South Georgia Island is a breath-taking island abound with wildlife and the pristine glacial peaks. The dream destination of every adventurous seafarer, this crescent-shaped island has much to reward. Get ready to be blown away with the beauty of South Georgia Island, which is also one of the gateways to Antarctica mainland. South Georgia Island was once the centre of a huge Southern Ocean whaling industry. Hence it has stood witness to the passage of many historic expeditions, like that of Ernest Shackleton. It has high peaks along the crescent, giving it a very rugged look. The spine is formed by a range of peaks called the Allardyce Range. About 57% of the island is covered in glaciers. The diverse wildlife of South Georgia Island makes it an ideal place for anyone remotely interested in seals and penguins. It has an overwhelmingly large King penguin population, making it the largest penguin colony in the world. There are also Gentoo and macaroni penguins. Elephant seals, Antarctic fur seals, and the wandering albatross are some of the notable species of the island. South Georgia can be reached from the Falkland Islands or Argentina. Getting there on a South Georgia island cruise up to 2 days of the voyage.
OVERVIEW
Location: South Atlantic Ocean, 1300 Km south-east of Falkland Islands
Area: 1450 sq miles
Main settlement: Grytviken
When to go: between October-March, when it is accessible to tourists
How to get there: Ship from Ushuaia, Argentina, Plane from Port Stanley Airport.
WHAT TO SEE
Macaroni penguins, king penguins, gentoo penguins, black-browed albatross, grey albatross, pipit, petrels, Antarctic fur seals, elephant seals, Humpback whales, blue whales, fin whales, minke whales.
Places to see are Willis island, Elsehul, Right Whale Bay, Salisbury Plain, Stromness, Grytviken, Leith Harbour, Salisbury Plain.
Epic Locations:
Bird Island
This island is home to the British Antarctic Survey team. Wildlife such as seabirds, seals, macaroni, and gentoo penguins, and wandering albatross can be commonly seen here. Though strictly under control, Bird Island is a great place to start your South Georgia Island cruise.
Fortuna Bay
Amid the vast carpet of tussock grass tundra and water streaked rocks, you can find one of the largest king penguin colonies. It is also occupied by aggressive fur seals and elephant seals.
Willis Islands
Willis island is home to burrowing and ground-nesting birds such as prions and petrels. You can find South Georgia’s unique pipit here. One can also spot Black-browed albatross, grey-headed albatross and a huge population of macaroni penguins.
Elsehul
Elsehul or ‘Else’s Cove’ in Norwegian is one of the major breeding grounds for fur seals. They are impossible to visit during the breeding season as they are crowded with seals. It is a nesting ground for penguins and petrels too. Zodiacs can be used to see the activity on the beach.
Right Whale Bay
The Right Whale bay is also crowded with a fur-seal population. Extensive colonies of king penguins can also be spotted here. The bay is large enough to allow landing for sightseeing.
Bay of Isles
They are the most popular regions as they are breeding grounds for birds. They are also closed to visitors during peak mating season, which is usually from November to January,
Salisbury Plain
This is one of the most picturesque isles with splendid views of the island-studded bay. It is a vast expanse of green in front of the Grace Glacier. It is also the second-largest king penguin rookery in South Georgia island.
Leith Harbour
This is South Georgia’s largest whaling station and a must-visit place in your South Georgia island cruise. A zodiac cruise can offer a look into the rusting ruins and other structures.
Stromness
This spot is famous for being the finish of Shackleton’s epic journey of crossing South Georgia. It has a shore station which was later converted to a ship repair yard. It is closed to tourists.
Grytviken
This is the only whaling station in South Georgia Island that can be visited. It is also the longest-running station in South Georgia. It is now converted into a heritage museum that gives tremendous insights into the past of the island.
Wildlife found in South Georgia:
Penguins
One can find huge colonies of king penguins in St Andrews Bay and Salisbury Plain. Towards the southeast coast on Cooper Islands, chinstraps, macaroni and Gentoo have taken abode. It can be an overwhelming experience on your South Georgia island cruise.
Seals
South Georgia travelers can always recount stories of the elephant seals slapping chests and making cacophony. Leopard seals can sometimes be spotted in the sea. Antarctic fur seals and Weddell seals are also sometimes seen in these islands. November can mean an outrageous number of southern elephant seals will take up space here.
Whales
Humpback whales, blue whales, fin whales and minke whales can be spotted in the Weddell sea. The rust coated whaling stations watch mutely as these gigantic beasts roam in all its glory. If you are lucky enough, one can witness the unforgettable sight of a whale blow
Albatross
There are mainly four types of albatrosses that can be spotted in the South Georgia island. They are black-browed albatross, light mantled albatross, South Georgia’s wandering albatross and the grey-headed albatross. Their colonies are spread across the islands with possible sightings throughout the South Georgia island cruise. They can be seen following small boats for leftover fish thrown overboard.
Petrels
Two kinds of petrels can be spotted on your South Georgia Island cruise. They are Southern giant petrels and cape petrels. If you happen to visit during November, you can spot them preparing nests for the breeding period.
South Georgia Pipit
South Georgia pipit is the only song bird you can find in the frigid island. It looks much like a small sparrow. It is found only in the South Georgia archipelago. It is a rare endemic bird. It is different from the other winged wildlife of the area as it is the only non-sea bird. It is a threatened species. Sighting it in one of your South Georgia island cruise is a birdwatcher’s dream.
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