Kerguelen Travel Guide

Explore the natural beauty, rich culture, and adventure-filled activities of Kerguelen with our comprehensive travel guide. From must-visit attractions to cultural customs to transportation logistics, plan your perfect trip.


Introduction to Kerguelen

Nestled in the midst of the vast Indian Ocean, Kerguelen is an isolated archipelago located in the French Southern and Antarctic Lands of Subantarctic islands. Nicknamed the “Desolation Islands,” Kerguelen’s untouched beauty makes it a prime destination for adventure lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. Whether you want to explore scenic hiking trails, witness wildlife in their natural habitats, or discover a unique culture and heritage, Kerguelen is the perfect getaway for an unforgettable vacation.

List of Places to Visit in Kerguelen

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Kerguelen Museum. Located in Port-aux-Français, the Kerguelen Museum is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in the history and culture of the archipelago. Exhibitions detailing the region’s natural world, its geology, and the history of human presence on the islands are featured here.

  • Monument to Yves de Kerguelen. Set against a backdrop of sweeping views of the ocean, this monument commemorates the French explorer Yves de Kerguelen, for whom the island was named.

Natural Attractions of Kerguelen: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Grand Coude. One of the most unique and awe-inspiring landscapes on the island, Grand Coude is a rugged and steep canyon. It is a popular spot for hiking and mountain biking. Nature enthusiasts will be treated to a breathtaking view of the surrounding area here.

  • Jardin Botanique De Kerguelen. The Kerguelen Botanical Garden is a unique attraction that showcases the diversity of plant life on the island. A guided tour immerses visitors to the world of native flora and fauna of the region.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Kerguelen

Kerguelen is famous for its scenic hiking trails and challenging biking routes, with the island’s rugged terrain and incredible views providing a one-of-a-kind outdoor adventure. Here are some of the best options:

  • The Fjords Circuit. An 18km track that leads hikers up into the island’s interior, the Fjords Circuit is a challenging trek that rewards visitors with stunning views of the fjords’ blue glaciers with surrounding dramatic landscapes.

  • Mount Ross Trail. A challenging trail that winds around Mount Ross, the highest peak on Kerguelen, and provides adventurers with panoramic and picturesque views.

Best Things to Do in Kerguelen: Activities and Tours

  • Wildlife Watching. Kerguelen is home to numerous species of birds including the albatross and penguin. Visitors can watch these birds from a comfortable distance from designated vantage points without disturbing them.

  • Stargazing. The night sky over Kerguelen is breathtaking, with clear views and minimal light pollution to obtain excellent stargazing opportunities, which locally are organized as part of guided tours.

Week-Long Itinerary for Kerguelen

Day 1: Tour the Kerguelen Museum and hike around the nearby heathland.

Day 2: Hike to the summit of Mont Ross and take in the stunning views from the pinnacle.

Day 3: Explore Grand Coude - its rugged terrain and impressive gorge offer perfect for those who love mountain biking.

Day 4: Take a guided tour to Château Malabar, one of the most dazzling elephant seal colonies in the world.

Day 5: Roam around the botanical gardens.

Day 6-7: Indulge in wildlife watching and stargazing opportunities which are available on the Island.

Food and Drink Scene of Kerguelen

Must-Try Dishes

Seafood is the cornerstone of Kerguelen’s cuisine. Visitors are encouraged to try the traditional dishes, such as an array of locally caught seafoood, including the likes of king crab, lobster, cod and squid that inundate the local menus.

Local Beverages

Kerguelen, being a French territory, has a great selection of wines and soft drinks. A visit to the resident pub in Port-aux-Français would provide an opportunity to sample local beers, including the famed Kerguelen lager, brewed locally and not available outside the island.

Where to Stay in Kerguelen: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Most of the accommodation on the island is basic and intended for the scientific community who are stationed on Kerguelen for long periods of time. Hotels and hostels are available in Port-aux-Français with dormitory beds and shared facilities available, while outside the city, camping is the go-to option.

What to Buy in Kerguelen: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors to Kerguelen can collect a variety of souvenirs including hand-made products, such as woolen hats, scarves and ponchos from the locally reared Kerguelen sheep.

Local Culture and Customs of Kerguelen

Kerguelen’s community is made of approximately 100 people who work, study or research on the Island. It is customary to respect the cultural and religious practices of others. Visitors are also responsible for maintaining an eco-friendly environment, thus, only strict wastes disposal protocol must be followed.

Best Time to Visit Kerguelen

Due to Kerguelen’s remote location and harsh climate, visitors should plan travel dates between December and March, when temperatures may range between 3 - 10-degree celsius. This period is also the best to spot the indigenous birdlife in the island’s surroundings.

Do’s and Don’ts of Kerguelen

Do:

  • Practice responsible eco-tourism
  • Respect the local culture and customs
  • Dispose of your waste properly
  • Bring warm clothing suitable for harsh weather

Don’t:

  • Interact with or disturb the island’s wildlife
  • Stray off designated paths and restricted areas
  • Create any noise that could disturb the town’s peace
  • Attempt to take anything from the Island

Safety and Health

Safety in Kerguelen

Due to the Island’s harsh climate, it’s crucial to dress appropriately, use suitable footwear, bring up-to-date safety equipment, and practice restraint outdoors, such as watching over natural obstacles and keeping an eye out for ice ponds. During the summer months, there’s potential for blizzards so it is important to listen to news reports for warnings before venturing out.

Health in Kerguelen

Kerguelen has a small hospital with limited facilities, so it is important to carry your personal medication along with a travel insurance policy that covers emergency evacuation and repatriation, that is in compliance with French Polynesian health policies.

Getting to Kerguelen: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Kerguelen

The only way to reach Kerguelen is by air, from the west coast of Australia, or from La Reunion Island across the Indian Ocean. The Marion Dufresne, which is the research facility, (The only regular vessel to visit Kerguelen to supply the Island’s needs) offers scheduled transportation across the Indian Ocean every three months.

How to Get Around in Kerguelen

As there are no roads or public transportation on Kerguelen, the only option to reach the landmarks is on foot or by bike.

Where to Go Next from Kerguelen: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

The French Southern and Antarctic Territories include various Islands that are wholly uninhabited, and thus, popular amongst tourism for their wildlife activities and tropical climate among other things. Reunion and Mauritius Islands are both great nearby options with flights frequently departing throughout the year.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat to connect with nature, an adventure-driven outdoors trip or a rich cultural experience, Kerguelen Island offers an unforgettable visit. With a bevy of outdoor activities, abundant wildlife-watching opportunities, and cultural attractions, Kerguelen remains a hidden gem for travellers. So pack your bags, gear up for an unforgettable adventure and set sail for Kerguelen today.

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