Your guide to Right Whale Bay, a remote paradise on South Georgia’s northern coast famous for its massive colonies of king penguins and seals.
Few places can rival the remote, untamed beauty of South Georgia.
One of its most breathtaking spots is Right Whale Bay, with stark black-sand beaches framed by rugged peaks and alive with penguins and seals at every turn.
The moment you step ashore, a scene that feels almost prehistoric will come to greet you.
Hear the calls of thousands of king penguins echoing across the bay, watch fur seals dart through the shallows, and see massive seals lounging lazily on the sand.
Right Whale Bay is a place where raw nature takes center stage, untouched and spectacular. Its dramatic scenery and abundant animal life make it one of the most exciting landings in South Georgia Island.
What is Right Whale Bay, South Georgia?
Right Whale Bay is located on the north coast of South Georgia, a remote island in the South Atlantic.
Backed by jagged peaks and sweeping glaciers, the bay opens onto dramatic black-sand beaches that create a striking contrast with the abundant wildlife that thrives here.
Right Whale Bay is best known for its thriving colonies of king penguins, which can number in the tens of thousands. Their calls echo across the shoreline, mingling with the sounds of fur seals splashing in the surf and bellowing from the sand.
Overhead, seabirds circle constantly, adding to the sense that this is a place overflowing with life.
Arriving here feels like stepping into another world. There are no human settlements – not even signs of development. You’ll only see raw, untamed wilderness.
Read next: Your Guide to the Shackleton Walk, South Georgia Island
Complete Guide to Right Whale Bay, South Georgia
Ready to explore one of South Georgia’s most dramatic and wildlife-packed bays? Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Right Whale Bay.
Important Note! Before you book any international trip, we honestly recommend getting travel insurance. You never know when things will go wrong, and medical bills can add up quickly if you get sick or injure yourself overseas.
Our personal recommendation based on our own experience is World Nomads.
How To Get There
Reaching Right Whale Bay is only possible by expedition cruise, as there are no ports or settlements on South Georgia. Many itineraries also include the Falkland Islands, along with other fascinating destinations in the South Atlantic like Antarctica.
The ship anchors offshore, and you are brought to land by zodiac boats, weather permitting. An expedition team will assist during the landing, guiding you safely ashore and sharing expert insights about the wildlife and landscape.
Landings usually take place on Binder Beach, a sweeping stretch of black sand that serves as the main entry point to the bay.
Towering above it all is Mount Regulator, a dramatic peak that frames the landscape and adds to the sense of wild isolation.
Though Salisbury Plain often takes the spotlight for its penguin colony, Right Whale Bay delivers an equally amazing experience, luring visitors with its rich wildlife and spectacular scenery.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit is during the austral summer. This is from October to March, when expedition cruises operate in South Georgia.
Every stage of the season brings its own highlights, making the timing of your visit an important part of the experience.
- October – November: Seals are at their most active, with huge males battling for dominance on the beaches. King penguins are also beginning their courtship displays.
- December – January: This is peak wildlife season. Penguin chicks are hatching, fur seal pups fill the beaches, and the king penguin colony is bustling with activity.
- February – March: The weather can be calmer, and the wildlife remains abundant. Penguin chicks are growing fast, and the lighting is excellent for photography.
Read our complete guide to the best time to visit South Georgia for more information!
Wildlife at Right Whale Bay
The wildlife is definitely the highlight of any visit here, particularly the thriving king penguin colony.
Thousands of king penguins gather on the black-sand beaches and surrounding slopes, and porpoising penguins dart through the surf..
The beaches are also home to massive southern elephant seals and countless fur seals.
Offshore, the waters of South Georgia bring chances to encounter marine giants. Humpback whales are often spotted feeding in the nutrient-rich seas, their tails lifting high above the waves.
You can also occasionally spot southern right whales, though they are less common than they used to be. They are the origin for the bay’s name, and the British Antarctic Survey studied the recovery of the southern right whales here for many years.
So there is lots of amazing wildlife to spot in this corner of South Georgia!
Visitor Tips for Right Whale Bay
- Follow all biosecurity guidelines carefully, especially with current concerns about avian flu in South Georgia’s bird colonies.
- Wear waterproof boots for wet shore landings, as you’ll often step directly onto the shore from the zodiac.
- Keep your belongings organized on the ship, since landings are quick and you will need to gear up efficiently. It’s essential to have good gear and packing cubes!
- Be prepared for unpredictable conditions at sea, with strong winds and sudden changes in weather common around South Georgia. Pack lots of layers to suit all types of weather.
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