Falklands and South Georgia
Antarctic Peninsula & Weddell Sea, Antarctica
The South Atlantic Sub Antarctic Islands are remote small isles in the cool waters of the far south. These islands are terrific areas to visit, one group rural and settled, the other rugged and inhospitable. The gentle Falkland Islands form a fascinating contrast to the bleakness of Antarctica and a friendly welcome is almost guaranteed. South Georgia, on the other hand, gives a real introduction to the wilderness which is Antarctica. At times both feel like the end of the world!
Background
Both the Falkland Islands and South Georgia are popular visits on some Antarctic voyages. The beautiful Falklands were home to an early penal colony – no need here for high walls and electric fences here – but sheep farming and fishing is now the major source of income. South Georgia is a very long way from everywhere – the nearest land being the Falklands (1400Km – 870 miles – away). Rugged, bleak and mountainous it is a fantastic place to visit, the sea here is often littered with icebergs.
Both of these locations are home to a fantastic amount of wildlife, including whales, seals, penguins and a wide variety of other seabirds may be spotted almost anywhere around these islands. Other smaller islands also exist in the South Atlantic Sub Antarctic region, such as the eerie jutting spires of Shag Rocks that appear from nowhere out of the cool sea mists.