Embark on an exclusive South Georgia wildlife expedition led by world-renowned photographer Amos Nachoum. This 30-day voyage offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore one of the most remote and wildlife-rich destinations on the planet.
Sailing aboard the state-of-the-art Pelagic 77 Amundsen, a vessel purpose-built for high-latitude exploration, you’ll experience up-close encounters with 100,000+ king penguins, elephant seals battling for dominance, soaring albatrosses, and breaching whales.
Unlike traditional cruises, this small-group expedition (limited to 8 guests) ensures maximum time on shore, personalized photography guidance, and intimate access to South Georgia’s most remarkable wildlife and landscapes.
Each day brings new opportunities for wildlife encounters, Zodiac landings, and photographic exploration, including:
Guided by expert naturalists and photographers, each landing is designed to maximize wildlife encounters and exploration.
Temperature
Air: 25–50°F (-4 to 10°C), Water: 35°F (2°C)
Visibility
60–100 ft (20–30m) underwater
Amos Nachoum is a distinguished figure in wildlife and underwater photography, seamlessly combining exploration and artistry for over 45 years. His dedication to capturing the essence of marine life has garnered him prestigious accolades, including twice winning the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year in animal behavior and the Siena Photo Competition in ‘Animals in Their Environment’ category.
Amos’s photographic excellence has earned him the title of Nature Photographer of the Year 2021 by Wilderness Photography. His impact on the artistic and conservation communities has been recognized with the NOGI Award in Art, solidifying his status as a leader in his field. His works have graced prominent publications like National Geographic, Time, and The New York Times, showcasing his ability to tell compelling visual stories.
In 2019, his documentary “Picture of His Life” unveiled his relentless pursuit of excellence and his commitment to marine conservation. As the founder of Big Animals Expeditions, he leads private expeditions, ensuring safe and intimate wildlife encounters during peak seasons. These expeditions, whether on land or in the ocean, reflect his immaculate safety record and deep respect for the natural world.
By choosing to embark on an expedition with Amos, adventurers open themselves up to a transformative experience. They learn from a maestro whose life’s work resonates with the pulse of the oceans and the dance of wildlife across diverse habitats. Whether a seasoned photographer or a nature enthusiast, participants in Amos’s expeditions gain unparalleled insight and a unique opportunity to connect with the wild.
Additionally, his work in marine conservation and education has not gone unnoticed. Amos has been named Seakeepers’ Man of the Year, acknowledging his unwavering commitment to the ocean and its inhabitants. Through his expeditions, workshops, and storytelling, he continues to inspire, educate, and ignite a passion for conservation in hearts worldwide.
The Ultimate Expedition Yacht for High-Latitude Exploration
When it comes to truly experiencing the raw wilderness of South Georgia — its remote fjords, towering peaks, and abundant wildlife — the vessel you travel on makes all the difference. Most ships are too large or limited to access the coastline’s most dramatic and untouched regions. That’s why we’re setting sail aboard a vessel unlike any other: the Pelagic 77 Amundsen — one of the world’s most advanced expedition yachts, purpose-built for polar exploration.
The Amundsen isn’t a cruise ship. It’s a state-of-the-art sailing vessel created by Tony Castro, Skip Novak, and Nicolás Ibáñez — visionaries in polar navigation. Skip Novak has led over 30 expeditions in the high latitudes and built Amundsen with one goal: to access remote regions safely, sustainably, and comfortably, while giving small groups the opportunity to truly engage with the wild.
Every design detail serves a purpose — from its manual sail systems and twin carbon masts that allow safe, reliable operation in extreme conditions, to its aluminum hull and fixed keel that ensure unmatched stability in the Southern Ocean.
Expedition-Ready Design
Aluminum Hull & Fixed Keel — Engineered for stability in Antarctic seas
Manual Sailing Systems — Safe, hands-on operation without the risks of automation
Twin Carbon Masts & Redundant Sails — Optimized for reliability in remote environments
Eco-Friendly Volvo Engines — Low-emission propulsion, minimizing environmental impact
Advanced Navigation & Safety Systems — Designed for safety and autonomy in the field
Comfort & Functionality Onboard
Spacious Shared Cabins — Warm, restful accommodations designed for real expeditions
Heated Pilothouse Lounge — Full 360° observation in comfort, no matter the weather
Expedition Library & Workspace — Space to review photography, share stories, or study wildlife
Chef-Prepared Meals — Nutritious, fresh meals served family-style in the onboard saloon
Ample Gear Storage — Purpose-built for photography and exploration equipment
Multiple Landing Boats — Two inflatables for increased access and flexibility
Unlike larger vessels, Amundsen can anchor in tight, sheltered coves, getting you closer to wildlife and landscapes that few travelers ever reach. Onboard, comfort and function go hand-in-hand — from the heated, bamboo-lined interior to the pilot house with panoramic views, every space is designed for both rest and exploration.
This is not luxury in the conventional sense. It is expedition luxury — the comfort of self-sufficiency, the warmth of well-designed spaces, and the rare ability to explore one of Earth’s most remote regions in safety and depth.
Learn more about the Amundsen and her capabilities: Click for YouTube video
A South Georgia wildlife expedition is unlike any other journey on Earth. The island’s remote location and strict conservation protections ensure that the massive colonies of penguins, seals, and seabirds remain largely undisturbed. Expect close encounters with:
Every day brings new photographic and wildlife-viewing opportunities, with expert guidance from Amos Nachoum to help you get the perfect shot.
Unlike large cruise ships that restrict landing time, our small-group format (8 guests max) ensures intimate, unrestricted access to South Georgia’s most remote locations. This means:
This is a true expedition, designed for those who want to explore, experience, and photograph South Georgia without limitations.
South Georgia’s dramatic landscapes provide an unparalleled setting for wildlife photography and exploration. From towering glacial peaks to ice-filled fjords, the scenery is as breathtaking as the wildlife.
As part of this South Georgia wildlife expedition, we’ll also visit historical sites linked to Sir Ernest Shackleton, including:
These historic locations, combined with the stunning polar scenery, make South Georgia a bucket-list destination for photographers, adventurers, and history enthusiasts alike.
You can reserve now by either paying a 33% deposit through our online reservation system or by mailing a check.
If you’d prefer to mail a check to our office or arrange for a wire transfer, please get in touch with us via the Contact BigAnimals form below.
All trip costs are subject to change without prior notice until your reservation is confirmed. In order to join an expedition, you are required to carry trip, health, and dive (if applicable) insurance. This information as well as your passport photo will be requested after you place your deposit.
Full payment is due no later than 90 days before departure. We reserve the right to sell any space that is not paid in full by 60 days before departure.
You will receive a confirmation email when your application is received. When your deposit is complete, you will receive trip confirmation. Complete trip details will be sent upon final payment.
View the Expedition Page for Total Trip Price and Cancellation Policies| South Georgia Expedition | October 9 – November 8, 2026 |
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