South Georgia to Cape Verde:
Secret Islands, Rare Birds, and
Legendary Explorers
Does an epic 33-day adventure to the world’s most remote islands sound like the ideal escape
from the everyday? It does to us, too! On this brand-new expedition across the Atlantic—sailing
from the far south, near the Antarctic Circle, to just off the northwest coast of Africa—you’ll truly
get away from it all, journeying like explorers of long ago to volcanic islands that are so isolated
and so rugged, many remain inaccessible and uninhabitable to all but the most unique wildlife.
History will come alive as you visit Shackleton’s grave and the site of Napoleon’s exile, and trace
routes similar to sections of Drake’s and Cavendish’s circumnavigations of the world. For birders
and nature lovers, the variety of bird species on these nine islands and in the surrounding waters
is astonishing. From the plethora of penguins to the rare, endemic South Atlantic species to the
whales, dolphins and seals, your camera will get quite the workout. In the middle of nowhere,
surrounded by thousands of miles of ocean, these islands are steeped in history and rich in unique
wildlife!
EXPEDITION IN BRIEF
• View dozens of unique bird species, such as northern
rockhopper penguins, Tristan albatrosses and Ascension
frigate birds, plus marine life like whales and dolphins
• Experience several remote British overseas territories,
each with its own history, and some with their own
currency and postage stamps (a bonus for collectors!)
• Visit both active and extinct volcanic islands that provide
insight into our planet’s past
• Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gough and
Inaccessible Islands
• Cruise in a Zodiac to get up close to wildlife
DID YOU KNOW? The most remote archipelago in the world, with a population of about 260 residents, the
Tristan da Cunha Islands are 1,510 miles (2,430 km) from the nearest inhabited land, St. Helena. This group of
small volcanic islands—two of which are wildlife reserves—is home to 29 species of birds, including several that
are endemic to the archipelago.
SOUTH GEORGIA TO CAPE VERDE: SECRET ISLANDS, RARE BIRDS, AND LEGENDARY EXPLORERS
EXPEDITION DOSSIER | 1
Itinerary
Cape Verde
DAY 1 Embarkation Day in Ushuaia,
Argentina
AFRICA
At the southernmost tip of South
America, the quaint city of Ushuaia is
the gateway for your voyage, offering
a range of museums, shops, cafés and
restaurants to explore before you
embark your ship this afternoon. Once
aboard, we’ll sail through the scenic
Beagle Channel, looking out for seals,
sea lions and seabirds. Be sure to be out
on deck, ready to take it all in as your
Atlantic adventure begins.
Atlantic Ocean
Ascension Island
St. Helena
SOUTH
AMERICA
Tristan da Cunha
DAY 2 At Sea
Gough Island
While you’re at sea, dynamic
presentations by our on-board
experts will prepare you for all the
excitement that lies ahead. Our first
week, in particular, will be especially
rich in seabird diversity as we explore
subantarctic waters, and you’ll want to
spend as much time out on the bridge
as possible during the sea days. Today,
as we sail to the Falklands (Malvinas),
Peale’s and dusky dolphin sightings may
be possible.
DAYS 3 AND 4 Falkland Islands (Islas
Malvinas)
Upon arrival in the Falkland Islands
(Islas Malvinas), you’ll be greeted by
a feeling of rugged remoteness. Here,
your camera will be put to work
Falkland Islands
(Islas Malvinas)
Ushuaia
Scotia Sea
capturing the abundant wildlife and
vibrant landscape. The archipelago
contains two main islands, East
Falkland and West Falkland, which you
will experience up close by Zodiac and
during shore landings.
You’ll have time to wander Stanley, also
called Port Stanley, an eclectic outpost
with a British country charm. You’re
free to explore on your own and visit
the numerous churches and museums,
South Georgia
or pop into the pub, where you’ll find
friendly locals eager to chat over a pint.
