Bay of Isles, Protected marine area in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, South Atlantic Ocean.
Bay of Isles is a protected marine reserve along South Georgia's northern shore, characterized by towering rocky walls and scattered small islands. The waters here remain cold and open, creating conditions that support rich populations of seals and seabirds throughout the year.
The area was charted by Captain James Cook in 1775 during his exploration voyage through the South Atlantic. This early documentation helped establish British presence and territorial interests in the region.
The bay serves as a working research site where scientists study marine animals and their seasonal patterns. Visitors may observe researchers conducting fieldwork among the colonies of seals and birds that inhabit the area.
Visits are possible only between October and March when weather conditions are most favorable for travel. All trips operate as organized expeditions requiring special permits and experienced guides familiar with polar waters.
The waters host one of the largest concentrations of king penguins in the world, with colonies numbering in the hundreds of thousands. Southern elephant seals also breed here, and visitors may witness these massive marine mammals during their seasonal gathering.
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