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
Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica
Meet at least six penguin species!
HDS21-23 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:
24 Oct - 13 Nov, 2023
Price:
13350 USD
South Georgia Explorer
Experience the best of South Georgia
PLA22-23 Few places compare to South Georgia in terms of exotic wildlife and jaw-dropping scenery. On this exploratory voyage you can enjoy wandering albatross colonies while also seeing some of the biggest breeding spots for king penguins and elephant seals...
m/v Plancius
Cruise date:
9 Nov - 23 Nov, 2023
Price:
10500 USD
Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica
Meet at least six penguin species
PLA23-23 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:
23 Nov - 11 Dec, 2023
Price:
13550 USD
Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica
Meet at least six penguin species
HDS25-24 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 Hondius
Cruise date:
17 Dec, 2023 - 4 Jan, 2024
Price:
14600 USD
Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica
Meet at least six penguin species
HDS26-24 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 Hondius
Cruise date:
4 Jan - 22 Jan, 2024
Price:
15750 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
Guide’s Choice for Binoculars: Swarovski Optik
Our guests often ask us what they should pack when it comes to the more optional polar travel gear, such as cameras or b
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
Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica
Being part of this expetition cruise was amazing. I felt more then welcome on the Hondius and the staff members were always friendly and made everthing to have us an unforgettable experience. Thanks to everyone
Read full review »Incredible voyage experience to Antarctica, South Georgia with Oceanwide!!
A once in a lifetime amazing experience to Antarctica, South Georgia & Malvinas was only possible because of the extraordinary very knowledgeable and caring Expedition Guides!! The entire crew on Hondius from h
Read full review »
Superb once in a lifetime adventure💪
Can highly recommend Oceanwide💪 Had a fantastic adventure to Antarctica/South Georgia/Falklands..it was highly interesting and extremely fascinating to actually set your feet on these remote places..experiencin
Read full review »Amazing!!
This was my last continent to visit, and the best trip I have done so far! We had the most incredible expedition team as well as onboard team. They felt like family. I saw so many beautiful landscapes and wildl
Read full review »Antarctic Peninsula- South Georgia-Falkland Islands
My travel on the Hondius has been excellent from the very beginning to end. Even if I suffered sea sickness during some of the days, all the experience was absolutely fantastic. All the personnel of the ship ha
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
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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.
