Crossing South Georgia: Sailing and skiing in sublime nature
Discover a natural paradise rich in polar history
We cross the South Atlantic by sailing to the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia. The adventurous journey offers icebergs, albatrosses, seabirds of all kinds, and whales. Once on South Georgia, the expedition begins with pulkas and tents in tow. You will discover a natural paradise rich in polar history.
South Georgia is an island in the South Atlantic, home to vast penguin colonies, impressive elephant seals, and fur seals, making it a captivating natural sanctuary. The island also holds the remnants of former whaling stations, being a crucial part Ernest Shackleton’s survival story during his legendary expedition.
Highlights
Crossing of the South Atlantic, a unique seascape
We follow in the footsteps of Ernest Shackleton in a dramatic mountain landscape across the island
Experience the fascinating nature of South Georgia with its vast animal colonies
We are traveling in a small group in very remote places
Visiting the old whaling stations
We sail in the South Atlantic from the Falkland Islands to South Georgia - an experience in itself
Expedition Essentials
Date: 2 September - 10 November 2026
Trip: Crossing the Sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia. Ski expedition with pulka and tent.
Getting there: Arrival from the Falkland Islands by sailboat.
Requirements: Although challenging, this expedition is not reserved for competitive athletes, but serious preparation is crucial.
Equipment: Ulrich Expeditions will provide you with most of the expedition equipment. Thomas Ulrich has perfected many parts of the equipment himself. As an expedition participant, you will be equipped by Ulrich Expeditions in the same way as the very top polar exploreres are today. You only need to bring a few items of equipment yourself. Ulrich Expeditions will provide you with a detailed equipment list.
Prices (target price per person 2026)
6 participants: CHF 35’500
5 participants: CHF 42’500
Included in the price: The above sum includes flights, hotel accommodation, permits and meals in accordance with the travel program.
Not included: Personal equipment (according to the equipmrnt list). Personal health, accident and evacuation insurance for the polar region. Cancellation insurance. Additional costs due to postponements and/or delays due to external circumstances (e.g. weather or flight delays). Additional, voluntary activities.
Expedition Details
Starting Point. We first travel from the Falkland Islands to South Georgia on the sailboat «SELMA», with skipper Piotr Kuzniar. From King Haakon Bay, where Shackleton also went ashore, we follow his route over to Stromness, the now abandoned whaling station.
Ski and pulka. The ski expedition with pulka and tent in tow through the stunning mountain landscape will last five days. During the tour, we will travel over glaciers and will occasionally need to walk roped together. Everyone pulls a sledge with their luggage and some of the group's equipment. The sailboat will be waiting for the group on the east coast, where the fascinating exploration of the island will begin.
Natural sanctuary. We will have the opportunity to observe king penguins, elephant seals, and fur seals in sometimes enormous colonies during several trips ashore. Both the crossing and all landings are heavily dependent on the weather: the island lies in the Furious Fifties, where calm winds are a rare exception. Finally, we will return to the Falkland Islands.
“The story of Ernest Shackleton is one of immense courage and determination. It's a tale worth discovering in the very places where it unfolded.”
“This is a unique paradise, a place where only a handful of people have ever set foot.”
See our other guided expeditions
Arctic
Antarctic