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.
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6 reasons to book a South Georgia adventure
- Immerse yourself in the largest king penguin colonies on the planet, home to an almost uncountable number of birds.
- Wade ashore on South Georgia's beaches to watch battling bull elephant seals or playful fur seal pups gambolling in the surf.
- Retrace the final leg of Shackleton's epic hike across the island to the old whaling station at Stromness.
- Gaze in awe at some of the most dramatic and least visited scenery on earth, while albatrosses and petrels wheel above you.
- Explore the island's fascinating history, from the dark days of whaling to the modern stewardship that has created an ecosystem in recovery.
- Combine South Georgia tours with the Antarctic Peninsula and the Falkland Islands to make one truly epic voyage.
King penguins
Zodiac cruising
Grytviken
Light-mantled albatross
Fur seal pups
The Shackleton Walk to Stromness Harbour
Glacier at King Haakon Bay
What our customers think of South Georgia Cruises
South Georgia Cruises trips scored 4.5/5 from 422 reviews
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
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
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:
Our most popular South Georgia cruises
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…
- 20 Days
- $32,495
4.6 out of 5
South Georgia, Antarctica and Falklands Explorer
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…
- 21 Days
- $19,795
4.5 out of 5
Discover South Georgia, Antarctica and Falklands
This voyage stands out by visiting the Antarctic Peninsula first and keeping the wonders of South Georgia for the second half. You’ll travel on board one of the most exciting new polar ships with spacious cabins, state-of-the-art technology and optional…
- 19-25 Days
- $22,595
4.5 out of 5
Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands Revealed
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…
- 19 Days
- $15,595
4.5 out of 5
Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Adventure
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…
- 19-22 Days
- $14,500
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…
- 23 Days
- $45,790
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…
- 20 Days
- $20,034
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…
- 22 Days
- $27,200
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…
- 17 Days
- $9,995
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…
- 18 Days
- $26,395
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…
- 20 Days
- $22,595
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…
- 28 Days
- $24,700
A chic Scandi-style vessel with an informal onboard atmosphere is your launchpad for this wildlife-rich expedition covering the dramatic trifecta of the Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica. Smooth domestic travel logistics in Argentina are woven into the inclusive itinerary for…
- 18 Days
- $12,480
From One to One Hundred
Swoop has catered for travellers of every group size. Whether you’re adventuring solo or bringing a group of over 100. We can help.
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Solos
- Working with over 30 different ships to find you the most solo-friendly ships, with the lowest single supplements, and the best solo deals available. Discover More
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2 - 5 people
- With over 100 collective years of Polar experience our team will help you find your perfect trip, so you’re on the right ship, in the right cabin, and at the right point of the season. Discover More
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6 - 80 people
- We’ve worked with all sizes of groups, from large families to small schools. Travelling with Swoop means you’ll be the best prepared customers on the voyage and you pay nothing extra for this service. Discover More
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Large Groups
- We are experienced charter consultants that can build tailored experiences for both part and full charters of vessels. Discover More
Highlights of South Georgia
Wildlife
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.
History
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.
Places to visit
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.
Map of South Georgia
Cassia says
The anticipation of your first landing in South Georgia is intoxicating: seeing the beaches dotted with seals while penguins porpoise through the water, all set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and glaciers.
Cassia Jackson Polar Specialist
Planning your South Georgia trip
When to go
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.
- Late October–November Catch the last of the season's battling bull elephant seals, while male fur seals start to haul up to claim their territories. Seabirds start to return to nest, while early season king penguin chicks start laying eggs.
- December–January In December, the sheer density of fur seals on the beaches sometimes makes landings a challenge. In January, gentoo, chinstrap and macaroni penguin chicks are all hatching, and Prion Island becomes accessible to see the wandering albatrosses.
- February–March The shores are thick with fur seal pups and moulting elephant seals, while king penguin chicks are at their fattest in preparation for their first winter. Fin and humpback whales are at their most plentiful off the coast.
How to choose your South Georgia voyage
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.
- Itinerary Voyages typically spend between 3–5 days in South Georgia: some ships pass by quickly to concentrate on the Antarctic Peninsula, while others stay for longer to take advantage of the wealth of landing sites. If possible, we'd recommend at least four days in South Georgia to maximise your time onshore and reduce the chance of losing landings to poor weather.
- Ship type Given the amount of time you’ll be spending on the Southern Ocean, carefully choosing the right ship pays real dividends. For longer trips, it's definitely worth considering a little extra room when booking your cabin; balconies are an option on many ships. Larger ships can give more space, but smaller ships can mean more opportunities for landings and zodiac cruises. Depending on the ship size, there can also be significant variations between vessels in staff-to-passenger ratio.
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
What to expect in South Georgia
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.
Comfort & adventure
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…
- 23 Days
- $31,495
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…
- 20 Days
- $32,495
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…
- 23 Days
- $45,790
4.2 out of 5
Explore Antarctica, South Georgia and Falklands
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…
- 17-23 Days
- $16,195
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…
- 21 Days
- $14,250
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…
- 22 Days
- $27,200
4.9 out of 5
Destination Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia
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…
- 21 Days
- $18,199
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…
- 17 Days
- $25,170
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…
- 17 Days
- $9,995
4.5 out of 5
Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands Revealed
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…
- 19 Days
- $15,595
4.5 out of 5
Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Adventure
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…
- 19-22 Days
- $14,500
Encounter a diverse blend of history, landscapes and epic wildlife with an impressive 12 days of off-ship exploring the Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica. A pre-voyage Santiago hotel stay and domestic charter flights are included for maximum convenience and value.…
- 23 Days
- $29,706
Luxury & fine dining
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…
- 20 Days
- $20,034
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…
- 18-19 Days
- $15,942
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…
- 17 Days
- $28,700
This is the ideal voyage if you're looking to explore the spectacular wildlife of the Falkland Islands and South Georgia without compromising on time in Antarctica. Off-ship adventures are perfectly balanced with relaxation time on board your comfortably appointed 5*…
- 21 Days
- $22,900
South Georgia cruises FAQs
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Can I fly to South Georgia?
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.
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How much time will I spend in South Georgia?
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.
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How much does a cruise to South Georgia cost?
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.
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Will I see penguin chicks?
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.
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What Shackleton history is there to see on South Georgia?
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. -
When should I start to plan my trip?
Why our customers love Swoop
The Antarctic Experts.
No Compromises
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.
Expert impartial advice at no extra cost
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.
The only B Corp certified Antarctic specialist
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.
A full concierge service, unlike booking direct
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.
Plan your South Georgia trip
Best Time to Visit South Georgia Island
South 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.
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South Georgia Wildlife
Numbers alone simply can’t explain how extraordinarily abundant and breathtaking the wildlife of South Georgia is: this is the Serengeti of the Southern Ocean
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What to expect in South Georgia
Whether 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 MoreReady to plan your South Georgia adventure?
1
Listen
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
2
Match
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
3
Reserve
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.
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