Photo by Jake Rosmarin
Guests were ashore on Nightingale Island for half a day, while Inaccessible Island proved the most challenging, with landings impacted by deteriorating conditions. Not all guests were able to land on Inaccessible Island, highlighting just how quickly conditions can change in the South Atlantic, and how challenging landing on these islands can be. Despite the best efforts of the expedition team, for safety reasons, this landing had to be cut short and restricted. Despite this setback, the expedition also successfully provided Zodiac cruises at Gough Island. Landings are restricted at Gough Island for biosecurity reasons. It is one of the most important seabird breeding sites in the world, and a standout success story of the protection of isolated bird colonies from invasive species such as rats.
"Inaccessible Island, as the name suggests, is incredibly difficult to land on. It was an epic feeling to make it ashore finally. I have been here four times before, and landing was always impossible due to weather and sea conditions. While we did still have challenges, and not all guests were able to land, we were still able to offer amazing Zodiac cruises around the island, providing opportunities found nowhere else on Earth." - Hans Verdaat, Expedition Leader, Oceanwide Expeditions
Tristan da Cunha & Oceanwide Expeditions
Tristan da Cunha is one of the most geographically isolated locations on Earth. The group forms part of the British Overseas Territory of Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha. The main island in the group, Tristan da Cunha, is home to the only permanent settlement, Edinburgh of the Seven Seas, with a population of 220 as of April 2026. The entire group is of ecological significance, and is home to a marine reserve and local protection.
Oceanwide Expeditions has a longstanding relationship with the Tristanian community, with educational outreach sessions and community donations occurring annually. Key to the relationship is logistical support. Oceanwide Expeditions transports the main export of Tristan da Cunha, potatoes and Tristan rock lobster, to Saint Helena, to be sold on behalf of Tristanian families. Community members also regularly travel with Oceanwide Expeditions. There is no airstrip on the islands - the only way to leave is by ship. The closest airport is on Saint Helena, around 2,100 km (1,300 mi) to the north.
The Atlantic Odyssey itinerary is run by Oceanwide Expeditions at the close of each Antarctic season. Guests travel from Ushuaia, Argentina, to some of the most isolated islands in the world, including South Georgia, Tristan da Cunha, Gough Island, and Saint Helena. Guests can also choose to remain on the vessel from Saint Helena to Cape Verde and, in select seasons, explore the western African coast on a special West Africa Pelagic itinerary. The Atlantic Odyssey itinerary is next scheduled for 4 April 2027. Another departure follows on 30 March 2028.
