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.
1/19/2025
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National Geographic Endurance
Bay of Isles and Right Whale Bay
The day began with high winds as we cruised through the dramatic Bay of Isles. The air was filled with excitement as we observed massive icebergs drifting silently amidst the swells. Thousands of king penguins dotted the shorelines near Salisbury Plain, their vivid colors striking against the muted backdrop of the Southern Ocean. Overhead, the skies were alive with birdlife, from skuas and petrels to albatrosses gliding effortlessly on the wind. In the afternoon, we made a memorable landing at Right Whale Bay. Here, we hiked through tussock grass and along rocky terrain to a vast king penguin colony, where the sights and sounds of their thriving community were unforgettable. Some guests ventured farther to reach a glacier, rewarded with stunning views of its icy expanse. Others lingered near the beach, captivated by fur seal pups as they played and explored the shoreline, offering countless photographic opportunities. As the day drew to a close, the dynamic landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and powerful weather reminded us of South Georgia’s untamed beauty and the privilege of exploring this remote corner of the world.
