South Sandwich Islands, South Georgia

The South Sandwich Islands is a British overseas territory in the southern Atlantic Ocean. They lie approximately 520 km to the south east of South Georgia, and comprise 11 mostly volcanic islands with some active volcanoes. The islands are very remote and are rarely visited.

The northernmost of the South Sandwich Islands form the Traversay Islands and Candlemas Islands groups, while the southernmost make up Southern Thule. The three largest islands - Saunders, Montagu and Bristol - lie between the two. The Islands' highest point is Mount Belinda (1,370 m/4,495 ft) on Montagu Island.

These volcanic islands with an ice cap on the top, are windswept and often shrouded in mist and fog, but do offer subtle pleasures. There is a nice variety of flora (mosses, lichens and flowering grasses) and fauna, such as Gentoo Penguins, Chinstrap penguins and Southern Giant Petrels. Elephant Seals and Fur Seals may also haul out at the beaches.

Things to see and do

* Penguins
* Seals
* Sea birds

Cruise Season - Nov - April
Land Area - 337 km²
Population - 0
Time - GMT minus two hours

Transport Links - The only access to the South Sandwich Islands is by sea.