Husvik | The Story of South Georgia's Abandoned Whaling Station

For avid travellers, a journey to the remote island of South Georgia is the ultimate wilderness escape. Even though it appears as a small dot on a map, the island has earned the label of ‘Galapagos of the Poles’ because of its incredibly rich marine ecology.

Many explorers find the journey to Husvik almost unreal – a remarkable experience in one of the wildest places on Earth. The inhospitable terrain, untamed wildlife, and unpredictable weather add an element of danger and thrill to every South Georgia voyage. That makes this unique island even more enticing to adventurers.

Where is Husvik?

Located on the Stromness Bay on the north coast of South Georgia, Husvik is an abandoned whaling station. South Georgia lies on the South Atlantic Ocean and is around 1,400 kilometres east of the Falkland Islands. Though small – around 170 kilometres long – it is one of the most wildlife-rich locations on the planet and closely connected to the Antarctic marine system. Both South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands are parts of the British Overseas Territory. 

Husvik is not the only former whaling station in Stromness Bay. Two more such stations, Stromness and Leith Harbour, are in the same area. Among these, Leith harbour was the largest whaling station in South Georgia.

History of Husvik 

Husvik started operations as an offshore floating factory in 1907 and whaling operations continued till 1930. After a gap, the operations resumed in 1945 and finally stopped in 1960. 

For a short period, the British Antarctic Survey used it, and then it closed down for visitors. The reasons were the dangerous condition of the buildings and the risk of asbestos contamination. Husvik remains a prohibited area, and tourists are not allowed within a 200 m zone of the area.

During the operational years, Husvik was connected to Stromness and Leith by a dirt track passing along the beach. A staggering number of 1.6 million whales were killed in the Southern Ocean during the first six decades of the 20th century. So, all three stations stand as monuments to this ruinous era of environmental exploitation.

Scenery in Husvik

The rugged terrain in South Georgia is inhospitable and the weather in Stromness Bay keeps changing. As you move towards Husvik on a clear day with bright sunshine, the views around the Bay are stunning. 

Beyond the rusty, crumbling buildings, another interesting attraction in Husvik is that of the whale catcher Karrakatta. The vessel provided the steam energy needed to handle the station's whaling operations.

Husvik and Leith Harbour

Leith Harbour was the largest whaling station in South Georgia and was abandoned in 1966. Today, the broken and rusted remains of the building and whaling equipment stand in stark contrast to the area's picturesque surroundings. 

This is also the location of Stromness station and Shackleton's Waterfall. The trail is along the last section of the legendary Shackleton’s route. 

Husvik wildlife

The wildlife in South Georgia is nothing short of extraordinary. One interesting South Georgia fact is that the island has no permanent human residents. So the wildlife is not afraid of travellers.

The island has some of the largest populations of king penguins – the estimated number is around 250,000 breeding pairs. It is home to an incredible number of 3.5 million fur seals. Beyond that there are macaronis, gentoos and chinstrap penguins too. Moreover, almost 54% of the world's elephant seal population is found here (in South Georgia).

It is not uncommon to spot fur seals on the beach while approaching Husvik on a Zodiac. November is the peak breeding season for fur seals and you may find adult males blocking some of the beaches on the island in this period. South Georgia diving petrels are among the common bird species found around the area. 

Planning your trip to South Georgia

Keep in mind that independent transport to South Georgia from South America or the Falkland Islands is not available. Since it is only approached by the sea route, booking a guided expedition on a cruise ship is necessary. The best option is to choose a well-constructed vessel designed to withstand rough seas and gusting winds.

The best time to visit South Georgia is between September and mid-March when the weather remains calmer. Many travellers combine this trip with an Antarctic cruise. But for those willing to connect intimately with wild nature, a dedicated voyage to South Georgia is worth it. September is especially rewarding, offering a quieter experience and the chance to explore the island before the peak visitor season begins.

The South Georgia photography and wildlife expedition by Secret Atlas is for adventurers who intend to spend an extended period on the island. We will conduct this guided expedition in February, a period when the island turns into a haven for wildlife photographers. Just keep in mind that there is never a guarantee of seeing any specific location because it may be inaccessible due to weather conditions.

Visit South Georgia with Secret Atlas

This far-off-the-map island is among the most beautiful islands on the planet and one of the largest breeding grounds for various marine mammalian species. For most guests, the astounding sight of thousands of penguins amidst the polar landscapes is awe-inspiring.

To provide guests with a comprehensive experience of South Georgia, Secret Atlas expeditions are conducted with a small team of 36 guests. Our goal is to guide you the best wildlife sites of this enchanting destination if weather permits.