South Georgia photography expeditions
There’s a reason wildlife documentarians rush to the shores of South Georgia.
Well, actually there are many more than one. You’ll see all of them during your South Georgia photography expedition…
Standing in glorious isolation in the South Atlantic Ocean, this famed island is part of a British Overseas Territory. Really though, South Georgia is ruled by nature. The breadth and depth of wildlife you encounter here is astounding, showing what Mother Nature can achieve when left (for the most part) to her own devices.
“The luxury of being alone in nature and getting close to animals is worth it. This trip is also great for slowing down and reconnecting with the wild.
Smaller groups meant no waiting to go ashore. We anchored and the landing craft was ready to go. It is a much more adventurous feeling on a small ship and you are really immersed in nature."
— Julia, Secret Atlas guest in South Georgia
Expeditions coming soon
New Expedition Micro Cruises to Antarctica and South Georgia!
Be the first to know. Register your interest here.
When’s the best time to visit South Georgia for a photo tour?
South Georgia photography expeditions run from November till March, the island’s spring and summer period. During this time, the sea ice around South Georgia opens up and our explorations can begin.
In the early season (November), elephant seals put on their most dramatic performances, the bulls battling for supremacy over their black-beach harems. King penguins begin their dancing courtship displays; some start brooding eggs.
As we move into the peak season and the height of summer (December and January), longer daylight hours mean increased photography opportunities, along with calmer seas and better weather conditions. Penguin chicks begin to hatch and toddle about in their downy coats.
As we enter late summer (February and March), king penguin chicks are getting bigger but are still covered in brown downy feathers, and fur seal pups become more playful and adventurous, offering great action shots.
Why take a photo tour with us?
No queues. Just camera clicks.
Explore with an acclaimed polar photographer as an additional guide
Amateur or pro, you’ll learn a lot from our professional polar photographer, from framing a shot to capturing wildlife on the move and making the most of the lighting and weather conditions. After a day out photographing in the field, join them for evening workshops and lectures.
Intimate group size for a transformative experience
Disconnect from modern life on a small-group expedition. Connect with yourself, your small team, and the world around you.
Micro expedition ship reaches places bigger vessels can’t
Experience things that simply aren’t possible on so-called “small ship” expeditions.
Expedition leaders and guides with decades of polar experience and hundreds of expeditions between them
Our expedition leaders and guides are polar superstars. Tap into their knowledge and passion, with one guide to every six guests.
No crowds, no queueing
No crowd of guests around a single photo opportunity. From ship to Zodiac in minutes. You didn’t come this far from civilisation to queue.
No fixed itinerary. Go where the journey takes you.
We prefer to embrace spontaneity and make the most of every opportunity nature presents to us.
Highlights of a South Georgia photography expedition
Wildlife
Penguins
The scenes at St Andrews Bay and Salisbury Plain are among the most spectacular in nature as thousands upon thousands of king penguins gather to court, mate, brood their eggs, and raise their young. Unmissable for wildlife photographers.
Elephant seals
There’s more to South Georgia than the penguins. Just ask these giant marine mammals, known (and named) for their trunk-like proboscises. Capturing females nursing their calves and bulls battling on the beaches, you can tell the stories of these unusual yet magnificent creatures.
Nearly wiped out by 19th-century hunters, the rejuvenation of the fur seal population of South Georgia is one of the great conservation successes. There are around five million of them on the island! They are known for both their aggressive territorial behaviour and the playful antics of the pups.
Seabirds
Catching the wandering albatross in flight is on every nature photographer’s South Georgia shotlist. Blessed with the largest wingspan of any bird, seeing them in graceful motion is a sight to behold. The southern giant petrel – with a wingspan of 200cm – and South Georgia shag – identified by the bright blue ring around their eyes – compete to be next on the list for any wildlife photographer.
Landscapes
The glaciated, mountainous landscape of South Georgia doesn’t just provide a dramatic backdrop for your wildlife shots – it pulls focus. Protected bays with black-sand beaches welcome sailors in. The inland terrain is marked by the mountains of the Allardyce range and glaciers that push – slowly, forcefully, inevitably – down to the coast.
Historic sites
Forever written into the history of exploration, South Georgia is the location for Shackleton’s greatest act of defiant survival when facing impossible odds. Other sites include Grytviken, a former whaling station and now the largest settlement on the island, home to the South Georgia Museum, the Whalers Church, and Shackleton’s grave, as well as repurposed industrial architecture.
