Getting to South Georgia Island
Deep in the Southern Ocean some 870 miles from its nearest neighbour, South Georgia is more challenging (and exciting) to get to than almost anywhere on earth.
Discover MoreSpecial Offers Available: Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
Expert impartial advice at no extra cost: no-nonsense advice on 1500 voyages across 30 ships
The Antarctic Experts. No Compromises: there’s no question we can’t answer
The only B Corp certified Antarctic specialist: so your adventures can be a force for good
A full concierge service, unlike booking direct: we leave nothing to chance in delivering your perfect trip
Special Offers Available: Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
Expert impartial advice at no extra cost: no-nonsense advice on 1500 voyages across 30 ships
The Antarctic Experts. No Compromises: there’s no question we can’t answer
The only B Corp certified Antarctic specialist: so your adventures can be a force for good
A full concierge service, unlike booking direct: we leave nothing to chance in delivering your perfect trip
A jewel in Antarctica’s crown, South Georgia is home to one of the greatest wildlife extravaganzas on the planet. This is the Serengeti of the South, with king penguins and seals in unimaginable numbers. Whether you're looking for the island home of the wandering albatross or following in the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton, South Georgia expeditions are truly unmissable.
South Georgia Cruises trips scored 4.5/5 from 404 reviews
10/10 - It was an amazing lifetime experience. Most memorable moment? Being present with the abundance of penguins, elephants, seals and albatross birds, to be part of their lives and be able to appreciate how they live and survive. Read the full review
Travelled: October 2024
Cheong Kin Seng - Malaysia
Most memorable moment? The pristine landscape of the continent and wildlife on South Georgia Island in their natural habitat. Read the full review
Travelled: March 2024
Brad Amaraneni - UK
10/10 - Outstanding adventure, Antarctica is so wonderful and South Georgia was something else. We saw a lot of it in documentaries, but seeing it in real life was like standing amidst a National Geographic documentary. Read the full review
Travelled: March 2024
Prasanth Sakhamuri - UK
Overall it was a fantastic trip, great credit to the captain for his skills to make the trip very comfortable and making it possible to land in very tricky places. The expedition team was brilliant and handled the whole project precisely and with a lot of commitment. The hotel was great and the food good. The people we met on the trip were an other highlight and some became good friends to go forward. Read the full review
Travelled: March 2024
Prasanth Sakhamuri - UK
10/10 - We saw exceptional beauty and amazing wildlife we had never encountered before. The expedition staff was outstanding. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2024
Jeffrey Siegel - USA
Most memorable moment? Observing wildlife in their natural habitat. Penguins are hilarious!! Read the full review
Travelled: January 2024
Francoise Baylis - Canada
Do include South Georgia Island when going to Antarctica as we did, as it allows to get close to wildlife. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2024
Heinz Dieter Koenig - USA
It is too difficult to choose one most memorable moment: katabatic winds on South Georgia, krill swarm on the way to Antarctica, zodiac visit to Elephant Island, seeing the A23a iceberg, and more... Read the full review
Travelled: January 2024
Bayard Ewing - USA
10/10 - This trip had everything I wanted and could have dreamed of. Wildlife encounters, wonderful people and staff, unbelievable beauty. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2024
Terri Elkin - USA
The immensity of all that was around us every day was spectacular, the individual sightings of things like orcas and beak nosed whales, the wildlife, the blues of the ocean and the icebergs, the friendly and fun staff. It was all part of the memories. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2024
Steve Murphy - USA
It's a trip of a lifetime. Will highly recommend the trip to everyone I know. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2023
Jennifer Tse - Canada
10/10 - The wildlife refuge of South Georgia was the best. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2023
Bill Yates - USA
Book early and, more importantly, one must not skip South Georgia. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2023
Chun Wai Wong - Malaysia
In addition to all the wildlife and beautiful landscapes we experienced, on sea days we were offered great lectures on history, geology and the wildlife; there were citizen science programs that we could participate in and learn even more. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2023
Christen Glogowski - USA