Wildlife sightings in the archipelago
may include three species of penguins
(Magellanic, gentoo and rockhopper),
plus two endemic bird species (Cobb’s
wren and the Falkland steamer duck).
Viewing black-browed albatross is
almost guaranteed, as 70 percent of the
global population lives here. Your best
chance to spot them is gliding over the
waters of the Southern Ocean.
EXTEND YOUR STAY
Contact our Polar Travel Advisers via email, live chat or phone
(1.888.892.0073) for seamless, worry-free booking of all trip extensions.
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EXPEDITION DOSSIER | 2
DAYS 5 AND 6 At Sea
Sailing to South Georgia, you’ll cross
the Antarctic Convergence, an invisible
biological transition region encircling
Antarctica. This meeting of oceans,
where the cold Antarctic waters mingle
with the warmer waters of the Indian,
Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, is what
creates the abundance of krill and
marine life that attracts several species
of whales (including humpback, blue,
fin and southern right whales) to the
area. Your Expedition Team will also
keep an eye out for the Falkland skuas,
thin-billed prions, and three species of
petrels (southern giant, Wilson’s storm
and common diving) that frequent the
region.
DAYS 7 AND 8 South Georgia
South Georgia was a popular stop for
many Antarctic expeditions and was
once the world’s largest whaling center,
and where elephant and furs seals were
hunted nearly to extinction. As you’ll
witness firsthand, wildlife populations
have rebounded, but you’ll still see
remnants of old whaling stations and
other abandoned outposts scattered
across the island.
One of the most historical sites you
will visit is in Grytviken, where you
will pay your respects at the grave of
the great Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest
Shackleton, who famously escaped with
his crew to the then-uninhabited island
after his ship became trapped in pack
ice during his 1914–17 Imperial TransAntarctic Expedition, considered the
last major expedition of the Historic
Age of Antarctic Exploration. Grytviken
is also home to an old whaling station,
museum, gift shop, church and small
research station.
A paradise for birders, South Georgia
plays host to a variety of incredible
birdlife, including 30 breeding bird
species. Beaches are dotted with
Antarctic fur seals and southern
elephant seals, as well as king and
gentoo penguins, whose rookeries
sometimes number in the hundreds
of thousands of birds! We may also
be fortunate to spot the wandering
albatross out at sea, as it breeds here.
DAYS 9 TO 13 At Sea
Your next few days at sea can be as
busy or as relaxing as you like. You
can attend presentations, peruse the
books in our polar library or chat with
your shipmates in the lounge, but we’ll
bet you’ll want to enjoy the expansive
ocean views from the bridge, spotting
whales and seabirds. As we move to
warmer waters, we might see our
first subtropical species like the sooty
albatross, spectacled petrel or greatwinged petrel.
DAYS 14 TO 17 Tristan da Cunha Islands
With a long history of early oceanic
exploration, the Tristan da Cunha
archipelago has seen its share of
shipwrecks. The most famous was the
British Blenden Hall, destroyed in 1821
en route to Bombay (now Mumbai).
Fortunately, all but two aboard
survived. Isolated and with a rugged,
volcanic terrain, most of these small
islands host an abundance of birdlife
and remain uninhabited to this day.
Together, Gough and Inaccessible
Islands comprise two wildlife reserves
and a UNESCO World Heritage Site,
making them the most undisturbed
islands in the South Atlantic. Zodiac
excursions will take you close to the
towering cliffs that support large
seabird colonies. Bird lovers will marvel
at the variety of unique species that
include the Inaccessible rail (the world’s
smallest flightless bird, and more easily
heard than seen), Gough bunting, great
shearwater, sooty albatross, Atlantic
yellow-nosed albatross, Atlantic petrel
and endemic spectacled petrel, as well
as the endemic Tristan albatross, and
the Tristan skua, thrush and bunting.
