South Georgia Helicopter Tours: Top 5 Epic Adventures

Planning a trip that is, at least somewhat, extraordinary? South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, way down in the South Atlantic, really offer some spectacular opportunities for adventure. And there’s arguably no adventure quite as thrilling as seeing this awesome, otherworldly landscape from a helicopter. Picture this: sweeping vistas of massive glaciers, huge colonies of penguins bustling about, and icebergs drifting silently in the ocean. These helicopter excursions are something special; they offer a viewpoint few get to see. So, you’re maybe thinking about checking out some of the prime helicopter tour options. Here’s a peek at five top-tier choices to think about when mapping out your extreme South Georgia experiences.

1. Complete South Georgia Island Scenic Expedition

The Complete South Georgia Island Scenic Expedition, as it turns out, is almost like getting the complete package; you know, everything is bundled in one awesome experience. This excursion commonly dedicates a solid chunk of time to the main island, exploring the iconic spots plus some very interesting, secluded areas. How long? So, too it’s almost a week. The goal here isn’t only to give you beautiful views but to showcase all the environmental details, with narration pointing out certain natural marvels and really different, geological details. Actually, for the traveler who wants some very deep insight together with stunning visuals, that tends to be a fantastic option.

That aerial route generally passes the really dramatic Drygalski Fjord, a place with very steep cliffs and loads of glaciers coming down toward the sea. Grytviken, what used to be a whaling station, also presents some very great photographic opportunities, mixing together industrial age remains with the very raw beauty that nature has. More or less, expect some up close and personal looks at penguin colonies – places, as a matter of fact, where tens of thousands of these animals come together. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Complete South Georgia Island Scenic Expedition)

2. Sandwich Islands Volcanic Exploration by Air

That Sandwich Islands Volcanic Exploration by Air is what it sounds like – an adventure focused very specifically on seeing those really fiery landscapes in a unique and impactful way. This particular trip commonly heads over the South Sandwich Islands, that area being famous for having some very active volcanic spots. Imagine, that, observing plumes of smoke rising up from the volcanic vents or, at least somewhat, catching some flows of lava making their path into the ocean. It’s not just exciting; actually, you might even say that it presents an incredibly rare viewpoint on some serious earth activity.

That scenery is dramatic; that is, stark, and unbelievably desolate, but actually has its individual attraction. The islands being very isolated, and largely untouched, means that these scenes feel particularly primal. Depending a bit on the tour specifics, it’s fairly likely that one will pass above places, for instance, Mount Michael on Saunders Island, and what’s that special attribute there? That’s a volcano that carries what seems to be a constant lava lake within it’s crater. More or less, the isolation adds more than just some visual attraction; it tends to reinforce how harsh yet resilient that natural ecosystem can actually be. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Volcanic Exploration by Air)

3. Wildlife Aerial Safari of South Georgia

For any animal fans out there, the Wildlife Aerial Safari of South Georgia, clearly, is almost a no-brainer. This specific kind of excursion really spends its effort tracking down big gatherings of local species such as penguins, seals, and whales when in season. The chopper provides a unique opportunity; that is, it lets passengers easily see many areas, thus maximizing animal sighting opportunities. As I was saying, these safari trips typically get guidance from specialists who are able to speak a little bit about the local habits, behaviors, plus the environmental aspects linked to the species that exist in that area.

It might be that that route sometimes consists of flyovers that head along Salisbury Plain, a huge spot popular with King penguins, also some stops near Gold Harbour where, arguably, elephant seals loaf along the coasts. Obviously, in season, trips can head along the shore, what would happen then? That’s where the whales frequently appear, really close to where one might be exploring. If things go right, tourists should potentially come away with impressive photos and just a way deeper love for such very lively wildlife communities. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Wildlife Aerial Safari)

4. Glaciers and Icebergs Photographic Tour

If you have the kind of mind that likes photography and also icy panoramas, there exists what we know to be the Glaciers and Icebergs Photographic Tour, seemingly meant to give exceptional aerial shots of that landscape. Basically, this is all about finding views from which the impressive, sculpted icebergs look their absolute grandest; so too it’s about framing how glaciers roll off mountains straight into the ocean. These tours, certainly, typically focus on giving folks lots of time above key locations for making some excellent captures, usually heading out during times of light considered great for pictures.

Tours often pass along the very picturesque Iceberg Alley, in fact where many massive icebergs break off and move northward. More or less, destinations consist of the pretty, blue glaciers around Cumberland Bay plus those icy regions bordering the Possession Bay location. Should things go as expected, hobbyist and pros in photography alike could come back with a set filled, not only with snapshots, but pretty remarkable reminders of South Georgia’s glacial magnificence. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Glaciers and Icebergs Tour)

5. Remote Beaches and Hidden Coves Helicopter Tour

Now, what about the person that loves exploring where there’s somewhat of a hidden appeal? How does it go with the Remote Beaches and Hidden Coves Helicopter Tour? It tends to lead tourists toward some parts of South Georgia really seldom visited. The attraction behind these excursions usually gets wrapped up within the exclusivity of what happens. The chance that you get to find these out-of-the way locations brings more charm compared to other journeys you find that focus solely on those frequently traveled locales. They show off the coastline of South Georgia, filled as it is with dramatic bays along with quiet little seashores. I mean, there are secluded shores one may be able to only see clearly using a helicopter. Plus, naturally, a guided journey helps shed even greater light, I would add, onto the geologic and environmental quirks existing out in these much-less-explored spots.

Typically, that will mean traveling over spots at locations like Rosita Harbour, so also you have what’s on the itinerary by Elsehul. One could definitely come away experiencing something special; more to the point: a genuine connection from discovering this destination’s best-kept, secluded wonderlands! See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Remote Beaches Helicopter Tour)

Read our full review: South Georgia Helicopter Tours Full Review and Details