SOUTH GEORGIA EXPEDITION CRUISES

The Serengeti of the Southern Ocean

Experience Antarctica’s wildlife capital where king penguin colonies exceed 100,000 pairs, elephant seals dominate beaches, and Shackleton’s legendary story lives on. This sub-Antarctic paradise hosts the planet’s most spectacular concentration of marine wildlife.

October – March

Expedition Season

0°C to 8°C

Summer Temperature

450,000 Pairs

King Penguins

From $15,000 USD

Starting Price

Antarctica’s Wildlife Capital Awaits

South Georgia Island represents Antarctica’s wildlife capital—a 170-kilometre mountainous sanctuary where millions of penguins, seals, and seabirds converge in the Southern Ocean’s most spectacular natural amphitheatre. Located 1,400 kilometres east of the Falkland Islands, this sub-Antarctic paradise features king penguin colonies exceeding 100,000 pairs, elephant seal harems, and dramatic peaks rising 2,934 metres directly from the sea.

St Andrews Bay

St Andrews Bay

Salisbury Plain

Salisbury Plain

Gold Harbour

Gold Harbour

Grytviken

Grytviken

King Penguin Colonies

450,000 breeding pairs representing 30% of the global population. Colonies stretch for kilometres along beaches with constant activity year-round.

Elephant Seal Beaches

Bulls weighing up to 4,000 kilograms control harems of 50+ females. The world’s highest concentration of these marine giants.

Shackleton’s Legacy

Visit Shackleton’s grave at Grytviken and follow “The Boss’s” legendary 1916 survival crossing across the island’s mountainous interior.

Choose Your Expedition

Popular South Georgia Expedition Itineraries

South Georgia is typically combined with Antarctica and the Falkland Islands for the ultimate “Antarctic Triple Crown” experience. Our specialists will help you choose the perfect combination for your wildlife and adventure goals.

Antarctica & South Georgia

Antarctica & South Georgia

Duration: 18-21 days

Route: Ushuaia to South Georgia to Peninsula

Highlights: King penguins, elephant seals, Shackleton sites, Antarctica Peninsula

Known For: Ultimate wildlife experience

Price Range: $15,000–$25,000 USD

Antarctic Triple Crown

Antarctic Triple Crown

Duration: 20-24 days

Route: Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica

Highlights: Three distinct ecosystems, maximum wildlife diversity

Known For: Complete sub-Antarctic experience

Price Range: $18,000–$31,000 USD

South Georgia In Depth

South Georgia In Depth

Duration: 14-16 days

Route: Focused South Georgia exploration

Highlights: Extended time at key sites, Shackleton Walk, multiple landings

Known For: Maximum South Georgia immersion

Price Range: $12,000–$20,000 USD

Landing Sites

Unmissable South Georgia Landing Sites

Landing Site Wildlife Highlights Special Features Difficulty Best Season
St Andrews Bay 150,000+ king penguin pairs Largest king colony, glacial backdrop Easy beach Nov-Feb
Salisbury Plain 60,000 king penguins, fur seals Dramatic mountain amphitheatre Moderate Dec-Jan peak
Gold Harbour King penguins, elephant seals Hanging glaciers, sunrise light Easy Year-round
Grytviken Fur seals, reindeer Shackleton’s grave, whaling museum Easy walk Historical focus
Prion Island Wandering albatross nests Boardwalk protects nesting birds Moderate Closed early season
Cooper Bay Macaroni penguins, chinstraps Volcanic black sand beaches Challenging Jan-Mar
King Penguin Colony South Georgia

King Penguin Metropolis

South Georgia hosts 450,000 breeding king penguin pairs, representing 30% of the global population in colonies stretching kilometres along beaches. Their 14-month breeding cycle means eggs, chicks, and adults coexist year-round, creating constant activity.

The distinctive orange neck patches and trumpeting calls create sensory overload at major colonies like St Andrews Bay, where over 150,000 pairs gather against a dramatic glacial backdrop.

  • 150,000+ pairs at St Andrews Bay alone
  • Year-round activity due to 14-month breeding cycle
  • Fluffy brown “oakum boy” chicks in massive crèches
  • Approach to within 5 metres for photography
  • Trumpeting calls and courtship displays

Wildlife Encounters

What Wildlife Will You Encounter on South Georgia?

Elephant Seals South Georgia

October – March

Seal Capital of the World

Southern elephant seals reach highest densities globally with bulls weighing 4,000 kilograms controlling harems of 50+ females. Four million Antarctic fur seals breed here November-January. Leopard seals patrol penguin colonies while Weddell seals rest on offshore ice.

Wandering Albatross South Georgia

Prion Island Highlight

Seabird Paradise

Wandering albatross with 3.5-metre wingspans nest on tussock-covered hillsides alongside light-mantled sooty albatross. Giant petrels, cape petrels, and Wilson’s storm petrels circle offshore. South Georgia pintails and pipits represent the island’s only land birds.

Fur Seals South Georgia

November – January Peak

Fur Seal Gauntlet

Four million Antarctic fur seals breed on South Georgia beaches November-January, aggressively defending territories. December-January brings playful pups learning to swim. Experienced expedition leaders guide safe passage through “fur seal gauntlets” to penguin colonies.