Both islands also host colonies of
northern rockhopper penguin (locally
called pinnamins) and large numbers
of subantarctic fur seals, so have
your camera ready to capture these
incredible creatures. With the sheer
range of birdlife here, it’s no wonder
that much of the British overseas
territory of St. Helena, Ascension and
Tristan da Cunha has been identified
by BirdLife International as Important
Bird Areas!
Ever wonder what the most remote
place on the planet is like? Just ask one
of the friendly residents of Tristan da
Cunha Island, a chunk of volcanic rock
smack dab in the middle of nowhere!
All descendants of the original settlers,
some 260 British citizens live here,
in the village of Edinburgh of the
Seven Seas—an astounding 1,510 miles
(2,430 km) from the nearest inhabited
neighbor, St. Helena Island.
EXTEND YOUR STAY
Contact our Polar Travel Advisers via email, live chat or phone
(1.888.892.0073) for seamless, worry-free booking of all trip extensions.
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EXPEDITION DOSSIER | 3
As you wander the lanes of The
Settlement (as islanders call the village)
or chat with locals at the lone pub,
you’ll soon discover why escaping to
Tristan da Cunha is akin to traveling
back in time, where you’ll find an oldfashioned hospitality unlike anywhere
else. A visit to the world’s most remote
post office will yield a delightful
collection of Tristan da Cunha stamps,
illustrating everything from fur seals
to a retrospective of Queen Elizabeth
II’s dress styles to the 1816 landing of
a British garrison. It’s a must-stop for
philatelic enthusiasts.
Just a short cruise away, Nightingale
Island awaits. Although only one square
mile (3.2 sq. km), this active volcano,
which last erupted in 2004, is such a
prolific breeding ground for more than
a million seabirds, as well as endemic
land birds, it’s almost completely
occupied. It’s the only site in the world
where Nightingale buntings are found.
DAYS 18 TO 22 At Sea
We offer many activities to keep you
engaged and entertained while at sea.
Whatever you do—or don’t do!—take
a moment to reflect on the amazing
creatures you’ve encountered so far.
Be sure to keep a lookout for the
dolphins and seabirds that inhabit these
subtropical waters.
DAY 23 St. Helena Island
The most inhabited of the islands we’ll
visit, with 4,500 people living in the
capital of Jamestown, St. Helena boasts
a wealth of military history and was a
major port of call for ships sailing to
Europe from Asia and South Africa.
Although the island was discovered in
1502 by the Portuguese, it remained
“hidden” to the English until 1588,
when Sir Thomas Cavendish visited to
stock up on supplies for his return from
a round-the-world voyage (it’s believed,
however, that Sir Francis Drake likely
located it earlier, during his 1577–80
global circumnavigation).
Dubbed the “secret of the South
Atlantic,” this British overseas territory
is so remote, it’s where Napoleon
Bonaparte was famously exiled from
1815 until his death in 1821. History
buffs will want to explore Napoleon’s
residence and pay their respects at his
former tomb (which has been empty
since his remains were returned to
France in 1840).
St. Helena offers various excursion
opportunities. Wandering down by the
wharf, you may feel the urge to climb
the 699 steps up Jacob’s Ladder, learn
about the island’s past and present at
the museum, or visit the oldest Anglican
church in the southern hemisphere. Or
perhaps the breathtaking vistas from
the massive High Knoll Fort—built in
1874 on the site of the 1798 citadel—may
beckon.
Birders especially will want to keep
their eyes peeled for the island’s
unofficial national bird: the St. Helena
plover. Locals call this endemic species
the wirebird, thanks to its thin, wirelike
legs. Another option may be to pay a
visit to the world’s oldest living land
animal—a 184-year-old giant tortoise
named Jonathan.
Fun fact: St. Helena has its own local
currency, derived from the British
pound, and Jonathan graces the fivepence coin! Other current circulating
coins feature such images as dolphins,
sooty terns, a green sea turtle and
the St. Helena coat of arms, while
commemorative coins depict historic
figures and events, like Napoleon, the
1947 royal visit and the 1677 visit of
astronomer Edmond Halley (of Halley’s
comet).
