I’ve been to South Georgia twice before, but I never made a pre-dawn landing at a king penguin colony. I was delighted when we made a 4:30 AM landing on the beach at Gold Harbour this morning. It was quite an experience to watch as day broke while noticing the sounds and smells of elephant seals and penguins. We returned to the ship for breakfast before making a second landing that included a long hike. We climbed through tussock grass and made our way above the colony and onto the ridgeline. We enjoyed spectacular views of the ship in the bay. Take a look at our photos to see images that tell the story of this spectacular location.
1/20/2025
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National Geographic Endurance
Hercules Bay and Grytviken, South Georgia
After yesterday’s windy start to our South Georgia visit, it was delightful to awaken this morning to calm conditions in Hercules Bay. Exploring by Zodiac, we found riches of avian and pinniped wildlife, lush vegetation, and swirling kelp forests. Macaroni penguins clambered down steep hillsides from their tussock burrows to the sea. Light-mantled albatross soared overhead, and playful young fur seals filled the intertidal zone. Strikingly folded sedimentary rocks created a dramatic landscape. The blustery and snowy afternoon was spent at Grytviken, one of six former shore-based whaling stations on the island. In the small cemetery, we honored the legacy and leadership of Sir Ernest Shackleton with a toast. Hikers climbed above the site for a view over the bay, while others enjoyed walking tours with a historian from the South Georgia Heritage Trust to learn about station infrastructure and daily life. The whaling and sealing past of this region provide a tangible reminder that modern conservation efforts are critical to the Southern Ocean’s ecological future.