Photography expedition guides
Our photography expedition guides set us apart. Their skill and passion for their craft inspire us and each one of our guests, trip after trip.
Each photography tour guide has their own style, but they are united in their love for the lands we explore.
Places we explore on South Georgia photo tours
Salisbury Plain
Home to one of the largest king penguin colonies in the world, with tens of thousands of birds against a stunning glacial backdrop.
St Andrews Bay
The ultimate wildlife spectacle, featuring over 150,000 king penguins, elephant seals, and dramatic mountains forming a natural crucible of life.
Gold Harbour
Perfect for golden-hour photography, with king penguins, fur seals, and glaciers reflecting warm light.
Grytviken
A historic whaling station with rusting ships and Sir Ernest Shackleton’s grave, for unique storytelling compositions.
Explorer's Handbook
Everything you need to know to help you plan your South Georgia photography expedition, from destination guides to weather insights and what to pack…
Best Time to Visit South Georgia
Best Time to Visit South Georgia
How to Get to South Georgia
How to Get to South Georgia
25 Interesting South Georgia Facts
25 Interesting South Georgia Facts
What to Pack for Antarctica and South Georgia
What to Pack for Antarctica and South Georgia
Gold Harbour, South Georgia | The Ultimate Exploration Guide
Gold Harbour, South Georgia | The Ultimate Exploration Guide
South Georgia photography expedition FAQs
Can I join your photo tour as a solo traveller?
Yes, you can. Every year we welcome solo travellers on board, where you will find a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
We offer accommodation options for single cabins or sharing a cabin with travellers of the same gender.
Is a South Georgia photo tour for me?
Our South Georgia photo tours are suitable for the vast majority of people and we aim to make them as accessible as possible.
Photography-wise, everyone is welcome, from absolute beginners to pros looking for unique photo opportunities in the sub-Antarctic.
We ask that our guests have a good level of mobility, as it is a requirement that you can safely step down from the vessel into the landing craft and then exit the landing craft onto land.
Due to the remote areas we visit and the distance from medical assistance, we advise that you have a reasonable level of fitness and are in good health.
During shore landings, we have two guides, which enables us to split the group if we have some keen hikers and some other guests who want to keep things leisurely.
Can I join your photo tour as a non-photographer?
Yes, we welcome guests that share an interest not only in photography but in learning more about nature and observing wildlife in its natural habitat.
Our South Georgia photo tours are designed for guests that are looking to spend time out in the field taking photos. We welcome all levels of photographer. Whether you’re an experienced professional or completely new to photography, this is a great opportunity to spend time in nature capturing images.
In addition to our photography guide, we also have a highly experienced expedition leader and guide on board, giving you plenty of opportunity to learn about South Georgia.
Will it be cold on my photo tour to South Georgia?
The weather in South Georgia is highly changeable and the island is known for its strong winds. The climate is cold due to its proximity to Antarctica.
During the summer months, the temperature usually varies between 0°C and 5.5°C. With the wind this can feel much colder. Without the wind and when the sun is out, it can feel much warmer.
We will supply you with a comprehensive packing list at the time of booking that outlines the types of clothing you will need to keep you comfortable on your South Georgia cruise.
How do you ensure your cruises don’t have a negative effect on the environment?
That’s a great question and one we want to answer honestly.
The vessels we work with don’t burn heavy fuels, which are particularly detrimental to the environment, and run on standard marine diesel.
During our cruises, we follow very strict guidelines as set out by IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators) to ensure minimal impact on the wildlife and places we visit. This includes following strict rules about not disturbing wildlife in its natural habitat.
We employ highly experienced expedition leaders to run our expeditions in accordance with the rules and safety code laid out by IAATO.
We are proud members of 1% for the Planet, pledging to donate at least 1% of our annual revenue to charitable causes that benefit our world.
In addition, we support the Yachts for Science initiative, regularly taking scientists and researchers on our expedition vessels, giving them the transport and space they need to complete their important work.
We believe that working with local communities is a big part of responsible tourism and hire locally wherever possible.
For more information on our commitment to the planet and what we’re doing to make our expeditions as responsible as possible, head to Our impact.
