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Destination

South Georgia

The remote and untamed home to some of the greatest concentrations of wildlife on the planet

The island of South Georgia is situated in the southern Atlantic Ocean. It’s a remote place with no permanent inhabitants. Only a few thousand visitors come here on an expedition cruise each summer, often combined with a visit to the Falkland Islands and Antarctica.

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South Georgia is untamed and has stunning landscapes. You will find spectacular mountains rising directly from the sea, icebergs floating in the ocean, narrow sheltered waterways, deep fjords and countless glaciers along the shoreline. During shore landings you might get a chance to hike up the slopes for magnificent views of the vast penguin colonies against a backdrop of glaciated mountain peaks.

South Georgia is home to many thousands of King penguins that have completely occupy some of South Georgia’s beaches. It’s an incredible sight to see so many of them in one place. But there are more unique animals to encounter here. The penguins share their beaches with enormous elephant seals, fur seals and several other smaller penguin species. Along the coast you might spot whales and high up on the hills there are large albatrosse that make their nests and feed their chicks. Many other birds, such as the Snow Petrels and Antarctic Terns have also chosen the island as their home. South Georgia is a paradise for bird watching.

History of South Georgia

South Georgia is rich in historical sites that reflect its past as a hub for whaling and exploration. Scattered along the coast are various historical sites, including the final resting place of explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton which can be found in Grytviken. The former whaling station is located on South Georgia, and it’s one of the most significant sites in the region. Founded in 1904 by Norwegian whalers, Grytviken became one of the most active whaling stations in the Southern Hemisphere. Today, the site is abandoned, but it serves as a museum and a reminder of the island’s industrial past.

On some expeditions, you might get a chance to follow in Shackleton’s footsteps by follwing the route he and his men took during their famous 1916 rescue mission from the Endurance expedition. The marked path offers a challenging trek that is popular among adventurers and offers some of the most spectacular views of South Gerogia.

Wildlife South Georgia

South Georgia is a haven for wildlife, boasting an incredible diversity of species:

  1. Penguins: South Georgia is home to vast colonies of King Penguins, along with Gentoo, Macaroni, and Chinstrap Penguins.
  2. Seals: The island’s beaches are teeming with Southern Elephant Seals and Antarctic Fur Seals.
  3. Birds: Wandering Albatross, Snow Petrels, South Georgia Pipit, and the South Georgia Pintail.
  4. Whales: In surrounding waters, you can spot Humpback, Southern Right, Orcas, and occasionally Blue Whales.

Avian Influenza in South Georgia

In October 2023, the first cases of avian influenza were confirmed in South Georgia. Strict procedures are in force to prevent the spread of pathogens and non-native species, with increased vigilance due to avian influenza. Protocols including daily biosecurity procedures and maintaining minimum distances from wildlife, are an essential part of protecting South Georgia. In addition to these, new requirements have been put in place to help prevent avian influenza from being introduced and spread.

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Avian Influenza Protocols
Before you leave home, ensure anything that may come into contact with the local environment is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. When in South Georgia, it is required that you:
● Do not sit
● Do not kneel or crouch
● Do not lie down
● Do not place any equipment on the ground or snow
● Always keep a minimum distance of 5m / 15 ft from wildlife

Prior to every landing in South Georgia and Antarctica, the Expedition Leaders will check the site for signs of disease before allowing guests off the ship. As long as there are no signs of high mortality and guests can remain a safe distance away from wildlife, landings can proceed. Throughout the season, ongoing surveillance and monitoring of the situation could lead to certain landing sites being closed. The Expedition Team will always do their utmost to find alternative landing sites and offer you the best Antarctic experience possible in a safe way.

Our trips to South Georgia

Special Offer
Special Offer: 15% Off!

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica Expedition Cruise

The most epic wildlife expedition

Travel duration: 23 days
Date: 27 Feb - 21 Mar 2026
Ship: Sea Spirit
Passengers: 114 passengers

From $ 16695 per person
Special Offer
Special Offer: up to 20% off!

Falklands, South Georgia, Antarctica & South Sandwich Expedition Cruise

The Most Epic Wildlife Expedition

Travel duration: 24 days
Date: 04 Mar - 24 Mar 2026
Ship: Greg Mortimer
Passengers: 130 passengers

From $ 28895 per person

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica Expedition Cruise

The Most Epic Wildlife Expedition

Travel duration: 22 days
Date: 13 Oct - 03 Nov 2026
Ship: Ushuaia
Passengers: 88 passengers

From $ 11600 per person

Falklands & South Georgia Special

In-depth Exploration

Travel duration: 19 days
Date: 23 Oct - 10 Nov 2026
Ship: Sea Spirit
Passengers: 114 passengers

From € 15595 per person
Special Offer
Special offer: Up to 10% off!

