Group trips to South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
Our organized trips to South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
Where the wild Southern Ocean meets towering ice-capped peaks, a truly untamed world flourishes, inviting you to discover its unparalleled beauty. South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands are a magnificent tableau of pristine wilderness and epic exploration history. Imagine stepping onto shores at places like St. Andrews Bay, where millions of king penguins and elephant seals create an unforgettable spectacle, or exploring the historic remnants of Grytviken, a poignant testament to human endurance amidst raw majesty. This is a destination for the intrepid traveler, the wildlife enthusiast, and anyone yearning for an authentic encounter with nature at its most powerful and profound.
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FAQs about South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands operate on South Georgia Time, which is 2 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-2). They do not observe daylight saving time.
- If it is 12pm in the UK, it will be 10am in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.
- If it is 12pm in New York, it will be 2pm in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.
No adjustments are needed throughout the year since there is no daylight saving time change.
The currency used in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands is the British Pound (GBP). Since it's a remote and uninhabited territory, there aren't any local banks or currency exchange services available on the islands themselves. If you need to exchange currency, it's best to do so before arriving, either in the UK or at major international airports. Always check the latest exchange rates, for example, 1 GBP is approximately 1.22 USD, and 1.14 EUR.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, especially in the more frequented areas. However, as this is a remote destination, it's a good idea to carry some cash for smaller transactions or in case electronic payments are not available. The local currency is the British Pound (GBP), so it's best to have some on hand before you arrive, as currency exchange facilities may be limited.
Tipping in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands is not customary, as the islands are largely uninhabited and mainly visited by researchers and tourists on guided expeditions. If you are part of a tour group, you might consider tipping your guides or crew members if you feel they provided exceptional service. However, this is entirely up to your discretion and not expected. Always check with your tour operator for specific guidelines on tipping.
In South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, internet access is extremely limited, and there are no local mobile networks to purchase a SIM card from. Wi-Fi availability is scarce and mainly found at research stations or on visiting ships, so you might not have regular access to the internet during your stay. Due to the remote location, it's good to plan for limited connectivity and prepare any necessary offline resources you might need while visiting.
In South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, English is the primary language spoken. It's a remote British Overseas Territory, so you’ll find English being used for all official and communication purposes. You might not find local colloquial expressions since the islands are uninhabited except for a small number of scientists and government officials.
In South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, you'll find that the power plugs and sockets used are of type G, the same as those used in the UK. The standard voltage is 240 V, and the frequency is 50 Hz. If your device plug is different, we suggest you bring a universal adapter to ensure your devices can be charged and used without any issues.
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands do not have a permanent population, so there is no established religion there. The islands are primarily used for scientific research and are managed by the United Kingdom. As such, there are no religious practices or holidays specific to the islands.
Packing for South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, known for their remote and cold climate, requires some planning. Here's a helpful guide to what you should put in your backpack:
Clothing:
- Thermal base layers
- Waterproof and windproof jacket
- Insulated trousers
- Warm fleece or sweater
- Thermal socks
Shoes:
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Comfortable shoes for indoor use
Accessories and Technology:
- Warm hat
- Gloves and scarf
- Binoculars for wildlife viewing
- Camera with extra batteries
- Power bank
Toiletries and Medication:
- Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
- Moisturizer for dry skin
- Basic first aid kit
- Motion sickness tablets
- Pain relievers like ibuprofen or paracetamol
The weather in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands is generally cold and varies throughout the year. Here's a quick breakdown:
- Summer (December to February): Temperatures range from 0 to 10°C. It's the best time to visit, as the weather is relatively milder and wildlife is more active.
- Winter (June to August): Temperatures drop between -5 to 5°C. Expect snow and strong winds, making conditions harsh.
- Spring/Autumn (March to May and September to November): Transitional periods with temperatures around -2 to 8°C, with varying weather conditions.
Due to the sub-Antarctic climate, weather can change rapidly, so be prepared for cold, wet, and windy conditions year-round.