The sub-Antarctic area of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands is a distant and pristine vacation spot that gives a novel and unforgettable expertise for these in search of journey in a really wild surroundings. Freshly again from a 20 day expedition to South Georgia and Antarctica I can attest, visiting South Georgia is a MUST!
The British abroad territory of South Georgia is not a typical vacationer hotspot. South Georgia is likely one of the most distant and least visited locations within the World! But, the rewards for making the journey is experiencing essentially the most various marine wildlife ecosystems on this planet. Extra various than the Galapagos! No phrases can describe it, aside from majestic…
If you’re contemplating a go to to the Antarctic, don’t skip a go to to South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. For animal lovers and expeditioners, South Georgia will rapidly develop into your favourite spot on earth.
Wildlife Spectacle
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands are famend for his or her plentiful and various wildlife. I can’t put into phrases the spectacular surroundings and animals I witness whereas on land and zodiac excursions. Think about going to shore and discovering over 100,00 king Penguins standing elegantly awaiting your arrival. 3.5 ft tall in all their glamor, unbothered by your arrival!
The summer time months coincide with the breeding season for a lot of species, making it the optimum time to witness unimaginable shows of nature. Iconic species akin to king penguins, elephant seals, and albatrosses are significantly energetic throughout this time.
Seashores characteristic bustling colonies of penguins. Hundreds of chicks hatching and studying to navigate the world. Elephant and fur seals give beginning to their pups, and the air is stuffed with the majestic sight of albatrosses hovering overhead.
For these all in favour of wildlife and observing the pure conduct of those unimaginable creatures, that is the place!
When To Go to – Seasons and Climate
The window to go to South Georgia is restricted. The islands expertise a sub-Antarctic local weather, characterised by chilly temperatures, sturdy winds, and frequent precipitation.
The summer time season, November to March, is the perfect time to go to and the one “simple” time to go to. That is the one time you’ll discover small cruise ships and expedition corporations visiting.
In the course of the summer time, temperatures are barely hotter than the Antarctic Peninsula. Temperatures vary from -2 to eight levels Celsius (30 to 46 levels Fahrenheit). Alone go to over New Years 2024 it snowed briefly on NYE, however New Yr’s day was blue skies and sunny, round 5 levels (41 F).
General, the situations had been excellent. Each comfy for exploring the gorgeous landscapes and observing the unimaginable wildlife that inhabits the area. I used to be left in awe wanting extra every day.
Accessibility & Stops
Whereas South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands aren’t the simplest locations to achieve, expedition cruises to the islands are making it attainable.
Most expeditions will cease in the principle analysis station, Grytviken. Right here you may go to King Edward Level, pay respects at Ernest Shackleton grave, and ship a postcard to family members from the small put up workplace! Plus, no go to to South Georgia could be full with out a stroll by way of a whaling station which has since been taken again by nature. Now residence and refuge to king penguins, seals, nesting seabirds and extra.
Different stops in South Georgia will probably be decided by the native authorities. There are over 50 touchdown websites obtainable to expedition ships and a neighborhood administrator journey with the ship to make sure strict biosecurity requirements are met. South Georgia is inhabited by lower than 50 individuals and leaving no hint is a key and tenet.
Most expeditions won’t go to the sandwich islands group because of their remoteness. The Sandwich Islands are uninhabited and additional southeast from South Georgia. Made up of Southern Thule island, Saunders Montagu and Bristol Islands the are throughout the unique fishing zone protected by the British Antarctic Survey workforce.
Journey planning
Able to plan your expedition to South Georgia? Contact me (Rocky) in the present day. I’m very aware of the totally different corporations that go to South Georgia and am aware of offers which are obtainable. Practically all corporations that go to South Georgia additionally go to Antarctica. Journeys typically run 17-24 days in size.
There are restricted choices which go to the Falkland Islands and South Georgia solely. These are sometimes provided by Lindblad Expeditions. But Seabourn, Scenic, Swan Hellenic, and others go to South Georgia a couple of times a 12 months. There are additionally expeditions which do Cape to Cape crossing and go to islands within the South Atlantic Ocean.. These are sometimes the bottom value choices and a good way to go to South Georgia at a cheaper price
Backside Line
Captain James Cook dinner was the primary identified particular person to go to South Georgia and Sir Ernest Shackleton frolicked right here within the early nineteenth century. But aside from whalers and seafarers, these islands have gone comparatively untouched. Permitting the native wildlife inhabitants to thrive.
A go to to South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands affords unimaginable wildlife spectacles, optimum photographic alternatives, and an expertise not like another. Earlier than this, I assumed nothing was extra spectacular than the nice migration in Africa. Man, was I incorrect!
Whether or not you’re a wildlife fanatic, a nature photographer, or somebody in search of a novel and distant journey, a go to to South Georgia offers an unparalleled expertise in one of many world’s most pristine and untouched environments. It takes a few days to get right here by ship, however it’s SO totally different from Antarctica. Don’t miss South Georgia. In case you do, you’re going to should plan one other journey again to Antarctica and South Georgia, as a result of there’s nowhere else prefer it on this planet! I missed South Georgia on my first journey to Antarctica and the FOMO was actual and justified.
Contact me at Scott & Thomas Journey to e-book your South Georgia Expedition in the present day!
