Cooper Island (South Georgia)

Cooper Island is a small, uninhabited island off the coast of South Georgia in the sub-Antarctic, part of the British Overseas Territory of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. It is notable for dense seabird colonies and seal haul-outs and for stands of native tussac grass.

The island is primarily visited by expedition cruise ships and scientific parties for wildlife viewing and short shore landings. Typical highlights are large colonies of penguins and seabirds, seal rookeries and coastal birdlife; landings are brief and managed to minimise disturbance. Vegetation is dominated by tussac grass and other sub-Antarctic plants rather than trees.

There is no permanent population or infrastructure on Cooper Island; it has been used intermittently for scientific surveys and wildlife monitoring. Conservation measures focus on biosecurity and preventing the introduction of non-native species.

Geographically it sits close to the main island of South Georgia in the southern Atlantic Ocean, within the maritime environment of the sub-Antarctic. The nearest significant administration is the government offices for South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands; access is by ship during the austral summer.

• Access rules: Landings and visits are managed under permits and guidelines issued by the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands to protect breeding seabirds and marine mammals.
• Best time to visit: Best wildlife viewing occurs during the austral summer, roughly November through March, when penguins and seals breed and seabird activity is highest.