South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands King Penguin Colony, Gold Harbour

Gold Harbour inhabits one of the biggest King Penguins colonies on South Georgia, sitting right on the black sand beach in front of towering mountains.

Fast shutter speeds are key here, not just because of moving wildlife, but also because of the rocky zodiac rides.

Travel to Gold Harbour is only possible via expedition cruise ships, as there are no airports or permanent settlements on South Georgia Island. Most voyages depart from Ushuaia or occasionally the Falkland Islands, crossing the often rough Southern Ocean. Visitors can only go ashore with guided landings during the austral summer, when weather and sea conditions are most favorable.