South Georgia whaling history

South Georgia whaling history

Region: Antarctica

Destinations: South Georgia

​Visit the old whaling stations in South Georgia

 In the beginning of the 20th century South Georgia became the centre of the Southern Ocean whaling industry. Mainly Norwegian, but also British companies, built settlements and whaling stations in the sheltered fjords of South Georgia.

History

The business lasted until 1964, by which time most of the whales were caught and populations were low. Nowadays the whales are fully protected. The big whale species are recovering, but slowly, and are now frequently spotted on our trips.

It bears testimony to a less environmentally conscious era. Now penguins can be seen walking down the street of South Georgia. There is a great museum on the natural history and the whaling period.

Visit Shackleton’s last resting place 

Sir Ernest Shackleton visited South Georgia several times during his Antarctic expeditions. He was buried at Grytviken and a toast (with Whisky preferably) at his grave is a tradition with travellers. 

Related cruises

Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica

Meet at least six penguin species

HDS25-25 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

m/v Hondius

Cruise date:

17 Dec, 2024 - 4 Jan, 2025

Berths start from:

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Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica
Up to $10500 OFF

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

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

m/v Plancius

Cruise date:

16 Jan - 3 Feb, 2025

Berths start from:

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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

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Cruise date:

1 Feb - 20 Feb, 2025

Berths start from:

15750 USD

Remote Weddell Sea Explorer incl. South Georgia - South Sandwich Islands - Neuschwabenland - Larsen Ice Shelf - Paulet and Devil Island - Elephant Island, incl. helicopters

This expansive voyage explores one of the most remote, scenic, wildlife-filled regions on Earth: the great Weddell Sea

OTL30-25 This adventurous expedition explores one of the least-visited areas on Earth, Antarctica’s amazing Weddell Sea. After visiting some of the same sites legendary explorer Ernest Shackleton’s charted in South Georgia, we’ll enjoy the Weddell’s exotic wildlife...

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