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South Sandwich Islands
Visit some of the most remote volcanic islands in the world. Expect rugged and inhospitable landscapes and a surrounding sea littered by massive icebergs.
This fascinating, but remote Antarctic archipelago is not often visited. The archipelago is located about 550 kilometres (340 miles) to the south-east of South Georgia. The volcanic islands are the easternmost extent of the Scotia Ridge, the mostly sub-oceanic ridge that connects Tierra del Fuego with the Antarctic Peninsula. The chain of eleven major islands extends over 380 kilometres (240 miles) from north to south. All of the islands are active volcanoes, most of them have had eruptions in the last hundred years.
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Currently we do not have any South Sandwich Islands cruises available.
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South Sandwich Islands FAQ
What is the Temperature and Weather like in the South Sandwich Islands?
The climate in the South Sandwich Islands is polar, and it is much colder than nearby South Georgia. This is due to the placement of the South Sandwich Islands, which make them exposed to the Antarctic continent’s cold outbreaks. A trip to the South Sandwich Islands via a cruise is also impossible from May through December due to sea ice.
The average winter temperature in the South Sandwich Islands dips as low as -6 degrees Celsius (21.2 degrees Fahrenheit), but there have been recorded instances of South Thule getting as low as -29.8 degrees Celsius (-21.6 degrees Fahrenheit). During the summer, expedition cruises to the South Sandwich Islands can expect an average high temperature of around 8 degrees Celsius (46.4 degrees Fahrenheit) but somewhat lower temperatures should be expected in the later summer season. 3.
What Wildlife Can I See in the South Sandwich Islands?
The South Sandwich Islands have been recognized by BirdLife International as an Important Bird Area for the penguins and seabirds in the area, which makes a voyage to the South Sandwich Islands a popular once in a lifetime destination for birders. It is also possible to see a diverse selection of marine life while traveling across the water to the South Sandwich Islands. Some of the wildlife that may be visible from the cruise ship includes several different whale species including Orca’s.
What is the Capital of the South Sandwich Islands?
The South Sandwich Islands and South Georgia share the same administrative center: King Edward Point. This is also the largest settlement in the entire region, and it can be found on the northeastern coast of South Georgia. King Edward Point was explored for the first time in 1901, and it was named after King Edward VII from the United Kingdom. The Government of South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands is located in Port Stanley, Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas).
How Many People Live in the South Sandwich Islands?
South Sandwich Islands have been uninhabited since 1982, but the islands and South Georgia have a combined average population of only 30 people.