South Georgia to Cape Verde: Secret Islands, Rare Birds, and Legendary Explorers

Transcription

1 South Georgia to Cape Verde: Secret Islands, Rare Birds, and Legendary Explorers Does an epic 33-day adventure to the world s most remote islands sound like the ideal escape from the everyday? It does to us, too! On this brand-new expedition across the Atlantic sailing from the far south, near the Antarctic Circle, to just off the northwest coast of Africa you ll truly get away from it all, journeying like explorers of long ago to volcanic islands that are so isolated and so rugged, many remain inaccessible and uninhabitable to all but the most unique wildlife. History will come alive as you visit Shackleton s grave and the site of Napoleon s exile, and trace routes similar to sections of Drake s and Cavendish s circumnavigations of the world. For birders and nature lovers, the variety of bird species on these nine islands and in the surrounding waters is astonishing. From the plethora of penguins to the rare, endemic South Atlantic species to the whales, dolphins and seals, your camera will get quite the workout. In the middle of nowhere, surrounded by thousands of miles of ocean, these islands are steeped in history and rich in unique wildlife! EXPEDITION IN BRIEF View dozens of unique bird species, such as northern rockhopper penguins, Tristan albatrosses and Ascension frigate birds, plus marine life like whales and dolphins Experience several remote British overseas territories, each with its own history, and some with their own currency and postage stamps (a bonus for collectors!) Visit both active and extinct volcanic islands that provide insight into our planet s past Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gough and Inaccessible Islands Cruise in a Zodiac to get up close to wildlife DID YOU KNOW? The most remote archipelago in the world, with a population of about 260 residents, the Tristan da Cunha Islands are 1,510 miles (2,430 km) from the nearest inhabited land, St. Helena. This group of small volcanic islands two of which are wildlife reserves is home to 29 species of birds, including several that are endemic to the archipelago. SOUTH GEORGIA TO CAPE VERDE: SECRET ISLANDS, RARE BIRDS, AND LEGENDARY EXPLORERS EXPEDITION DOSSIER 1

2 Itinerary Cape Verde DAY 1 Embarkation Day in Ushuaia, Argentina At the southernmost tip of South America, the quaint city of Ushuaia is the gateway for your voyage, offering a range of museums, shops, cafés and restaurants to explore before you embark your ship this afternoon. Once aboard, we ll sail through the scenic Beagle Channel, looking out for seals, sea lions and seabirds. Be sure to be out on deck, ready to take it all in as your Atlantic adventure begins. SOUTH AMERICA Atlantic Ocean AFRICA Ascension Island St. Helena Tristan da Cunha DAY 2 At Sea Gough Island While you re at sea, dynamic presentations by our on-board experts will prepare you for all the excitement that lies ahead. Our first week, in particular, will be especially rich in seabird diversity as we explore subantarctic waters, and you ll want to spend as much time out on the bridge as possible during the sea days. Today, as we sail to the Falklands (Malvinas), Peale s and dusky dolphin sightings may be possible. DAYS 3 AND 4 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) Upon arrival in the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), you ll be greeted by a feeling of rugged remoteness. Here, your camera will be put to work Ushuaia Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) capturing the abundant wildlife and vibrant landscape. The archipelago contains two main islands, East Falkland and West Falkland, which you will experience up close by Zodiac and during shore landings. You ll have time to wander Stanley, also called Port Stanley, an eclectic outpost with a British country charm. You re free to explore on your own and visit the numerous churches and museums, Scotia Sea South Georgia or pop into the pub, where you ll find friendly locals eager to chat over a pint. Wildlife sightings in the archipelago may include three species of penguins (Magellanic, gentoo and rockhopper), plus two endemic bird species (Cobb s wren and the Falkland steamer duck). Viewing black-browed albatross is almost guaranteed, as 70 percent of the global population lives here. Your best chance to spot them is gliding over the waters of the Southern Ocean. SOUTH GEORGIA TO CAPE VERDE: SECRET ISLANDS, RARE BIRDS, AND LEGENDARY EXPLORERS EXPEDITION DOSSIER 2