10/10 - The best holiday of my life!! South Georgia was just as impressive as Antarctica and I would not have wanted to skip that. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2023
Jessica Spangler - USA
Most memorable moment? Landing on the 7th Continent! The surreal feeling of like walking side by side with a David Attenborough cameraman filming for the Frozen Continent documentary. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2023
Cheng Keat Lee - Malaysia
10/10 - If you are going to take the time and expense to visit this part of the world, you may as well see it all!! Each place was so uniquely different and I wouldn’t have wanted to miss any of the opportunities and experiences we had. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2023
Erica McCoy - USA
I’m still honestly struggling to put words around it. This is a place so rich in history and natural beauty. It’s one of the few truly wild places left on our planet, and there is something so powerful and mesmerizing in that. This was a life-changing experience, and I definitely left pieces of myself scattered around Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falklands. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2023
Erica McCoy - USA
10/10 - We were lucky to have the staff we had. The places we went were the best places. The organization and flow of the trip, day by day, was perfect. The size of the ship was perfect. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2023
Frank Gardner - USA
There are so many highlights, impossible to find just one – from the beauty and incredible shades of white and blue of the icebergs and the 'fizzing' sound as the smaller 'bergy bits' melt, to the constant wildlife around the ship, e.g. birds, whales, dolphins, penguins everywhere we went, albatrosses following the ship, the black browed albatross colony [with chicks] on Falkland islands, sailing alongside the huge A23 iceberg, the impressive specialist knowledge of the expedition team, the friendliness of the onboard hotel crew, the skill and amenability of the captain as he maneouvered the ship in places where bigger ships can't go. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2023
Lesley Croskery - South Africa
There were two most memorable moments - setting foot on the main continent of Antarctica during sunset and experiencing the sheer size and scope of the wildlife on South Georgia (especially seeing the playful personalities of the gentoo penguins and seal pups). Read the full review
Travelled: December 2023
Micah Myerscough - USA
10/10 - The itinerary was spectacular. I would not have wanted to miss South Georgia Island. Read the full review
Travelled: November 2023
Chuck Gallegos - USA
It was like being in a David Attenborough nature programme. It was amazing. At one point I was leaning over the side of a Zodiac with my camera in my hand & I actually said out loud: 'I don't want to go home'. Read the full review
Travelled: March 2023
Cecilia Griffin - UK
I am delighted I went to Antarctica and South Georgia. Just Antarctica would have been way too short. Read the full review
Travelled: March 2023
Tanya Crosbie - Ireland
10/10 - There are no pictures or words that can accurately describe the variety of wildlife and scenery one would encounter on this trip. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2023
Donna Potaczek - USA
Both South Georgia and the Antarctic rate equally, but meeting the wildlife was incredible. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2023
Mike Howie - UK
Our first landing in South Georgia when the king penguins just walked up and greeted us on the beach. It still makes me grin and tear up to think of it! Read the full review
Travelled: February 2023
Elizabeth Holman - USA
Make the time and find the money to go to South Georgia. It was the best part of the trip. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2023
Elizabeth Holman - USA
Any advice? Go to South Georgia too. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2023
Susan Kanner - USA
South Georgia Island is absolutely a must see if you are traveling that far. I know it is more expensive, but it makes the trip amazing. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2023
Steven Goodman - USA
Go for as long as you can afford. Every day is a treasure to see more things. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2022
John Metcalfe - USA
Most memorable moment? The first day on South Georgia. The abundance of life totally unfazed by humans. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2022
James Castleden - Hungary
What can one say - to see whales, dolphins, seals penguins, gulls, albatrosses etc etc in their natural environments is just magical. To stand on the rear of the ship and watch the giant petrels, albatrosses, prions etc soar for hours without flapping a wing. To see spouts and then look and look for the next and then the whale - well part of them - it has to be seen. Words can not express the feelings, sense and wonder that fills you. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2022
