South Georgia
We Need a Sub-Heading Here
Over a thousand miles from the South American mainland and a similar distance from Antarctica, the rugged peaks of South Georgia pierce the moody skies of the Southern Ocean. While several ships had sighted the island in the 1600s, legendary explorer Captain James Cook was the first to land on South Georgia, which he named for King George III.
Once a base for the whaling industry, this magnificent isle has been reclaimed by nature. Reserved for scientific research and wildlife, South Georgia is not only home to staggering natural beauty, but also holds some of the greatest concentrations of wildlife on the planet.
A “Population” Devoted to Science
Once politically part of the Falkland Islands (Malvinas), South Georgia has been its own British Overseas Territory since 1985. The small research station of King Edward Point, next to the abandoned whaling station of Grytviken, is the de facto capital, with a winter population of around 12. South Georgia has no permanent human population. The island is primarily a haven for wildlife, and the only people you’ll find here are temporary residents working at the research stations. The main hub of human activity is at King Edward Point, where a small team of scientists and government officials work to manage and protect the island’s unique environment.
An Active Geography
South Georgia is a rugged, mountainous island. The majority of the island is comprised of deep marine rock, which was pushed up to the surface by a bend in the nearby tectonic plates, forcing rock above the sea surface. The British Overseas Territory of South Georgia also includes the South Sandwich Islands, an arc of active volcanoes to the southeast of the ‘mainland’. These volcanoes are among the most active on planet Earth, and play host to some of the planet’s largest penguin colonies.
South Georgia is one of the few bodies of land in the path of the mighty Antarctic Circumpolar Current. As this powerful current hits the island, nutrient-rich waters are forced to the surface: the basis for the island’s exceptionally rich ecosystem.
From Exploitation to Conservation
South Georgia was first sighted by English merchant Antoine de la Roché, though it wasn’t until 1775 that Captain James Cook landed and claimed the island for Britain. By the late 18th century, British and American sealers were exploiting the island’s wildlife, nearly driving fur seals to extinction and harvesting elephant seals for oil. In the 1800s, South Georgia became a global whaling hub, with companies from various nations establishing bases. Whaling ceased in 1964 as stocks collapsed. Today, conservation efforts have restored much of the island’s ecosystem.
Serengeti of the South
Unlike many other islands, South Georgia doesn’t have any native land mammals. However, the island is dominated by the marine wildlife that spend significant time on land, hence the title: Serengeti of the South. The most common land visitors are the Southern Elephant Seals. These enormous seals can weigh up to 4,000 kilograms (9,000 pounds) and gather in large colonies on South Georgia’s beaches. During breeding season, they battle for dominance, a sight that’s both awe-inspiring and intense. Antarctic fur seals also call South Georgia home.
South Georgia is one of the greatest places on Earth to see penguins. The island is home to massive colonies of King Penguins, which are the second-largest penguin species in the world. Walking among a colony of thousands of King Penguins is an experience that’s impossible to put into words. You’ll also find colonies of Gentoo and Macaroni penguins. While smaller than the King Penguins, their energetic behavior makes them just as fascinating to watch.
In the summer months, you’re also likely to see humpback whales, fin whales, and occasionally even a Blue whale, the largest animal to ever live, in the waters here.
South Georgia Weather
South Georgia lies within the Antarctic Convergence – the zone of cold water around the continent – and is therefore considered part of the Antarctic ecoregion. This keeps temperatures on the island cold throughout the year, and means around 75% of the island is glaciated.
Expeditions That Include South Georgia
Note:
We could potentially feature all expeditions which include South Georgia here once they are all built – by saving each as a global template, maybe?