South Georgia Tours and Travel

YPT Tours to South Georgia

Thousands of penguins are waiting for you on our South Georgia tours and cruises!

Sometimes called the gem of the sub-Antarctic, South Georgia is important in maritime history. Once a hub for whaling in the early 20th century, the island saw the visit of explorers like Sir Ernest Shackleton, whose epic journey from Antarctica to South Georgia is legendary.

But South Georgia is also famous for being a sanctuary for wildlife. It’s home to vast penguin rookeries where king penguins parade in their thousands, alongside gentoo, macaroni, and chinstrap penguins. Seals, including the southern elephant seal and fur seals, can be found on the beaches. You’ll also spot various bird species, including albatrosses.

Our South Georgia tours and cruises offer multiple landings where you can step onto South Georgia’s shores, guided by experts who will share stories and facts about this extraordinary island.

Group Tours to South Georgia

Every year, we visit South Georgia as part of our Grand South Atlantic Tour, starting in Ushuaia and also stopping in Saint Helena, Tristan Da Cunha and Cape Verde. It can also link to one of our Antarctica cruises.

The Grand South Atlantic Tour: South Georgia, Tristan Da Cunha & Saint Helena – March 23rd – April 15th/25th 2025 – €4700/ €6165

The Grand South Atlantic Tour: South Georgia, Tristan da Cunha & Saint Helena

Independent South Georgia Tours

While our Grand South Atlantic Cruise is a great way to visit South Georgia, if the dates don’t match your travel dates or interests, we can offer independent options to cruise to Antarctica. Get in touch to receive the itineraries and availabilities.

Our options include:

Ultimate South Georgia cruises

This 14 nights/15 days cruise is dedicated to the incredible territory of South Georgia. There, you’ll see an abandoned whaling station, Shackleton’s grave, and thousands, if not tens of thousands, of penguins. If you thought the polar regions are empty, the South Georgia’s thriving wildlife will blow your mind.

Price: from €8995

Available dates: 13-27 November 2025

Whole Antarctica cruises: Falkland islands, South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula

The trip of a lifetime for country collectors and adventurers. Those journeys take you, in 19 to 20 days, to the Falkland Islands, then South Georgia, before you go to the Antarctic Peninsula. Those expeditions explore one of the last untamed areas on Earth – a land of ruggedly beautiful landscapes and amazingly varied wildlife. By the end of the trip, you’ll have a least six different penguin species!

Price: from €11,995

Available dates: 1-20 February 2025 ; 20 February – 14 March 2025 ; 27 November – 16 December 2025 ; 11-29 December 2025 ; 21 December 2025-8 January 2026 ; 19 January-6 February 2026 ; 28 January-16 February 2026 ; 16 February-10 March 2026

Example of a South Georgia Cruise itinerary (15 days)

Day 1 – Ushuaia, the end of the world!

Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world, the largest in the Tierra del Fuego archipelago to the south of South America. YPT can advise on the best way to get here and arrange pre-tour accommodation.
In the afternoon we will board the ship from Ushuaia
For the rest of the day we will be sailing through the Beagle Channel, flanked by the southern reaches of the Andes Mountains

Day 2 and 3 – Antarctic Convergence

We will pass through the Antarctic Convergence, the border into Antarctica proper. Here, the temperature cools considerably within the space of a few hours, and nutritious water rises to the surface of the sea due to colliding water columns. This phenomenon attracts a multitude of seabirds near the ship, including several species of albatross, shearwaters, petrels, prions, and skuas.
Lunch on the ship
The naturalists on the ship will offer a program of lectures about various topics: Antarctica, icebergs, marine life, birds, the history of the region, famous explorers… Those lectures are not mandatory: you can pick those that interest you most!

Day 4 – Shag Rocks

Depending on the weather, we may sail past Shag Rocks, a cluster of six small islands situated on the South Georgia Ridge in shallower waters. The nutrient-rich environment here provides abundant food for birds and whales.
These islands are named after the South Georgian Shags, recognizable by their vivid blue eyes and distinctive yellow patches on their beaks.

Day 5-10 – Exploring South Georgia

The next few days will be dedicated to the visit of South Georgia. Please remember that this is just a possible itinerary. The actual landing sites depend on weather conditions and the availability of landing spots.

