They were named, together with the South Shetland Islands, after the islands in northern Scotland by the Scottish sealers that frequented the area.
The islands were discovered only in 1821 when they were sighted by the respectively British and American sealers George Powell and Nathaniel Palmer. The islands consist mainly of rock and ice (85 % is glaciated), with little vegetation. Argentina and the United Kingdom have scientific stations on the islands, the Orcadas Station and Signy Station.
Cruises to the South Orkney Islands
Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica
Meet at least six penguin species
HDS28-25 This Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and Antarctic Peninsula cruise is an animal-lover’s dream come true. The expedition explores one of the last untamed areas on Earth – a land of ruggedly beautiful landscapes and amazingly varied wildlife.
m/v Hondius
Cruise date:
1 Feb - 20 Feb, 2025
Berths start from:
9450 USD
Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica
Meet at least six penguin species
HDS26-25 This Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and Antarctic Peninsula cruise is an animal-lover’s dream come true. The expedition explores one of the last untamed areas on Earth – a land of ruggedly beautiful landscapes and amazingly varied wildlife.
m/v Hondius
Cruise date:
4 Jan - 22 Jan, 2025
Berths start from:
9450 USD
Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica
Meet at least six penguin species
PLA27-25 This Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and Antarctic Peninsula cruise is an animal-lover’s dream come true. The expedition explores one of the last untamed areas on Earth – a land of ruggedly beautiful landscapes and amazingly varied wildlife.
m/v Plancius
Cruise date:
16 Jan - 3 Feb, 2025
Berths start from:
9450 USD
Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Elephant Island - Antarctica - Polar Circle
Meet at least six penguin species
HDS29-25 This Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and Antarctic Peninsula cruise is an animal-lover’s dream come true. The expedition explores one of the last untamed areas on Earth – a land of ruggedly beautiful landscapes and amazingly varied wildlife.
m/v Hondius
Cruise date:
20 Feb - 14 Mar, 2025
Berths start from:
16700 USD
Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica - Photographic Special
Meet at least six penguin species!
OTL21-25 A cruise to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia & the Antarctic Peninsula. Visit some of the most beautiful arrays of wildlife on Earth. This journey will introduce you to at least 6 species of penguin and a whole lot of Antarctic fur seals!
m/v Ortelius
Cruise date:
22 Oct - 11 Nov, 2025
Berths start from:
14250 USD
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11 South Orkney Animals: Whales, Seabirds, and Penguins Aplenty
The South Orkney Islands are frequently forgotten as an Antarctic travel option. But they shouldn’t be: Forming part of the Scotia Sea Islands tundra ecoregion, the South Orkneys are home to a healthy supply of wildlife despite their rough conditions.
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South Orkney Islands FAQ
What is the Temperature and Weather Like in the South Orkney Islands?
The climate in the South Orkney Islands is typically windy, wet and cold. Summer lasts from December to March, and individuals who participate in an expedition cruise to the South Orkney Islands can expect an average temperature of 3.5 degrees Celsius (38.3 degrees Fahrenheit).
The South Orkney Islands are mostly inaccessible from late April to November due to the nearby water being ice-covered during this time period. The average winter temperature in July drops to -12.8 degrees Celsius (9 degrees Fahrenheit).
What Wildlife Can I See in the South Orkney Islands?
Bird enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the South Orkney Islands because of the prevalence of penguins and seabirds. It is common to spot Gentoo, Adelie and Chinstrap penguins, and you may also see Snow petrels, Pintado petrels, Kelp gulls, Sheathbills, Antarctic shags, terns and skuas. The surrounding waters will also be home to many seals – especially Antarctic fur seal in the later summer season.
Who Owns the South Orkney Islands?
The South Orkney Islands are part of the Antarctic Treaty System, which means that they are not technically owned by any country. However, Argentina and the U.K. have both made claims upon these islands in the past. This region was first discovered by British and American sealers in 1821, and the first weather station was established in the South Orkney Islands in 1903 by the Scottish National Antarctic Expedition. The station was later taken over by the Argentineans (Orcadas Station) and is now the place of the longest running scientific station in the Antarctic.
What Unique Features Do the South Orkney Islands Have?
Coronation Island has the region’s highest point with Mount Nivea, which is located on Sunshine Glacier and stands 1,265 meters (4,050 feet) tall. This combined with the high percentage of glaciation and diverse mixture of seabirds and penguins helps make the South Orkney Islands an attractive destination for explorers and adventurers who are seeking a once in a lifetime experience. The area around the islands is often littered with massive icebergs making cruising there a great experience.
What equipment is needed to make photos of the solar eclipse, and do passengers have to bring that equipment themselves?
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South Orkney Islands Weather
The overall climate you’ll experience on your South Orkney Island expedition is cold, wet, and usually quite windy. During the summers (December through March) temperatures hover at just a little bit over 0°C.
During the winter (around July) the average temperature falls to around -10°C.
Facts about The South Orkney Islands
- The South Orkney Islands sit about 600 kilometres to the northeast of the Antarctic Peninsula.
- The only inhabitants are the people working at one of the two research stations (one British, one Argentinian).
- Despite the cold of the region the South Orkney Islands do support some plant life – algae, lichen, and mosses.
- The South Orkney Islands are considered to be an archipelago (chain of islands). There are four main islands – Coronation Island, Laurie Island, Powell Island, and Signy Island. The rest of the archipelago is made up of smaller islands such as the Saddle Islands and the Robertson Islands.
- Almost 90% of the South Orkney Islands surface area is covered in glaciers.
- The South Orkney Islands were originally called “Powell’s Group” after George Powell a Brittish sealer joining the American Nathaniel Brown Palmer, who discovered them in 1821.
- The oldest ongoing research station in the whole Antarctic region was established on Laurie Island in 1903 by Scottish Oceanographer William Speirs Bruce. He sold the station to Argentina in 1904. Orcadas Station is still operational today.
Travel to the South Orkney Islands
A trip including South Orkney Islands takes you into the heart of one of the most important breeding grounds in the world for Adélie and Chinstrap penguins. Your South Orkney Islands expedition affords you the chance to take in some incredible bird watching, say hello to a variety of seals, and make friends with the local penguin populations.