3 DAYS 5 AND 6 At Sea Sailing to South Georgia, you ll cross the Antarctic Convergence, an invisible biological transition region encircling Antarctica. This meeting of oceans, where the cold Antarctic waters mingle with the warmer waters of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, is what creates the abundance of krill and marine life that attracts several species of whales (including humpback, blue, fin and southern right whales) to the area. Your Expedition Team will also keep an eye out for the Falkland skuas, thin-billed prions, and three species of petrels (southern giant, Wilson s storm and common diving) that frequent the region. DAYS 7 AND 8 South Georgia South Georgia was a popular stop for many Antarctic expeditions and was once the world s largest whaling center, and where elephant and furs seals were hunted nearly to extinction. As you ll witness firsthand, wildlife populations have rebounded, but you ll still see remnants of old whaling stations and other abandoned outposts scattered across the island. One of the most historical sites you will visit is in Grytviken, where you will pay your respects at the grave of the great Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, who famously escaped with his crew to the then-uninhabited island after his ship became trapped in pack ice during his Imperial Trans- Antarctic Expedition, considered the last major expedition of the Historic Age of Antarctic Exploration. Grytviken is also home to an old whaling station, museum, gift shop, church and small research station. A paradise for birders, South Georgia plays host to a variety of incredible birdlife, including 30 breeding bird species. Beaches are dotted with Antarctic fur seals and southern elephant seals, as well as king and gentoo penguins, whose rookeries sometimes number in the hundreds of thousands of birds! We may also be fortunate to spot the wandering albatross out at sea, as it breeds here. DAYS 9 TO 13 At Sea Your next few days at sea can be as busy or as relaxing as you like. You can attend presentations, peruse the books in our polar library or chat with your shipmates in the lounge, but we ll bet you ll want to enjoy the expansive ocean views from the bridge, spotting whales and seabirds. As we move to warmer waters, we might see our first subtropical species like the sooty albatross, spectacled petrel or greatwinged petrel. DAYS 14 TO 17 Tristan da Cunha Islands With a long history of early oceanic exploration, the Tristan da Cunha archipelago has seen its share of shipwrecks. The most famous was the British Blenden Hall, destroyed in 1821 en route to Bombay (now Mumbai). Fortunately, all but two aboard survived. Isolated and with a rugged, volcanic terrain, most of these small islands host an abundance of birdlife and remain uninhabited to this day. Together, Gough and Inaccessible Islands comprise two wildlife reserves and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making them the most undisturbed islands in the South Atlantic. Zodiac excursions will take you close to the towering cliffs that support large seabird colonies. Bird lovers will marvel at the variety of unique species that include the Inaccessible rail (the world s smallest flightless bird, and more easily heard than seen), Gough bunting, great shearwater, sooty albatross, Atlantic yellow-nosed albatross, Atlantic petrel and endemic spectacled petrel, as well as the endemic Tristan albatross, and the Tristan skua, thrush and bunting. Both islands also host colonies of northern rockhopper penguin (locally called pinnamins) and large numbers of subantarctic fur seals, so have your camera ready to capture these incredible creatures. With the sheer range of birdlife here, it s no wonder that much of the British overseas territory of St. Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha has been identified by BirdLife International as Important Bird Areas! Ever wonder what the most remote place on the planet is like? Just ask one of the friendly residents of Tristan da Cunha Island, a chunk of volcanic rock smack dab in the middle of nowhere! All descendants of the original settlers, some 260 British citizens live here, in the village of Edinburgh of the Seven Seas an astounding 1,510 miles (2,430 km) from the nearest inhabited neighbor, St. Helena Island. SOUTH GEORGIA TO CAPE VERDE: SECRET ISLANDS, RARE BIRDS, AND LEGENDARY EXPLORERS EXPEDITION DOSSIER 3

