Tourism in SGSSI

Explore notable sights and destinations in this country

Americas / South America

Tourist attractions

Grytviken Whaling Station Ruins

Region: Eastern South Georgia Island

Cultural Heritage

Early 20th-century whaling factory ruins with museum and Shackleton''s grave.

King Edward Point Museum

Region: King Edward Point

Cultural Heritage

Small museum at territorial administrative headquarters displaying historical and ecosystem materials.

Salisbury Plain

Region: North coast South Georgia Island

Nature

Vast plain where massive king penguin colony can be observed.

Gold Harbour

Region: Southeast South Georgia Island

Nature

Popular paradise for steep glaciers, elephant seals, and penguins.

Stromness–Husvik Trekking

Region: North coast South Georgia Island

Nature

Short-distance hiking experiencing part of Shackleton''s crossing route.

Drygalski Fjord

Region: West coast South Georgia Island

Nature

Calm inlet optimal for kayaking and zodiac observation.

Bird Island Nature Reserve

Region: Northwest off South Georgia Island

Nature

Seabird research frontier. General landing prohibited but observable from circumnavigation cruises.

Cook Island (South Sandwich)

Region: South Sandwich Islands

Nature

Uninhabited island with active volcanic activity. Impressive plumes viewable from aerial cruises.

Shackleton''s Grave

Region: Grytviken

Cultural Heritage

Resting place of Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton.

Mount Paget Aerial Tour

Region: Central South Georgia Island

Nature

Limited charter viewing island''s highest peak (2,934m) glacial summit from helicopter overhead.

Suggested itineraries

Antarctic Cruise + South Georgia 8-Day Course

Duration (days): 8

Highlights: Grytviken, Salisbury Plain, Gold Harbour

Circle island on expedition ship departing from Falklands. Standard route combining zodiac landings and historical ruin tours.

Photographer-Oriented Wildlife Intensive 6-Day Stopover

Duration (days): 6

Highlights: King penguin photography, Elephant seal observation, Sunset glacier cruise

Centered on early morning to late night photography landings considering daylight, with specialist guides explaining wildlife ecology.

Travel tips

  • Cold/waterproof three-layer system and removable spike boots essential.
  • Government-designated biosecurity briefing required upon landing.
  • Medical facility has only one resident physician incapable of advanced treatment; emergency evacuation insurance mandatory.
  • Communication via satellite link only. Satellite phone or Inmarsat terminal reassuring.
  • No currency exchange available; use onboard settlement or credit cards.
  • Strong UV radiation at 54–59°S. Prepare sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen.
  • Most areas are no-smoking zones.
  • Voltage is British-style 240V with Type G plug.
  • Drone use requires prior authorization and additional insurance.
  • Steep terrain has many crevasses; climbing prohibited except with guides.
  • Whaling facilities deteriorated with many restricted entry zones.
  • Weather changes drastically within one hour. Don''t neglect whiteout countermeasures.

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