If you ever find yourself exploring the breathtaking sub-Antarctic island chain of South Georgia, one of the most captivating spots you'll encounter is the picturesque shoreline of St. Andrews Bay.
While the sheer number of king penguins – approximately 150,000 in the St. Andrews rookery, the largest in South Georgia – is a major draw, it's not the only reason to visit. The abundant populations of southern elephant seals and Antarctic fur seals also add to the allure of St. Andrews Bay.
The combination of this incredible wildlife and the stunning, remote sub-Antarctic landscape makes St. Andrews Bay an irresistible destination. But don't just take our word for it; here are 12 amazing pictures of St. Andrews Bay that speak volumes.
1. Tequila (with a dash of amaretto) sunrise over St. Andrews
2. Smiling St. Andrews Bay Antarctic fur seal pup
3. South Georgia pipit taking some down time at St. Andrews
4. St. Andrews Bay and its big, bold, beautiful mountains
5. The seemly southern elephant seals of St. Andrews
5. St. Andrews Bay scenic shoreline walks
6. Southern elephant seal pup playing cute at St. Andrews
7. St. Andrews Bay’s soothing, sun-kissed beaches
8. King penguin waiting for the St. Andrews tourists
9. Two St. Andrews locals (Antarctic fur seal and king penguin) getting the lay of the land
10. Finally, the great king penguin colony at St. Andrews Bay
11. And another of the St. Andrews king penguin colony
12. And yet another. Come meet them all at St. Andrews Bay!
Best Deals
Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica - Photographic Special
22 Oct - 11 Nov 2025$ 14.250
South Georgia Explorer
13 Nov - 27 Nov 2025$ 10.900
Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica
27 Nov - 16 Dec 2025$ 14.800
Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica
11 Dec - 29 Dec 2025$ 14.500
Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica
21 Dec - 08 Jan 2026$ 15.600
Related Trips
Antarctica
Puerto Madryn
Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica - Photographic Special
22 Oct 2025 - 11 Nov 2025 
21 Days / 20 Nights
From $ 14.250 per person
Antarctica
Ushuaia
South Georgia Explorer
13 Nov 2025 - 27 Nov 2025 15 Days / 14 Nights
From $ 10.900 per person
Antarctica
Ushuaia
Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica
27 Nov 2025 - 16 Dec 2025 20 Days / 19 Nights
From $ 14.800 per person
Antarctica
Ushuaia
Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica
11 Dec 2025 - 29 Dec 2025 19 Days / 18 Nights
From $ 14.500 per person
Antarctica
Ushuaia
Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica
21 Dec 2025 - 08 Jan 2026 19 Days / 18 Nights
From $ 15.600 per person
Antarctica
Ushuaia
Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica
19 Jan 2026 - 06 Feb 2026 19 Days / 18 Nights
From $ 16.600 per person
Antarctica
Ushuaia
Remote Weddell Sea Explorer incl. South Georgia - South Sandwich Islands - Neuschwabenland - Larsen Ice Shelf - Paulet and Devil Island - Elephant Island, incl. helicopters
22 Jan 2026 - 18 Feb 2026 28 Days / 27 Nights
From $ 26.500 per person
Antarctica
Ushuaia
Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica
28 Jan 2026 - 16 Feb 2026 20 Days / 19 Nights
From $ 16.900 per person
Antarctica
Ushuaia
Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Elephant Island - Antarctica - Polar Circle
16 Feb 2026 - 10 Mar 2026 23 Days / 22 Nights
From $ 17.800 per person
Antarctica
Ushuaia
Remote Weddell Sea Explorer incl. South Georgia - South Sandwich Islands - Neuschwabenland - Larsen Ice Shelf - Paulet and Devil Island - Elephant Island, incl. helicopters
18 Feb 2026 - 17 Mar 2026 28 Days / 27 Nights
From $ 26.500 per person
Antarctica
Ushuaia
Atlantic Odyssey, excl. Antarctic Peninsula
01 Apr 2026 - 24 Apr 2026 24 Days / 23 Nights
From $ 9.050 per person
Antarctica
Puerto Madryn
Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctic Peninsula - Photography special
24 Oct 2026 - 13 Nov 2026 21 Days / 20 Nights
From $ 14.800 per person
Blog
Blog
Arctic Mythology: Inuit, Saami, and the Ancient Greeks
The Arctic locations we visit arenât merely made up of phenomenal landscapes, exotic wildlife, and more adventure than a Hardy Boys novel.
Blog
Danger Beneath the Water: 10 Facts About Leopard Seals
If your thirst for adventure leads you to Antarctica, you may be lucky enough to cross paths with a leopard seal while youâre there. These amazing animals are wonderful to observe both in and out of the water, and they are a coveted part of the polar wildlife experience.
Blog
Eight Engaging Reindeer Facts
When we think about reindeer, we might also think of Saami herders or the holidays or teams of these beloved Arctic animals pulling a bell-covered sleigh across the nighttime sky. Only the first of these options, however, is something you're likely to encounter on an Arctic expedition cruise - and that's only in Northern Norway.
