South Georgia cruise to Royal Bay
March 12th, 2005 
After several days spent crossing the South Scotia sea, the Antarctica cruise ship arrives in South Georgia, where our first landing is close to an enormous colony of King penguins, an absolutely stunning view, at Royal Bay.
Well... what to say more? A view over a King penguin colony, is one of the most amazing sights during a South Georgia cruise.
The South Georgia island is partly covered by glaciers. Where the conditions permit, just a large chunk of grass, called Tussoc, grow. Often, during a cruise to South Georgia, from the cruise ship is possible to observe large colonies of King penguins populating the beaches.
Our first landing in South Georgia is scheduled at Royal Bay, and we are soon surrounded by King penguins, curious to investigate about us.
The King penguins are beautiful, smaller than the Emperor penguins, but with much more vivid colors.
Pictures of King penguins
More photos King penguins from the colony in Royal Bay, South Georgia.
King penguins in Royal Bay, South Georgia
There are not only king penguins in South Georgia and Royal Bay, but the beach is often shared also with fur seals, elephant seals, Antarctica giant petrels and other birds.
Picture of a skua, a scavenger bird that sometimes may eat also fresh eggs and small chicks.
Several king penguins are incubating, keeping the egg on their feet.
Other King penguins incubating an egg on their feet.
After a short walk, I arrive closer to the King penguin colony at Royal Bay.
The view over the colony is absolutely stunning, there are penguins as far as there is land.
These king penguin pictures are self-describing, no more words needed!
The rules say to always stay at least 5 metres away from wildlife, however it is sufficient just to stop and sit down, that in few minutes some peguin will come very close to investigate.
Well... what to say more? A view over a King penguin colony, is one of the most amazing sights during a South Georgia cruise.
Pictures of King penguins
More photos King penguins from the colony in Royal Bay, South Georgia.
King penguins in Royal Bay, South Georgia
Picture of a skua, a scavenger bird that sometimes may eat also fresh eggs and small chicks.
Other King penguins incubating an egg on their feet.
After a short walk, I arrive closer to the King penguin colony at Royal Bay.
The rules say to always stay at least 5 metres away from wildlife, however it is sufficient just to stop and sit down, that in few minutes some peguin will come very close to investigate.