Punta Arenas | A Gateway to the South Georgia Islands

Have you ever been on a journey that overwhelmed your senses?

If you have, perhaps you want to relive the experience. If not, a voyage to South Georgia Island is worth it. 

We have heard many adventurers mention how hard it is to stay away after the first trip to South Georgia. Yes, the wilderness of South Georgia does that to you. 

While it is a remote and inhospitable terrain, South Georgia exemplifies the spectacular abundance of nature blending with wild beauty. Whether you are a nature lover, wildlife enthusiast, or photographer, this wondrous destination will take your breath away.

Where is Punta Arenas?

The urban metropolis of Punta Arenas is in the southern part of Chile, on the Strait of Magellan. The city is connected by direct flight to Santiago.

The city’s origins can be traced back to the mid-1800s as a naval centre and penal colony. 

Not to forget, it hosted Captain Robert Scott in 1904. The various European-influenced architecture stands today as a memoir of its golden age.

In the last century, the discovery of oil in the region brought the city back into the limelight. Today, with upcoming projects for the generation of green hydrogen, the city is reemerging as a strategic port for the global powers.

Punta Arenas is the gateway for exploring the wind-battered beauty of Patagonia and the dramatic landscapes of Tierra del Fuego. Most importantly, it serves as a departure point for more adventurous destinations, such as the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and Antarctica.

While the city itself offers views of the Strait of Magellan and a windswept waterfront, it’s the port and airport that draw international travellers heading for the far south.

Reasons to visit Punta Arenas

You won't be disappointed if you want to spend a few extra days in Punta Arenas after your journey to South Georgia. In fact, most people do spend a couple of days here to not only ensure they don’t miss their trip, but because Punta Arenas has a lot to offer.

Here is a list of spots to explore around the city.

Since there is only one flight per week to Falkland, it’s important to give yourself an extra day or two in Punta Arenas to ensure you don’t miss your flight. 

Is Punta Arenas safe?

Yes, Punta Arenas is generally considered a safe and welcoming city. Like anywhere, it’s wise to stay aware of your surroundings, especially near the port and in unfamiliar neighbourhoods after dark, but incidents are rare. Locals are used to international visitors heading south and are often helpful and curious about your travels.

A few practical tips:

• Windproof your gear — camera straps, hats, and papers can disappear in a second

• Most places accept credit cards, but keep a small amount of Chilean pesos for taxis or tips

• English is spoken in hotels and tourist spots, though learning a few Spanish phrases is always appreciated

Travelling from Punta Arenas to the Falkland Islands

If you're wondering how to get to South Georgia, the journey begins with a flight from Punta Arenas to the Falklands. From the Falklands, expedition ships take you to South Georgia as there are no airports on the island.

The flight to the Falklands operates just once a week, making timing critical. A small number of travellers each year take the alternative UK military flight from near Oxford, but the vast majority depart from Punta Arenas.

The ship will head towards South Georgia across the South Atlantic in the following two days. This journey offers stellar opportunities to spot whales and exotic seabirds like the Wandering Albatross.

The vessel used by Secret Atlas takes a small group of guests for the trip, personalising the experience. The ship has a Polar Class 6 ice-rating with state-of-the-art features like stabilisers and energy-recovery technology. The guests are further divided into groups of 10 to reach the shores comfortably on a zodiac.

Why visit the South Georgia Islands?

Initially considered a research outpost, South Georgia is attracting eyeballs as an eco-tourism and adventure tourism centre. Even though it is just a speck on the map, the dramatic landscapes of this sub-Antarctic island are beyond magical. 

On top of that, there is the wildlife. Think of the penguin rookeries with more than 250,000 breeding pairs, beaches packed with fur and elephant seals, and sea birds like petrels and skuas. Then there are the first sightings of lunging humpback whales - a sight that draws yells of excitement from the guests.

All these coming together make the South Georgia Islands a grand natural orchestra of fascinating sights and sounds.

While the landscape is rugged and surrounded by glaciers, mountains and fjords, immense seabird colonies thrive on the island. The reasons for that are the natural wind- protection offered by the dense tussock grass and the absence of predatory mammals like foxes and cats.

In the South Georgia Islands, every direction offers a thousand photography choices. You can visit Grytviken Bay where Sir Ernest Shackleton was laid to rest and view the remnants of the once flourishing whaling industry. Another prime attraction is Prion Island - the only place in the world for viewing nesting albatrosses and fluffy albatross chicks.

In St. Andrews Bay, you will find the largest colony of king penguins amidst dramatic snow-capped surroundings. In the words of Sarah Lurcock, who spent years in South Georgia, “St Andrews Bay is absolutely beautiful, so scenic. The backdrop is the spine of the island, so you’ve got mountains going up to 9,000 feet, creating this fantastic sort of natural amphitheatre.”

The wild weather and the frenzied jumble of wildlife make it challenging for photographers to find the right composition. However, there are areas like the Salisbury Plain where you can climb to a vantage point to capture breathtaking images.

Planning your trip to the South Georgia Islands

The best time for visiting South Georgia is between October and March, and each month unveils a new chapter of the island’s extraordinary beauty. In winter, the conditions are extreme and visits are not possible.

There are no independent transport facilities to the island from the Falklands or South America. Since there are no accommodations ashore, the expedition ship will serve as the base for the travellers. 

One interesting fact about South Georgia is that almost 75% of the island is covered by permanent ice. Plus, the weather is unpredictable and the winds can start howling quickly. This makes it necessary for travellers to be prepared with the right gear.

Remember that no search and rescue or other emergency services are available on the island. This makes it necessary to join a South Georgia cruise consisting of a well-equipped expedition team led by experienced guides.

Visit the South Georgia Islands with Secret Atlas

Exploring the breathtaking landscapes of South Georgia with the Secret Atlas team is more than an adventure. For most of our guests, it is a transformative experience. This journey makes you step out of your comfort zone and brings you into intimate contact with nature like never before.

We have tailored the journey to include the best photography locations on the island and have some of the top photographers to guide you. Every possible step is taken to preserve this pristine environment, balancing adventure with eco-conscious travel.

To plan for this uncharted travel opportunity get in touch with us.