"On the edge of Antarctica" Top 5 Page for this destination South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands by MikeAtSea

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Travel Guide: 84 reviews and 120 photos

Rugged South Georgia - South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

"If you were to take a giant carving knife, slice along beneath on of the highest mountain ridges of Switzerland, just where the huge glaciers tumble into the valley below, and then drop your slice of mountain, dripping sugar-icing, into the sea, I think you would get a fair idea of the place. For it is long and narrow, and everywhere the snow-covered mountains rise straight from the water, reaching, near the centre of the island to a height of almost 3000 meters. Seen from afar on an early spring day, South Georgia is a breath-taking sight and one not easily forgotten." (Niall Rankin, 1946)
The discovery of South Georgia was actually an accident. In 1675 a London merchant Antoine de la Roche was blown far off course while rounding Cape Horn and took shelter in a bay of a large island. His records sadly have been lost, but it appears that his ship may have anchored in what is now known as Drygalski Fjord. The next recorded sighting was in 1756 by the Spanish ship Leon. A French passenger who was onboard described the island and gave it the name Ile de St. Pierre after the saints day on July 1st.
The first landings were made by the British explorer Captain James Cook on his second voyage around the world.

Close up with King Pengiuins

On January 14, 1775 Midshipman Thomas Willis sighted a large iceberg. As the ship approached it became clear that it was in fact an island, now known as the Willis Island at the north-western end of South Georgia. January 17, 1775 marked the first landing in an area now called Possession Bay. The islands were declared as possession in his Majesty's name. Utter amazement was received by the abundance of seals and penguins.
Captain Cook continued to sail southeastwards along the coast, thinking he had discovered the long-sought after southern continent, until he turned a corner. He found that he was looking westwards towards Willis Island and realized that he had only found a long and narrow island. That corner is still called Cape Disappointment.
Cooks reports attracted sealers to the island and hunted fur and elephant seals. Whalers started arriving at the start of the 20th century. Humans achieved the biggest carnage ever possible, and almost all of the natural beauty and abundance of wildlife was wiped out. Hence once the industry collapsed the islands principal activity was science, only interrupted when Argentinian troops landed here in 1982.
South Georgia is a natural jewel - without any doubt. When I first had a glimpse of the island I was astonished to see how "busy" the island is. Penguins, seals, whales and birds almost cover the entire shore line.
The thrill to see the beauty of the rugged grandeur of the mountains and glaciers are simply breathtaking. Its colonies of birds and seals today provide some of the greatest and most approachable concentrations of wildlife on earth! One has to see it with once own eyes - I can honestly say that the first glimpse took my breath away!

Last visit to South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands: Jan 2007
Intro Updated Jan 23, 2007
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Reviews (49)

Dressed to explore! - South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

Come prepared What to Pack (1)

In the region you are bound to be making a number of wet landings in zodiacs - hence waterproof boots are strongly... more travel advice

King Penguins - South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

Prion Island - Penguins II Things to Do (46)

I could only see a few King Penguins, mainly on the rocky islands opposite Prion Island, probably resting on their way... more travel advice

The Gentoo Penguin Colony - South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

Prion Island - Penguins Things to Do (46)

Here on Prion Island some 2000 Gentoo Penguins have created their colony. The colony is situated high above the ground... more travel advice

South Georgia Moss - South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

The vegetation Things to Do (46)

In this extreme climate very little vegetation grows. The islands do not have a single tree, yet within the short... more travel advice

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Comments (9)

hunterV Dec 8, 2010 at 4:20 AM Report Abuse

Michael, thanks for your splendid presentation!
SLLiew Jul 31, 2009 at 2:38 PM Report Abuse

Enjoyed a virtual tour of South Georgia. Great stuff.
Kajser-MK Aug 7, 2007 at 12:30 AM Report Abuse

South Georgia looks like a wonderful place to explore. A real escape from the everyday stress.... I would love to see it one day. Lovely pages BTW. Aleksandar from Macedonia
victorwkf Mar 1, 2007 at 3:40 AM Report Abuse

South Georgia is really a place to get away from it all :)
Jim_Eliason Feb 25, 2007 at 3:07 PM Report Abuse

What a fantastic adventure!
Trekki Feb 24, 2007 at 10:44 AM Report Abuse

Ah, fantastic ! Sine I heard of Shackleton's voyages as a kid, South Georgia is a dream of mine, but might stay as such. So even better to read and look - and oh my god, I am still laughing tears about the penguins - so adorable :-))
craic Jan 14, 2007 at 9:41 AM Report Abuse

well this is a fascintaing place
HORSCHECK Jan 14, 2007 at 6:09 AM Report Abuse

Mike, fabulous little page with brillaint photos. This seems to be a fascinating region. Keep up the good work ... :-)
mikelisaanna Jan 13, 2007 at 8:29 AM Report Abuse

South Geaorgia looks beautiful. Our daughter enjoyed the penguin and seal photos. Thanks for the tips and photos.