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South Georgia Island – a remote gem in the Southern Ocean that played a pivotal role in the legendary exploits of Sir Ernest Shackleton. Beyond its rugged landscapes and abundant wildlife, this sub-Antarctic haven bears witness to Shackleton’s indomitable spirit.
Ready to explore the epic wonderland that is South Georgia Island? Trust me, your answer should be yes! This is a nature and history-filled island that we consider a must-see on your Antarctica cruise. You’re already spending the big bucks…don’t miss South Georgia Island!
Here is a list of the most common places that expedition ships will land on the island of South Georgia and a little about what makes each of them so special.
Grytviken
Get ready for a wild ride in Grytviken. It’s like the VIP section of South Georgia Island – home to not just epic landscapes but also the final resting place of the legendary Ernest Shackleton. You’re in for a serious dose of history mixed with a splash of wildlife extravaganza.
Established in the early 20th century by Norwegian whalers, Grytviken swiftly became a bustling hub for the whaling industry, processing thousands of whales for their blubber and oil. The station’s rusting remnants, old boilers, and whale oil tanks now tell a tale of an era long gone. Today, visitors can explore the station’s remains, gaining insights into the harsh realities of whaling while marveling at the resilient wildlife that has reclaimed the area.
Grytviken is not only a museum of industrial history but also a living testament to the resilience of nature, as it hosts a thriving population of fur and elephant seals and seabirds. This was our first encounter with the fur and elephant seals and their memorable “snort.” It’s part gross and part cute. You need to experience it to see what I mean 😉
A poignant highlight is the gravesite of Sir Ernest Shackleton, the legendary Antarctic explorer. It’s an easy hike from where your zodiacs will land. Grytviken gained historical prominence when Shackleton chose it as his final resting place after his legendary Antarctic expeditions.
Stromness Bay
This spot on South Georgia Island is where the man himself, Sir Ernest Shackleton, stumbled out of the icy wilderness after his epic traverse of the island. Imagine it: Shackleton and his crew finally reaching Stromness, tired but victorious. This bay is like the grand finale of Shackleton’s incredible survival saga, and it’s etched into history as the spot where he sought help at the old whaling station. It’s not just a bay; it’s a living, breathing chapter in the Shackleton legend. So, when you step foot in Stromness Bay on your expedition, you’re not just soaking in the stunning views and wildlife – you’re practically time-traveling into the heart of Antarctic exploration history.
For photographers, you’ll see the remains of a now abandoned whaling station in the distance but once again the wildlife steals the show. Think fur and elephant seals catching some rays and competing for their personal spot on the beach, King and Gentoo penguins wandering about, and the Giant Albatross’ showing off their majestic wingspan. We got quite a show when we were here as we saw a flock of Giant Albatross’ fighting over the remains of a seal carcass in the harbor.
Salisbury Plain
Salisbury Plain isn’t just good; it’s the king of all places to witness the royal strut of king penguins and is home to the largest elephant seal population on the island. Very likely you’ll encounter some fur seals too.
Imagine a penguin-packed paradise where the headcount is so crazy, you’ll lose track after spotting around 150,000 of these majestic birds during their peak season.
And it’s not just about the wildlife; the scenery is a showstopper too. Picture amphitheatre-like mountains setting the stage for this feathered spectacle. Large grassy plains with streams coming down from distant glaciers make it an ideal place for king penguins. The number of penguins has been growing with the receding glaciers exposing more of the plains. Glaciers that have been rapidly decreasing in size throughout the 20th century.
Gold Harbour
Visiting Gold Harbour is not just a journey into stunning landscapes but a profound encounter with the remarkable biodiversity that thrives in the remote corners of South Georgia Island.
Gold Harbour is named after the gold prospectors who explored the area in the early 20th century. While the gold rush was short-lived, the name remains, offering a glimpse into the island’s past.
Gold Harbour is a favorite spot for King Penguins, Antarctic fur seals and elephant seals. Visitors can witness these marine mammals lounging on the shore, adding to the vibrant wildlife tapestry of the area. The sound of thousands of king penguins and their chicks braying and chirping is one you won’t soon forget. It’s magical!
The harbor is framed by towering snow-capped peaks and glaciers, creating a dramatic backdrop for the wildlife activities. The juxtaposition of the icy landscape with the teeming wildlife makes Gold Harbour a photographer’s dream.
Beyond its touristic appeal, Gold Harbour is a site of interest for scientists studying the impact of climate change on Antarctic ecosystems. Ongoing research helps us understand and preserve the delicate balance of this unique environment.
Cooper Bay
Cooper Bay is a captivating destination known for its unique features and wildlife. The area is home to a sizable colony of Chinstrap Penguins. These charismatic birds with distinctive black markings under their chins create a lively and bustling scene along the rocky shores.
In addition to Chinstrap, Gentoo and Macaroni Penguins, Cooper Bay hosts a variety of other seabirds, including Antarctic Terns and Blue-eyed Shags. The bay is also frequented by Antarctic fur seals and elephant seals, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.
This was one of the stops where the winds were swift and made it too dangerous for us to make landfall, so we were treated to an extended zodiac cruise to meet the local wildlife. It was perfectly sunny so we were treated to incredibly blue waters and passing hellos from the locals.
Drygalski Fjord
Exploring Drygalski Fjord offers a glimpse into the raw beauty of the South Georgia landscape, showcasing the powerful forces of nature and the delicate balance of ecosystems in this remote part of the world.
We were beyond thrilled to be able to take a trip all the way in to Risting Glacier, on a gorgeous sunny day. Risting Glacier is a glacier, 4.5 nautical miles long, lying north of Jenkins Glacier and flowing southeast into the head of Drygalski Fjord.
The waters are a glowing icy blue and the impressive glaciers that cascade down the surrounding mountains, creating a stunning landscape of ice and rock.
The waters around the fjord are often frequented by wildlife, including whales, seals and seabirds. Visitors may have the opportunity to observe these animals against the backdrop of the fjord’s icy splendor.
Due to its remote location and the presence of ice, accessing Drygalski Fjord can be challenging. Expeditions to this area require careful navigation and planning.
