Wild South Georgia Island in Snow
- September 11th, 2027 - September 25th, 2027
- Spaces Left: Contact us for Cabin Availability (Maximum 42 Participants)
WORKSHOP AT A GLANCE
This unique, early September expedition to South Georgia Island is for keen and passionate wildlife and landscape photographers who want to capture evocative and powerful photographs of King Penguins, other wildlife, and dramatic ice and snow-draped landscapes. South Georgia is one of the most remote and best places in the world to photograph King Penguins in the snow. At this time of the year, the landscape will still be covered in snow and bathed in golden light. We have secured the optimal vessel for this expedition, 'Polar Athena'. Recently fully refitted, she offers a small group size and the proper Polar cruising credentials. We will have personal, one-on-one tuition for the duration of the workshop with an A-List of world-class, hand-picked photographic instructors. There will also be many landscape opportunities during this workshop, although our primary focus is on the wildlife.
- Dates: 11th September 2027 until 25th September 2027 (Duration 14 Nights / 15 Days)
- Why Travel with Us: Wild Nature Photo Travels Point of Difference
- Investment: From $18,495 USD Classic Twin Share
- Deposit: The deposit to secure your place is $5,000 USD, with a further progress payment due September 2026 and the balance due 120 days before the workshop commences.
- Participants: Maximum 42 Photographers plus leader
- Start and Finish: Mount Pleasant, Falkland Islands
- Trip Leaders: Joshua Holko, Master Photog II
- Fitness Level: Moderate
- Temperature: Cold to Freezing
- Experience Level: Beginner to Professional
ABOUT THIS WORKSHOP
South Georgia Island, with its precipitous peaks, draped in snow and ice, is a place to evoke and inspire the imagination. It is a dramatic Himalayan-style landscape of mountains that plunge almost directly to sea level. This unique expedition ventures to this remote sub-Antarctic Island in early September in search of King Penguins in a winter snow setting.
The main focus of this expedition will be King Penguins, Elephant seals and other local wildlife. In September, the light conditions in South Georgia can be magical. Most commonly, South Georgia expeditions begin in November and run through until March in the Polar summer. With our expedition ship, we will explore in September, before the arrival of the territorial Fur seals and when the landscape is still covered in clean, pristine snow. This time of the year will provide unique photographic opportunities that most will never experience.
The landscape of South Georgia is stunning and primordial. Glacier-scarred mountains dominate the landscape and will be a significant subject for our cameras during the expedition. The landscape opportunities are, therefore, as varied and important as the wildlife encounters.
We plan to circumnavigate the island of South Georgia and explore both its east and west coasts. In conditions permit, we will also photograph the giant icebergs that drift up from the Weddell Sea, as well as explore Drygalski Fjord. Drygalski Fjord is a bay one mile wide which recedes northwestwards seven miles, entered immediately north of Nattriss Head along the southeast coast of South Georgia. The landscape in this region is breathtaking and not to be missed.
With Mount Pleasant in the Falkland Islands as our starting point, we will sail to South Georgia, where we will search for majestic landscapes and subpolar wildlife. In September, the landscape will be bathed in a combination of blue hour and golden light from the sun's low angle, providing a stunning backdrop for photographing this evocative location.
This expedition has been designed to provide the best possible opportunities to experience and photograph the landscape and wildlife of this fantastic, sub-Antarctic location.
This exclusive expedition is for a strictly limited number of just 42 participants, plus leaders, and is dedicated to photography in the sub-Antarctic.
We will use the ice-hardened expedition ship Polar Athena, enabling us to navigate pack ice and icebergs alike as we travel to South Georgia. The recently refitted Polar Athena is regarded as the best ship in the Southern Hemisphere for Photography in both Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic regions. Our expedition ship is also equipped with sufficient zodiacs (5 x Zodiac MKV models) and crew for all photographers to be shooting simultaneously, with plenty of room to spare for camera equipment - So bring what you need!
