The approximately 3700 km² subantarctic island of South Georgia is characterized by mountains, glaciers, tundra vegetation, and vast animal colonies. It is no wonder that the island, located 800 miles north of the Antarctic Peninsula, is also known as the Serengeti of Antarctica and the Galapagos of the Southern Ocean. In summer, wildlife congregates here. Hundreds of thousands of breeding penguin pairs gather in the bays. The population is estimated at nearly one million king penguins (Aptenodytes patagonicus) , two million macaroni penguins ( Eudyptes chrysolophus) , and thousands of gentoo and chinstrap penguins. Other birds, such as the grey-headed albatross, the white-chinned petrel, and the South Georgia pipit, also nest here. The massive southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) , the largest seals in the world, mate on the beaches, and numerous Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella) raise their young.
King penguins on the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia
Stunned, I open my eyes a little more just to be absolutely sure that I'm really seeing all of this. Already on the beach we were welcomed by countless king penguins, already on the way here the black and white character birds are numerous and waddled past me in close proximity, but the sight of their breeding colony surpasses everything. A surging sea of bodies. Penguins as far as the eye can see. The wind is filled with their clamor, the air vibrates with their spicy scent, and my mind is intoxicated by the incomprehensible numbers and their impressive presence. I open my heart wide to let this moment in and keep it. One thing is for sure - I will never forget the sight of these penguins.
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King penguin breeding colony at Salisbury PlainGrytviken with mountain panorama
King penguin feeding young at Gold HarbourCooper Bay Mystical
Animal paradise Gold Harbour with elephant seals and penguinsWhite Antarctic fur seal
Elephant seals with the expedition ship Sea SpiritPenguin colony and fur seals
Experience South Georgia live
The island's west coast is characterized by steep cliffs and harsh weather. Landings therefore take place on the flat beaches and bays of the east coast. Remains of old whaling stations bear witness to humanity's past activities. Apart from that, South Georgia is a pristine, first-class natural paradise. The sheer number of animals alone leaves any visitor speechless. Elephant seals tower, fur seals swirl in the water, and penguin colonies reach for the horizon.
Numerous animal species use the largely ice-free coast for breeding year after year. The island is located in the Antarctic Convergence area, where nutrient-rich, cold surface waters descend into the depths. Ideal conditions for fish and krill. This abundant food supply provides penguin chicks and newborn marine mammals with a perfect start to their young lives.
Wildlife in South Georgia (Panoramic View Gold Harbour)
South Georgia is an exceptional place for wildlife viewing. The highlight of any trip to South Georgia is a visit to a breeding colony of hundreds of thousands of king penguins . Hikes lead, for example, to Shackleton's Waterfall or through tussock grasslands. Remnants of former whaling stations can be visited, and a trip to the former capital, Grytviken, is also possible.
What animal sightings are likely?
In South Georgia, weather permitting, you have an excellent chance of experiencing one of the enormous king penguin breeding colonies up close. A landing at Gold Harbour , Fortuna Bay, Salisbury Plain , or St. Andrews is highly recommended. While macaroni penguins also breed in large numbers on South Georgia, their nests are difficult to access. In Cooper Bay, you have a good chance of spotting these unusual birds from a Zodiac. Gentoo penguins are frequently found near other colonies.
Along the coast, you can spot enormous elephant seals. Early summer is mating season, and in late summer they shed their skin. Numerous Antarctic fur seals also live on the island and raise their pups there. With a little patience, you can discover other bird species, such as the yellow-billed pintail, the South Georgia pipit, giant petrels, skuas, or the grey-headed albatross. For more information, see: Best time to travel for wildlife viewing in South Georgia.
King penguin colony brown chick and 1 gentoo penguinElephant seals in South Georgia with expedition ship Sea Spirit
In Grytviken, you can visit the remains of a former whaling station, the restored church of the former town, the grave of the famous polar explorer Ernest Shackleton, and a small South Georgia Museum. There are often some wildlife to spot on the beach, and a souvenir shop with a mailbox invites you to send postcards from the middle of nowhere.
How can I reach South Georgia?
South Georgia is only accessible by ship. Cruise ships call at the island from the Falkland Islands or, as part of an Antarctic voyage, from the Antarctic Peninsula or the South Shetland Islands . The journey takes approximately two to three days at sea. South Georgia has no jetty; landings are made by Zodiac.
