Stromness Harbour | What to Know About This Abandoned Whaling Station
South Georgia’s story is one of breathtaking beauty and resilience. After decades of exploitation, the island has rebounded into a sanctuary where wildlife flourishes and nature feels untamed.
Vast penguin colonies, towering glaciers, and windswept beaches will leave you spellbound, while rusting whaling stations and scattered relics quietly tell their tale of a harsher past.
Nowhere is this contrast more vivid than at Stromness Harbour, where seals and penguins roam freely among the silent ruins. It was here that Shackleton’s long ordeal ended, his arrival marking both survival and the beginning of South Georgia’s enduring story.
Where is and what is Stromness Bay?
The 4.8-kilometre-wide Stromness Bay is located on the north coast of the island of South Georgia on the South Atlantic Ocean. This sheltered bay is surrounded by lofty peaks and its entry point is between Busan Point and Cape Saunders.
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History of Stromness Harbour
The whaling station at Stromness was established in 1907 as a 'floating factory' as South Georgia became the global centre for the whaling industry. The land-based operations began in 1912 and the station operated till 1931. As the whaling industry declined, it was transformed into a ship repair yard. Finally, in 1961, the station was abandoned.
The other important link of the Stromness whaling station is with Ernest Shackleton’s epic journey. After the remarkable voyage from Elephant Island on a lifeboat, Shackleton and his two companions reached the southern coast of South Georgia.
An arduous trek across the treacherous mountainous terrains of South Georgia brought them to the Norwegian whaling station at Stromness. With help from the station, Shackleton was able to save the rest of his team stranded at Elephant Island.
Climate and weather
The climate in South Georgia is classified as the polar tundra climate. The overall climate is harsh and the weather keeps varying at short intervals. Compared to Antarctica, the temperatures in South Georgia are relatively mild. The average temperature can be around 8°C in summer and around 0°C in winter.
The hours of sunshine that the entire island receives annually are low and you can expect a cloud cover most of the time. In summer, rainfall is frequent around the bay.
South Georgia Spring Micro Cruise
54°16’S, 36°30’W
Capture South Georgia’s spring awakening without crowds or rigid schedules. Witness king penguins courting, elephant seals battling, and abundant wildlife with just 44 guests.
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- 15 days
South Georgia Autumn Micro Cruise
54°16’S, 36°30’W
Explore South Georgia’s snow-dusted peaks, golden autumn light, roaring elephant seals, and vibrant penguin colonies on our longest-ever 15-day expedition with just 44 guests.
- guests
- 15 days
Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica Micro Cruise
Combine Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica on a 78-guest cruise expedition in Spring. Follow in Shackleton’s footsteps, witness penguin chicks and whales, and enjoy uncrowded, pristine landscapes.
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Wildlife at Stromness harbour
The most common animals seen around Stromness Harbour are elephant seals and fur seals. Often, bull elephant seals take rest inside the rusty buildings of the harbour. You may find a few bulls fighting for breeding rights
During the breeding season, the beach can be packed with Antarctic fur seals, making landing difficult. In January you will find baby fur seals howling excitedly around the beach and whaling station - a view irresistible to wildlife photographers.
In addition, groups of king penguins can be found roaming majestically on the beach. Groups of gentoo penguins and a few chinstraps are also seen in the area. The colonies of gentoo penguins are located further inland.
With South Georgia being home to more than 30 million breeding pairs of seabirds, various avian species are seen around Stromness. Some of the common ones that you will find are Antarctic terns, southern giant petrels, brown skuas, kelp gulls, and blue-eyed shags.
One thing you may not find in South Georgia travel guides is the history of reindeer on the island. You may find old images showing reindeer roaming around whaling stations in South Georgia. The whaling industry introduced reindeer on the island in the early 20th century.
But decades later, the growing number of deer and their consumption of the island's resources emerged as a threat to the native seals and penguins. According to a study published by the Rachel Carson Center for Environment and Society, the entire reindeer population was eradicated between 2013 and 2015 as part of a large-scale conservation effort [source].
