Tristan da Cunha Visit News

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Feedback from visitors to Tristan da Cunha. 9-May-2025
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Visits of Yachts Amundsen and Vinson of Antarctica, Easter 2025

Report and photos from Kelly Green

Easter 2025 was a busy period on Tristan. On Good Friday, 18th April, a visit by the yacht Amundsen coincided with the arrival of the MFV Edinburgh. While the Edinburgh disembarked passengers offloaded long-awaited supplies, the crew of the Amundsen soon inflated their dinghy and came ashore early that morning. The Tourism Centre was specially opened to receive them, and representatives from both Tourism and Immigration were on hand at the harbour. The visitors enjoyed a spot of shopping, a bit of exploring, and were delighted to take back with them some of our prized Tristan rock lobster and home-grown potatoes.

Crew of the yacht Amundsen

Saturday brought a slight lull in activity as the weather turned a bit grey and unkind, but by Easter Sunday, the skies began to clear and residents were able to enjoy the holiday in better conditions. Unfortunately, conditions prevented backloading of the Edinburgh until Bank Holiday Monday. She eventually departed in the afternoon. That same morning, we also welcomed back a familiar visitor — the yacht Vincent of Antarctica, which had last visited in 2024. She had arrived and anchored on Sunday afternoon before her crew came ashore at around 9 a.m. Monday 21st April. Like their predecessors, they explored the village and the potato patches, sent postcards to loved ones, and took a few Tristan lobster tails and home-grown potatoes to enjoy during their onward journey. Both yachts are operated by the same company and are almost identical in design. They continued their voyages to Cape Town.

Right: The yacht Vinson of Antarctica Below: Crew of the Vinson of Antarctica

If you were on either of the yachts, we'd welcome your feedback using our Visitors' Feedback Form.

Visit of the MV Hondius, April 2025

Report by Kelly Green with photos from Craig Robertson, Kieran Glass, Hans Verdaat & Hazel Pittwood

The cruise ship MV Hondius arrived on the 4th April 2025 for a three day visit to the islands, having already visited Gough (where they'd had a fab day of Zodiac cruises). She headed first to Nightingale Island.

Zodiac operations at sea

Nightingale Island

The conditions were looking just right for a landing at Nightingale's West Landing site. The Conservation RIB wasted no time and headed out to meet the vessel to drop off local Conservation guides, Tristan Glass and Kieran Glass, to pilot the visitors' rare and thrilling trip ashore. This was something the cruise company hadn't pulled off in many years, given the steep cliffs, wave-battered shores, and notoriously unpredictable seas.

Tristan Glass (left) and Kieran Glass (right) with cruise passengers on a zodiac off Nightingale Island.

They enjoyed the island's rich wildlife, including curious juvenile Yellow-Nosed Albatross around the Ponds and among the tussock grass, and many Sub-Antarctic fur seals lounging on the rocks. There were plenty of photographic opportunities

Happy visitors among the nesting albatrosses, cameras at the ready

Nesting Albatrosses at one of the Ponds

Afterwards, the Expedition Leader, Hans Verdaat, and his colleague Hazel Pittwood said they'd had a spectacular day on Nightingale and absolutely loved the island. A true expedition triumph and a moment none of them will forget! They couldn't stop raving about our local legends: Conrad Glass, who they have enjoyed working with over many years, and Tristan and Kieran Glass, whose knowledge and support made this once-in-a-blue-moon landing possible.

Stoltenoff, Middle or Alex islands viewed from Nightingale, and Tristan da Cunha island on the horizon.

As the sun set, Hondius sat gracefully between all three islands-a truly magical sight.

Visiting Tristan Island

Back at the Tourism Centre, things had been in full swing while the ship was at Nightingale. They were still cleaning up from the Bark Europa's visit the day before, restocking the shop and café, and prepping fresh lobster for Hondius's big Saturday stop.

Saturday 5th April kicked off bright and early, with zodiacs in the water by 7:30am. Immigration hopped on board, and before they knew it, passengers were stepping ashore with huge smiles and camera-ready enthusiasm.