DAYS 24 AND 25 At Sea
These sea days take you to the islands
farthest north in the British overseas
territory of St. Helena, Ascension and
Tristan da Cunha, Britain’s secondoldest remaining colony. Seabird
sightings may include Madeiran storm
and Bulwer’s petrels.
DAYS 26 AND 27 Ascension Island and
Boatswain Bird Island
At first glance, Ascension may seem
stark and completely barren (Charles
Darwin, on a brief visit in 1836,
famously called it arid and treeless).
Indeed, most of the island’s 34 square
miles (88 sq. km) are surreal, covered
with lava flows and cinder cones, but
you’ll spot several surprises along
the coast: sandy beaches dramatically
tucked in between mounds of striking
black volcanic rock. The biggest of
these is Long Beach, in the capital of
Georgetown. Unsuitable for swimming,
the beach is a major nesting site for
thousands of giant green turtles, who
journey from their feeding grounds in
Brazil. Wildlife lovers will marvel as we
EXTEND YOUR STAY
Contact our Polar Travel Advisers via email, live chat or phone
(1.888.892.0073) for seamless, worry-free booking of all trip extensions.
SOUTH GEORGIA TO CAPE VERDE: SECRET ISLANDS, RARE BIRDS, AND LEGENDARY EXPLORERS
EXPEDITION DOSSIER | 4
try to view, from a safe distance, some
of the females laying their eggs in the
sand.
coast of Senegal, you may catch sight of
the Cape Verde shearwater, which only
breeds on the archipelago
This rocky outcrop is also the most
important seabird breeding site in the
tropical Atlantic, supporting more than
400,000 birds and 11 species. The island
has been eradicated of feral cats, and
bird numbers are now thriving. We
hope to see the endemic Ascension
frigate bird, which breeds on nearby
Boatswain Bird Island, as well as sooty
terns and both the masked and the
brown booby.
DAY 33 Disembark in Praia, Cape Verde
(Cabo Verde)
If conditions allow, a short Zodiac
cruise off Ascension’s east coast
will bring you near the flat-topped
Boatswain Bird, a small but significant
nature reserve for a vast number of
seabirds typical of tropical waters, such
as black and brown noddies, masked
and brown boobies, and, of course,
white-tailed tropicbirds (boatswains).
As you approach the island, some
spectacular sights will emerge: the
sea rushing through an impressive
natural arch, and, hopefully, bottlenose
dolphins frolicking in the warm waters.
After breakfast aboard the ship, it’s
time to part ways with your Expedition
Team and newfound friends. With a
reputation for morabeza (“hospitality” in
Creole), Cape Verde (Cabo Verde) offers
many activities, restaurants and hotels
for passengers itching to explore more.
Eager to experience North Africa or
return to the comforts of home? From
here, you can catch flights to a number
of international destinations.
IMPORTANT REMINDER Embracing
the unexpected is part of the legacy—
and excitement—of expedition travel.
When traveling in extremely remote
regions, your Expedition Team must
allow the sea, the ice and the weather
to guide route and itinerary details. This
itinerary is a tentative outline of what
you’ll experience on this voyage; please
be aware that no specific itinerary can
be guaranteed. A measure of flexibility is
something all of us must bring to a polar
expedition.
DAYS 28 TO 32 At Sea
Bid adieu to your South Atlantic
adventure, as your final destination,
Cape Verde (Cabo Verde), awaits! As
your ship surges north, crossing the
equator, take a moment to swap stories
and photos with your shipmates. Time
spent out on deck may reward you with
sightings of whale pods and dolphin
pods. Nearing Cape Verde (Cabo Verde),
about 310 miles (500 km) off the west
EXTEND YOUR STAY
Contact our Polar Travel Advisers via email, live chat or phone
(1.888.892.0073) for seamless, worry-free booking of all trip extensions.