4 As you wander the lanes of The Settlement (as islanders call the village) or chat with locals at the lone pub, you ll soon discover why escaping to Tristan da Cunha is akin to traveling back in time, where you ll find an oldfashioned hospitality unlike anywhere else. A visit to the world s most remote post office will yield a delightful collection of Tristan da Cunha stamps, illustrating everything from fur seals to a retrospective of Queen Elizabeth II s dress styles to the 1816 landing of a British garrison. It s a must-stop for philatelic enthusiasts. Just a short cruise away, Nightingale Island awaits. Although only one square mile (3.2 sq. km), this active volcano, which last erupted in 2004, is such a prolific breeding ground for more than a million seabirds, as well as endemic land birds, it s almost completely occupied. It s the only site in the world where Nightingale buntings are found. DAYS 18 TO 22 At Sea We offer many activities to keep you engaged and entertained while at sea. Whatever you do or don t do! take a moment to reflect on the amazing creatures you ve encountered so far. Be sure to keep a lookout for the dolphins and seabirds that inhabit these subtropical waters. DAY 23 St. Helena Island The most inhabited of the islands we ll visit, with 4,500 people living in the capital of Jamestown, St. Helena boasts a wealth of military history and was a major port of call for ships sailing to Europe from Asia and South Africa. Although the island was discovered in 1502 by the Portuguese, it remained hidden to the English until 1588, when Sir Thomas Cavendish visited to stock up on supplies for his return from a round-the-world voyage (it s believed, however, that Sir Francis Drake likely located it earlier, during his global circumnavigation). Dubbed the secret of the South Atlantic, this British overseas territory is so remote, it s where Napoleon Bonaparte was famously exiled from 1815 until his death in History buffs will want to explore Napoleon s residence and pay their respects at his former tomb (which has been empty since his remains were returned to France in 1840). St. Helena offers various excursion opportunities. Wandering down by the wharf, you may feel the urge to climb the 699 steps up Jacob s Ladder, learn about the island s past and present at the museum, or visit the oldest Anglican church in the southern hemisphere. Or perhaps the breathtaking vistas from the massive High Knoll Fort built in 1874 on the site of the 1798 citadel may beckon. Birders especially will want to keep their eyes peeled for the island s unofficial national bird: the St. Helena plover. Locals call this endemic species the wirebird, thanks to its thin, wirelike legs. Another option may be to pay a visit to the world s oldest living land animal a 184-year-old giant tortoise named Jonathan. Fun fact: St. Helena has its own local currency, derived from the British pound, and Jonathan graces the fivepence coin! Other current circulating coins feature such images as dolphins, sooty terns, a green sea turtle and the St. Helena coat of arms, while commemorative coins depict historic figures and events, like Napoleon, the 1947 royal visit and the 1677 visit of astronomer Edmond Halley (of Halley s comet). DAYS 24 AND 25 At Sea These sea days take you to the islands farthest north in the British overseas territory of St. Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, Britain s secondoldest remaining colony. Seabird sightings may include Madeiran storm and Bulwer s petrels. DAYS 26 AND 27 Ascension Island and Boatswain Bird Island At first glance, Ascension may seem stark and completely barren (Charles Darwin, on a brief visit in 1836, famously called it arid and treeless). Indeed, most of the island s 34 square miles (88 sq. km) are surreal, covered with lava flows and cinder cones, but you ll spot several surprises along the coast: sandy beaches dramatically tucked in between mounds of striking black volcanic rock. The biggest of these is Long Beach, in the capital of Georgetown. Unsuitable for swimming, the beach is a major nesting site for thousands of giant green turtles, who journey from their feeding grounds in Brazil. Wildlife lovers will marvel as we SOUTH GEORGIA TO CAPE VERDE: SECRET ISLANDS, RARE BIRDS, AND LEGENDARY EXPLORERS EXPEDITION DOSSIER 4