Meals will be held onboard the ship and shall consist of breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea/coffee and a two-course dinner. Coffee and tea will be available 24 hours a day. The mealtimes shall be held regularly, but the catering crew has been informed that photography has priority on this expedition, and flexibility is necessary. If you have special dietary requirements, you will be accommodated – please just be sure to let us know when you make your booking.
If you are excited about travelling to South Georgia in search of wildlife and dramatic landscapes, and more with a small group of dedicated photographers, now is the time to secure your place. Places are very limited, and once they are spoken for, that's it.
CABIN SELECTION AND YOUR EXPEDITION INVESTMENT
- Classic Twin- $18,495 USD per person
- Signature Twin - $19,495 USD per person
- Classic Suite - $22,995 USD per person
- Signature Suite - $24,995 USD per person
- Signature Single - $22,995 USD (sole use private cabin)
Classic Twin: Recently refurbished, the classic twin sleeps two in two lower berths (no bunks), private ensuite with toilet and shower, wardrobe and porthole. Deck 3 - 12.5 SQM. The Classic Twin cabin offers a cosy, Scandinavian-inspired space. The perfect place to unwind after exploring the remote corners of South Georgia Island.
Signature Twin: Recently refurbished, the signature twin sleeps two in two lower berths (no bunks), private ensuite with toilet and shower and a window. Deck 4 & 5 - 12.5 SQM.
The Signature Twin cabin combines comfort and charm with its Scandinavian-inspired design, and natural light gently brightens the room through thoughtfully placed windows. Enjoy the convenience of an ensuite shower and toilet, ample wardrobe space, and a dedicated desk area. A homely setting on your polar journey.
Classic Suite: Recently refurbished, the classic suite sleeps two in a double bed, a private ensuite with toilet and shower, a lounge area, a corner desk and chair and a window. Deck 5 - 16.8 SQM.
The Classic Suite is a roomy and stylish Scandinavian-inspired sanctuary. This light and airy cabin features large windows, a plush double bed, a cosy lounge with a corner desk and a comfortable sofa, perfect for curling up on with a good book or your laptop to review the day's shoot. With an ensuite shower and toilet, and thoughtful touches throughout, this is the perfect place to relax and enjoy peaceful moments after a day exploring the polar wilderness.
Signature Suite: Recently refurbished, the signature suite sleeps two in a double bed, a private ensuite with toilet and shower, a spacious lounge area, a corner desk and chair and a window. Deck 5 - 22.5 SQM.
The Signature Suite is Polar Athena’s most luxurious accommodation, fully refurbished with an elegant Scandinavian design. This spacious retreat features a plush double bed, a relaxing lounge area with a sofa, and a stylish corner desk—perfect for journaling your travel adventures or editing and processing the day's shoot. Large windows fill the room with natural light, offering scenic polar views and a tranquil sanctuary after your days of exploration.
Signature Single: Recently refurbished, the signature single sleeps one in one lower berth, private ensuite with toilet, shower and window. This is a private room for one person. Deck 4 - 11.0 SQM.
The Single Signature cabin is where Scandinavian design meets practical comfort, offering either two lower beds or bunk beds. Each cabin features windows that fill the space with natural light, a wardrobe for storage, and a private ensuite bathroom with an ensuite shower and toilet. Perfectly suited for solo travellers, these cabins provide a peaceful retreat to relax and recharge.
Expedition Ship: Polar Athena is 71 metres long and has the highest 1A super ice-class rating. She’s built to slice through heavy sea ice, and with her compact size and just 42 guests on board, she is the perfect photography expedition vessel. With a crew of 20 and a top speed of 11 knots, she is equipped with 5 Zodiacs and a guide-to-client ratio of just 1/8.
With a small group on board, there are no lines, no crowds — just freedom and flexibility. Unlike larger ships, we can quickly launch all our guests into Zodiacs at once and explore off the ship in minutes. This agility lets us seize every opportunity at a moment’s notice, meaning you don’t miss a thing.
