2025.26 Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica

South Georgia DRYGALSKI FJORD

cemetery is one of Antarctica’s most famous explorers, Sir Ernest Shackleton, at whose grave you can pay your respects. SALISBURY PLAIN One of the largest king penguin colonies on South Georgia is located on Salisbury Plain. The Grace and Lucas Glaciers flank the plain, creating a perfect backdrop for photos. ST. ANDREW’S BAY Over 150,000 breeding pairs of king penguins nest at St. Andrew’s Bay—the largest and fastest growing king penguin rookery on South Georgia, and a wildlife spectacle to behold. STROMNESS This abandoned whaling station was in full operation on the day in 1916 that Sir Ernest Shackleton and his companions staggered into it after a 36-hour trek across the island in an attempt to find help for their shipmates stranded

on Elephant Island. There is a small cemetery here which can be seen from a distance, with the graves of 14 whalers. Antarctic Peninsula BROWN BLUFF A possible exposed volcano, Brown Bluff towers 2,225 feet (678 meters) over the rookeries of Adélie and gentoo penguins, which number in the thousands. These penguins will create a symphony of background noise while you explore the bluff. CIERVA COVE Cierva Cove boasts jaw dropping icebergs and a glaciated backdrop. A massive glacial face regularly calves into the bay, and the floating ice can be quite spectacular. Seals can be spotted on ice floes, and later in the season, humpback whales occasionally feed in the icy waters.

This is a photogenic and dramatic fjord, with sharp and jagged peaks rising out of the sea. Glaciation never reached the mountain tops, giving Drygalski its unique landscape. GOLD HARBOUR The backdrop to this harbor is the hanging Bertrab Glacier. Thousands of king and gentoo penguins call Gold Harbour home, as do rowdy elephant and fur seals. GRYTVIKEN Only a handful of people live, albeit temporarily, on South Georgia, a British overseas territory. Two of them are curators of the South Georgia Museum, located in the former villa of the whaling station manager. The local church, built for the whaling community, is the only building in Grytviken still used for its original purpose. Buried in the church

Call your Travel Professional or a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 | Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details

17

Powered by