South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands - Islas Georgias del Sur y Sándwich del Sur

Introduction The South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands (in English, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands) are a group of islands located in the South Atlantic Ocean, near the Falkland Islands and the Antarctica. It has no native inhabitants and the territory is practically uninhabited, with a few scientists, although there are large colonies of penguins and other mammals. The islands are managed as a overseas territory of the United Kingdom, even if Argentina considers them part of his province of Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica and the South Atlantic Islands.

Capital Grytviken Idiom English Surface 3,903 km² Population 30 (2006) Currency pound sterling Time zone UTC-2 Telephone prefix 500

Understand

The South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands are rugged islands that rise from the Southern Ocean. There are no indigenous residents, very few people live here, and only those who really want to make the journey end there. The islands have played a minor role in history, including a brief occupation by Argentina during the Falklands War in 1982, the Falkland Islands they are 1,000 km (621 miles) to the west. A former famous visitor is the Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton, who used the islands as a staging post for his 1914 expedition. In fact, he is buried in the small settlement of Grytviken. As with the Falklands, Argentina still maintains a formal claim on the islands, however, the British military presence on the islands came to an end in March 2001. Today, King Edward Point Station is home to a permanent group of scientists. of the British Antarctic Survey, which also maintains a biological station on Bird Island.

Forecast

On Saturday, December 4, 2021, this area will experience a total solar eclipse and therefore several cruise ships will be in the area, an unusual opportunity to tour these islands, although it is unlikely that they will disembark on land. The eclipse is total around the South Orkney Islands, but not in South Georgia or the Falklands.

Regions

The two groups of islands that make up the territory: South Georgia Islands by the northwest and South Sandwich Islands to the southeast.

South Georgia Islands
	These islands stand out for the large number of subantarctic animals that inhabit their coasts, highlighting large colonies of penguins and sea lions. On San Pedro Island, the main one, highlights the old whaling colony of Grytviken and King Edward Point, the only place in the entire territory with inhabitants.
South Sandwich Islands
	This archipelago made up of an arc of 11 islands of volcanic origin is one of the last challenges for adventurers. Battered by a hostile climate and stormy seas, they have little flora and fauna and no human population. Cook Island is the southernmost point on the planet, not counting the Antarctica.

To get

These islands are one of the most remote places in the world, with the only access by sea. The Southern Ocean is one of the harshest in the world with storms that can make even the most distressed sailor sick.

Visitors can land at multiple points around the islands. Generally, all the documentation will be in charge of the cruise or expedition with which it is. Independent boat trip requires prior approval of your entire itinerary. Application forms are available online at the island government website. The main requirements for independent travelers are to have insurance and to ensure that they are self-sufficient. A fee of £ 105 per passenger is also paid for visits of up to 3 days.

Travel

Only competent mountaineers should attempt to travel overland, due to glaciers. The best way to get around is by boat. If you have time to arrive by yacht, specialized charterers operate from Ushuaia and the Malvinas. If time is tight, come on a cruise. There are around 40 visits a year between November and March. In winter, the snow drops to sea level and cross-country skis, or snowshoes, are the way to get around. In summer you can walk normally, at least near the coast.

To buy

There is a small gift shop in Grytviken that will accept Falkland Pounds, British Pounds, US Dollars, and Euros. Water is sold by the ton. Most of the large ships that visit the islands will sell basic supplies (razors, shampoo, hats, snacks), but otherwise it is unlikely that you will be able to use the money you bring.

Eat and drink

To eat

It is illegal to kill or harm native flora or fauna, which is why penguin egg omelettes and albatross chicks are off the menu.

• The introduced dandelions make a nice salad, washed, and then poured into oil and vinegar with beets and walnuts. Shooting the reindeer is prohibited except under license from the Commissioner, but you are not likely to grant one unless you have good reason.
• You can fish with a pole and line and you can catch a marbled rock cod, or possibly one of the other Antarctic fish in the bays. Only fish enough to eat - they're protected, and while no one cares if you catch a stranger or two, you'll need to purchase an expensive license to catch commercial quantities. If a commercial fishing boat passes by at sea, it's worth stopping by to see if they offer any to you, but be very careful not to get in the way of your fishing gear.

To drink

While there is a small bar at King Edward Point, unless you are a researcher living at the station, it is not a place that visitors have access to. As a result, all alcohol and other beverages must be carried with you.

external links

• Wikipedia has an article on South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.w: South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
• Wikimedia Commons houses multimedia content about South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. Commons