SOUTH GEORGIA TO CAPE VERDE: SECRET ISLANDS, RARE BIRDS, AND LEGENDARY EXPLORERS
EXPEDITION DOSSIER | 5
Arrival & Departure Details
Welcome! As you prepare for your journey, you may be interested to know the details of your
arrival and departure. Since air transportation to and from your voyage is not included in the
cost of your expedition, you will need to arrange flights from your home to the starting point,
and home again from the finishing point. Quark Expeditions® can assist you with booking air
arrangements on an individual basis, or feel free to contact your preferred travel agent or airline.
Arrival Day and Embarkation
Hotel Accommodations
Please be sure to arrive prior to 2 pm local time on
Day 1 of your expedition and make your way to the pier,
where you will be transferred to the ship by bus. We
recommend arriving one or two days early in Ushuaia in
case of airline delays, and to enjoy a taste of Patagonia prior
to your expedition. For passengers arriving before Day 1 of
the itinerary, taxis are available to take you to your hotel for
approximately US$15.
Your itinerary does not include hotel accommodation before
or after the scheduled itinerary. If you are arriving prior to
Day 1 of your expedition, or staying after the disembarkation
day, please contact your Polar Travel Adviser for hotel
options. Since accommodation space is limited, you are
encouraged to request any extra nights as early as possible.
Final Day and Departure
Disembarkation is scheduled at the pier in Praia, Cape Verde,
between 7 am and 8 am local time. After breakfast, and once
the ship has docked, you will have time to bid farewell to
your Expedition Team and shipmates before completing
your disembarkation. The process takes about an hour. After
disembarkation, you are free to depart, or choose to stay for
extra nights in Cape Verde. Please book your flight home
from Praia to depart as late in the day as possible, or at a date
after the end of your expedition. If you have booked a flight
that departs before 11 am on the date that your expedition
ends, you will be at risk of missing your flight.
Please note that weather conditions can always delay our arrival,
and airline schedule changes have also been known to occur.
Booking flexible tickets is always encouraged, as we cannot
be held responsible for ship or flight delays due to unforeseen
circumstances.
Arrival and Departure Transfers
USHUAIA AIRPORT TRANSFERS
Arrival transfers in Ushuaia are not included.
PRAIA AIRPORT TRANSFERS
Departure transfers in Praia are included, either to
your hotel, or to the airport if you are flying out on
disembarkation day.
In order to facilitate your transfers, we request that you provide
your flight details to Quark Expeditions® at least 30 days prior to
traveling.
Extending Your Trip
You can extend your trip by booking extra days to explore
South America before the voyage. Since you’re traveling
such a long way, you may want to spend extra time in one
of our gateway cities or add on another region. We have a
variety of pre-expedition packages in the fascinating cities
of Buenos Aires, Ushuaia or the region of Patagonia. Enjoy
a cruise to Penguin Island near Ushuaia, trek and canoe
in Tierra del Fuego National Park, take in a tango show
in Buenos Aires or stroll the catwalks over Iguazu Falls.
Contact your Polar Travel Adviser to discover the best
options for extending your adventure.
LET US HELP YOU BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS!
To book flights to complement your expedition, contact a Polar Travel Adviser
(1.888.892.0073) for seamless, worry-free booking of all flights.
SOUTH GEORGIA TO CAPE VERDE: SECRET ISLANDS, RARE BIRDS, AND LEGENDARY EXPLORERS
EXPEDITION DOSSIER | 6
Inclusions
THIS EXPEDITION INCLUDES
• Shipboard accommodation with daily
housekeeping
• All breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks on
board
• All shore landings per the daily program
• Leadership throughout the voyage by our
experienced Expedition Leader
• All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily
program
• Formal and informal presentations by our
Expedition Team and special guests as scheduled
• A photographic journal documenting the
expedition
• Waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore
landings
• Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
• A hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
• All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges
throughout the program
• All luggage handling aboard the ship
• Emergency evacuation insurance to a maximum
benefit of US$500,000 per person
• Departure transfers in Praia, Cape Verde
THIS EXPEDITION EXCLUDES
• International airfare
• Passport and visa expenses
• Government arrival and departure taxes not
mentioned above
• An official Quark Expeditions® parka (available for
purchase if required)
• Meals ashore unless otherwise specified
• Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical
travel insurance—strongly recommended
• Excess-baggage fees on international flights
• Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or
any other gear not mentioned
• Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges
unless specified
• Phone and Internet charges
• Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for
shipboard staff and crew
• Additional overnight accommodation
• Arrival transfers in Ushuaia, Argentina
EXTEND YOUR STAY
Contact our Polar Travel Advisers via email, live chat or phone
(1.888.892.0073) for seamless, worry-free booking of all trip extensions.