Born as a research vessel, she’s in a class that has built a legacy for exploration in the polar realms. Now, reimagined and refurbished for authentic travel to the most remote corners of the Earth, enhancing the experience and fulfilling the needs of true explorers, while never compromising on comfort. She’s the ultimate choice for true small-group exploration in the deep south.
Bunker Clause: Participant pricing is based on the oil price at 1000 USD per metric tonne. If the fuel price is higher than this at Bunker, there may be an additional fuel surcharge. Participants will be notified in writing should the need for a surcharge eventuate. Every effort will be made to avoid any surcharge.
Why a September trip? September in South Georgia provides an opportunity for a snow-covered landscape and the opportunity to photograph King Penguins in the snow. If conditions are good, we can expect spectacular golden sunsets and sunrises. Importantly, in September, the territorial fur seals have not yet arrived in mass, and we can therefore expect much easier landings than later in the season when the beachmasters are on territory.
Accommodation: For the duration of this workshop, we will be based on our expedition ship. All cabins include private bathrooms.
Wildlife: Sub-antarctic wildlife we may encounter and photograph on this expedition includes King Penguins, Chinstrap Penguins, Elephant Seals and Fur Seals, Whales (including Orca, Blue Whale, and Humpback Whale), Snow Petrels, multiple species of Albatross, Antarctic Terns, South Georgia Pippits* and more.
*Since the success of the South Georgia rat eradication program, there has been a significant return in ground nesting birds, including the South Georgia Pippit.
Dietary Requirements: If you have special dietary requirements, we will do our best to accommodate you. Please just be sure to let us know when you make your booking.
Travel: We will be based on our expedition ship for the duration of this workshop. We plan to make excursions via Zodiac for cruises and shore landings whilst in South Georgia.
Equipment: Telephoto lenses from 70 mm to 600 mm are recommended for wildlife. Zoom lenses generally provide more flexibility for fast-moving wildlife and are preferred when possible. A wide-angle lens and mid-range zoom are recommended if you wish to make images of the stunning winter landscape.
WORKSHOP ITINERARY
Our expedition ship (Polar Athena) will depart from Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands on the 11th of September 2027. Please note that the boat cannot wait past its scheduled departure time in case of lost luggage or other delays. The ship will return to Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands on the 25th of September 2027. We will eat breakfast aboard the ship before we disembark at 9:00 am on the 25th of September. We conclude our expedition on disembarkation. Both embarkation and disembarkation are on a Saturday in accordance with incoming and departing flights from Chile to the Falkland Islands.
Day One - Start your South Georgia Expedition: The Falkland Islands are located at approximately 51.7º south and 59.5º west, and so our expedition is scheduled in accordance with the prevailing weather and ice conditions found at this latitude at this time of the year. We will depart from Port Stanley in the afternoon of the 11th of September and begin our journey toward South Georgia. We start our hunt for wildlife with whale and bird sightings.
Day Two & Three - Sailing to South Georgia: We cruise across the Scotia Sea (Great Southern Ocean), continuing our journey to South Georgia Island. Weather conditions permitting, we expect to arrive in South Georgia sometime on day three of our expedition.
Day Four -Eleven - Photograph South Georgia Island: On arrival in South Georgia Island, we will schedule daily landings at places such as Saint Andrews Bay, Salisbury Plain, Gold Harbour, Shackleton's Grave, Stromness Harbour, Fortuna Bay, Grytviken and many more. Our plan is to maximise our time in South Georgia with as many landings and as much time ashore as possible. We may also zodiac cruise as icebergs are frequently encountered around South Georgia Island.
Day Twelve - Photograph and Return: Today, we say farewell to South Georgia Island and begin our transit back across the Scotia Sea toward the Falkland Islands.
Days Thirteen & Fourteen: At sea as we cross the Great Southern Ocean. Our expedition is not finished yet, and we continue our photography of the many bird species that follow the ship and maintain a vigilant lookout for whales.
Day Fifteen - Disembarkation: Disembark the ship in Port Stanley after breakfast. End of Service.