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica Expedition Cruise

Extra long voyage departing from Puerto Madryn

Travel duration: 21 days
Date: 03 Nov - 23 Nov 2026
Ship: Hondius
Passengers: 170 passengers

From € 14000 per person

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica Expedition Cruise

Enjoy abundant wildlife!

Travel duration: 21 days
Date: 09 Nov - 29 Nov 2026
Ship: Sea Spirit
Passengers: 114 passengers

From € 18995 per person

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica Expedition Cruise

The Most Epic Wildlife Expedition

Travel duration: 19 days
Date: 23 Nov - 11 Dec 2026
Ship: Plancius
Passengers: 108 passengers

From € 14250 per person
Birding Focus!

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica Expedition Cruise

The Most Epic Wildlife Expedition

Travel duration: 19 days
Date: 11 Dec - 29 Dec 2026
Ship: Plancius
Passengers: 108 passengers

From € 14250 per person
Special Offer
Special Offer: Up to 15% Off!

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica Expedition Cruise

The Most Epic Wildlife Expedition

Travel duration: 23 days
Date: 22 Dec - 13 Jan 2027
Ship: Ocean Albatros
Passengers: 169 passengers

From $ 27695 per person

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica Expedition Cruise

The Most Epic Wildlife Expedition

Travel duration: 19 days
Date: 27 Dec - 14 Jan 2027
Ship: Ortelius
Passengers: 108 passengers

From € 14250 per person

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica Expedition Cruise

The most epic wildlife expedition

Travel duration: 21 days
Date: 08 Jan - 27 Jan 2027
Ship: Sea Spirit
Passengers: 114 passengers

From € 20995 per person

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica Expedition Cruise

Enjoy abundant wildlife!

Travel duration: 19 days
Date: 16 Jan - 03 Feb 2027
Ship: Hondius
Passengers: 170 passengers

From € 16400 per person
Special Offer
Special Offer: up to 20% off!

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica Expedition Cruise

The most epic wildlife expedition

Travel duration: 23 days
Date: 07 Feb - 01 Mar 2027
Ship: Greg Mortimer
Passengers: 130 passengers

From $ 36095 per person
Special Offer
Special Offer: Up to 15% Off!

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica Expedition Cruise

The Most Epic Wildlife Expedition

Travel duration: 20 days
Date: 10 Feb - 01 Mar 2027
Ship: Ocean Albatros
Passengers: 169 passengers

From $ 22995 per person

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Polar Circle Expedition Cruise

Cross the Antarctic Polar Circle

Travel duration: 23 days
Date: 13 Feb - 07 Mar 2027
Ship: Hondius
Passengers: 170 passengers

From € 16100 per person
Disembark in Buenos Aires!

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica Expedition Cruise

The most epic wildlife expedition

Travel duration: 23 days
Date: 10 Mar - 01 Apr 2027
Ship: Sea Spirit
Passengers: 114 passengers

From € 16595 per person
Special Offer
Special Offer: Up to €2200 off!

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica Expedition Cruise

The most epic wildlife expedition

Travel duration: 21 days
Date: 02 Nov - 22 Nov 2027
Ship: Plancius
Passengers: 108 passengers

From € 14700 per person
Special Offer
Special Offer: Up to 25% off!

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica Expedition Cruise

The most epic wildlife expedition

Travel duration: 21 days
Date: 09 Nov - 29 Nov 2027
Ship: Sea Spirit
Passengers: 114 passengers

From € 21595 per person
Special Offer
Special Offer: up to 20% off!

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica Expedition Cruise

The Most Epic Wildlife Expedition

Travel duration: 23 days
Date: 19 Dec - 10 Jan 2028
Ship: Greg Mortimer
Passengers: 130 passengers

From $ 37995 per person
Special Offer
Special Offer: Up to 25% off!

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica Expedition Cruise

The most epic wildlife expedition

Travel duration: 23 days
Date: 09 Mar - 31 Mar 2028
Ship: Sea Spirit
Passengers: 114 passengers

From € 18795 per person