Inaccessible Island in Argentina 2024

Inaccessible Island is an extinct volcano, which was active 6 million years ago. It rises from South Atlantic Ocean and is part of the desolate Tristan da Cunha archipelago, which belongs to the British territory of Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha. Surrounded by the sheer sea cliffs, Inaccessible Island is notorious for its inhospitable terrain. Still, it has one small landing at Port David and can be visited by the most avid adventurers.

Cruises to Inaccessible Island

From late March to early April, Oceanwide Expeditions offer one-of-a-kind boat tours to Inaccessible Island and the archipelago. You can opt for a month-long cruise at €11,000 or a shorter voyage at €7,000. These pricy, yet priceless trips typically start from Ushuaia, at the southern tip of Argentina. More information about the tours and the latest updates are available on the official website (see External Resources below).

Inaccessible Island rail

The island's small area of 5.5 square miles (14 sq km) is home to a few dozen species of plants and very few animals, including the Inaccessible Island rail, the world's smallest extant flightless bird. Inaccessible rail is endemic to the island and lives only here. The bird feeds on worms, beetles, and grubs, which are abundant on the island. Along with Gough Island, Inaccessible Island is a protected wildlife reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And with rare tourists' visits solely to some beaches or grass lowlands, rugged local beauty is likely to remain intact forever.

Inaccessible Island history

Inaccessible Island was discovered in 1656. According to a legend, a Dutch ship that first got to the island named it Nachtglas, meaning "the night glass." After several unsuccessful attempts to claim the island, it was renamed. But despite the name, Inaccessible Island was once inhabited. Its settlers even tried to set up some infrastructure, but eventually, they gave up. The island hasn't had any permanent residents since 1873. The only settlement in the region, Edinburgh of the Seven Seas, is located on the island of Tristan da Cunha, 28 miles (45 km) northeast of Inaccessible Island.

When you plan on joining a cruise to Inaccessible Island, you may want to book a stay in Ushuaia. Explore the options nearby on the map below. Save some time prior to the Arctic adventure to marvel at the natural wonders of Patagonia too.