SOUTH GEORGIA TO CAPE VERDE: SECRET ISLANDS, RARE BIRDS, AND LEGENDARY EXPLORERS
EXPEDITION DOSSIER | 7
Dates & Rates
END OF THE WORLD Remote Islands of the Atlantic
Expedition Aboard the Adventure Ship OCEAN ADVENTURER
Dates
March 10 - April 11,
2018
Days Start/End Triple
33
Ushuaia/
Praia
$10,795
Lower
Deck
Main Deck Main Deck Superior
Porthole
Window
Deluxe
Suite
Owner’s
Suite
$11,695
$12,395
$15,395
$17,995
$19,995
$12,895
$13,995
All rates per person in USD.
HOW TO BOOK YOUR EXPEDITION & ADVENTURE OPTIONS
To book your cabin or inquire about the availability of Adventure Options,
contact a Polar Travel Adviser 1.888.892.0073 (+1.203.803.2666).
1.888.892.0073
SOUTH GEORGIA TO CAPE VERDE: SECRET ISLANDS, RARE BIRDS, AND LEGENDARY EXPLORERS
EXPEDITION DOSSIER | 8
Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
POSSIBLE LANDINGS AND WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS
A rare treat on a polar voyage is to stop for a pint with some locals! At Stanley, in the Falklands, it is one unique
optional activity that many travelers partake in. The archipelago itself consists of East Falkland and West Falkland,
which are divided by the Falkland Sound. You’ll enjoy your first sightings of penguins here as well.
STANLEY
Stanley’s deep-water harbor has been the economic mainstay
of the community since the port’s completion in 1845. Ships
that were damaged while rounding Cape Horn would call
in for expensive repairs. The questionable vessels that were
used to carry fortune seekers to the gold fields of California
and Australia often called at Stanley as well. The town is as
lively as it gets in the Falklands (Malvinas), and the future of
the port may be bright if hydrocarbon deposits off the coast
prove to be abundant.
IMPORTANT REMINDER Embracing the unexpected
is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition
travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your
Expedition Team must allow the sea, the ice and the
weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary
is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this
voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be
guaranteed. A measure of flexibility is something all of us
must bring to a polar expedition.
SOUTH GEORGIA TO CAPE VERDE: SECRET ISLANDS, RARE BIRDS, AND LEGENDARY EXPLORERS
EXPEDITION DOSSIER | 9
South Georgia
POSSIBLE LANDINGS AND WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS
South Georgia is roughly 100 miles (160 km) by 20 miles (32 km) wide. When the legendary Captain James Cook
published his account of the area, he created a rush of interest in whaling and sealing on South Georgia and the
Sandwich Islands. Today, penguins and seals are abundant once again.
DRYGALSKI FJORD
ST. ANDREW’S BAY
This is a photogenic and dramatic fjord, with sharp and
jagged peaks rising out of the sea. Glaciation never reached
the peaks, giving the fjord a unique landscape.
Thousands of breeding pairs of king penguins nest at
St. Andrew’s Bay—the largest king penguin rookery on
South Georgia, and a wildlife spectacle to behold. Reindeer
introduced by Norwegian whalers are known to feed on the
grass in the area.
