South Georgia Cruises & Small Ship Expeditions

Discover this sub-antarctic island known for some of Earth's largest concentrations of wildlife, steeped in a rich history from whaling to polar exploration.

Expedition Cruises To South Georgia Island

Explore the wildlife, history, and landscapes of South Georgia on our carefully selected cruises. Our expert guides will ensure a safe and enlightening voyage as you immerse yourself in the wonders of this remote island.

Take advantage of the opportunity to witness the thriving King Penguin rookery at St Andrews Bay, home to over 400,000 nesting pairs. Daily shore landings will bring you face-to-face with fascinating elephant seals, penguins, and albatrosses. South Georgia's significance in polar history, as the resting place of renowned explorer Ernest Shackleton, makes it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

Travel in comfort and intimacy aboard our modern expedition ships, led by a specialised polar team, and create unforgettable memories amidst the splendour of South Georgia.

Cruises to South Georgia

Saint Andrews Bay and King Penguins South Georgia Island Cruises
Door To Door
Puerto Williams to Puerto Williams
Nov 23 - Dec 11 2025
18 Nights

Price from per person

£19,000
summer sea ice and sunset in Antarctica
Door to Door
Puerto Williams to Puerto Williams
Dec 22 2025 - Jan 6 2026
15 Nights

Price from per person

£18,300
King penguins in South Georgia on a cruise
Small Ship
Ushuaia to Ushuaia
Nov 13 - Dec 02 2025
20 Nights

Price from per person

£14,360

South Georgia Cruises Highlights

Why Visit?

1

Meet South Georgia's Penguins

There are four species of penguins living in South Georgia, with a total population of over one million. Hundreds of thousands of King Penguins nest each year, and Macaronis, Gentoos, and a smaller population of chin straps are seen throughout the coast.

2

Follow In The Footsteps of Explorer Ernest Shackleton

Visit Fortuna Bay, where Shackleton famously crossed South Georgia, and pay a toast to him by his grave in the small graveyard at Grytviken.

3

Encounter an Abundance Of Wildlife Like Nowhere Else on Earth

Explore remote beaches home to over 3 million Fur and Southern Elephant Seals. Wandering albatrosses nest on remote islets, and over 30 million seabirds come to the island to breed.

4

Explore Grytviken, A Former Whaling Settlement

From the hulks of former whaling ships resting on the shoreline to the remnants of whaling machinery, visiting Grytviken and its museum is an atmospheric look into past life on such a remote outpost.

5

Intimate Expedition On Small Ships With Great Comfort

A South Georgia cruise not only offers the experience of exploring the destination but also provides modern, stabilised ships with excellent dining options, well-appointed cabins, many with verandas, and a highly experienced team of polar experts.

What To See

Albatrosses nesting on South Georgia Island

Rich Birdlife

Some of the 31 bird species in South Georgia are Wandering Albatrosses, South Georgia pipits, Antarctic prion, southern giant petrels, skuas, and penguins.

Elephant seals on a South Georgia cruise

Diverse Marinelife

Four species of seal (fur, southern elephant, Weddell and Leopard) can be seen on the beaches and Whales (Southern Right, Fin Whales, Sperm) and pods of Orcas are sighted along the coast.

Norweigan Church in Grytviken South Georgia on a Cruise

Sites Of Historical Interest

From stepping inside the church in Grytviken built in 1913 to the abandoned, decaying whaling stations along the coast, South Georgia is surrounded by history.

View from cruise ship in South Georgia of landscape

Captivating Landscapes

Epic, sweeping beaches, a mountainous interior with the highest peak, Mount Paget, standing at 9,565 feet (2,915 m), to the steep-sided Drygalski fjord, South Georgia has some of the most majestic landscapes on Earth

Getting to South Georgia

South Georgia Island, with no airport and accessible only by sea, can be explored through an expedition cruise. These cruises, typically departing from South America or the Falkland Islands, are the sole means for visitors to reach South Georgia. With no roads or ports on the island, the only way to explore its unique and remote beauty is through an expedition cruise. These cruises, featuring daily shore landings by Zodiac, are made safe and informative by the presence of a team of expert guides, enhancing the overall experience.

Expedition cruises to South Georgia often include the Antarctic Peninsula and the Falkland Islands in their itineraries. However, it is possible to take a cruise that visits South Georgia and spends more time there. Due to the interchangeable weather in South Georgia, we always stress the importance of choosing a cruise with a good time window for visiting. This ensures that you can make the most of your trip, as bad weather can make shore landings impossible.

