South Georgia is home to two mountain ranges – the Salvesen and the Allardyce – which soar to a peak of almost 3,000 metres above the sea. In the summer almost 75% of the island is covered in snow, ice, and glaciers. Come winter, a covering of snow reaches right down to the water’s edge.
The island is also called an Antarctic Oasis because of the huge numbers of penguins and seals that breed here. The marine ecosystem is considered one of the densest examples of biodiversity in the world. Visitors can spot seals on both the land and in the waters, and a variety of whales pass through the area.
South Georgia is one of the remotest and wildest places on earth.
Cruises to South Georgia
South Georgia Grand Tour
Experience the best of the sub-Antarctic
JNS21-22 Few places compare to South Georgia in terms of exotic wildlife and jaw-dropping scenery, and the Falklands are no different. On this exploratory voyage you can enjoy both, possibly touring the world’s largest black-browed albatross colony while also...
m/v Janssonius
Cruise date:
19 Oct - 7 Nov, 2022
Price:
12100 USD
Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica
Meet at least six penguin species!
OTL21-22 A cruise to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia & the Antarctic Peninsula. Visit some of the most beautiful arrays of wildlife on Earth. This journey will introduce you to at least 6 species of penguin and a whole lot of Antarctic fur seals!
m/v Ortelius
Cruise date:
25 Oct - 14 Nov, 2022
Price:
13000 USD
Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica
Meet at least six penguin species!
HDS21-22 A cruise to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia & the Antarctic Peninsula. Visit some of the most beautiful arrays of wildlife on Earth. This journey will introduce you to at least 6 species of penguin and a whole lot of Antarctic fur seals!
m/v Hondius
Cruise date:
2 Nov - 22 Nov, 2022
Price:
on request
Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica
Meet at least six penguin species
JNS22-22 This Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and Antarctic Peninsula cruise is an animal-lover’s dream come true. The expedition explores one of the last untamed areas on Earth – a land of ruggedly beautiful landscapes and amazingly varied wildlife.
m/v Janssonius
Cruise date:
7 Nov - 26 Nov, 2022
Price:
13200 USD
Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica
Meet at least six penguin species
PLA23-22 This Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and Antarctic Peninsula cruise is an animal-lover’s dream come true. The expedition explores one of the last untamed areas on Earth – a land of ruggedly beautiful landscapes and amazingly varied wildlife.
m/v Plancius
Cruise date:
22 Nov - 10 Dec, 2022
Price:
13200 USD
South Georgia cruise video
South Georgia photo
South Georgia story
Antarctica and My Old Friend, Ortelius: Passenger Story by Ann Lane
I was on the recent Antarctic trip on Ortelius, 16 Feb - 7 March. This has been my third expedition with Oceanwide, and
South Georgia blog
Weddell Sea, Shackleton’s Endurance, and New Swabia
Our Antarctica 2023-24 cruise program is filled with fantastic expeditions, not least of which is a new itinerary that t
To do in South Georgia
See the highlights you may experience:
South Georgia wildlife
See the highlights you may experience:
Map of
South Georgia cruise reviews
Antarctica, An ice world, A nice world
Being on the first expedition since covid-19 got hold of the world, one feels privileged, very privileged. One could sense the happiness of the crew and staff to be at sea again with guests. We had mostly (v
Read full review »What a fne experience!
1 What a fine crew this was. And this goes from the expedition leader Adam Turner and the whole staff to the ship crew and the many servants for room service and food services. Simply a crew that Oceanwide c
Read full review »
Fantastische Natur und Tierwelt in der Antarktis und eine bewölkte Sonnenfinsternis
Das war eine sehr schöne Kreuzfahrt mit vielen tollen Tierbeobachtungen und Begegnungen. Leider war das Highlight der Tour, die Sonnenfinsternis, den Wolken zum Opfer gefallen. Das Essen war überau
Read full review »Outstanding, amazing staff and crew!!!!
My suggestion is more brown bread, put cinnamon out, maybe coffee machines in dining room and tell people in advance that WiFi is crazy expensive, download books and everything beforehand.
Read full review »beyond outstanding
From start to end, this adventure of a lifetime surpassed my already high expectations. Expedition leaders/naturalists were top notch and helpful, with informative presentations from their varied experiences
Read full review »South Georgia FAQ
What is the time in South Georgia?
South Georgia follows Gulf Standard Time (GST). This means that if it is 16:00 GST (4 p.m.) during your holiday to South Georgia, it would be 14:00 (2 p.m.) in New York City, 19:00 (7 p.m.) in London, and 6:00 (6 a.m.) the following morning in the An
Read more »What is the temperature and weather like in South Georgia?
The climate in South Georgia is polar. It is possible that you will experience a variety of different weather types while on a South Georgia cruise. The average temperatures vary widely depending on your exact location. For example, it is usually 0.7
Read more »What wildlife can I see in South Georgia?
Many people take a cruise to South Georgia specifically with wildlife in mind, and for good reason. The area has rich and diverse bird life, not only for its huge king penguin colonies. Other birds that you may see when you travel to South Georgia in
Read more »How many people live in South Georgia?
South Georgia has no resident population. Throughout the year, the research station and governmental facilities are staffed from GSGSS and BAS. In the summer season, the numbers increase with staff from SGHT as well as science and government projects
Read more »Who owns South Georgia?
South Georgia is a British overseas territory. The island was first sighted in 1675 by a London merchant, but it does not appear to have been explored until 1775, when it was claimed for the British. The area was primarily used during the 19th and 20
Read more »What unique features does South Georgia have?
Grytviken is surprisingly well-sheltered, and it has become a popular spot for couples that want a truly unique wedding. The highest peaks on the island are permanently covered in snow, and it is common to see icebergs in the water around South Georg
Read more »
About
South Georgia weather
Temperatures during the winter months (around August) average around 0°C, usually going no lower than -10°C. During the summer (around January) temperatures average around 8°C. Since the weather can be quite variable your best bet is to bring layers.
Facts About South Georgia
- Famed explorer Ernest Shackleton is buried at Grytviken (an old whaling settlement).
- The highest point found on South Georgia is Mount Paget which reaches up to 2,934 metres in height.
- South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands are encompassed by one of the world’s largest Marine Protected Areas. The MPA covers an area of 1.07 million km2.
- South Georgia doesn’t have any sort of permanent human population.
- South Georgia was part of the disputed land claims between Argentina and the U.K. during the Falklands War in 1982. Britain still regularly patrols the waters.
- The only permanent settlements on the island are research stations.
- The only way to get to South Georgia is by boat.
Travel to South Georgia
Take a South Georgia expedition cruise and prepare yourself to venture into a dense oasis of life in the midst of the cold Atlantic Ocean.
On your South Georgia cruise you’ll have a wide variety of activities through which you’ll get to introduce yourself to the wildlife – walks along the shore, extended hikes, diving for the experienced, wildlife watching… the list goes on.
You’ll get to meet a variety of seals, set eyes on a catalogue of birds, and make friends with King penguins who just might investigate you up close and personal.
