South Georgia is home to two mountain ranges – the Salvesen and the Allardyce – which soar to a peak of almost 3,000 metres above the sea. In the summer almost 75% of the island is covered in snow, ice, and glaciers. Come winter, a covering of snow reaches right down to the water’s edge.
The island is also called an Antarctic Oasis because of the huge numbers of penguins and seals that breed here. The marine ecosystem is considered one of the densest examples of biodiversity in the world. Visitors can spot seals on both the land and in the waters, and a variety of whales pass through the area.
South Georgia is one of the remotest and wildest places on earth.
Cruises to South Georgia
Atlantic Odyssey incl. Antarctic Peninsula to Cape Verde
HDS30D25 The Atlantic Odyssey cruise visits some of the remotest islands in the world, crossing the migratory paths of Arctic Terns, Long-tailed Skuas, other birds, and a variety of whales as they make their annual expeditions north for the breeding season.
m/v Hondius
Cruise date:
14 Mar - 25 Apr, 2025
Berths start from:
15435 USD
Atlantic Odyssey incl. Antarctic Peninsula to Cape Verde
PLA31B26 The Atlantic Odyssey cruise visits some of the remotest islands in the world, crossing the migratory paths of Arctic Terns, Long-tailed Skuas, other birds, and a variety of whales as they make their annual expeditions north for the breeding season.
m/v Plancius
Cruise date:
23 Mar - 4 May, 2026
Berths start from:
16380 USD
Atlantic Odyssey incl. Antarctic Peninsula to St. Helena
HDS30C25 The Atlantic Odyssey cruise visits some of the remotest islands in the world, crossing the migratory paths of Arctic Terns, Long-tailed Skuas, other birds, and a variety of whales as they make their annual expeditions north for the breeding season.
m/v Hondius
Cruise date:
14 Mar - 15 Apr, 2025
Berths start from:
13320 USD
Atlantic Odyssey incl. Antarctic Peninsula to St. Helena
PLA31A26 The Atlantic Odyssey cruise visits some of the remotest islands in the world, crossing the migratory paths of Arctic Terns, Long-tailed Skuas, other birds, and a variety of whales as they make their annual expeditions north for the breeding season.
m/v Plancius
Cruise date:
23 Mar - 24 Apr, 2026
Berths start from:
14175 USD
Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica
Meet at least six penguin species!
PLA20-24 A cruise to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia & the Antarctic Peninsula. Visit some of the most beautiful arrays of wildlife on Earth. This journey will introduce you to at least 6 species of penguin and a whole lot of Antarctic fur seals!
m/v Plancius
Cruise date:
18 Oct - 7 Nov, 2024
Berths start from:
13350 USD
South Georgia cruise video
Latest blog and customer story
Guide’s Choice for Binoculars: Swarovski Optik
Our guests often ask us what they should pack when it comes to the more optional polar travel gear, such as cameras or binoculars.
Antarctica and My Old Friend, Ortelius: Passenger Story by Ann Lane
I was on the recent Antarctic trip on Ortelius, 16 Feb - 7 March. This has been my third expedition with Oceanwide, and I continue to be very impressed by the experiences.
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South Georgia cruise reviews
This was a brilliant trip. Very much an expedition and not a cruise!
The expedition leader, Sara, was outstanding. Her commitment to this part of the world, and its inhabitants, was evident in all she did. She was determined to give the guests on the trip the best possible experience and to make every possible landing, zodiac cruise and wildlife watch as productive and informative as possible. An excellent role model.
The expedition crew were terrific. A highly skilled group of people with vast knowledge and an enthusiasm to share this. The quality of the lectures was excellent and the subject matter varied. The crew were approachable and friendly, with seemingly boundless energy.
The ship is very comfortable and the accommodation excellent. The food was of a very high standard and plentiful, with a wide choice of really interesting dished, with fresh fruit, bread and pastries available every day. The waiting staff were exceptional; very efficient and friendly. The experience of the delicious food was enhanced by their approach.
The wildlife and scenery were breathtaking. We saw 7 different penguin species, 4 types of seal, humpback and orca whales and a huge variety of sea birds. The icebergs were like works of art. The islands visited were all hugely interesting in different respects, some with a variety of flora, others with ice and snow. Sailing the ocean was a fabulous experience.
