South Georgia is reached by sea only, with no onshore accommodation or medical facilities anywhere in the Territory. This guidance, issued by the Office of the Commissioner, sets out what every yacht needs to know before sailing south and while underway in South Georgia waters. It complements the Visiting South Georgia handbook and should be read alongside it.
Registration and Booking
Every yacht needs to complete three steps on this site before arriving in South Georgia. Each is handled on its own page.
Register as a Yacht Owner or Operator
A one-time registration covering the owner or operator's details and IAATO status. This only needs to be done once, and is the starting point for everything else.
Register as a Yacht Owner or Operator →Register a Yacht for the Season
Vessel identification, key contacts and capacity, and compliance and certification details for the specific yacht making the voyage. Needed once per yacht, per season.
Register a Yacht for the Season →Book a Visit for a Yacht
The dates and itinerary for this specific voyage. Complete this for every visit, including return visits within the same season.
Book a Visit for a Yacht →Already registered and booked? The guidance below covers what to expect once you are underway in South Georgia waters.
Entering and Leaving the Maritime Zone
Notify the Government Officer (GO) when you enter and when you leave the South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands Maritime Zone (approximately 200nm from land), using one of the methods set out in the Visiting South Georgia handbook. There is no need to report your position or activity during the visit itself, except when visiting Cumberland East Bay.
Arrival at Cumberland East Bay (Grytviken / King Edward Point)
Give as much warning as possible, and at least 24 hours, of any visit to Grytviken or KEP.
On first arrival, everyone must stay on the vessel (apart from when tying up lines) until the GO has completed their inspections and cleared you through customs and immigration.
Only two five-hour visits per day are allowed for vessels carrying more than 12 passengers. The GOs coordinate these bookings, so liaise with them at the earliest opportunity. Yachts with 12 passengers or fewer may visit at any time but should liaise with cruise ships in the area.
Jetties and Wharves
Grytviken Jetty
You may only use the Tijuca jetty at Grytviken if access is available and your load line length is less than 24m. Government operational requirements take priority, so access may be limited - liaise with the GO to check availability, otherwise you will need to stay at anchor. You may also be asked to move to allow access for Cruise Ship tenders.
KEP Wharf
The KEP wharf is not for public use and is exposed to the prevailing westerly winds. The Government Officer may, however, invite you to come alongside for customs clearance.
Other jetties strictly forbidden. The jetties at the disused whaling stations at Leith, Stromness, Husvik and Prince Olav Harbour sit within the Whaling Station Prohibited Areas. Their use is strictly forbidden.
Biosecurity
The Government has very stringent biosecurity measures in place to prevent non-native species entering or re-entering the Territory, or being moved between locations around South Georgia. Please make sure you have thoroughly read and understood the latest version of the Biosecurity Handbook before you arrive.
Following mandatory biosecurity measures prevents the introduction and spread of disease, alien plants, insects and animals. Boot scrubbing and disinfecting between sites, keeping clothing and bags clear of seeds, and bringing no fresh food ashore, are all important in keeping South Georgia special.
Following the Biosecurity Handbook's protocols and procedures, before and during your visit, is the single most important thing you can do to help protect South Georgia's wildlife.
Conduct During Your Visit
Waste
Retain all waste on board for proper disposal at your next port of call. Macerated food waste, other than uncooked poultry products, may be disposed of at sea in line with MARPOL, but never within the bays.
Hiking
Weather can change very quickly. Equip yourselves accordingly for every visit ashore.
Camping
Camping, or any other overnight stay ashore, is not permitted unless you have specifically applied to do so and hold a valid Regulated Activity Permit.
Visitor Landing Sites
You may only land at approved visitor landing sites. Visit Site Guides exist for some of the more popular sites, explaining points of interest, sensitive areas and areas to avoid.
Visiting KEP
King Edward Point buildings are closed to visitors unless you are invited in by a Government Officer.
Wildlife
Treat wildlife with respect. If an animal changes its behaviour because of your presence, you are too close. Observe the Wildlife Protection Guidelines at all times.
Souvenirs. All natural and man-made artefacts on South Georgia are protected by law. Take no souvenirs, including whalebone, reindeer antlers, harpoon heads, plants or animal remains. Collecting or handling plants and animals requires a permit.
Everybody must adhere to the Code of Conduct Whilst Ashore. See the Visitor Site Guide for Grytviken for further detail on that site specifically.
Post Visit Report
You must complete and return a Post Visit Report at the end of your visit. The form is mainly designed for cruise ship operations, so some sections may seem a little strange when applied to yachts - please fill in as much as you can.
We are always interested in hearing how your visit went, or about anything unusual you encountered. Please report directly to the government officers by emails at go@gov.gs.
Thank you, and enjoy your visit.
For any queries, contact the Visitor Manager at jamie.oliver@gov.gs, or the Government Officers at King Edward Point at go@gov.gs.