Where is South Georgia Island? Here is our comprehensive guide to South Georgia, a lesser-known destination on the planet that is absolutely spectacular!
Picture a rugged mountainous coast, dramatic glaciers, and special wildlife like king penguins, Antarctic sea birds, and elephant seals roaming around you.
Temperature levels are cold and the Southern Ocean smashes against the rocky coastline of the mountainous island. Aside from research study stations and previous whaling stations, there are no other people living here year-round.
This is South Georgia, a sensational and wild destination that might discover its way onto any daring tourist’s bucket list.
We’re going to break down some Frequently asked questions you might have about South Georgia, as it’s not an incredibly popular traveler location. However those who do check out South Georgia are sure to leave with a lasting impression, as the sensational scenery and abundant wildlife is unequaled!
Discover more with our complete travel guide to South Georgia Island!
Where is South Georgia Island located?
South Georgia Island is located in the southern Atlantic Ocean, near the southern suggestion of South America and the northern pointer of the Antarctic Peninsula.
More particularly, it lies about 1,400 kilometers (870 miles) east of the Falkland Islands and roughly 2,150 kilometers (1,340 miles) southeast of South America’s southern suggestion.
It’s a very remote place that is only available by sea. However as it’s easily situated between Antarctica and southern Argentina, South Georgia is a popular stopover location on polar exploration cruises that travel to Antarctica.
< img width="1024 "height= "683"src= "https://www.nomadasaurus.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Old-Church-Grytviken-1024x683.jpg" alt=" Church Grytviken South Georgia"/ > The stunning church in Grytviken, South Georgia. What country does South Georgia Island come from? South Georgia becomes part of the British Abroad Area of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands(SGSSI). So it technically comes from the United Kingdom, who has ruled over South Georgia considering that 1908. Nevertheless, Argentina likewise claims sovereignty over South Georgia. This dispute was among the causes of the 1982 Falklands War, during which Argentine forces quickly inhabited South Georgia before being expelled by British soldiers.
Today, South Georgia remains under the control and security of the British Government.
South Georgia is not part of Antarctica, but it lies within the Antarctic Convergence zone and is governed under parts of the Antarctic Treaty System for environmental management.
Find out more: Antarctica Vs Arctic Travel Guide
How far is South Georgia from the Falklands?
South Georgia is roughly 1,400 kilometers (870 miles) far from the Falkland Islands.
The Falkland Islands archipelago includes two main islands and numerous small islets. Featuring gorgeous scenery and great deals of cool wildlife, visitors typically stay to the Falkland Islands on their method to South Georgia from South America.
An exploration ship normally take 3 or 4 days to take a trip throughout the Southern Ocean between the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, depending upon the conditions at sea.
The Falkland Islands Does anyone reside on South Georgia Island? No human beings live permanently on South Georgia.
The island has no native or permanent population, however it does host a little, turning group of federal government officials, researchers, and support staff. There are rarely more than 20 people living on the island at any offered time. These momentary homeowners are based generally at King Edward Point, near the former whaling station of Grytviken.
Those residing on the island generally spend their time keeping track of wildlife, patrolling fisheries, and dealing with ecological research, security, and conservation.
Tourists occasionally check out by exploration cruise ship, but there are no hotels, towns, or civilian facilities on the island. Stringent environmental guidelines are in location also to protect the island’s fragile coast and wildlife.
Cruise liner passing South Georgia Island Visiting South Georgia by Ship Checking Out South Georgia Island is an unusual and memorable experience! This remote destination is normally consisted of as part of an exploration cruise to the sub-Antarctic region.
There are no airports or regular transport links on South Georgia, so visitors arrive by ship often on their way to Antarctica or the Falkland Islands.
Landings are made by means of Zodiac boats at select landing websites such as Grytviken, Salisbury Plain, and St. Andrews Bay, where visitors can witness huge nests of king penguins, elephant seals, and fur seals up close.
Essential Note! Before you reserve any international journey, we truthfully recommend getting travel insurance coverage. You never ever understand when things will go wrong, and medical costs can accumulate rapidly if you get sick or hurt yourself overseas.
Our personal recommendation based upon our own experience is World Nomads.
What is the very best time to visit South Georgia?
The best time to go to South Georgia is throughout the austral summertime, from October to March. This is when climate condition are relatively milder and wildlife is most active. You can often spot sea birds like wandering albatross and southern giant petrels roaming the skies year-round.
Here’s a breakdown by month:
October– November: Early season with significant snow-covered landscapes and Southern elephant seals battling for mates. King penguins are getting here and beginning to nest.
December– January: Peak season for king penguins and their chicks, fur seal pups, and long daytime hours. This is the most popular time for visitors.
February– March: Outstanding for seeing penguin types, whales (specifically humpbacks and orcas), and less visitors. It’s also the tail end of the cruise liner season in South Georgia.
We have a more in-depth guide on this topic: The very best Time to See South Georgia Island
What is special about South Georgia Island?
South Georgia is a remarkable place with rich biodiversity, untouched natural landscapes, and an unique history.
South Georgia is best known in pop culture as the last resting place of the polar explorer Ernest Shackleton, who passed away there in 1922 throughout his last expedition.
Today, his severe depend on Grytviken, which was when a prominent whaling station and now a periodic stop for tourists. It’s a remarkable place to appreciate the history of polar expedition on South Georgia.
With its large populations of seabirds, seals, and penguins, most significantly king penguins, South Georgia allows you to appreciate a few of the world’s most intriguing wildlife.
Taking a polar expedition cruise liner to the South Georgia coast is an extraordinary adventure!
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