Gold Harbour

Thousands of king penguins, hundreds of gentoos, and loads of elephant seals share this awesomely scenic South Georgia bay

Gold Harbour

Region: Antarctica

Destinations: South Georgia

Gold Harbour

Think of Gold Harbour as a summary of South Georgia's wildlife and scenery gathered into one place. The location is regarded by many as the most beautiful location on South Georgia. King penguins, gentoos, and elephant seals are the major players in this all-natural amphitheater.

Gold Harbour’s Almost-Zoo

Gold Harbour is not as protected from the elements as Paradise Bay. Close to the southeastern tip of South Georgia, Gold Harbour lies at the foot of the Salvesen Mountains. Its coastline consists of a large beach and moraine sprouting with tussock grass. Adjacent to the coastline run the hanging ice cliffs of Bertrab Glacier.

0 photo

While you’re here, don’t be surprised if you feel you’ve been dropped into the middle of a fence-less Antarctic zoo. The area is teeming with wildlife: 25,000 breeding pairs of king penguins, 300 gentoos, and numerous elephant seals crowd the beach from October to December―and sometimes during the summer.

1 photo

The Amour of the Gold Harbour Albatross

Romance is as alive in the animal world as it is in ours. The courtship dance of the light-mantled sooty albatross can be seen around the cliffs near Gold Head―at the northwestern end of Gold Harbour―as the birds wheel through the sky in elegant synchronized flight.

2 photo

Related cruises

Atlantic Odyssey
Up to $6200 OFF

Atlantic Odyssey

23 Mar - 15 Apr, 2025

Tripcode: HDS31-25

The Atlantic Odyssey cruise visits some of the remotest islands in the world, crossing the migratory paths of Arctic Terns, Long-tailed Skuas, other birds, and a variety of whales as they make their annual expeditions north for the breeding season.

Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica - Photographic Special

22 Oct - 11 Nov, 2025

Tripcode: 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!

South Georgia Explorer

13 Nov - 27 Nov, 2025

Tripcode: PLA22-25

  • EN

Few places compare to South Georgia in terms of exotic wildlife and jaw-dropping scenery. On this exploratory voyage you can enjoy wandering albatross colonies while also seeing some of the biggest breeding spots for king penguins and elephant seals...

Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica

27 Nov - 16 Dec, 2025

Tripcode: PLA23-25

  • EN

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.

Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica

11 Dec - 29 Dec, 2025

Tripcode: OTL25-26

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.

Loading