Route Description - South Georgia Explorer
Few places compare to South Georgia in terms of exotic wildlife and jaw-dropping scenery. On this exploratory voyage you can enjoy wandering albatross colonies while also seeing some of the biggest breeding spots for king penguins and elephant seals on Earth – along with day after day of amazing polar scenery.
Day 1: End of the World, Start of a Journey
The voyage begins at the edge of the world in Ushuaia, Argentina, often recognized as the southernmost city on the planet. Nestled at the tip of South America on Tierra del Fuego—aptly nicknamed “The End of the World”—this small resort town serves as the launch point for an epic journey. In the afternoon, travelers embark and begin sailing through the mountain-fringed Beagle Channel, continuing this scenic passage throughout the evening.
Day 2–3: Sea Life, Sea Birds
As the ship heads toward South Georgia, it crosses the Antarctic Convergence, where the temperature drops noticeably within hours. This natural boundary, where cold polar waters meet the warmer sub-Antarctic seas, causes nutrient-rich waters to rise, drawing in a wealth of seabirds. Passengers may spot various albatross species, as well as shearwaters, petrels, prions, and skuas, soaring alongside the ship.
Day 4: Shag Rocks
If weather permits, the vessel may pass by Shag Rocks, a cluster of six islands located on the South Georgia Ridge. These shallow, food-rich waters are teeming with marine life, attracting seabirds and whales alike. The islands are named after the striking South Georgian Shags, recognizable by their bright blue eyes and distinctive yellow beak patches.
Day 5–10: South Georgia Journey
Upon reaching South Georgia, the itinerary becomes flexible, shaped by local weather conditions. Potential landing sites include:
Salisbury Plain, St. Andrews Bay, Gold Harbour – Home to the three largest king penguin colonies in South Georgia, these locations also serve as key breeding beaches for southern elephant seals. During this time of year, elephant seal bulls defend their harems with fierce determination. Antarctic fur seals are also commonly seen.
Fortuna Bay – Featuring a beautiful outwash plain from Fortuna Glacier, this area teems with king penguins and seals. Adventurous travelers may hike the final leg of Ernest Shackleton’s historic trek to the abandoned whaling station of Stromness, crossing a scenic mountain pass and small streams along the way.
Leith Harbour, Stromness, Husvik – Remnants of the early 20th-century whaling industry remain here, set against a backdrop of breeding and molting elephant and fur seals. Gentoo penguins gather at the landing sites, while seabirds like Antarctic prions and South Georgia diving petrels are frequently observed.
Grytviken – In this ghost town of a former whaling station, king penguins wander freely and elephant seals lounge unbothered. Visitors may explore the South Georgia Museum and pay respects at Shackleton’s grave.
Cobblers Cove & Godthul – Rookery Point at Cobblers Cove offers a glimpse of macaroni penguins. Light-mantled sooty albatrosses nest on the coast, with giant petrels also present. Godthul, meaning “good cove” in Norwegian, still bears traces of past seal-hunting activity. Gentoo penguins and seals inhabit its beaches.
Royal Bay (Moltke Harbour, Will Point, Brisbane Point) – Named by a German expedition in 1882, Royal Bay offers dramatic scenery: dark beaches, green tussock grass, and the snow-covered Ross Glacier. It is one of the island’s windiest bays and an exciting spot for zodiac cruising. Around 30,000 king penguin pairs live here.
Cooper Bay – Known for its large chinstrap penguin colony, this site also hosts gentoo and macaroni penguins, along with species such as Antarctic terns, white-chinned petrels, and blue-eyed shags.
Drygalski Fjord – This narrow fjord is flanked by towering mountains nearly 2 kilometers high, offering some of the most stunning views of the expedition.
King Haakon Bay – Famed for Shackleton’s landing during his rescue mission from Elephant Island, this bay is dominated by elephant seals. Birdwatchers can look for South Georgia pipits, Antarctic prions, and various petrel species.
Day 11–14: Westward Bound
The journey west may be met with sea ice, attracting birds such as south polar skuas and snow petrels. As the ship re-enters the Drake Passage, familiar seabirds like albatrosses and petrels reappear, escorting the vessel northward.
Day 15: Return to Ushuaia
The expedition concludes in Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city. Though this marks the end of the voyage, the memories forged during this incredible journey to South Georgia and beyond will accompany each traveler wherever their path leads next.