Best time to visit South Georgia

The only way for tourists to reach South Georgia is onboard a specialist polar cruise ship. Choose a small ship (50–260 passengers) for maximum experience with minimal environmental impact, as only 100 people are allowed to disembark at any one time. All South Georgia expeditions are accompanied by wildlife, history and other polar experts to instill the fragile nature of marine and land ecology on passengers through presentations, lectures and conversations over coffee so do your research and find out who’s onboard before you set sail.

Tourists photograph animals. Photographers photograph behaviour. And you’re not going to take great wildlife photographs unless you’re lying down. So, if you’re looking to get on photogenic, more intimate, terms with penguins then ground level, simplicity and patience will stand you in good stead. Choose a South Georgia cruise that includes a pro photographer to check what ISO you’re using, and what shutter speed, and give you general tips on how to take better photographs.

Trips to South Georgia are always filled with fascinating characters and that’s just your fellow passengers. Keeping an open mind and initiating conversations is the best way to pass the time on-board and although socialising is not imperative it will help you get more from the experience. Also, you’ll get to meet conservationists and scientists, listen to onboard presentations, and rediscover your inner geek as you fill your mind, hit the books, and make the most of each and every moment.

There are strict guidelines for all Antarctic visitors. You will be briefed before departure, onboard your ship and before you disembark so don’t touch, feed or handle animals, no matter how cute they appear or even if they seem to be in distress. If you’re worried, tell one of the expedition team. However, if a penguin, for example, comes towards you, take a breath, prepare for a peck on the boot and smile as you manage to get close up to wildlife on their terms, not yours.

People tend to bring too much with them, but what’s needed are thin layers, not bulky coats. If you've got clothes that will get you through a cold winter in Britain then those will suffice – winter in the UK is South Georgia’s summer with temperatures hovering around zero before climbing up to 7 or 8°C. Of course you can hit adverse, colder conditions, but in that case you just get back on the boat, enjoy the warmth and wait for it to pass.

Stepping foot on South Georgia is an amazing experience with thousands of penguins and seals greeting your arrival with a blend of curiosity and blatant disregard. Although it can be tempting to mark such a moment by swiping a seemingly insignificant shell or stone this is not the place to take souvenirs, only photographs. When visiting a research centre there will be a few well trodden paths used by scientists. Stick to these and don’t stray further than you’re instructed. Don’t drop litter either. We know you wouldn’t dream of it but, well, you never know.

“It cost a heck of a lot of money, but worth every penny as it really was a trip of a lifetime. The seasickness struck me low as soon as we sailed out of the Beagle Channel into open waters, but it only took a day to reach the outer islands of West Falkland for our first zodiac landings and some amazing wildlife spotting. Getting up close to nesting albatrosses was a huge thrill. I was warned that there isn't much to see or do in Ushuaia so I took a trip out to the Tierra del Fuego National Park, which is outstanding and made an excellent start to the trip.” – Roger Bilder

“Read about the history and the wildlife in advance and bring a really good camera, but more importantly a good pair of binoculars! Also, the jacket you are given is incredibly warm! The additional highlights for me were to have been able to follow the route of the Irish explorers Shackleton and Crean and by camping out for a night. Part spent in a snow hole and part in a tent, I really appreciated the harsh conditions which they endured but for me thankfully only for one night. Also by visiting the old whaling station on South Georgia and Shackleton's grave and trekking part of the Shackleton route down to it I felt a sense of history. – Helen Connolly

“I think the British Antarctic Survey guys enjoyed the distraction of attending the ships BBQ at Grytviken, S Georgia ;-). Our guides – wonderfully enthusiastic, knowledgeable people – gave us strict instructions on how to behave around wildlife and we were given a talk on rules & regs. It sounds oppressive – but honest it wasn't. Both guides & crew made every effort to minimise the environmental impact. Am selling my sisters on Ebay to help raise funds to do it all over again ;-) Seriously though – wow!!!!” – Sara Page