Thank you to all involved for this amazing trip.
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South Georgia FAQ
What is the time in South Georgia?
South Georgia follows Gulf Standard Time (GST). This means that if it is 16:00 GST (4 p.m.) during your holiday to South Georgia, it would be 14:00 (2 p.m.) in New York City, 19:00 (7 p.m.) in London, and 6:00 (6 a.m.) the following morning in the Antarctic South Pole. On an expedition cruise, the vessel often stays at Argentinean time (GMT –3) in order to avoid several time changes on board.
What is the temperature and weather like in South Georgia?
The climate in South Georgia is polar. It is possible that you will experience a variety of different weather types while on a South Georgia cruise. The average temperatures vary widely depending on your exact location. For example, it is usually 0.7 to 5.5°C (33.3 to 41.9°F) on Bird Island during January, but King Edward Point experiences January temperatures ranging from 1.4 to 8.4°C (34.5 to 47.1°F).
In August, the temperature in South Georgia can vary from -4.8 to 1.5°C (23.4 to 34.7°F). Summer winds can produce a warmer than average day, but snow can still fall during this time period above 300 meters (984 feet).
What wildlife can I see in South Georgia?
Many people take a cruise to South Georgia specifically with wildlife in mind, and for good reason. The area has rich and diverse bird life, not only for its huge king penguin colonies. Other birds that you may see when you travel to South Georgia include albatrosses, terns, and several species of petrels.
Additionally, you may encounter marine life that ranges from whales to a great number of seals, such as Antarctic fur seals and southern elephant seals. South Georgia has the highest concentration of marine life on the planet.
How many people live in South Georgia?
South Georgia has no resident population. Throughout the year, the research station and governmental facilities are staffed from GSGSS and BAS. In the summer season, the numbers increase with staff from SGHT as well as science and government projects. The winter population is generally about eight people, and in the summer around 40.
Who owns South Georgia?
South Georgia is a British overseas territory. The island was first sighted in 1675 by a London merchant, but it does not appear to have been explored until 1775, when it was claimed for the British. The area was primarily used during the 19th and 20th centuries as a base for sealing and whaling. The first semi-permanent inhabitants moved to the island in 1904 as part of the industrial scale whaling that commenced at the time in this area.
What unique features does South Georgia have?
Grytviken is surprisingly well-sheltered, and it has become a popular spot for couples that want a truly unique wedding. The highest peaks on the island are permanently covered in snow, and it is common to see icebergs in the water around South Georgia.
The local flora and fauna are a big draw, and stamp collectors may be able to purchase a couple of rare South Georgia stamps during their trip. This remote island’s topography is also very noteworthy, and it contains a spectacular central high alpine mountain range.
History is abundant here, ranging from tales of early 20th-century whaling to the exploits of the famous explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. The main attraction, however, is the wildlife, which is second to no other place on Earth. It is truly a paradise for wildlife lovers!
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About
South Georgia weather
Temperatures during the winter months (around August) average around 0°C, usually going no lower than -10°C. During the summer (around January) temperatures average around 8°C. Since the weather can be quite variable your best bet is to bring layers.
Facts About South Georgia
- Famed explorer Ernest Shackleton is buried at Grytviken (an old whaling settlement).
- The highest point found on South Georgia is Mount Paget which reaches up to 2,934 metres in height.
- South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands are encompassed by one of the world’s largest Marine Protected Areas. The MPA covers an area of 1.07 million km2.
- South Georgia doesn’t have any sort of permanent human population.
- South Georgia was part of the disputed land claims between Argentina and the U.K. during the Falklands War in 1982. Britain still regularly patrols the waters.
- The only permanent settlements on the island are research stations.
- The only way to get to South Georgia is by boat.
Travel to South Georgia
Take a South Georgia expedition cruise and prepare yourself to venture into a dense oasis of life in the midst of the cold Atlantic Ocean.
On your South Georgia cruise you’ll have a wide variety of activities through which you’ll get to introduce yourself to the wildlife – walks along the shore, extended hikes, diving for the experienced, wildlife watching… the list goes on.
You’ll get to meet a variety of seals, set eyes on a catalogue of birds, and make friends with King penguins who just might investigate you up close and personal.