John Parker - UK
Kayaking among dozens of "porpoising" macaroni penguins off the shore of South Georgia Island. It was our first experience with ocean kayaking, and riding the swells in the bright sun with mountains and dramatic clouds all around and the playful penguins entertaining us was a truly magical experience. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2022
Michael Cox - USA
Without doubt, the expedition team made the entire trip special. They were all very professional and knowledgeable, and they did everything possible to give us a rich diverse adventure while also protecting the places and wildlife for others to enjoy. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2022
Michael Cox - USA
10/10 - The destinations and experiences were beyond any we had enjoyed before. This was our first cruise, first time in the south polar region, first time riding zodiacs, first time walking among penguins, seals, and sea birds. The ship's crew and expedition team were amazing; they pampered us, kept us safe, and showed us a new world in all its richness and complexity. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2022
Michael Cox - USA
10/10 - We are so happy that we included South Georgia and the Falklands. The landscape between Antarctica and South Georgia is so different, that I can only highly recommend to anyone considering this once-in-a-lifetime trip to not just focus on the Antarctic Peninsula and to include South Georgia and the Falklands. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2022
Dirk Liepold - USA
It is impossible to reduce the trip to only 'one most memorable moment'. The first sight of the Antarctic Peninsula, watching penguins stumbling over the rocks, hitting some ice at night that shakes the entire ship, South Georgia's sheer endless number of penguins, Grytviken whaling station, the endless cruising along the 80 mile long iceberg A76-a ... Read the full review
Travelled: December 2022
Dirk Liepold - USA
So hard to pick our most memorable moment between that first thrill of wildlife at West Point with the albatross and rockhopper colony, the full day sitting amongst and soaking in all the wildlife at sunny Saunders Bay, or the Adelie penguin overload at Paulet island. Or maybe the excitement at seeing an orca pop up out of nowhere on New Year's Eve. It really is a trip of endless memorable moments that would each be the highlight of any other holiday. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2022
Angus Townsend - UK
We would particularly recommend adding in the Falklands and South Georgia. The Falklands was such a lovely surprise and on top of Stanley and the history there the wildlife was amazing and as good as anything else we saw the whole trip. South Georgia lived up to its reputation for the greatest wildlife, plus its dramatic landscape and history. If you can then it is definitely the best itinerary to follow. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2022
Angus Townsend - UK
I describe this adventure as going to the moon and back. Of course, a trip like this is very weather dependent - but our weather could not have been any more perfect! Our expedition leader, Sarah, was determined to get us off the ship as much as possible. We had 17 landings and 2 cancelled landings, of which one was substituted for a zodiac excursion so we didn't miss the penguin colony. So you ask what was my most memorable moment - every day, every longing, every guide, every lecture was memorable. This was an otherworldly experience. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2022
Gerry Garber - USA
It is a long way to go and a lot of money, but truly worth it in the end. You will have an experience you will remember forever. Read the full review
Travelled: November 2022
Jennifer Crews - Canada
The wildlife was amazing! There is such an abundance and variety of everything on shore and off. Even our at sea days were full of sea birds around the ship and whales close by. We saw thousands of penguins and seals everywhere we went. With the kayaking and zodiac cruises we got perspective of animals from the water as well! Read the full review
Travelled: November 2022
Jennifer Crews - Canada
We discovered why South Georgia is called The Serengeti of the Antarctic! We were surrounded by hundreds of thousands penguins, fur seals, elephant seals to such an extent that it was sometimes too dangerous to make a zodiac landing as the wildlife on shore was too dense. The landscape and the true wilderness of South Georgia is breathtaking. Read the full review
Travelled: November 2022
Helena Polackova - UK
We experienced great albatross colonies and enjoyed seeing at least seven different penguin breeds throughout the journey. Birding and whale watching opportunities on and off the ship were superb. Read the full review
Travelled: November 2022
Helena Polackova - UK
