30.04.26 - Vlissingen, NL - Oceanwide Expeditions has announced the exceptionally rare feat of successfully landing on all three main islands in the Tristan da Cunha island group, some of the most remote, isolated and ecologically significant sites in the world.
In April 2026, as part of the company's annual Atlantic Odyssey itinerary, Oceanwide Expeditions visited Tristan da Cunha, a remote island group in the South Atlantic Ocean 2,700 kilometers from South Africa and 3,700 kilometers from South America. Successful landings occurred by Zodiac craft on all three main islands in the group, Tristan da Cunha, Nightingale Island, and Inaccessible Island. This rare achievement highlights the expertise and abilities of the Oceanwide Expeditions team, as well as the highly dynamic and unpredictable nature of operating in such remote and extreme environments.
Islands of major ecological significance & endemic species
The islands of the Tristan da Cunha group are of major ecological significance. They are home to several endemic and critically endangered species, including the Inaccessible Island Rail, Wilkins's Finch, Nightingale Finch, Gough Moorhen, and the Tristan Thrush. The Inaccessible Island Rail and Wilkins's Finch are two of the most infrequently photographed and rare birds on Earth. Oceanwide Expeditions' Atlantic Odyssey is one of the few opportunities for wildlife photographers and birders to encounter them.
"Visiting Tristan da Cunha has been incredibly special. These islands are among the most remote places on Earth, and simply reaching them is never guaranteed, which makes every moment there feel even more meaningful. Being able to step foot on places so few people will ever visit is something that really stays with you." - Jake Rosmarin, Oceanwide Guest
Following strict biosecurity procedures, the Oceanwide Expeditions team landed guests on all three islands, with the greatest success being the main island in the group, Tristan da Cunha, which is home to around 220 inhabitants, centered on the main settlement, Edinburgh of the Seven Seas. Here, guests could learn about this isolated community, visit the famous 'Potato Patches', and take the opportunity to explore the island over a full day. During this landing, an educational session was held at the island's school by Assistant Expedition Leader Eduardo Rubio-Herrera, and the annual loading of the islanders' potato crop and harvests of Tristan rock lobster was completed. Oceanwide Expeditions transports a quantity of these goods to Saint Helena for sale on behalf of the community each season.
"We have not seen this kind of success in over 15 years. Guests were able to see endemic species found nowhere else on Earth, and in ways that aren't possible on more passive trips. This voyage is unique in that it is the only way for people to experience these places and encounter these species. For island collectors and birds, this is a real must-do!" - Hans Verdaat, Expedition Leader, Oceanwide Expeditions
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.
About Oceanwide Expeditions
Oceanwide Expeditions is an award-winning expedition cruise company offering authentic expedition cruises in the polar regions. Operating for over 30 years, the company offers science-based, activity-centric itineraries in the Arctic and Antarctica. Their focus is on small-ship expedition cruises, centered on immersive shore and ship-based activities and wildlife encounters, while promoting education, conservation, environmental awareness, and sustainable tourism practices. With Oceanwide, guests can explore the edges of the map in dynamic, unique ways, from kayaking and hiking to camping and even polar diving.
For press & media enquiries:
www.oceanwide-expeditions.com
* Main image by Jake Rosmarin