What to do and see around Stromness Bay
With a heady mixture of history and spellbinding views, Stromness Bay has a lot to offer to explorers.
Walk Shackleton’s route
Retracing the last portion of Shackleton’s 35.5-kilometre-long epic journey is a popular activity for guests in Stromness Bay. The route from Fortuna Bay to Stromness is around six kilometres and has vantage points that offer excellent panoramic views.
The route moves through beds of tussock grass and then passes across dry windy valleys. However, a well-trodden path makes the route much easier than it was when Shackleton passed over it.
Learn more about Shackleton's traverse and options available today:
Want to attempt Shackleton's original crossing? Get in touch for mountaineering private charters!
Shackelton’s Waterfall
Shackleton and his team descended this waterfall on their way to the Stromness bay. It is a short hike through the valley and the path follows a dry river bed - the last section of Shackleton’s route. There are a few small hills along the way and climbing to the top of one provides fantastic views of small lakes scattered on the valley.
Look for wildlife
For photographers and wildlife enthusiasts, the profusion of wildlife is one of the main reasons for visiting South Georgia. Stromness Bay is a great location for observing seals, penguins and Antarctic seabirds. Remember that some of the animals, like the Antarctic fur seals, are highly territorial. Make sure to follow the instructions of your guide at all times.
South Georgia Spring Micro Cruise
54°16’S, 36°30’W
Capture South Georgia’s spring awakening without crowds or rigid schedules. Witness king penguins courting, elephant seals battling, and abundant wildlife with just 44 guests.
- guests
- 15 days
South Georgia Autumn Micro Cruise
54°16’S, 36°30’W
Explore South Georgia’s snow-dusted peaks, golden autumn light, roaring elephant seals, and vibrant penguin colonies on our longest-ever 15-day expedition with just 44 guests.
- guests
- 15 days
Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica Micro Cruise
Combine Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica on a 78-guest cruise expedition in Spring. Follow in Shackleton’s footsteps, witness penguin chicks and whales, and enjoy uncrowded, pristine landscapes.
- 78 guests
- 21 days
Exploring Stromness Harbour today
Although Stromness Harbour is one of the most historically significant sites on South Georgia, access to the whaling station itself is strictly prohibited. Due to the hazardous condition of the structures and the presence of asbestos, the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI) has established a 200-meter safety exclusion zone around the station, including its jetties.
However, visitors can still experience Stromness Harbour safely by zodiac cruise. These small boats allow you to explore the waters around the site, take in the dramatic backdrop of the decaying station buildings from a respectful distance, and observe the abundant wildlife that now thrives where whalers once worked. While you cannot go ashore at Stromness itself, some cruise itineraries may include landings nearby as part of the Shackleton Walk — following the final leg of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s legendary 1916 crossing, which concluded just inland from Stromness.
The hope remains that one day, Stromness may be stabilized and made safe for visitors. If you're curious to see what the site once looked like, the Stromness Gazetteer (2011) provides a fascinating overview of the station’s structures and history.
Experience South Georgia with Secret Atlas
Visiting South Georgia with Secret Atlas takes you closer to the heart of this fascinating land. Our specially crafted journeys allow you to learn about the island’s history of destruction and understand how it has miraculously found its natural rhythm back.
Every voyage is designed with flexibility, allowing you to maximize your time ashore, adapt to weather conditions, and soak in the breathtaking views. Zodiac cruises bring you close to wildlife and allow safe exploration of places like Stromness Harbour, where the past whispers from a distance while nature flourishes once again.
From towering king penguin colonies to seal-lined beaches and remote glacial valleys, South Georgia offers endless opportunities for photography and discovery. Our experienced team ensures your visit is both safe and deeply rewarding.
Get in touch to learn more about our upcoming journeys to this extraordinary part of the world.
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