Weather in South Georgia: The average temperature in South Georgia in September is -8º Celsius. However, temperatures can plummet below -20º Celsius and with wind chill, it can feel even colder, so it is essential to be prepared with the appropriate warm clothing. We will provide you with a complete list of recommended clothing on confirmation of booking. Please note that our expedition ship is heated 24/7, and the temperature on board in the cabins is warm and comfortable. Inside the ship, it is possible to wear light clothing such as a t-shirt and light pants.
Itinerary Changes: The weather in this part of the world is subject to frequent change. We reserve the right to make last-minute changes to the itinerary to avoid bad weather and take advantage of good weather and light as the elements permit. Whilst every effort will be made to include as many landings in South Georgia as possible, participants acknowledge and accept the potential weather difficulties of an expedition to this region.
Flights to the Falkland Islands: Flights to Mount Pleasant (MPN) in the Falklands can be booked directly with LATAM from Santiago (via Punta Arenas) in Chile, South America. LATAM flies to the Falkland Islands once a week, every Saturday. Alternatively, flights can also be booked with the Ministry of Defence, United Kingdom, which operates twice weekly flights from Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, directly to the Falklands with a refuelling stop in Ascension Island. Flights leave the UK on Sundays and Wednesdays. Return flights depart the Falklands on Tuesdays and Fridays. Civilian passengers can book seats on these flights via the Falkland Islands Government Office in London. These flights are sometimes subject to last-minute changes; travellers need to be sure that they have plenty of time available around their dates of travel to account for all eventualities.
INCLUSIONS AND EXCLUSIONS
Inclusions
- Transportation: All in-tour ship transportation for the duration of the expedition. All zodiac excursions and fuel for the duration of the expedition.
- Accommodation: Accommodation for fourteen nights on Polar Athena
- Survival Suit: Supply of survival suit for zodiac excursions as required
- Food and Beverages: Includes breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner (excluding alcohol) for the duration of the workshop
- Tuition: Expert one-on-one Photographic tuition and guiding services
- Landing Fees and Permit Fees: All landing fees and required permits
Exclusions
- Transportation: Any travel required to arrive at the workshop starting location in Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands.
- Duties and Taxes: Any taxes, levies, insurances, Immigration, duty, and visa fees where applicable.
- Personal Items: Any personal items, including alcoholic beverages, souvenirs and travel insurance. Tipping for local guides is optional. Our recommendation is $30 USD per/day per person.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
A deposit of $5,000 USD must be paid at the time of booking to secure your place. A further progress payment of $10,000 USD is due by the 1st of September 2026, with the balance due 120 DAYS before the workshop commencement date. Deposit Methods Accepted: Credit card Visa/Master (+3%) or Direct Deposit / Wire Transfer.
Refunds and Cancellations: Our standard workshop policy requires an initial non-refundable deposit for the reservation of your space and your payment balance in full 120 days before the commencement of the workshop date unless otherwise noted. If we do not receive the balance on or before the due date, and we are unable to get in contact with you via the contact details you have provided, we will try to fill your spot off the waiting list. At our discretion, we may apply your deposit to be used for another workshop within one year. Please note that price increases may apply in this instance.
If the workshop is cancelled for any reason, your deposit will be refunded in full. Wild Nature Photo Travel Pty Ltd., trading as Joshua Holko Photography and Joshua Holko, is not responsible for any financial commitments that registered attendees have with third parties such as airlines or other travel services.
READ FULL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Travel Insurance: You must purchase travel and evacuation insurance in the event of illness or any other emergency that delays or otherwise prevents you from travelling on the trip. Wild Nature Photo Travel partners with and recommends Global Rescue for Evacuation and Medical insurance.
REGISTER FOR THIS WORKSHOP
If you are excited about photographing the wildlife of South Georgia in a stunning Winter landscape with a small group of like-minded, passionate photographers, now is the time to register your interest. Places are extremely limited, and once spoken for, that's it.