, however, a select few voyages focus solely on South Georgia. On a once-in-a-lifetime trip like this, finding the right voyage is crucial, so to help you get started, here are a few tips on key areas you should be considering:
Daily landings and adventurous activities abound, but with the option of coming back to a more luxurious cabin, or your own private balcony.
The ultimate Antarctic cruises. Bright, spacious cabins, exquisite food, and the highest standard of service throughout.
Functional vessels with heaps of character, trips aboard these ships feel truly expeditionary. Here, it is all about the quality of the landings, and expertise of the brilliant expedition leaders.
This will very much depend on which voyage you choose, most voyages spend between 3- 5 days exploring South Georgia, while the maximum is 8 days.
A crucial question for photographers in particular. As ship’s don’t suffer from the same weight limitations as airlines, there are no restrictions once on board the vessel. However, you need to check weight limits on the domestic flights, which are typically only 15-20kg for hold luggage.
The answer is ‘Yes’. The kitchens on all ships are very experienced at catering for all food requirements, whether you are vegetarian, gluten free, lactose intolerant, or just prefer to avoid certain foods.
Prices start from around $8,500 per person, but vary markedly depending on the trip, ship, timing of travel and cabin category you choose.
While discounts are rare, those people booking early can take advantage of early booking incentives of up to USD $1,500 per person offered on select trips.
It's a substantial investment, but in well over a decade of helping people experience South Georgia, nobody has ever been remotely disappointed.
Hailed as the Serengeti of the Southern Ocean, South Georgia is bursting with life throughout the cruise season, so choosing when to take your voyage will ultimately depend on what…
Discover MoreSouth Georgia is more challenging to get to than almost any other place on each, there is however a choice of routes for getting to South Georgia.
Discover MoreSouth Georgia may be a cartographic speck on the map and one of the least visited territories on Earth, but it's a true gem amidst the roiling southern ocean. Spectacular …
Discover MoreThe lack of hotels and limited infrastructure on South Georgia necessitates visitors to be fully self-sufficient. Expedition ships offer both the amenities of a floating base …
Discover MoreWith over 50 years of Antarctic experience between us, we can help guide you to exactly the right trip for you.