Expedition Leader Hans Verdaat by the Remotest Island sign

As with every visit this season, the first tour out from the harbour was our signature Volcano and Thatched House Tour. Others opted to wander the settlement at their own pace. Every venue was open, and the shopping buzz was real!

Visitors exploring the settlement

Two crew members who also came on an early zodiac made their way to our excellent dental department. They were escorted to the Camogli Healthcare Centre by our island's Doctor Felix. He welcomed them with his big smile. Whatever work they had done must have been top-notch, as an hour later they were spotted soaking up the sun and enjoying a sandwich before heading back aboard.

At 1:00pm, many guests joined Uncle Stan Green for a settlement walk. The visitors were full of curious questions and Stan told them wonderful stories from Tristan's rich and unique history.

Visitors with Andre Repetto gathering at the foot of the Harbour Road for their 1961 Volcano and Thatched House Museum walk	Fishing off the end of the breakwater with Shane Green

By 2:00pm, the action really picked up! We had several activities running simultaneously:

Firstly, there was harbour fishing with Shane Green and two enthusiastic guests - a mum and her son, who quickly turned it into a friendly (but fierce!) competition.

There was a tour of St Mary's School with Head Teacher Mr. Peter Foster that was thoroughly enjoyed. The ship kindly brought fruit and a beautiful cake for the students. The fruit was particularly welcome because supply ship difficulties meant that the island had run out. They were so chuffed!

Visitors at St Mary's School, and the students with the fruit and special cake kindly given to them by the ship.

Fourteen guests also requested a taxi tour of the potato patches. This is a great way to get to view more of the island, quickly.

And finally, some guests played a round of golf out on the course, joined by father and son duo Chris and Ceddie Swain as their trusty caddies. After a fun game, the golfers invited the caddies for a celebratory bevvy at the Albatross Bar - cheers all around!

Golf

Meanwhile, islanders and Hondius crew were hard at work loading up potatoes and frozen goodies bound for St. Helena. A huge thanks to them for their teamwork and muscle. Those treats are going to be so appreciated over there! There was also an opportunity for Acting Administrator Craig Robertson to hop on board and head up to the bridge to officially welcome the ship's Captain and crew.

Loading potatoes for St Helena, the ship's next port.

The captain receives a plaque from the Acting Admin	Dinner onboard with the settlement in the background

As the day wound down and passengers began returning to the ship, there was a sense of calm and quiet satisfaction. It felt special, knowing this was the final cruise ship visit of the season. Soon the wildlife will also begin its winter retreat, and the island will settle into its peaceful rhythm. But we'll be ready and waiting to welcome everyone back when the time comes!

Inaccessible Island

But the adventure wasn't quite over for our "superstar" guides, Tristan and Kieran. That night, they boarded the Hondius, aiming for a landing on Inaccessible Island the next day. Sadly, weather and swell had other plans, but guests still got to enjoy an exciting zodiac cruise around the island - a beautiful consolation to wrap up a magical weekend.

The ships' zodiacs neatly stacked as she sails from the coast

Birdwatchers on deck with their monoculars, binoculars and cameras.

And finally...

It's always exciting to see photos from the visitors' and crew's perspectives in addition to our own. From zodiac landings to friendly faces around the settlement, these snaps truly capture the magic of Tristan, the outer islands and the beautiful MV Hondius!

If you were on the MV Hondius, we'd welcome your feedback using our Visitors' Feedback Form.

Visit by the Bark Europa, April 2025
The sailing Bark Europa visited Tristan on the 3rd April 2025 8-Apr-2025
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Visit of the Yacht Ursa
After a week with no radio contact, the Yacht Ursa called at Tristan on the 2nd April 2025. 3-Apr-2025
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Visit of the MV Silver Wind, March 2025
The cruise ship MV Silver Wind visited Tristan on the 26th March 2025. 27-Mar-2025
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Visit of the SH Diana, March 2025
The cruise ship SH Diana visited Tristan on the 21st and 22nd March 2025. 23-Mar-2025
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Visit of the Superyacht SY Asteria
The superyacht SY Asteria visited Tristan and the outer islands on the 10th March 2025. 12-Mar-2025
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Yachts Pass by in February 2025
Two yachts passed the settlement in late February 2025, but did not land. 28-Feb-2025
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