Bay of Isles

The Bay of Isles

Whaler in the Bay of Isles c 1900

The Bay of Isles is a bay on the north coast of South Georgia, nine miles wide and receding three miles. It was named "the Bay of Isles" by Captain James Cook because of the many islands in the bay; at least twelve in number in additions to rocks and shoals.

The bay lies between Cape Buller and Cape Wilson along the north coast of South Georgia, at 54°1’60"S, 37°19’60"W. Cook discovered and charted the bay in January 1775.

Many of the islands in the bay are named after local birds. The isles include:

• Albatross Island
• Crescent Island
• Invisible Island
• Mollyhawk Island
• Skua Island
• Petrel Island
• Prion Island
• Tern Island

The area, along with Grytviken, is one of two "Areas of Special Tourist Interest" of South Georgia. Of South Georgia's 31 breeding bird species, 17 are found here.

Rosita Harbour is on the west coast of the bay.

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References

• Stonehouse, B (ed.) Encyclopedia of Antarctica and the Southern Oceans (2002, ISBN 0-471-98665-8)
• Gazetteer and Map of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands: Bay of Isles