South Georgia
Visiting South Georgia has always been a dream of ours, one of those places that feels so close to the Falkland Islands, yet far away. This year, we finally made it, and it was everything we hoped for and more.
Hercules Bay
Our first stop was Hercules Bay, and it was the perfect introduction to South Georgia. We climbed into the Zodiacs and within minutes we were surrounded by wildlife. Elephant seals on the beaches, fur seals popping up all around us, and our first Macaroni penguins. It was one of those moments where you just have to pause and take it all in.
Credit - Ken Garrett
Grytviken
That afternoon, we landed in Grytviken. The old whaling station sits quietly now, its rusting structures slowly being reclaimed by the landscape. We visited Sir Ernest Shackleton’s grave. Standing there with our family was incredibly moving. To be in the place where “The Boss” rests, surrounded by mountains and silence, is something we’ll always remember.
Following Shackleton’s Footsteps: Fortuna Bay to Stromness
The next morning, we walked part of Shackleton’s route from Fortuna Bay to Stromness. We kept thinking about how different it must have been for Shackleton and his men, crossing in the depths of winter, exhausted and desperate for help. We were lucky, spring sunshine, calm weather, no snowstorms. The only downside… We didn’t get to slide down the snowy slopes like they did!
Ocean Harbour by Kayak
The following day brought a completely different adventure, kayaking in Ocean Harbour. The water was calm and clear as we paddled around the wreck of the Bayard, now resting quietly. Curious seals popped up to see what we were doing, and it honestly felt like we were the only people in the world.
St Andrews Bay
That afternoon we landed at St Andrews Bay, home to South Georgia’s largest King penguin colony. Hundreds of thousands of penguins, stretching from the beach all the way into the valley. It’s a place you’ll never forget.
Gold Harbour — A Very Early Start
Our earliest morning of the trip (4am!!!) was spent at Gold Harbour, and it ended up being one of our favourite moments. We arrived just in time to see elephant seals battling for territory, their calls echoing across the beach. After watching the chaos and drama on the shore, we hiked up for a view over the glacier, peaceful, quiet, and the perfect contrast to the morning’s excitement.
Credit - Ken Garrett
More to Come… Antarctica Awaits
South Georgia exceeded every expectation, wild, beautiful, full of history and life. And the adventure didn’t end there. Our next blog will be all about our time in Antarctica, so keep an eye out…
