| South Georgia Island | |
 | |
Location  | |
| State |  UK |
|---|---|
| Region |  South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands |
| Capital | Grytviken (de iure); King Edward Point (de facto) |
| Surface | 3,756 km² |
| Inhabitants | 30 (2011) |
| Institutional website | |
L'South Georgia Island is a region of the British Overseas Department of the South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.
To know
The island is highly mountainous, with about several peaks over 2,000 m, and their slopes are furrowed by deep gorges full of glaciers; the major is the Fortuna glacierThere are no hotels or any type of tourist infrastructure on the islands, except in the two villages of Grytviken and King Edward Point. In these, there is a Post Office where they are sold:
- Postage stamps
- Money withdrawal services
- Clothing
- Souvenirs
There is a public bathroom inside the South Georgia Museum in Grytviken, but only when the museum is open.
When to go
The climate is polar, so to avoid too much cold and avoid ships getting stuck in the ice sheets, it is more advisable to go in spring or summer.
Spoken languages
The language spoken by the few researchers on the island is theEnglish
Territories and tourist destinations
Urban centers
- King Edward Point - It is a small village on the island of South Georgia, and it is the de facto capital of the British overseas territory, in fact it is the seat of the government. The village is also the port of entry for visitors and the base of the Fishery Research of the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI)
- Grytviken - It is a small village on the island of South Georgia with an old whale fishing station. About 11 people live during the summer, while only 3 during the winter months. It is not far from King Edward Point.
How to get
There are no airports on the island, the only way to reach it is by sea
Most tourists reach the islands via cruise ships or yachts. In the case of cruises, most of the ship operators are part of the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IIATO), which involves a large number of possible berths on the whole area of the island.
- International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), ☎ 1-401-841-9700 (USA).
- Quark Expeditions, ☎ 1-802-490-1816 (international number).
starting at $ 10,495. The tour operator offers a trip where the Falkland Islands, all the archipelagos of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, and finally the Antarctic Peninsula. The possible itineraries include a stop of about 3-4 days in each of the aforementioned sections, but tours are also available with the aim of visiting only one of the possible Antarctic destinations - [link not working]Golden Fleece Expeditions, fax: 500 42316, @[email protected]. up to € 1,900 / day for a group of 6-8 people.
It operates all year round. The longest trip among those offered by other companies lasts about 3 weeks or a month. - Expedition Sail.
- National Geographic Expeditions, ☎ 1-888-966-8687. The route is very similar to that of the Quark Expedition
- Cheeseman's Ecology Safaris, 555 North Santa Cruz Avenue (Los Gatos), ☎ 1 (800) 527-5330, fax: 1 (408) 741-0358, @[email protected]. In spring. Starting from the coast of Chile, it is possible to take a tour at Falkland Islands and spend 6 days in the South Georgia and as many days in the Antarctic Peninsula. The ship can hold up to 100 people.
- Bark Europe. A cabin for 2 people costs around € 9,480 per person, while a cabin shared with 4-5 people costs € 8,380 per person. The route may also include the Antarctic Peninsula. Further information on travel arrangements can be found at this link.
starting at $ 10,495. The tour operator offers a trip where the 
It operates all year round. The longest trip among those offered by other companies lasts about 3 weeks or a month.How to get around
You can move between Grytviken is King Edward Point in about 18 minutes on foot.
It is the best way to get from one area to another of the islands, but if you have arrived with a tour operator, it will not be a problem to travel by ship. Attached is the official map of all the mooring points approved by the Local government.
By bus
There is no public transport service on the island.
What see
South Georgia Island
- Grytviken
- The Ancient Whaling Station
- The South Georgia Museum
- The museum was founded, and is still maintained, by the GSGSSI. Admission is free, but it is possible to leave a donation to the museum which is always very welcome, as this contributes to the maintenance of the whole structure. All 11 inhabitants of Grytviken are in charge of the maintenance of the museum
- During the period of summer visits there is a permanent guide, while, in case the guide is not there, you can ask a government official to open the museum. The request to the officer must be made in advance of the museum visit date
- There church and the cemetery
- Elsehul: A small port unreachable in December and January, home to many sea lions
- Right Whale Bay: Usually the first stop on cruises, there are also sea lions, emperor penguins and seals here
- Salisbury Plain
- St. Andrew's Bay: Area rich in penguin species, especially emperors
- Cooper Bay: Great place to see the macaroni penguins
- Drygalski fjord: Tourist attraction of great note given the presence of its glaciers and the presence of animal species typical of theAntarctica
There are other whaling stations on the island but they are closed to the public.
Islands of the South Georgia Group
In addition to the main island, there are hundreds of islets, among which are remembered for scientific or naturalistic interest:
- Willis Islands: Located in the extreme north of the island, they are accessible by docking on some rocks, but this process is difficult and moderately dangerous. They are home to many bird species and macaroni penguins.
- Bird Island: The island is closed to the public. There is a scientific research base dedicated to the study of volatile species.
- Prion Island: The island is partially open to the public. The government has in fact set up areas closed to the public in order to safeguard bird species and the environment. A wooden walkway was recently built for visitors (the walkway can be seen in the Banner of the article).
- Island of the Albatrosses: Closed to tourism in 2005.
Itineraries
Most of the trips made to this British outhouse are combined with visits throughout the Antarctic area.
What to do
There are several activities to be carried out in this place:
- First of all photography: these islands have an enviable fauna and flora, combined with a white frozen landscape and a crystalline sea.
- Practice winter activities such as downhill and cross-country skiing.
- Circumnavigate the island while enjoying the view.
- Scientific or amateur research activity, even if, being the islands a large scientific research base, it is not really appreciated.
- Spend your time looking for penguins, both on land and from the ship.
There are also fishing activities (see "At the table" point), rafting, bird watching and climbing among the glaciers, but great climbing skills are required as the glaciers of South Georgia are not easy to tackle.
At the table
Killing or damaging the flora and fauna of the islands is illegal. It is also illegal to use penguin and albatross eggs.
- You can use the recently introduced dandelion to make good salads. They must be washed, cooked in a pan with oil and combined with vinegar, beets and walnuts. Shooting at reindeer is prohibited, unless you have a special permit issued by the local Commission, but which hardly issues these permits
- It is possible to fish, but only the quantities necessary to feed themselves, as the fish are protected species. You can also ask fishing vessels if they are willing to give you fish.
Drinks
You must bring your own drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. However, there is a small bar in King Edward Point, but it is usually reserved for researchers.
Safety
There is no hospital on any of the islands. It is therefore mandatory that the ships are self-sufficient, in fact, in the event that the ships are not, access to the nation is denied.
Drinking water is only available at Tijuca Pier, Grytviken, or King Edward Point Pier, but at the discretion of government officials and subject to particular visitor subjective restrictions.
Other projects
Wikipedia contains an entry concerning South Georgia Island
Commons contains images or other files on South Georgia Island
