The weather in South Georgia can be quite variable, with rain and snow possible at any time of the year. The only time for South Georgia travel is during the southern hemisphere’s summer. The main season runs from mid-October to end-February, when the average temperature at sea level is around 7.5°C. Early in the season, elephant and fur seals establish their breeding territories and the spring wildflowers are blooming. From late October to November elephant seals are actively courting. South Georgia’s king penguins lay their eggs in November and king penguin chicks from the previous season can be seen in the rookeries. Seal pups are present on the beaches in December and January and from mid-December to January the first penguin chicks emerge and fur seals breed. By February the young fur seals are quite playful and penguin colonies are active.

The weather in South Georgia can be quite variable as the island experiences a cold Oceanic climate, classified as a polar climate. Sun can quickly be followed by violent storms, with rain and snow possible at any time of the year. The average maximum summer temperature at sea level is around 7.5°C dropping to 0°C in winter but average temperatures vary widely depending on the exact location in the region. Winter minimum temperatures are typically between -5°C and -10°C. South Georgia receives an annual precipitation of 1,500 millimetres mainly falling as snow or sleet, possible during any month. Westerly winds blow intermittently throughout the year, giving the sheltered eastern side of the island a more pleasant climate. The highest recorded temperature was 28.8°C, at Grytviken on the eastern side, whereas Bird Island on the western side has only recorded a maximum of 14.5°C. The eastern side is subjected to colder winter temperatures, with Grytviken recording -19.4°C. The seas surrounding South Georgia are cold year round due to the proximity of the Antarctic Current. Although the waters usually remain free of pack ice in winter, thin ice may form in sheltered bays and icebergs are common. Sea temperatures rise to around 4°C in early April, dropping to 0°C in late August.

South Georgia has the greatest concentration of wildlife on the planet. It lies in the midst of a vast marine eco-system, with penguins, seals and other wildlife fishing across areas that cover thousands of kilometres before returning to the region. More than 30 million birds nest and rear their chicks in South Georgia. The island is home to around half the world’s population of macaroni penguins, grey-headed albatrosses, northern giant petrels, white-chinned petrels, Antarctic prions and southern elephant seals and most of the world’s population of Antarctic fur seals. King penguins number in their hundreds of thousands. Birds: Over 80 species of birds have been recorded in South Georgia, with over 30 species breeding on the island, the majority being sea birds. The South Georgia pipit is the only endemic bird on the island. Amongst the breeding birds are macaroni, king, gentoo and chinstrap penguins; wandering, grey-headed, black-browed and light-mantled sooty albatrosses; Antarctic and fairy prions; blue, Cape, snow and Wilson storm petrels, South Georgia shags, yellow-billed sheathbills and speckled teals. Whales & Dolphins: Amongst the whales found in the region are blue, southern right, sei, fin, humpback, killer (orca) and southern bottlenose. Hourglass dolphins frequent South Georgia’s waters. Seals: Antarctic fur, elephant, leopard and Weddell seals are found in South Georgia. The southern elephant seal and Antarctic fur seal breed in significant numbers on the island’s beaches and leopard seals can be seen all year around.

There are no native inhabitants in South Georgia, but there is an average population of 30 people who are not considered to be permanent residents. There is a small settlement at Grytviken with South Georgia’s government administrative centre and fisheries research facility being located at King Edward Point. The British Antarctic Survey operates two bases in South Georgia at King Edward Point and Bird Island, permanently manned by scientists and support staff. Bird Island’s year round complement of British Antarctic Survey personnel undertake long-term monitoring of seabirds and marine mammals.

Antarctica tourism has existed since 1957 and is subject to the Antarctic Treaty and Environmental Protocol and self-regulated by the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO). Due to the concern of the potential adverse effect on the environment and ecosystems caused by the influx of tourists, there are now strict landing limits and closed or restricted zones on the more frequently visited sites. South Georgia operates a Tourism Management Policy whose primary objective is to enable visitor access, whilst ensuring the continued protection of the Territory’s unique environment, including its flora, fauna and cultural heritage. This is achieved by managing all visitor landings and ensuring that all visitors adhere to legally enforced guidelines that include the following: Do not disturb mammals or birds and always maintain a respectful distance Stay on the edge of animal groups, approaching slowly and quietly. Do not use flash photography and retreat immediately if wildlife shows any sign of being disturbed Never disturb seals in breeding colonies or territorial seals Do not offer food to any animal Always rigorously adhere to all biosecurity measures Be alert whilst ashore, in particular in the tussock grass, to avoid stumbling on a fur seal or a nesting bird, or causing damage to seabird burrows Do not touch or attempt to touch any animals

South Georgia is a collection of islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, situated nearly 1,400 kilometres southeast of the Falkland Islands. The group is made up of the main South Georgia Island and surrounding islands including Bird Island, Welcome Islands and Cooper Island. The main island of South Georgia is approximately 170 kilometres long and between 2 and 40 kilometres wide, occupying an area of 3,755 square kilometres, more than half of which is permanently covered with ice. The island is mountainous with 11 peaks rising above 2,000 metres. Mt Paget rises to 2,934 metres and is the highest point on the island The largest glacier is Fortuna Glacier

•   The island of South Georgia was first sighted by London merchant Antoine de la Roche in 1675

• Captain James Cook circumnavigated the island and made the first landing in 1775, claiming South Georgia for the UK and naming it “Isle of Georgia” after King George III

• Norwegian, Carl Anton Larsen, established the first land-based whaling station and first permanent habitation at Grytviken in 1904

• The United Kingdom claimed sovereignty over the South Sandwich Islands in 1908

• South Georgia was a base for whaling and sealing industries throughout the 20th century

• In April 1916, Ernest Shackleton’s Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition became stranded on Elephant Island, 1,300 kms southwest of South Georgia

• 0n 10th May 1916, Shackleton plus 5 of his men landed at King Haakon Bay on South Georgia, Shackleton, Crean and Worsely then trekking across the island to reach help at Stromness whaling station

• Whaling and sealing operations ceased in the 1960’s and the whaling stations were abandoned

• The Argentine claim over South Georgia contributed to the 1982 Falklands War, during which Argentine forces briefly occupied the island

• The territory of "South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands" was formed in 1985

Food on board cruise and expedition ships is of a very high standard - plentiful, tasty and nutritious. Breakfasts and lunches tend to be buffet style, with dinners generally served to your table and featuring 3 and sometimes 4 courses. The range of food is diverse with professional chefs preparing a wide selection of excellent dishes. Beverages such as tea, coffee and hot chocolate are included whereas soft drinks and alcohol must be paid for. Most ships have very well stocked bars and a good selection of wines.

• Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing

• Shackleton’s Epic: Recreating the World’s Greatest Journey of Survival by Tim Jarvis

• An Unsung Hero: The Remarkable Story of Tom Crean by Michael Smith

• Shackleton by Margery & James Fisher

• The Quest for Frank Wild by Angie Butler

• South: The Endurance Expedition by Ernest Shackleton

• Antarctic Oasis: Under the Spell of South Georgia by Tim & Pauline Carr