As divers, we often dream of taking the opportunity to visit unexplored places, where underwater discoveries await. If you don’t mind cold water and you like the idea of exploring sites few divers have visited before, scuba diving Antarctica’s South Georgia could be just the adventure you crave.
King Penguins and More: Incredible Biodiversity
Many people have heard of South Georgia, which is a sub-Antarctic island that’s probably most famous as the place where explorer Ernest Shackleton was buried after dying of a heart attack onboard his ship, Quest.
Located in the southern Atlantic Ocean and part of the British Overseas Territory SGSSI (South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands,) this island is about 104 miles long and is approximately 23 miles across at its widest point. Discovered in 1675 and later used as a sealers’ base and as a whaling station until these industries ended in the mid-20th century. While seal and whale populations diminished during the years the island served these purposes, these marine mammals have rebounded wonderfully and are abundant around South Georgia and the smaller islands nearby.
Diving expeditions to South Georgia are invariably exciting, as they provide participants with an almost unparalleled opportunity to view vast amounts of marine life. The marine ecosystem here is rivaled only by ecosystems in areas such as the nearby South Sandwich Islands and Galapagos. A colony of about two hundred thousand King Penguins inhabits the Salisbury Plain, which lies between the mouths of Lucas and Grace glaciers. The beaches nearby are home to countless southern fur seals and massive elephant seals, as well as petrels, terns, albatross, and other rare shore birds.
At nearby Willis Island, one can view a few different albatross species, along with countless macaroni penguins. All of these animals can be seen onshore, however as divers, we have the distinct advantage of being able to encounter them in the underwater environment, as well.
To get a good look at the region’s geologic features and to enjoy a look at ice floes from beneath the surface, divers often venture into the icy waters of Drygalski Fjord. Not only are the fjord’s steep walls simply breathtaking to view, the area is home to a small rookery of rare Weddell seals, which are typically only encountered further south, in Antarctic waters.
To dive South Georgia and the surrounding islands, one must be an experienced diver, and as water temperatures are typically around 35 to 42 degrees Fahrenheit, drysuits are a must as are environmentally sealed regulators. Offshore waters can be rough for those traveling on smaller vessels, so if seasickness is a problem you face, be sure to arm yourself with a remedy that works well for you. As excursions to South Georgia are available on a limited basis, this is one dive vacation you’ll need to plan well in advance. But once you’ve made all the necessary arrangements and are on your way, you’ll find the journey is pure magic. Whether you’re exploring the vast kelp forests that lie just offshore, or if you’re in shallow water where beautiful rock formations host colorful invertebrates, you’ll be absolutely amazed at the wonders that await.