Blog
Harp seals harping on in Greenland
Harp seals are a moderately sized species, typically reaching about 1.6 meters in length and weighing around 130 kilograms. Both males and females are similar in size and weight, with males being only slightly larger. They possess a thick, robust body, a small broad and flat head, short narrow flippers, and a narrow muzzle.
Blog
Where the Polar Bears Roam
Going to the Arctic without clapping eyes on a wild polar bear can be reasonably compared to visiting Africa without seeing a giraffe or a zebra or, most analogously, a lion.
Blog
Exploration of the Polar Regions
From the Vikings via the first whale and seal hunters to Scott and Amundsen, from the maritime explorers Franklin and Nordenskiöld to present-day polar tourism, a quick tour through history reveals some of the aspects which motivated people to extend their horizons. Existential need, sheer curiosity, imperial greed, polar science, and a taste for adventure all converged in regions which pardon no mistakes.
Blog
The Giant Petrels of King George Island
Antarctica is undeniably one of the worldâs premier birding destinations.
Blog
The Arctic’s Most Phenomenal Fjords
Fjords are often linked with Norway, but they are not exclusive to that region. They are a common feature of the Arctic and are major attractions in Greenland and Svalbard.
Blog
The Arctic Hare: Easter Bunny
Although the Arctic hareâs stern expression might make it seem like the least amused member of a serious tribunal, this polar animal is actually one of the most charming creatures on the planet â especially when Easter Sunday comes around.
Blog
Day and night in Antarctica
At the Concordia station, a French-Italian research facility situated 3,233 meters above sea level at Dome C on the Antarctic Plateau, European Space Agency (ESA) scientists are investigating the effects of extended space missions. The station is more isolated than the International Space Station, with the nearest humans located 600 kilometers away.
Blog
How Arctic Wildlife Differs from Antarctic
While the north and south poles share certain characteristics, they are also remarkably distinct. Both regions are cold and dry, yet each has its own unique terrain and climate. The Antarctic is particularly harsh and inhospitable, with only two native vascular plant species, whereas the Arctic tundra supports a wider range of fauna due to its relatively warmer temperatures and greater plant diversity. Here are some of the animals you can find in the Arctic compared to the Antarctic.
Blog
South Georgia in Spring
What a fantastic time to be in South Georgia! Perhaps the best time of the year! The wildlife is abundant, and the light is simply magical for photography. Kings, Gentoos, Chinstraps, and Macaronis are all present along the shorelines. Elephant and Fur seals are also plentiful! Wandering albatrosses are welcoming their newly hatched chicks, while the non-breeders are actively engaged in their courtship rituals, practicing a ceremonial dance. Light-mantled, Sooty, and Grey-headed albatrosses are still feeding their fluffy chicks, as are the Giant petrels. We've been fortunate with the weather, finding ourselves in the right place at the right time to succeed in all our landings and zodiac cruises so far.
Blog
The Seven Best Things to Do in Antarctica
Unless youâre a scientist, thereâs no such thing as a means-to-an-end trip to Antarctica.
Blog
The Norse Settlement of Greenland
Erik the Red is a significant and vibrant figure in the history of the Norse Vikings. His story is primarily documented in the Icelandic Sagas Huaksbók (14th Century) and Skalhóltsbók (15th Century). These accounts offer slightly different versions of events that occurred 3-400 years earlier. The original saga of Erik the Red is believed to have been written around 1200 A.D., with the Skalhóltsbók version considered closest to the original. Additionally, Flateyjarbók (13th Century), which includes the Saga of the Greenlanders, is a crucial source for understanding the settlement of Greenland and the discovery of Vinland â North America.
Blog
5 Misconceptions You Might Have About Greenland
Blog
The History of Antarctica in Maps
Long before human eyes ever beheld Antarctica, the ancients were convinced that it existed â or at least something like it.
Blog
A Day of Basecamp in Antarctica – Paradise Harbour
After an early morning gathering of our camping group, we reached the entrance to Lemaire Channel. The snow and mist around the mountain peaks created a captivating atmosphere as we began our journey to Paradise Bay. The channel was dotted with impressive icebergs, and we even spotted a few sleeping humpback whales, providing ample photo opportunities.
Blog
Diving in Antarctica: The Ultimate Underwater Experience
Ice diving offers an extraordinary experience on an Antarctica diving trip. The dive sites are teeming with a unique array of colorful marine life, including penguins and leopard seals, which are exclusive to this region.
Blog
Polar bear feast
The polar bear was relishing his meal; the snow and his face were turning red from the blood. As we observed him eating, our own stomachs began to grumble. It was time for lunch.
Blog
Hot Ice: Breeding Practices of Five Polar Animals
Last Valentine's Day we gave you 14 wildlife pictures highlighting the ins, outs, ups, and downs of polar romance. This year we're moving on to something a little more advanced: the nitty-gritty details of polar wildlife breeding rituals.