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| Feedback from visitors to Tristan da Cunha. 16-Apr-2026 |
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Visits of Yachts Amundsen and Vinson of Antarctica, Easter 2026
Report Kelly Green
This week, we thought it might have been a quieter one after the past couple of weeks with cruise ship visits, but it seems Tristan is proving to be a very popular destination this year, which is wonderful to see.
Yacht Amundsen
On Wednesday 8th April 2026, we welcomed the yacht Amundsen, carrying twelve people on board, all part of a student group travelling from Chile. They had a wonderful day ashore, enjoying a lobster lunch, taking in the sights, walking around the settlement and relaxing with cold beers in the Tourism Centre garden. They stayed overnight at the island on the yacht and made the most of their time on the island.
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| The yacht Amundsen transferring crew to the harbour by RIB. Photo: Kelly Green | Kate Schnippering holding a copy of her article on her previous visits to Tristan. Photo: Kelly Green |
It was also particularly special as one of the sailors on board, Kate Schnippering, had previously written an article, 'Imaginary Islands' about travelling to Tristan da Cunha. She kindly brought the magazine with her, and we were able to have it signed. The article shares her earlier attempts to land on the island, when weather conditions prevented it, and how she was finally able to return and successfully land a few years later. It was really lovely to see, and we look forward to reading it properly when we get a spare moment. It was also nice to welcome familiar, friendly faces back to the island.
Yacht Vinson of Antarctica
The following morning, we also welcomed the yacht Vinson of Antarctica, with another ten visitors arriving. It made for a busy and lively time at the Tourism Centre. With a small island population and a limited workforce, days like this certainly keep everyone busy, but in the best possible way, and it was fantastic to see the centre full and to welcome so many people to the island.
The Vinson of Antarctica at anchor. Photo: Odile Cesari
It was especially nice to see Paul and his team again on Vinson of Antarctica, even if only briefly as we were kept busy throughout their visit. The group enjoyed a lovely lunch, and one of the visitors took a scenic drive around the island with Stacey. Caryn and Lillie were kept busy serving on the tills and assisting throughout the day.
The yachts Amundsen and Vinson of Antarctica anchored off the settlement on the 9th April 2026.
Both yachts visited Tristan at Easter last year. Photo: Philip Kendall
If you were on either of the yachts, we'd welcome your feedback using our Visitors' Feedback Form.
Visit of the Cruise Ship Silver Wind, March 2026
Report from Kelly Green
Today on Tristan da Cunha it is moderate gale force winds, a four metre swell, and that fine scaly rain that just gets into everything. One of those proper wild days where you can really feel the power of the South Atlantic.
But yesterday, on Sunday 29th March 2026, we got lucky. We had a break in the weather at just the right time to welcome the MV Silver Wind from Silversea Expeditions, and everyone made the absolute most of it knowing the conditions were about to turn.
The MV Silver Wind off Edinburgh of the Seven Seas, and tranferring passengers ashore. Photo: Philip Kendall
She arrived at Nightingale in the morning, where our Conservation team had already headed over at first light to meet her. That early start meant guests were able to land with our island guides as well as enjoy zodiac cruising around the island.
Passengers arriving by zodiac in the harbour. Photo: Philip Kendall
Nightingale really put on a show. Guests were surrounded by wildlife, with seabirds everywhere you looked, albatross, petrels, and of course the northern rockhopper penguins with their bright yellow crests. The noise, the movement, the sheer number of birds, it is something you just cannot explain unless you have seen it.
Possibly the largest passenger group photo we have ever taken. Photo: Kelly Green
By midday, the ship made her way over to Tristan, where a full programme of tours was quickly underway. These included the volcano and Thatched House Museum, long and short walks to the Potato Patches, and guided walks around the settlement.
Walkers gathered by the Remotest Island signs. Photo: Philip Kendall
We even had 30 guests out playing golf on the world's most remote golf course. With only around four hours available it was a bit of a quick turnaround, but the atmosphere was brilliant.
Visitors in the Post Office and Tourism Centre. Photo: Philip Kendall
All venues were open, the pub, the Island Store, Rockhopper Gift Shop, and of course the Post Office and Tourism Centre, and it was smiles all round from start to finish.
The day ended with a beautiful sunset before Silver Wind departed just ahead of the worsening weather.
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| Tristan taxis ferried visitors around the settlement. Photo: Philip Kendall |
The beautiful sunset at the end of the day. Photo: Kelly Green |
We always wish ships could stay longer, but on Tristan you know how lucky you are just to land at all.
Silver Wind's lights blazing at dusk as the final zodiacs arrive back at the ship. Photo: Philip Kendall
A big well done to the ship, the crew, our Conservation team, and all island staff and guides involved. A real team effort to make the most of a short but very special visit.