So many once in a life-time moments. I loved the wildlife encounters: tens of thousands of penguins on the beach; interactions of penguins and fur seal pups. Amazing to watch a leopard seal hunt and catch a penguin. Who knew that icebergs could be so amazing and fascinating? Read the full review
Travelled: February 2022
Scott Hunter - USA
We saw seven different penguin species up close and personal. Five different seal species with amazing encounters with the apex predator "leopard seal". Watching a leopard seal hunt and catch a penguin was nature at its rawest and finest. We saw the complete circle of life from fur seal pups to the demise of a poor gentoo penguin. There were times when the water was boiling with fur seal pups frolicking in the waves. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2022
Scott Hunter - USA
One of my aims was to walk with king penguins and to see them in huge crowds. I did this. And to see king penguins on the same ground as sheep was just extraordinary. That moment in the Falklands is indeed memorable. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2022
Sue Gatenby - UK
10+++++! It was just stunning from start to finish. I had been to the Antarctic Peninsula in 2018 so knew about the peace, space, clear air, vastness and the gentoos. Being there again was truly special. Spending 18 days looking out at wonderful wildlife, vast areas of nothing except sea and icebergs, listening to informative lectures and being without TV/internet/phones was bliss. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2022
Sue Gatenby - UK
Having time to stand and watch animal behaviour was special too. We were very fortunate to see all the penguin species (except emperors of course). Seals we saw: leopard, Weddell, crabeater, elephant & bays full of fur seal pups. Whales were often spotted: humpbacks, fin, sei and one minke, I think. Too many bird species to list but getting close to an albatross chick trying to stretch its wings was special and I saw a caracara with a dead penguin in its beak. Yes it lived up to, and exceeded, expectations. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2022
Sue Gatenby - UK
Most memorable moment: the penguin colonies on South Georgia. Each time seeing the massive colonies on South Georgia I was blown away. It was beyond words. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2022
Ron Hart - USA
Most memorable moments: all kayaking, but especially through ice in Antarctica and coming upon a leopard seal on the ice. Stepping on to the Antarctic continent. Abundant wildlife in South Georgia. Stunning scenery Read the full review
Travelled: February 2022
Alison Collins - Canada
Except for seeing the emperor...we saw all the penguins. And the seals...so many. My favorite encounter was having a very curious penguin come up and bite my camera lens. Wow! Read the full review
Travelled: December 2021
Gordon Pickering - USA
South Georgia was the highlight with so much wildlife and the history. The museum in Grytviken and the church were also very interesting. All the penguins, thousands of them at a time, was very overwhelming at times. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2021
Gordon Pickering - USA
The scale and beauty of South Georgia and Antarctica was beyond my expectations. A humpback whale came near the ship to check us out while we were at anchor in Fournier Bay. The whale surfaced, blew, rolled and hung around the ship for quite a while before moving on. The clear water made it easy to see the whale just under the surface. Many good photos and videos were captured! Read the full review
Travelled: February 2020
Monica Scott - United States Of America
The wildlife in South Georgia was amazing! I would recommend everybody who makes the journey to Antartica to make sure that they include South Georgia in their itinerary. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2019
Jodie Pigman - United States Of America
The combination of the Falklands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula was terrific for the scenery and wildlife. It certainly met my expectations. There were lots of magical moments. Every day was full of anticipation and delight. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2018
Patricia Schenkkan - United States Of America
The South Georgia expedition was a superb experience in every way for my group of 17 participants (including myself). South Georgia landscapes and wildlife viewing opportunities are the best of the best in the Southern Ocean! Read the full review
Travelled: November 2018
Audrey Benedict - United States Of America
South Georgia is really special. The fact that we missed it on our first Antarctic trip is the major reason we went back.
Travelled: February 2018
Cindy & Nor - Washington
If you don't visit South Georgia you're missing the 'jewel in the crown'. When we did this trip in 2008 the expedition leader in her opening remarks described South Georgia as "the place where God goes for his holidays".
