The largest of the South Shetland Islands, King George Island (Isla Rey Jorge) is the first stop for many travelers making their way to Antarctica. Its scenic bays—which include Maxwell, Admiralty, and King George Bays—are home to much of the unique wildlife and scenery that draws intrepid travelers to the frozen south.
King George Island’s protected fjords, diverse fauna, and accessibility from South America make the island one of the region’s premier research destinations. More than 90 percent of the 59-mile (95-kilometer) island is permanently covered in ice and snow, providing a habitat for species including Weddell, leopard, and elephant seals; gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguins; and seabirds such as skuas and southern giant petrels. Year-round bases maintained by Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, Poland, Russia, South Korea, and Uruguay welcome visitors.
Travelers typically visit King George Island on cruise ships. You can also reach it on an overnight tour from Chile that includes charter flights and a Zodiac boat ride. Time-pressed cruise travelers often fly to King George and begin their Antarctica cruises from there, thus saving two or three days.
Due to weather conditions, flights are often postponed. A flexible itinerary is a must.
Travelers on day trips often have to cross the island on foot to reach their Zodiac.
Visiting typically includes a lot of walking. It is generally not suitable for young children and people with mobility issues.
Wear clothing appropriate for polar conditions and keep a respectful distance from the wildlife.
King George Island is located about 75 miles (121 kilometers) off the Antarctic coast. Airlines such as DAP Airlines offer charter flights from Punta Arenas, Chile, with the trip taking around two hours one-way. King George has the only airport in the South Shetland Islands, so if you want to go further, you’ll have to travel by cruise ship.
Travel to King George Island is limited to the short summer season, from December through February. If you’re here for the wildlife, you’ll want to plan your trip around the animals you want to see most. For penguin chicks, the best time to travel is January and February, while whales are best seen in February and March.
The island’s rich wildlife is what draws most visitors, but due to the year-round presence of scientists from around the world, King George Island is also home to some notable man-made sites. Located by Bellingshausen Station, Trinity Church is the world’s southernmost Eastern Orthodox Church, whereas the Arctowski Polish Antarctic Station is home to the world’s southernmost lighthouse.