Tristan da Cunha Travel Guide

Explore the hidden gem of the Atlantic Ocean with our comprehensive tour guide for Tristan da Cunha. Discover natural attractions, cultural landmarks, local food, and more.


Introduction to Tristan da Cunha

Tristan da Cunha is one of the world’s remotest inhabited islands, located in the South Atlantic Ocean. It is a British Overseas Territory and forms part of the Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha group of islands. The archipelago is made up of several smaller islands, including Nightingale Island, Inaccessible Island, and Gough Island, along with Tristan da Cunha Island itself. The only way to reach the island is through a limited number of options, which make the island even more special. It is a haven for wildlife, adventurous activities, and home to a friendly community of less than 300 people. With this comprehensive tour guide, discover all you need to know before travelling to this hidden gem in the Atlantic Ocean.

List of Places to Visit in Tristan da Cunha

Are you wondering what to do or where to go on Tristan da Cunha Island? Here are some of the must-visit places:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Tristan da Cunha has a rich history and heritage. You can learn about the island’s past through a visit to the museum and historical landmarks. Here are some of the places to visit:

  • Prince Philip Museum: Located in the main settlement of Edinburgh of the Seven Seas, the museum focuses on the island’s history, culture, flora and fauna.
  • Saint Mary’s Church: The oldest Anglican church in the Southern Hemisphere and the only church on the island.
  • The Residency: The official residence of the Administrator of Tristan da Cunha.
  • World War II Museum: A small museum showcasing artefacts and stories from the island’s involvement in World War II.

Natural Attractions of Tristan da Cunha: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Tristan da Cunha is a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers. From hiking to exploring wildlife, there is something for everyone. Here are some natural attractions to check out:

  • Tristan da Cunha Island Walk: A seven-mile walk, which takes hikers across the island to explore the different landscapes.
  • The Patches: Rock formations that organise in hexagonal shapes that are the result of volcanic activity over millions of years.
  • Gough Island: Take a boat trip to the nearby Gough Island and explore one of the most important seabird nesting sites in the world.
  • Inaccessible Island: A wildlife reserve with an astonishing ecosystem with an abundance of lesser-known plant and animal species.
  • Nightingale Island: Home to thousands of rockhopper penguins and a seabird breeding site

Hiking/Biking Routes of Tristan da Cunha

Tristan da Cunha is a haven for hikers and bikers. The island offers a range of trekking and biking trails, with different difficulty levels. Some of the most popular routes include:

  • Queen Mary’s Peak Hike: A challenging trek complete with stunning views from the peak.
  • Stony Hill Walk: The walk, with a moderate difficulty level, takes you on a journey through the countryside and provides you with panoramic vistas of the island.
  • Biking through the Settlement: With a plethora of bikes available to rent, explore the town and surrounding areas at your leisure.

Best Things to Do in Tristan da Cunha: Activities and Tours

Tristan da Cunha may be a remote island, but there are still plenty of activities to keep you active and entertained. Here are some exciting things to do on the island:

  • Fishing: Fishing is a way of life on Tristan da Cunha and offers a fantastic opportunity for travellers to join in and catch some fish for their dinner.
  • Whale Watching: Tristan da Cunha is an international hotspot for whale-watching, and there are several options for tours.
  • Diving: The island has some of the most pristine marine environments, and exploring the underwater world is one of the best ways to see the unique and lesser-known species of aquatic life.

Week-Long Itinerary for Tristan da Cunha

Are you planning to visit Tristan da Cunha and want to make the most of your time on the island? Here is a week-long itinerary to help you experience everything the island has to offer:

Day Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival and check-in
Day 2 Visit the Prince Philip Museum and Botanical Gardens
Day 3 Queen Mary’s Peak Hike and the Patches
Day 4 Biking through the Settlement and Nightingale Island visit
Day 5 Fishing and Whale Watching
Day 6 Diving or snorkeling with marine life
Day 7 Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Tristan da Cunha

Tristan da Cunha’s food scene may seem relatively basic, but it’s full of local flavour. The taste of which will linger in your mind long after you leave the island. Here is a list of must-try dishes:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Lobster: The island’s staple dish delicately prepared to savour
  • Muttonbird: Also known as Shearwater, is a fatty bird cooked in different variations, which include pie, curry, stew, etcetera.
  • Fresh Catch: As the island’s economy relies heavily on fishing, fresh fish is widely available to consume.

Local Beverages

  • Tea: The island has mastered the art of tea-making. Enjoy a cup of finely brewed tea, paired with home-made scones and tea cakes.
  • Tristan beer: A locally crafted beer with a unique taste

Where to Stay in Tristan da Cunha: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Tristan da Cunha provides limited accommodation options; however, there are enough options for a comfortable stay for a maximum of 15 guests at any one time. Primarily, you can expect your stay to be in a guesthouse or a bed and breakfast. Here are some places to consider:

  • Atlantic Ocean Guest House: A traditional Tristanian style house located in the heart of Edinburgh of the Seven Seas, with five rooms perfect for the complete island experience.
  • TDC Beautiful Island Guest House: This guesthouse provides complete seclusion, making it perfect for couples and honeymooners.