Travelled: February 2018
RSW & MW - United Kingdom
We would definitely recommend including South Georgia and the Falklands - whilst we weren't quite prepared for the days at sea to get between these places, they ended up being a wonderfully restorative part of our holiday.
Travelled: December 2017
Tish & Obadiah - Massachusetts
South Georgia was the highlight of the trip. Be sure to choose an itinerary that includes it and you won't regret it. Salisbury Plain and St Andrews were amazing. I also loved Deception Island - I would recommend doing the polar plunge.
Travelled: November 2017
Janet - California
The highlights were the Shackleton history and being able to stand on the top of the pass where the trio looked down on the whaling base at Stromness - their destination.
Travelled: November 2017
Neill - New Zealand
Too many highlights to pick out one in particular, but South Georgia is a must do. Landscapes were simply awesome. The wildlife was much more plentiful than I imagined, also unafraid and curious.
Travelled: February 2017
Kay and David - UK
South Georgia was a delightful surprise – far more to offer than I could have imagined. I knew about the whaling industry & Shackleton but was thrilled with the number of kayak outings & landings we made here. The old whaling stations were particularly overwhelming & emotional.
Travelled: January 2017
Freda - UK
The king penguins on Salisbury Plain were something I've never experienced before - unbelievable; the wildlife was fantastic.
Travelled: March 2016
Glyn - UK
South Georgia was simply amazing and quite overwhelming in its abundance of wildlife and history. To have king penguins filled with curiosity and pecking on our boots was unexpected and something we’ll never forget.
Travelled: December 2015
Phil & Mickey - Australia
Review:
Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
Voyage south in Shackleton’s footsteps, exploring the Southern Ocean's highlights as part of this expansive 20-day adventure. A well-balanced itinerary gives plenty of time in each jaw-dropping location. Explore from the comfort of your sleek purpose-built expedition ship, accompanied by…
4.7 out of 5
Looking for an Antarctic adventure without compromising on comfort and service? This stylish 139-passenger ship, with its cavernous suites, fine dining and compelling itinerary, offers a polished Southern Ocean adventure at a fair…
4.5 out of 5
This voyage takes in the wildlife-rich wonders of South Georgia and the Falklands, as well as the dramatic landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula. You’ll travel on board one of the most exciting new polar ships with spacious cabins, state-of-the-art technology…
4.5 out of 5
Purpose-built to tackle polar waters, an eco-minded vessel makes the ocean crossing between Antarctica and the wildlife Eden of South Georgia as comfortable as possible. Traverse the breathtaking Antarctic Sound where huge tabular icebergs dwarf the ship and immerse yourself…
4.5 out of 5
With a good choice of departure dates through the season across three medium-sized ships, this 19-22 day trip stands out for its value for money and the broad range of cabin categories available, including Quads, which are…
An epic 23-day voyage which packs in an astonishing 7 days in Antarctica, 4 days in wildlife-rich South Georgia and the Antarctic Circle at 66 degrees south. It's very rare to find a trip combining all three places. Limited departure…
For a truly 5 star Southern Ocean experience, this is the voyage to consider. Cosseted aboard the most luxurious, all-inclusive expedition ships currently in Antarctica, enjoy outstanding cuisine, impeccable service and daily guided…
This voyage was devised by a team with 50 years of polar expedition experience. From the balance of time exploring each location to the wealth of onboard expertise, the trip has real pedigree. Explore aboard a thoughtfully designed expedition vessel…
With 8 full days exploring the wildlife meccas of South Georgia and the Falklands, this trip particularly appeals to wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. Travelling aboard a small custom-designed 100 guest expedition ship ensures extended time ashore each day. Further benefits…
The most time-efficient trip for combining the top highlights of the Southern Ocean: the dramatic Antarctic Peninsula and the wildlife mecca of South Georgia. Travelling on a comfortable, ice-strengthened expedition ship you'll experience everything from king penguin rookeries to vast…
In homage to Shackleton, this trip retraces the explorer's legendary journey from the Weddell Sea to Elephant Island and across to South Georgia. A rare, shorter voyage, it skips the Falkland Islands and spends an extra day in Antarctica, maximising…
An innovative itinerary exploring some of Antarctica’s most inaccessible locations by ship, zodiac and helicopter. The most extensive expedition of its kind, this voyage takes in the wildlife paradise of South Georgia and rarely visited South Sandwich Islands. True adventurers…
Swoop has catered for travellers of every group size. Whether you’re adventuring solo or bringing a group of over 100. We can help.