Possible Landing Sites:

King Penguin Colonies: Witness the spectacle of millions of king penguins at Salisbury Plain, St. Andrews Bay, and Gold Harbour. These sites also boast massive breeding colonies of southern elephant seals, offering a unique opportunity to observe their social dynamics.
Fortuna Bay: Explore the historic path taken by Shackleton, traversing the Fortuna Glacier and visiting the abandoned whaling village of Stromness.
Whaling History: Immerse yourself in the history of South Georgia’s whaling industry at Leith Harbour, Stromness, and Husvik. Observe elephant and fur seals, and encounter a variety of seabirds.
Grytviken: Visit the historic Grytviken whaling station, now home to a thriving king penguin colony. Explore the South Georgia Museum and pay respects at Shackleton’s grave.
Macaroni Penguins & Albatrosses: Discover the rookeries of macaroni penguins at Cobblers Cove and observe light-mantled sooty albatrosses and giant petrels.
Royal Bay: Experience the breathtaking scenery of Royal Bay, with its dramatic mountains, sandy beaches, and a large king penguin colony. Enjoy a thrilling zodiac cruise in this windswept bay.
Cooper Bay: Observe the largest chinstrap penguin colony in South Georgia, alongside gentoo, macaroni penguins, and a variety of seabirds.
Drygalski Fjord: Cruise through the awe-inspiring Drygalski Fjord, surrounded by towering mountain peaks.
King Haakon Bay: Stand in the footsteps of Ernest Shackleton, who reached this bay after his epic open-boat journey. Observe elephant seals and a variety of seabirds.

Day 11-14 – Sailing back

There may be sea ice on this route, south polar skuas and snow petrels could join the other seabirds such as albatrosses and petrels trailing the vessel. Eventually we reach the Drake Passage and you’re again greeted by a vast array of seabirds.

Day 15 – Ushuaia

Our ship will arrive back at the end of the world at Tierra del Fuego where we disembark and say our goodbyes

Frequently asked Questions about travel to South Georgia

Do I need a visa to travel to South Georgia?

You do not need a visa to visit South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands for a limited stay. However, you must obtain a visitor permit before your visit. If you join YPT on a South Georgia cruise, this permit application handled by the vessel operator.

Is South Georgia safe for tourists?

South Georgia has no indigenous population, with only temporary residents like government officials and scientists present. So it’s safe to assume that nothing will happen to you in terms of crime.

However, while wildlife is a significant attraction, certain animals like fur seals can be territorial and aggressive during breeding seasons. Visitors are required to maintain a respectful distance from wildlife to ensure both their safety and the animals' well-being.

How big are your ships?

Depending on the cruise, we travel on the M/V Hondius, which can accommodate 174 passengers, or the M/V Plancius, which can embark 116 passengers. Both vessels offer a restaurant/lecture room and a spacious observation lounge (with bar) with large windows, offering full panorama view. Don’t worry, you won’t be floating on a giant cruise ship: we don’t like them either!

Do I need to be really fit to join a South Georgia cruise?

You need to be in good general health and be able to walk on the ship, get up and down the gangway, and get in and out of the Zodiacs. During activities, you can choose to stay on the vessel if you prefer. For safety and logistical reason, landings in South Georgia only cover small areas, in which you can walk freely at your own pace.

Will I see penguins and polar bears in South Georgia?

You’ll see thousands, if not tens of thousands, of penguins on our South Georgia cruise. But not polar bears, because they live in the Arctic region – in the Northern hemisphere.

Can I see Southern Lights?

While there are southern lights in South Georgia, we cannot see them on our cruises due to the midnight sun.

Do I need to bring special clothing on a South Georgia cruise?

We require you to bring a waterproof jacket and pants (minimum 15,000mm rating) for Zodiac cruises to shore. Apart from that, our advice is to take warm, windproof, waterproof clothes that you can easily add or remove in layers. South Georgia is obviously very cold, but keep in mind that we’ll be there during the summer season, where temperatures usually range from -5°C to 5°C. If you are used to skiing, mountaineering or hiking in winter, the gear you use for those activities should be enough.

Are there any health precautions I should take before traveling to South Georgia?

Before departure, consult with a travel health professional or your doctor. Since the island has very limited medical facilities, it's crucial to ensure you're in good health. While specific vaccinations aren't mandated for South Georgia, ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date. This includes tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, etc.

Can I stay connected in South Georgia?

Our ships are equipped with free Internet access and phone facilities (subject to satellite connection and coverage). Wi-Fi access is available throughout the ships. There are also laptops available for public use.

Do I need insurance to travel to South Georgia?

We strongly recommend that travellers to all our destinations have travel insurance. Accidents or medical conditions can happen anywhere and it’s best to be prepared since medical facilities in South Georgia are basically non-existent. A proper travel insurance should include coverage for (medical) evacuation/repatriation costs by helicopter, plane or ship.

You should always do your own research about insurance, but we at YPT use IATI. Using our referral link below will give you a 5% discount off their usual price: https://www.iatitravelinsurance.com/en/?r=23612524710385

Why travel to South Georgia with Young Pioneer Tours?

No matter which Polar Region you choose to explore with us, you can be assured of an incredible adventure. Our experienced guides and expedition leaders will ensure your safety while providing insights into the unique ecosystems and histories of these remote and captivating destinations. Young Pioneer Tours not only offer the cheapest way to get to South Georgia but can also offer the cheapest FIT and group rates through our partners.