- Ship
- 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
We have two full days to explore the unique and isolated northern islands of the archipelago, Tristan, Inaccessible and Nightingale and to find the best places to go ashore. Our first call will be at Tristan da Cunha, the main island. Less than 250 hardy folks earn their living mainly from fishing, all based in the only settlement, Edinburgh of the Seven Seas. As always on expedition voyages like ours, we are visitors at the mercy of wind and swell, and with no proper pier at “The Settlement”, successful landing craves a bit of luck.
The active volcano Queen Mary’s Peak looms more than 2000 meters above sea level, making it an important landmark for former sailors. It had a major eruption from 1961 to 1962, forcing all inhabitants to flee to nearby Gough Island for shelter. Besides visiting the small town, we hope to spot some of the endemic birds breeding in the archipelago, for example, the northern rockhopper penguin. This penguin has long golden tassels of the crest and is the only penguin on the island group. One of the most exciting tubenoses in the South Atlantic, the sooty albatross is breeding in good numbers on Tristan, as well as several species of smaller petrels such as soft-plumages petrel. Also of interest is the endemic Tristan thrush and the flightless Gough moorhen, which has been introduced to Tristan.
We continue the short distance to Inaccessible Island. We have applied for access to this nature reserve and will be accompanied by a certified guide from Tristan. Our hope is to spot the endemic Inaccessible Island rail, world’s smallest flightless bird, breeding only here with up to 5,000 pairs. Northern rockhoppers are also a likely sight.
Before heading north again, we will do a ship cruise along the colorful volcanic cliffs of Nightingale.