King penguins at Salisbury Plain
Numbers alone fail to convey the sheer density of wildlife in South Georgia. Millions of seals, penguins and other seabirds make this sub-Antarctic island their home: at the height of the breeding season, there is said to be more wildlife here per square metre than any other place on the planet.
The bright and endless cacophony of South Georgia's king penguin colonies are one of the island's biggest drawcards, and the bird's unusual breeding cycle means that whenever you're on a South Georgia island tour you're guaranteed to see lots of woolly chicks. In other locations, other penguin species are to be found in large numbers: gentoos, chinstraps and macaronis with their luxuriant yellow eyebrow feathers.
On the beaches, seals gather in vast numbers. In the early season you'll see giant beachmaster elephant seals weighing in at nearly five tonnes. In the new year, the seas froth with new-born fur seal pups swimming around your zodiac.
The wildlife's lack of fear of humans makes them incredibly curious, so wherever you land you're never far from an amazing wildlife photo opportunity.
Toasting 'the Boss' at Shackleton's grave in Grytviken
The human history of South Georgia is tucked into its bays and harbours, where traces of the bloody plunder of the sealing and whaling industries are slowly being reclaimed as the island's wildlife rebounds from centuries of exploitation.
The rusting remains of the whaling station at Grytviken are compelling place to explore, along with its fabulous museum and old Norwegian church. Its cemetery is the last resting place of the polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, and the traditional graveside toast to 'The Boss' is a touching moment for many visitors.
Weather-permitting, it's often possible to do the Shackleton Walk, which recreates the final stages of the epic hike from Fortuna Bay to the whaling station at Stromness that he and two of his companions made across the island in 1916 to raise the alarm after the desperate failure of the Endurance expedition. They walked from King Haakon Bay on storm-battered western side of the island after their voyage from Elephant Island – a landing here is a rare treat for Shackleton enthusiasts.
Which locations you visit depends on the weather and the season. With the exception of Grytviken, where alongside paying tribute to Shackleton you'll undergo essential biosecurity and immigration checks, it's impossible to guarantee where you'll land – but wherever you come ashore, the diversity of landing sites means you'll be visiting some of the spectacular places it's possible to see on an Antarctic trip.
From the vast colonies of king penguins at St Andrews Bay and Salisbury Plain, to Gold Harbour where the sun's rays bathe hanging glaciers in glowing yellows and oranges, the scale of opportunities for wildlife spotting and taking in the scenery is unmatched.
On Prion Island there are seasonal opportunities to walk near wandering albatrosses and their chicks, while at other locations you can zodiac cruise past the glaciers of Drygalski Fjord, or the sheer cliffs of Elsehul which are covered with the nests of tens of thousands of seabirds.
King penguin chicks are present throughout the year
South Georgia's visiting season runs through the austral summer months from the end of October to late March. The weather is at its most benign (if still unpredictable), with snow-free beaches and long days offering the most favourable light for photographers.
Summer in South Georgia offers an ever-changing wildlife experience depending on when you visit.
Completing the Shackleton Walk on South Georgia
South Georgia is visited as part of a longer cruise visiting the Antarctic Peninsula and the Falkland Islands. On a once-in-a-lifetime trip like this, finding the right voyage is crucial, so you'll want to carefully consider both the itinerary and the type of ship as well as your travel dates.