When To Go On A Cruise To South Georgia

South Georgia Cruises operate during the southern summer, starting in the springtime (November) and ending at the start of the Autumn (March). The best month for a South Georgia cruise depends on what wildlife you want to see, but all months have extraordinary wildlife viewing opportunities. 

In November, South Georgia’s shores become alive once more as penguins return to mate, sea birds start nesting, and elephant seal pups take over the beaches. The landscapes are still fresh with snow from the winter, and cruise visitors are at their lowest.   

The peak summer months between December and February are the most active for wildlife viewing and cruise visitors. King penguins are busy nesting, and Gentoos are hatching. Male fur seals can be seen along the beaches, and whale sightings increase throughout the summer.  

As Autumn approaches during March, the beaches are littered with baby fur seals, and brown, fluffy King Penguin chicks abound. The shores are free of snow, which allows better opportunities for hiking and exploring. Whale sightings are plentiful, with fewer visitors than the peak summer months. 

Types of South Georgia Cruises

South Georgia cruises with Silversea

Antarctica and South Georgia Cruises

The most common way to visit South Georgia is on a cruise that includes the Antarctic Peninsula sailing from Ushuaia in Argentina.
south georgia luxury cruises with silversea

Antarctica Cruises With The Falkland Islands & South Georgia

Select voyages to visit the Falkland Islands as part of an extended itinerary, including South Georgia and Antarctica. Perfect for wildlife lovers and those looking to see more.
Greg Mortimer small ship in South Georgia

South Georgia Small Ships Cruises

Small ship cruises to South Georgia are the best option for wildlife lovers, photographers, and guests who want to spend ample time ashore.
Zodiac cruising in South Georgia during the summer

South Georgia Only Cruises

A few select South Georgia-only cruises take place each year. These cruises are for guests who want to explore South Georgia in-depth
Tristan Da Cunha Cruise

South Atlantic Cruises

As the season draws to a close in the south, South Atlantic cruises that also visit Tristan Da Cunha and Saint Helena include South Georgia on their way north.

Places To Explore On A South Georgia Cruise

Saint Andrews Bay and King Penguins South Georgia Island Cruises

Saint Andrews Bay

Set against a dramatic backdrop, Saint Andrews Bay is home to 400,000 nesting King Penguins, one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on Earth.
King Penguins on Salisbury Plain South Georgia

Salisbury Plain

An extensive beach with the biggest Elephant Seal colony in South Georgia and the 2nd largest colony of King Penguins, totalling over 150,000.

Cooper Bay

An exceptional site for wildlife viewing, at Cooper Bay, it is possible to visit a colony of Macaroni penguins who live in the tussock grass along with numerous other species

Grytviken

The former whaling settlement has a museum with a lifesize replica of Shackleton's rescue boat, the James Caird, a church, remnants of the former whaling machinery and abandoned ships.
Gold Harbour King Penguins South Georgia

Gold Harbour

A small bay famed for its extraordinary wildlife, including South Georgia Pintails, Albatrosses, fur seals, elephant seals and King Penguins

Plan Your South Georgia Cruise

Book Well in Advance: South Georgia cruises have limited availability and fill up quickly. To secure your cabin, reserve your cruise well in advance.

Choose Your Itinerary: There are various ships, itineraries, and activities. Choose a voyage that aligns with your interests, whether it's wildlife viewing or specific activities such as kayaking. Our Travel Experience Team will recommend different options inline with your interests.

Reserve Your Cabin With North Pole Cruises: Ensure you secure your cabin with North Pole Cruises for the best available price. Our Travel Experience Team possesses extensive knowledge to assist in selecting your trip and addressing inquiries. We offer comprehensive pre-voyage information, including packing lists. Throughout your journey, we provide dedicated support and 100% financial protection for all bookings, ensuring peace of mind.

Travel Insurance: Please remember to purchase comprehensive travel insurance for your South Georgia cruise that offers coverage for trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and evacuation from remote locations. It is essential that the policy explicitly includes coverage for polar travel.

Cruises To South Georgia FAQ

The cost of a South Georgia cruise can change depending on factors like the size and luxury level of the ship, the number of people on the cruise, the time of year, and how long your trip will be.