GOLD HARBOUR
The backdrop to this harbor is the hanging Bertrab Glacier.
King and gentoo penguins call Gold Harbour home, as do
rowdy elephant and fur seals.
GRYTVIKEN
Only a handful of people live, albeit temporarily, on South
Georgia, a United Kingdom overseas territory. Two of them
are curators of the South Georgia Museum, located in the
former villa of the whaling station manager. The church was
built for the whaling community and is the only building in
Grytviken that is still used for its original purpose.
PRION ISLAND
Robert Cushman Murphy named Prion Island for the species
of petrels seen here. Birders will be pleased to know that
wandering albatross are also known to nest on the island.
STROMNESS
This abandoned whaling station was in full operation the
day that Sir Ernest Shackleton and his companions staggered
into it after a 36-hour trek across the island. There is a small
cemetery here, with the graves of 14 whalers.
IMPORTANT REMINDER Embracing the unexpected
is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition
travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your
Expedition Team must allow the sea, the ice and the
weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary
is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this
voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be
guaranteed. A measure of flexibility is something all of us
must bring to a polar expedition.
SALISBURY PLAIN
One of the largest king penguin rookeries on South Georgia
is located on Salisbury Plain. The Murphy and Lucas Glaciers
flank the plain, creating a perfect backdrop for photos.
SOUTH GEORGIA TO CAPE VERDE: SECRET ISLANDS, RARE BIRDS, AND LEGENDARY EXPLORERS
EXPEDITION DOSSIER | 10
Atlantic Islands
POSSIBLE LANDINGS AND WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS
The British overseas territory of St. Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha consists of the world’s most remote
islands. What’s the allure of journeying to such far-flung lands? To escape to places that few have set foot on, save
for the tens of thousands of birds who find sanctuary in this region. Here, on the most isolated inhabited island
on the planet, you’ll find a solitude and hospitality that harkens back to days gone by. Thousands of miles away,
off the northwest coast of Africa, the island nation of Cape Verde (Cabo Verde) is also known for its hospitality, as
well as scenic seaside villages and beaches. Solitude, scenery and seabirds—sounds like the ideal escape to us, too!
ASCENSION ISLAND
EDINBURGH OF THE SEVEN SEAS
Ascension has the distinction of being discovered twice:
first in 1501 on an unrecorded visit, and then again two years
later by Portuguese navigator Afonso de Albuquerque, who
named it after the day of its recorded sighting, Ascension
Day. The volcanic island remained uninhabited, however,
until a British garrison was stationed to guard the island
against French attempts to rescue an exiled Napoleon from
St. Helena. Ascension’s strong military history continued
through the 20th century, when it supported a U.S. airbase
during the Second World War. The island was also home
to a NASA tracking station from 1967 to 1990. Thousands of
Ascension frigate birds are endemic to the island, which has
the second-largest nesting population of green turtles in the
Atlantic.
The only settlement of the Tristan da Cunha Islands, the
hamlet of Edinburgh of the Seven Seas is the world’s most
isolated community. Founded in 1816, it is named after HRH
Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, in honor of his visit in
1867. A volcanic eruption in 1961 forced the evacuation of
the settlement; a hardy lot, most islanders returned two
years later to rebuild the village. They renamed the harbor
Calshot, after their temporary home in England.
BOATSWAIN BIRD ISLAND
A designated Important Bird Area, this tiny nature reserve
is renowned for the tens of thousands of breeding seabirds,
such as white-tailed tropicbirds (boatswains), that give the
island its white color.
CAPE VERDE (CABO VERDE)
Discovered in 1456, this archipelago off the coast of Senegal
remained uninhabited until 1461, when the Portuguese
colonized it, establishing the first European settlement in the
tropics. The island nation achieved independence in 1975
and is a member of the African Union. The isolation of these
volcanic islands has resulted in a number of endemic bird
species, such as the Cape Verde shearwater and warbler.