A trip to the Antarctic Peninsula is going to be mind-blowing, there’s no doubt about that. But a trip to South Georgia is going to be like walking through a BBC wildlife documentary – it’s almost impossible to describe unless you’ve been there.
Nate Polar expedition leader
Travelling on an expeditionary ship to South Georgia requires embracing the unpredictable and going with the flow. Adventure thrives in uncertainty, so prepare to be flexible as your Captain and Expedition Leader may need to adapt the daily schedule depending on the local conditions, always aiming to optimise the experience for everyone on board.
Daily landings and adventurous activities abound, but with the option of coming back to a more luxurious cabin, or your own private balcony.
Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
This fantastic trip covers all the must-see highlights of an extended Antarctic expedition. With 21 nights aboard, venture far south past vast icebergs to cross the Antarctic Circle before taking in the wildlife paradise of South Georgia's jaw-dropping king penguin…
Voyage south in Shackleton’s footsteps, exploring the Southern Ocean's highlights as part of this expansive 20-day adventure. A well-balanced itinerary gives plenty of time in each jaw-dropping location. Explore from the comfort of your sleek purpose-built expedition ship, accompanied by…
An epic 23-day voyage which packs in an astonishing 7 days in Antarctica, 4 days in wildlife-rich South Georgia and the Antarctic Circle at 66 degrees south. It's very rare to find a trip combining all three places. Limited departure…
4.3 out of 5
On a long voyage with so many days at sea, the journey is made more enjoyable aboard this comfortable, well appointed 4* ship with its capacious cabins and dedicated staff. Choice of 17-23 day departures per season, with optional kayaking…
Setting sail early in the season, be aboard one of the first ships to head south as the Southern Ocean reopens for business. It's a special time in South Georgia as the beaches are packed with breeding elephant seals, while…
This voyage was devised by a team with 50 years of polar expedition experience. From the balance of time exploring each location to the wealth of onboard expertise, the trip has real pedigree. Explore aboard a thoughtfully designed expedition vessel…
4.9 out of 5
Join this classic Southern Ocean voyage, with a choice of two 21-day departures in the season. Travel aboard a generously proportioned 134-passenger expeditionary ship, undertake daily landings, with camping and kayaking for the…
Uniquely focused on extensive exploration of South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, without heading further south to Antarctica. Spend 8 full days exploring these bountiful sub-Antarctic Islands, brimming with both wildlife and history. Limited to spring and late summer…
With 8 full days exploring the wildlife meccas of South Georgia and the Falklands, this trip particularly appeals to wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. Travelling aboard a small custom-designed 100 guest expedition ship ensures extended time ashore each day. Further benefits…
4.5 out of 5
Purpose-built to tackle polar waters, an eco-minded vessel makes the ocean crossing between Antarctica and the wildlife Eden of South Georgia as comfortable as possible. Traverse the breathtaking Antarctic Sound where huge tabular icebergs dwarf the ship and immerse yourself…
4.5 out of 5
With a good choice of departure dates through the season across three medium-sized ships, this 19-22 day trip stands out for its value for money and the broad range of cabin categories available, including Quads, which are…
South Georgia and Antarctic cruises on board the finest ships. Bright, spacious cabins, exquisite food, and the highest standard of service throughout.
Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
For a truly 5 star Southern Ocean experience, this is the voyage to consider. Cosseted aboard the most luxurious, all-inclusive expedition ships currently in Antarctica, enjoy outstanding cuisine, impeccable service and daily guided…
Travelling aboard a modern, custom-built expedition ship with luxury amenities, all you need to do is sit back and enjoy the adventure as you speed through the Southern Ocean. The all-inclusive price – with outstanding food – is excellent value…
Combine the spellbinding wildlife spectacle of South Georgia with the White Continent's jaw-dropping landscapes on this luxurious time-saving expedition. Cut out two days at sea by flying between Antarctica and South America in just two hours. If you're seeking seamless…
No. There isn't enough flat land on South Georgia to build an airstrip, so all visitors must arrive by sea. The closest airport to South Georgia is at Stanley on the Falkland Islands. Under usual sea conditions it takes two days to sail to South Georgia from either the Falkland Islands or the Antarctic Peninsula.