Find Your South Georgia Expedition Today!

We’ll help find the best expedition that takes you to king penguin colonies, elephant seal beaches, and Shackleton’s legendary grave.

Shackleton's Grave Grytviken
THE SHACKLETON CONNECTION

Following the Boss’s Footsteps

The Legendary 1916 Crossing

Ernest Shackleton’s 1916 crossing from King Haakon Bay to Stromness remains mountaineering’s most celebrated survival journey. The 36-hour trek across glaciers and mountain passes saved his stranded crew. Today, fit expeditioners can recreate the Shackleton Walk—a 5-6 hour trek covering the final 6 kilometres to Stromness whaling station.

Grytviken: The Final Resting Place

Grytviken cemetery hosts Shackleton’s grave where expeditioners toast “The Boss” with whiskey. The restored whaling station museum documents South Georgia’s industrial past when 175,000 whales were processed here between 1904-1965. The church where Shackleton’s funeral was held still conducts services.

GETTING THERE

How Do Australian Travellers Reach South Georgia?

Via Ushuaia, Argentina

Most Australian travellers fly Sydney/Melbourne to Buenos Aires (14 hours), overnight at included pre-cruise hotels, then connect to Ushuaia (3.5 hours) for embarkation. Expeditions then sail east to South Georgia before continuing to the Antarctic Peninsula or returning via the Falkland Islands.

The Antarctic Triple Crown

Combining South Georgia with Antarctica Peninsula and Falkland Islands creates the ultimate “Antarctic Triple Crown,” experiencing sub-Antarctic, maritime Antarctic, and true Antarctic ecosystems. Each region offers distinct wildlife and landscapes maximising your polar investment.

South Georgia Expedition Ship

Plan Your Timing

Best Time to Visit South Georgia

South Georgia’s expedition season runs from October through March, with each period offering unique wildlife spectacles and photography opportunities.

October – November

Early Season

Pristine snow-covered peaks, courting king penguins, elephant seal bulls arriving. Fewer vessels, dramatic backdrops. Temperatures 0-5°C. Excellent photography conditions.

December – January

Peak Wildlife

Maximum activity: fur seal pups, king penguin chicks in crèches, elephant seal battles. 20-hour daylight, warmest temps (up to 8°C). Aggressive fur seals may limit beach access.

February

Prime Photography

Fewer vessels, molting penguins creating abstract patterns. Whale populations peak as krill concentrations maximise. Fur seals less aggressive. Excellent light conditions.

March

Late Season

Exclusive experiences with potential fresh snowfall enhancing landscapes. “Oakum boy” chicks nearly fledged. Excellent value pricing. End of season departures.

South Georgia Experts

Expedition specialists who know South Georgia’s landing sites and can match you with the perfect itinerary.

Exclusive Perks

Access to special deals, onboard credits, and amenities not available when booking direct.

Personalised Planning

Custom itinerary recommendations based on your interests, season preferences, and expedition style.

Full Support

Assistance from booking through disembarkation—we’re with you every step of the journey.

Essential Information

South Georgia Expedition FAQs

Additional sailing days, extended voyage duration, landing fees, and specialised permits increase costs. The unparalleled wildlife concentrations—450,000 king penguin pairs and millions of seals—and historical significance of Shackleton’s legacy justify premium pricing for wildlife enthusiasts.

Rare positioning voyages visit South Georgia exclusively, though most itineraries combine multiple regions maximising travel investment from Australia. Some expeditions focus heavily on South Georgia with brief Antarctic Peninsula visits.

The world’s largest rodent eradication successfully removed all invasive rats by 2018, allowing ground-nesting birds to recover dramatically. Strict biosecurity measures including boot washing and gear checks prevent reintroduction. This conservation success makes South Georgia even more special.

South Georgia offers Earth’s finest wildlife photography with subjects approachable to minimum 5 metres. The 20-hour daylight provides exceptional light, though weather changes rapidly. Waterproof camera protection is essential. Many expeditions include dedicated photography guides.

Open ocean crossings from the Falklands or Antarctica experience Southern Ocean swells, though the island’s protected bays like Cumberland Bay provide calm conditions for landings. The crossing typically takes 2-3 days each direction depending on weather.

Landings range from easy beach walks to challenging wet landings through surf. Salisbury Plain requires 2-kilometre walks across uneven tussock grass. The optional Shackleton Walk demands excellent fitness. Fur seal gauntlets in December-January require agility and confidence.

Comprehensive travel insurance including emergency evacuation (USD $150,000 minimum) is mandatory for all South Georgia expeditions. The remote location makes adequate coverage essential. We can recommend specialist polar travel insurance providers.

Budget for flights to Ushuaia ($1,500-$3,000 from Australia), optional activities ($300-$1,200), gratuities ($15-$20/day), beverages, and personal gear. Pre/post-expedition hotels are typically included. South Georgia landing fees are usually included in expedition fares.

Ready to Explore South Georgia?

Speak to a South Georgia specialist who knows these legendary landing sites. Get expert guidance on the perfect itinerary, ship, and timing for your king penguin adventure.