What to Buy in Tristan da Cunha: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Bring home a piece of Tristan da Cunha by purchasing some of the following unique items:

  • Tristan Jewellery: Black-brown saltwater pearls are native to the island and popular in the form of necklaces, earrings, and bracelets.
  • Uniquely branded Tristan t-shirts, hats, and jackets.
  • Handmade souvenirs using local materials such as wood and plants

Local Culture and Customs of Tristan da Cunha

Tristan da Cunha is a fascinating place, deeply rooted in its unique culture and customs. Visitors must respect local traditions and social norms. Here are some customs practised on the island:

  • Island community maintains a strong bond and spirit;
  • Once a person has been on the island for more than three years, they are considered a local, and social interactions are fundamental to local culture.

Best Time to Visit Tristan da Cunha

Tristan da Cunha has a maritime climate; therefore, weather is unpredictable. However, it is recommended to plan your trip between December to February. Summer months offer the warmest weather and lighter ocean currents, making transportation to the islands easier.

Do’s and Don’ts of Tristan da Cunha

To ensure that you have the best island experience and to show respect for the local culture, here are some dos and don’ts:

Do:

  • Explore and interact with locals
  • Respect local traditions and customs
  • Follow the laws and regulations of the island

Don’t:

  • Litter on the island
  • Take pictures of locals without asking their permission
  • Disturb the island’s wildlife or remove any of the flora and fauna from the island

Safety and Health

Safety in Tristan da Cunha

Tristan da Cunha is one of the safest places you can visit. The community lives in harmony, and the limited population makes it easier to keep track of anyone’s whereabouts. However, if you’re travelling on your own, ensure that you inform the community of your plans and let them know when to expect your return.

Health in Tristan da Cunha

Supplies are limited on the island. Avoid getting seriously ill or injured, and ensure that you have travel insurance before embarking on your trip. It is recommended that visitors bring essential medication to ensure they are prepared for any medical needs.

Getting to Tristan da Cunha: Transportation Options and Logistics

Getting to Tristan da Cunha, the world’s most remote inhabited island, is no simple feat. There are specific travel restrictions that visitors must adhere to, and there are a limited number of travel options. The following are ways to get to Tristan da Cunha Island:

  • MV Edinburgh, SA Agulhas II: Ships scheduled annually from South Africa and Ascension Island during the summer months.
  • Emergency helicopter flight: In exceptional circumstances, only available for medical emergencies.

Airports Near Tristan da Cunha

The island has no airport. Therefore, visitors must plan to fly to a nearby country or island to catch a ride on one of the boats to the island.

Bus Stations Near Tristan da Cunha

There are no buses to or from the island. Visitors must plan to arrange private transport.

Other Options

Some travellers may prefer to travel by private yacht or catamaran. Still, it’s worth noting that docking facilities are limited.

How to Get Around in Tristan da Cunha

There is no need to worry about finding transportation on Tristan da Cunha. The island is just over 7.5 miles in length; therefore, getting around is done by foot or by bicycle, which can be rented in the settlement.

Where to Go Next from Tristan da Cunha: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

After exploring Tristan da Cunha, travellers looking to continue exploring the remote islands of the South Atlantic can visit some of the closest islands:

  • Inaccessible Island
  • Gough Island
  • Saint Helena

Conclusion

Tristan da Cunha is an adventurous traveller’s dream destination. The island’s isolation and minimalistic appeal will soon have you forgetting the trappings and daily distractions of modern-day life. Whether you’re hiking to the peak of Queen Mary’s Mountain or diving in one of the most pristine marine environments, Tristan da Cunha is a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered. Follow our comprehensive tour guide and make the most of your adventurous journey to Tristan da Cunha.

Location map of Tristan da Cunha, showing its location in the South Atlantic, with Africa to the east, and South America to the west Location map of Tristan da Cunha, showing its location in the South Atlantic, with Africa to the east, and South America to the west View of the entire volcanic cone of Tristan da Cunha View of the entire volcanic cone of Tristan da Cunha West coast of Tristan da Cunha West coast of Tristan da Cunha Map of the Tristan da Cunha group and Gough Island Map of the Tristan da Cunha group and Gough Island Edinburgh of the Seven Seas map Edinburgh of the Seven Seas map Gough moorhen Gough moorhen A Tristan thrush on Nightingale Island A Tristan thrush on Nightingale Island Inaccessible Island Inaccessible Island Nightingale Island as seen from the northeast with Alex Island on the right and the landing just right of the centre of the image Nightingale Island as seen from the northeast with Alex Island on the right and the landing just right of the centre of the image Top view of Gough Island Top view of Gough Island