This will very much depend on which voyage you choose. Most voyages spend between 3- 5 days exploring South Georgia, while the maximum is 8 days. Four days is the optimum period, as it allows plenty of time to explore even under changeable weather conditions.
Prices start from around $10,500-$13,000/person for a Quad or Triple cabin or $14,000-$16,000 per person for a twin cabin, but vary markedly depending on the trip, ship, the timing of travel and which cabin category you choose.
While discounts are rare, those people booking early can sometimes take advantage of early booking incentives of up to USD $1,500 per person offered on select trips.
It takes more than a year for a king penguin chick to fledge, so there are chicks present on South Georgia all year round. If you're able to make a landing at one of the big king penguin colonies, you are pretty much guaranteed to see plenty of fluffy brown chicks, along with year-old chicks in the middle of the final moult into their adult plumage.
Macaroni and gentoo penguin chicks can generally be spotted in their colonies from mid-November, fledging from January and February respectively.
All cruise ships visit Grytviken to carry out immigration and biosecurity checks, so you'll almost always be able to land here to visit Shackleton's grave in the old whaling station cemetery: guides will arrange a toast to 'the Boss' here. The museum in Grytviken has plenty of interest for Shackleton fans, including a full-sized replica of the James Caird.
It is sometimes possible to do the Shackleton Walk from Fortuna Bay to Stromness, recreating the final stage of his epic walk across the island in 1916. On some itineraries, ships may also attempt to visit King Haakon Bay on the western side of the island, where the James Caird made landfall after sailing from Elephant Island.
See our Following in Shackleton’s footsteps on South Georgia blog for a guide to the sites associated with the great man.
It's never too early to plan your South Georgia trip. There are far fewer of these longer voyages than there are regular trip to the Antarctic Peninsula only. Because they're so spectacular, they're also in very high demand.
To be confident of securing your preferred choice you should start planning as early as possible, and ideally book 12 - 18 months in advance. Early booking discounts are sometimes available.
Voyage dates are typically released by the different ship operators between 15 - 20 months in advance.
Our team has visited Antarctica over 150 times and has 100 collective years of polar experience, so from which trip is right for you to what shoes to bring - there’s no question we can’t answer.
Choosing the right voyage is complicated, Swoop makes it easy. We offer no-nonsense advice on 1500 voyages across 30 ships to find you the right trip, cabin, price - and we don’t charge a fee.
We want to protect Antarctica for future generations - which is why we became a certified B Corp and set up our own conservation fund. So your adventures can be a force for good.
We leave nothing to chance in delivering your perfect trip and have over 6500 happy travellers to show for it. With a dedicated Antarctic co-ordinator & support throughout - you’re in safe hands.
Deep in the Southern Ocean some 870 miles from its nearest neighbour, South Georgia is more challenging (and exciting) to get to than almost anywhere on earth.
Discover MoreSouth Georgia is bursting with life throughout the cruise season, so choosing when to take your voyage will ultimately depend on what you want to experience on your trip.
Discover MoreNumbers alone simply can’t explain how extraordinarily abundant and breathtaking the wildlife of South Georgia is: this is the Serengeti of the Southern Ocean
Discover MoreWhether you’re cruising its wildlife-packed coast by zodiac or retracing Shackleton's footsteps, here's what you can expect to do on South Georgia.
Discover MoreWe'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
With over 100 years of South Georgia experience between us, we can help you to exactly the right trip for you.
1-888-970-4570We don’t charge a commission and there are no hidden fees. Just impartial, expert advice from the leading Polar cruise agent. Schedule a call with our Antarctic Experts today.
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Privacy policy