South Georgia’s beaches are ruled by king penguins. Thousands of breeding pairs gather in dense colonies, creating a sea of black and gold. Standing up to a metre tall, they’re the second largest penguin species. On land, they move with a stiff, regal waddle, but in the water, they transform into agile hunters – reaching speeds of up to 10 mph and diving to depths of up to 300 metres in search of fish. 

Southern elephant seals, battle-scarred and weighing up to four tonnes, haul themselves onto the beaches of South Georgia with deep, guttural bellows. They’re the largest seal species on Earth and can dive to a depth of 1,500 metres, staying under water for nearly two hours. Fur seals, smaller but feisty, dart between their much larger cousins, barking and snapping as they go. During breeding season, males fight for dominance, while mothers nurse their pups in the dunes. Millions of fur seals thrive on the island – a remarkable recovery from near-extinction.  

The wandering albatross, South Georgia’s most legendary seabird, reigns over the open ocean with the longest wingspan of any bird – reaching up to 3.5 metres. With a single effortless glide, it can cover hundreds of miles, riding the Antarctic winds for weeks without setting foot on land. They return to South Georgia’s remote headlands to breed, where pairs reunite with intricate courtship dances. They raise a single chick every two years, a slow but necessary cycle for a species built for endurance.   

South Georgia’s scenery is a spectacle of contrasts, shaped by ice, wind, and waves. Towering mountains give way to sweeping glaciers, while the coastline is an ever-changing blend of black-sand beaches and green-tinged coastal plains. Fjords carve deep into the land and sheer sea cliffs rise sharply from the ocean. This is nature at its jaw-dropping, camera-filling best. Thanks to our small expedition boats, you can venture ashore on guided nature landings and experience the island’s rugged beauty up close—whether trekking through tussock-covered hills or standing in awe before a colossal glacier. 

Our expeditions sail in the wake of legendary adventurers who braved the extremes of South Georgia over a century ago. No one is more synonymous with South Georgia than Sir Ernest Shackleton, whose final resting place we aim to visit in the abandoned whaling station of Grytviken. Through our onboard historians and destination specialists, you’ll gain deeper insight into the island’s storied past—tales of daring exploration, survival against the odds, and the rise and fall of the whaling industry.  

HX offers six all-inclusive departures to South Georgia between November 2025 and February 2026 aboard the newly renovated MS Fram. Setting sail from Punta Arenas, Chile, the 23-day itinerary provides an in-depth exploration of the Southern Ocean, with visits to the Falkland Islands and Antarctica as well as South Georgia. It’s the ultimate Antarctic experience. 

With you every step of the way is our expert Expedition Team. These skilled scientists and destination specialists possess a deep knowledge and love of the Antarctic region—and they’re eager to share it with you. Just five minutes with our ornithologists, glaciologists, climate scientists, and marine biologists will forever change how you see the world.  

We’re proud to offer the most comprehensive science and education programme of any expedition travel company. Packed with state-of-the-art technology and equipment, MS Fram’s newly upgraded Science Centre is at the heart of the onboard experience. Here, you can engage in cutting-edge research, participate in live workshops, and connect with our scientists. You’ll become an integral part of our research team by contributing to important Citizen Science projects. Your involvement helps us and our scientific partners understand and protect South Georgia’s delicate ecosystems. 

Ship: MS Fram

Duration: 23 days

Departure dates: 12 departures between Nov 2025 and Feb 2027

Three distinct destinations all in one: South Georgia, the Falkland Islands and Antarctica - with four days in the White Continent.

Witness a wide variety of iconic wildlife species, including nesting penguins, fur seals and whales.

Explore the lush green hills of the Falklands and the alpine landscapes of South Georgia, as well as the iceberg-studded seas of Antarctica.

MS Fram’s newly remodelled expedition suites offer a refined retreat, combining modern elegance with exceptional comfort to create an ocean oasis. Indulge your inner explorer with premium amenities and exclusive benefits, including walk-in wardrobes, lounge areas and included fine dining in Restaurant Lindstrøm. 

Absolutely, every HX expedition features a limited number of cabins available with a low solo supplement. Once these cabins sell out, the full occupancy rate applies.