How to book a tour to South Georgia?
Cruises that include South Georgia depart from either South America or the Falkland Islands. When choosing a cruise line, pay attention to the length of stay in South Georgia. Smaller ships with a comprehensive excursion program and at least three, ideally four, days in South Georgia are recommended. Cruise lines can easily be compared online. AGE™ visited South Georgia on an Antarctic voyage aboard the expedition ship Sea Spirit.
Sights & profile
5 reasons to travel to South Georgia
Hundreds of thousands (!) king penguins large colony of elephant seals and fur seals Funny golden crested penguins Antarctic journey in the footsteps of Ernest Shackleton One of the last animal paradises of our time
South Georgia fact sheet
Name
English: South Georgia Spanish: Isla San Pedro or Georgia del Sur
Size
3700 km2 (2-40 km wide, 170 km long)
Height
highest peak: approx. 2900 meters (Mount Paget)
Location
South Atlantic, Sub-Antarctic island belongs geographically to Antarctica
Politics
English Overseas Territory Claims: Argentina
Flora
Lichens, mosses, grasses, tundra plants
Fauna
Mammals: Southern elephant seal, Antarctic fur seale.g. king penguins, golden-crested penguins, gentoo penguins, skuas, giant petrels, South Georgia pipit, yellow billed pintail, South Georgia cormorant, grey-headed albatross …
population
no permanent residents anymore seasonal 2-20 residents in Grytviken approx. 50 at King Edward Point (mainly researchers)
Protection status
IAATO Guidelines for Sustainable Tourism Biosecurity Protocols, Restricted Landing Sites
Who was Ernest Shackleton?
Ernest Shackleton was a British polar explorer of Irish descent. In 1909, he ventured further towards the South Pole than anyone before him. However, in 1911, the polar explorer Roald Amudsen became the first to reach the South Pole. In 1914, Shackleton launched a new expedition. It failed, but the remarkable rescue of his expedition members is famous. He died in Grytviken in 1921.
The main island of South Georgia belongs to an island region of the same name in the South Atlantic. Geographically, the sub-Antarctic island lies in a triangle between the Falklands and the Antarctic Peninsula. It is around 1450 km away from Stanley, the capital of the Falklands. South Georgia is south of the Antarctic Convergence, so it is often associated with Antarctica.
Politically, the island belongs to the British Overseas Territory of South Georgia and the South Shetland Islands. Geologically, South Georgia lies on the Scotia Arc, an arc-shaped island group that stretches between the Antarctic Peninsula and the present-day South American Plate.
The temperature in South Georgia varies only slightly with the seasons. Temperatures usually range between +3°C and -3°C. The warmest month in South Georgia is February. The coldest month is August. Values above +7°C or below -7°C are very rare.
In summer the coasts are snow-free, but glaciers and mountains keep around 75% of the island snow-covered. Precipitation in the form of light rain or snow is common. Most rain falls in the months of January and February. The sky is often cloudy and the average wind speed is around 30km/h.
King Penguin Colony Salisbury PlainKing penguins on the island of South GeorgiaGold Harbour with elephant seals and penguinsElephant seals and the Sea SpiritMystical landscape of Cooper BayGolden-crested penguin (Eudyptes chrysolophus)Grytviken in South Georgia.Old whaling boat South Georgia GrytvikenHuge penguin colony Salisbury PlainKing penguin feeding chicks at Gold Harbour Salisbury Plain Penguin breeding colonyKing penguin portrait in the subantarctic.King penguins on Salisbury Plain beachWhite color morph Antarctic fur sealKing penguin colony with chicks and gentoo penguinEndemic Sharp-tailed DuckElephant seal on subantarctic islandKing penguins before the Sea Spirit Antarctic cruiseAntarctic Pipit (Anthus antarcticus) songbirdYoung Antarctic fur seal playing in the waterWildlife in the panoramic view at Gold Harbour
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Information and lectures on site by the Poseidon Expeditions expedition team on the cruise ship Sea Spirit , especially by geologist Sanna Kallio, as well as personal experiences from a visit to South Georgia (4,5 days) in March 2022.
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What can I do in South Georgia?
What can I do in South Georgia?
What animal sightings are likely?
What animal sightings are likely?
How can I reach South Georgia?
How to book a tour to South Georgia?
What's the weather like in South Georgia?