A small ship cruise to South Georgia, including Antarctica and The Falkland Islands on the Greg Mortimer in November 2024 starts from £16,966 ($21,516, €19,903) per person in a stateroom with portholes to £33,873 ($42,956, €39,736) per person for the Captain’s Suite.

An 18-day luxury South Georgia cruise in 2024, visiting Antarctica and the Falkland Islands with flights included from Santiago in Chile, starts from £15,043 (€17,650, $19,074) per person for the Vista Suite and goes up to £80,163 ($101,643 €94,050) per person for the luxurious Owners Suite.

Our team is here to help you plan your trip, give you advice on the best ship for you, and suggest different places for you to stay before and after your cruise.

Yes, we have a limited amount of solo occupancy cabins available for solo travellers on South Georgia cruises. To find the best offers for solo use, please contact our Travel Experience Team.

Due to the region’s subantarctic location, the weather on a South Georgia cruise can be variable. Although the climate is generally cold and windy, it is sometimes sunny. The cruise season occurs during the southern hemisphere’s summer, from November to March when the temperatures are relatively milder than the harsh winter conditions.

Here are some general characteristics of the weather you might encounter on a South Georgia cruise:

Temperature

Summer temperatures in South Georgia can range from around 30°F to 50°F (-1°C to 10°C). While this might sound relatively mild, wind chill can make it feel colder, so it’s essential to be prepared with appropriate clothing.

Precipitation

 South Georgia experiences a significant amount of rainfall, often in the form of rain. It’s not uncommon to have rainy and overcast days.

Winds

The region is known for strong winds, and weather conditions can change rapidly. Wind speeds can significantly affect how the weather feels.

Sea Conditions

The Southern Ocean can be rough at times. Modern expedition ships have stabilisers to help reduce movement in bad weather.

During your reservation process, we will provide a detailed packing list to ensure you have all the necessary clothing to keep you warm and dry on your South Georgia Cruise.

On our South Georgia Cruises, you can expect comfortable rooms, tasty food, knowledgeable guides and guest speakers, fun boat rides and trips, and specific charter flights. For a full list of everything that’s included, check the tour page for the trip you’re interested in.

We accept payment through secure card transactions by Visa, Mastercard or bank transfer.

Our payment process is designed for your convenience, with a 25% deposit when booking and the final balance payable 90 days before departure.
We accept payment via credit card or bank transfer.

At North Pole Cruises, we understand that financial security is a top priority for our clients. That’s why all our bookings come with 100% financial protection and free supplier failure insurance, providing you with the best protection for your booking.
When you’re ready to reserve your chosen itinerary, we’ll provide you with a clear breakdown of the payment options available.

South Georgia cruises offer a range of additional activities such as kayaking, hiking, photography and the possibility of a polar plunge. Rest assured, these activities are available subject to capacity and safe weather conditions, ensuring your safety at all times.

Our Travel Experience Team, with their firsthand knowledge of all the activities offered on different ships, is here to guide you to the best fit for you.

A cruise that includes South Georgia typically lasts at least 14 days, with options extending to 18- and 21-day voyages. We highly recommend a longer cruise to allow ample time to visit multiple landing sites.

We recommend booking your South Georgia cruise 12 – 18 months in advance to guarantee your preferred ship and cabin option. That said, we always have last-minute availability on select departures.

Please get in touch with our Travel Experience Team to find out about last-minute availability.

To book your cruise to South Georgia, the first step is to contact our Travel Experience Team. They are available to help you choose a cruise that aligns with your interests, and provide you with all the necessary information regarding availability and cost.

Do you need help planning your expedition cruise?

Why Reserve With Us?
TrustPilot black logo

Join Us

Subscribe to be the first to know about new voyages, exclusive offers and insider travel tips.

North Pole Cruises – a brand by the Expedition Collective Limited

© 2024 The Expedition Collective

Book Your Free Polar Consultation

A valuable opportunity to discuss your travel interests, ask questions, and receive impartial guidance on the different ship options and itineraries.

Call Us

UK | EU

9am – 7pm GMT

USA & Canada

9am – 5pm EST

Ask A Question

Do you have a question for our knowledgeable Travel Experience Team? We’re all ears! Just fill out this form, and we will be in touch shortly to answer your question.

Your Guide To Exploring The Polar Regions

Subscribe to be the first to know about new voyages, exclusive offers and insider travel tips.