South Georgia Island (Month-Long Expedition) 2026

Trip overview

Trip Overview

Diving in South Georgia is a raw and exhilarating experience, offering rare underwater access to one of the planet’s last true wildernesses. In the island’s icy waters, divers explore walls of blue ice and dense kelp forests where leopard seals hunt and king penguins dart with surprising agility. Visibility can exceed 100 feet, revealing a haunting seascape of sculpted icebergs, marine invertebrates, and curious fur seals. Above water reveals surreal scenes of natural abundance — beaches crowded with thousands of elephant seals, king penguin colonies stretching to the horizon, and dramatic backdrops of glacier-carved fjords.

Non-divers and certified drysuit divers are welcome on this trip

Drysuit snorkeling permitted with your own gear (no certification required)
Drysuit diving requires certification and a minimum of 25 logged hours

Weather Conditions

From October to early November, South Georgia experiences cold and variable weather conditions. Air temperatures typically range from -4°C to 10°C (25°F to 50°F), while sea temperatures hover around 2°C (35°F). Underwater visibility is excellent, ranging from 20 to 30 meters (65 to 100 feet), offering clear views of the region's rich marine life. This period marks the beginning of spring, with increasing daylight hours providing ample opportunities for exploration.

Marine Life To Photograph

Diving in South Georgia offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore one of the world's most biodiverse marine ecosystems. The waters teem with life, including vibrant kelp forests, sea spiders the size of dinner plates, and ribbon worms that can grow up to two meters long. These waters are richer in biodiversity than many tropical sites, including the Galápagos Islands. Divers can encounter majestic leopard seals, formidable predators known for their sleek, spotted coats and powerful hunting techniques. The underwater visibility ranges from 20 to 30 meters (65 to 100 feet), providing crystal-clear views of the rich marine life. However, the cold waters, with temperatures around 2°C (35°F), require divers to be well-prepared with appropriate thermal protection. This remote and pristine environment offers a unique and unforgettable diving experience for those seeking adventure in the wildest corners of the Earth.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1 – Santiago, Chile: Arrive in Santiago and check into a centrally located hotel Welcome dinner and expedition briefing with Amos Nachoum.

Day 2 – Fly to the Falkland Islands & Board the Yacht: Morning flight to Stanley, Falkland Islands Board Amundsen and depart for South Georgia.

Days 3–7 – Southern Ocean Crossing: Open-ocean sailing with wildlife spotting and photography workshops Observe seabirds, whales, and the first signs of sub-Antarctic life.

Days 8–25 – South Georgia Wildlife Expedition: Each day offers new landings and wildlife encounters — both on land and beneath the surface.

Highlights include:

St. Andrews Bay & Salisbury Plain – Home to the world’s largest king penguin colonies
Gold Harbour – Observe massive elephant seals in intense mating battles
Prion Island – Rare viewings of nesting wandering albatrosses
Grytviken & Shackleton’s Grave – Visit the restored museum, historic whaling station, and Shackleton’s final resting place
Drygalski Fjord – Sail through towering glacial fjords at the island’s southern edge
Cooper Bay – Encounter Macaroni penguins and ice-carved cliffs
Ocean Harbour – See a rusted 19th-century shipwreck reclaimed by nature
King Haakon Bay – Retrace Shackleton’s legendary survival route

Dive-focused guests will explore iceberg walls, kelp forests, and historic wrecks, and may encounter leopard seals, fur seals, and king penguins in the water.

Each landing is carefully planned for wildlife access, safety, and photographic potential — led by expert naturalists, divemasters, and Amos himself.

Days 26–30 – Return Voyage & Departure: November 3 – Depart South Georgia and begin sailing return. November 7 – Arrive in Stanley and fly back to Santiago. November 8 – International departures.