King Penguins and Elephant Seals, South Georgia

Antarctica

Sail South Georgia & the Falkland Islands

TAILOR-MADE

Duration

Day

Prices Start from

£8,450 ex. flights

Welcome to “the most staggering wildlife show on Earth”. This in-depth exploration of South Georgia and the Falkland Islands is a memorable wildlife-centric sailing voyage that travels to one of the planet’s most isolated islands.

Key Highlights of this Itinerary

900,000 King Penguins

Walk amongst the hundreds of thousands of king penguins that inhabit South Georgia.

See "Beachmasters"

Watch as rival male elephant seal “beachmasters” contend for their harem of females.

Human Population: 0

Visit South Georgia Island, one of the remotest and most inaccessible islands on Earth.

Grytviken Cemetry, South Georgia, Antarctica

Shackleton & Wild

Follow in the footsteps of British Antarctic explorers and visit their resting sites.

Why we like it

Allowing seven days for exploration of South Georgia Island, this voyage spends twice as much time in the wildlife haven than the majority of other options. With beaches crammed full of prolific wildlife and a backdrop of snow-capped peaks, this journey presents the opportunity to walk amongst some of the hundreds of thousands of king penguins that call this place home. As an added bonus, Antarctic wayfarers will be enthralled by the idea of learning more about Shackleton and having the opportunity to toast him as his grave-site.

Don't forget, we will customise this journey to suit you.

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Keys:

Boat Journey

Embark
Falkland Islands
15 Nights Sailing
South Georgia & Falkland Islands
Disembark
Falkland Islands

Capturing the Light

In the early season, South Georgia is veiled in a phenomenal light that makes for a photographers’ paradise. With astonishing compositions around every corner and opportunities to go up on deck to catch the pre-dawn light, this island is the place where veteran wilderness photographers flock.

Elephant Seal Battles & Million-Strong King Penguins

Despite its 3,000-metre towering mountains that are permanently covered in snow and ice, the real highlight of South Georgia Island is its wildlife – there are over 50 million seabirds, 5 million seals and 4 million penguin pairs. From rare rockhopper penguins and distinctive fur seals to lazing elephant seals and weaving skuas, there is no shortage of phenomenal wildlife thriving in this glacial region. The jewel in the crown of South Georgia’s biodiversity are the nearly million-strong population of king penguins that survive here in staggering abundance. Notice as the breeding cycle commences and courtship rituals begin, and observe as colossal elephant seals battle for control on the beach.

Calving Glaciers & Colourful Macaronis

From sailing past sea ice from calving glaciers to sipping a tipple in a colourful English pub in the Falkland Islands’ city of Stanley, the unique wonders of the South Atlantic Ocean are not overlooked during this voyage. This sailing will take you to the exhilarating location where the early morning and evening sun turns the cliffs to shades of gold, and to the fjord where it is possible to hear large chunks of glacial ice being calved. These windswept and isolated islands are home to over 60 species of breeding birds including the penguins that easily outnumber humans – find magellanics, gentoos and macaronis without much effort, and marvel at the photographic opportunities to capture their chatacter. With luck, you may even come across misunderstood leopard seals and solitary Ross seals.

Ernest Shackleton's Grave, South Georgia

Sir Ernest Shackleton

Seek out the relics of old abandoned whaling stations, which now seem entirely out of place in this pristine and protected environment, and find the graves of Sir Ernest Shackleton and his right-hand man Frank Wild. On-board expert historians will shed light on to their epic crossing from King Haakon Bay in 1916 and it may be possible to follow in their footsteps by hiking across the saddle separating Fortuna Bay from Stromness.

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01285 601 784

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Sue's in-depth knowledge of Antarctica, the route options and each of the vessels was invaluable in our preparation for the trip and was a strong differentiator when we were choosing a travel agent. When talking with Sue, we quickly got an honest perspective.