GEORGETOWN
Named after King George III, who reigned at the time that
Ascension was claimed for Britain, Georgetown is the
island’s main cultural and historical hub. The most modern
of the island’s three forts, Fort Bedford, affords scenic views
of the settlement, while the nearby beach hosts thousands of
green turtles during nesting season.
GOUGH ISLAND
A UNESCO World Heritage Site (along with nearby
Inaccessible Island), Gough and its surrounding waters
were designated a wildlife reserve in 1993. The second
largest of the Tristan da Cunha group of islands was named
for Captain Charles Gough, who sighted it in 1732. As a
sanctuary to such birds as buntings, skuas and northern
rockhopper penguins, Gough remains uninhabited, except
for the handful of South African personnel who staff the
weather station.
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INACCESSIBLE ISLAND
PRAIA
Together with Gough Island, this extinct volcano, which
has been inactive for six million years, is a UNESCO World
Heritage Site and wildlife sanctuary. Most of the island is
surrounded by sheer sea cliffs and boulder beaches, making
landings rather inaccessible to all but the seabirds, including
albatross colonies, that nest along the rocky shore. The
flightless Inaccessible rail can only be found here. Northern
rockhopper penguins are also plentiful
The capital of Cape Verde (Cabo Verde), Praia is perched on
a plateau on the archipelago’s main island, Santiago. The old
town offers many photo ops, as it is filled with picturesque
buildings that date back to the nation’s colonial days.
JAMESTOWN
Dramatically sandwiched between steep cliffs, Jamestown
is the capital of St. Helena. The settlement’s main claim to
fame is Napoleon Bonaparte. Exiled to the island in 1815,
the French emperor resided peacefully at Longwood House
until his death six years later. Although he’d requested to be
buried in the nearby Sane Valley, his tomb is now empty
(his remains have been in Paris since 1840). Now a museum
owned by the French government, Longwood features
hundreds of original artifacts and furniture.
LETTERBOX PENINSULA
At the eastern tip of Ascension Island, this nature reserve
is home to increasingly large numbers of nesting masked
boobies and Ascension frigate birds, thanks to efforts to
eradicate the island’s primary mammal predator, feral cats.
LONG BEACH
The biggest beach on Ascension Island is a major breeding
site for the giant green turtles who feed on the Brazilian
coast and then journey 1,430 miles (2,300 km) across the
Atlantic Ocean to nest on its sandy shores.
ST. HELENA ISLAND
Discovered by the Portuguese in 1502, St. Helena was, for
centuries, a major stopping point for ships sailing to Europe
from Asia and South Africa. A must-visit for history lovers,
some of the most exclusive Napoleonic locations in the
world are found on the island, where the British government
exiled the deposed French emperor in 1815.
TRISTAN DA CUNHA ISLAND
Tristan da Cunha was first sighted in 1506 by Portuguese
explorer Tristão da Cunha, but it wasn’t settled until the
British claimed it to keep an eye on Napoleon, who was
exiled to “nearby” St. Helena, a mere 1,510 miles (2,430 km)
away. Since the island is basically an active volcano that rises
to 6,750 feet (2,082 meters), the entire population lives on the
only flat patch of land, in Edinburgh of the Seven Seas.
IMPORTANT REMINDER Embracing the unexpected
is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition
travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your
Expedition Team must allow the sea, the ice and the
weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary
is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this
voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be
guaranteed. A measure of flexibility is something all of us
must bring to a polar expedition.
NIGHTINGALE ISLAND
Part of the Tristan da Cunha Islands, this active volcano last
erupted in 2004, the result of a six-hour earthquake swarm.
Until then, the volcano may have been dormant for more
than 39,000 years. The island is an Important Bird Area and
the only place on the planet where Nightingale buntings are
found. You might also find pirate loot here, too! Legend has
it that Captain John Thomas hid the Spanish booty in the
island’s caves during an expedition to the South Atlantic.
Last revised: April 24, 2017
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