5 try to view, from a safe distance, some of the females laying their eggs in the sand. This rocky outcrop is also the most important seabird breeding site in the tropical Atlantic, supporting more than 400,000 birds and 11 species. The island has been eradicated of feral cats, and bird numbers are now thriving. We hope to see the endemic Ascension frigate bird, which breeds on nearby Boatswain Bird Island, as well as sooty terns and both the masked and the brown booby. If conditions allow, a short Zodiac cruise off Ascension s east coast will bring you near the flat-topped Boatswain Bird, a small but significant nature reserve for a vast number of seabirds typical of tropical waters, such as black and brown noddies, masked and brown boobies, and, of course, white-tailed tropicbirds (boatswains). As you approach the island, some spectacular sights will emerge: the sea rushing through an impressive natural arch, and, hopefully, bottlenose dolphins frolicking in the warm waters. coast of Senegal, you may catch sight of the Cape Verde shearwater, which only breeds on the archipelago DAY 33 Disembark in Praia, Cape Verde (Cabo Verde) After breakfast aboard the ship, it s time to part ways with your Expedition Team and newfound friends. With a reputation for morabeza ( hospitality in Creole), Cape Verde (Cabo Verde) offers many activities, restaurants and hotels for passengers itching to explore more. Eager to experience North Africa or return to the comforts of home? From here, you can catch flights to a number of international destinations. IMPORTANT REMINDER Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy and excitement of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your Expedition Team must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed. A measure of flexibility is something all of us must bring to a polar expedition. DAYS 28 TO 32 At Sea Bid adieu to your South Atlantic adventure, as your final destination, Cape Verde (Cabo Verde), awaits! As your ship surges north, crossing the equator, take a moment to swap stories and photos with your shipmates. Time spent out on deck may reward you with sightings of whale pods and dolphin pods. Nearing Cape Verde (Cabo Verde), about 310 miles (500 km) off the west SOUTH GEORGIA TO CAPE VERDE: SECRET ISLANDS, RARE BIRDS, AND LEGENDARY EXPLORERS EXPEDITION DOSSIER 5

6 Arrival & Departure Details Welcome! As you prepare for your journey, you may be interested to know the details of your arrival and departure. Since air transportation to and from your voyage is not included in the cost of your expedition, you will need to arrange flights from your home to the starting point, and home again from the finishing point. Quark Expeditions can assist you with booking air arrangements on an individual basis, or feel free to contact your preferred travel agent or airline. Arrival Day and Embarkation Please be sure to arrive prior to 2 pm local time on Day 1 of your expedition and make your way to the pier, where you will be transferred to the ship by bus. We recommend arriving one or two days early in Ushuaia in case of airline delays, and to enjoy a taste of Patagonia prior to your expedition. For passengers arriving before Day 1 of the itinerary, taxis are available to take you to your hotel for approximately US$15. Final Day and Departure Disembarkation is scheduled at the pier in Praia, Cape Verde, between 7 am and 8 am local time. After breakfast, and once the ship has docked, you will have time to bid farewell to your Expedition Team and shipmates before completing your disembarkation. The process takes about an hour. After disembarkation, you are free to depart, or choose to stay for extra nights in Cape Verde. Please book your flight home from Praia to depart as late in the day as possible, or at a date after the end of your expedition. If you have booked a flight that departs before 11 am on the date that your expedition ends, you will be at risk of missing your flight. Please note that weather conditions can always delay our arrival, and airline schedule changes have also been known to occur. Booking flexible tickets is always encouraged, as we cannot be held responsible for ship or flight delays due to unforeseen circumstances. Hotel Accommodations Your itinerary does not include hotel accommodation before or after the scheduled itinerary. If you are arriving prior to Day 1 of your expedition, or staying after the disembarkation day, please contact your Polar Travel Adviser for hotel options. Since accommodation space is limited, you are encouraged to request any extra nights as early as possible. Arrival and Departure Transfers USHUAIA AIRPORT TRANSFERS Arrival transfers in Ushuaia are not included. PRAIA AIRPORT TRANSFERS Departure transfers in Praia are included, either to your hotel, or to the airport if you are flying out on disembarkation day. In order to facilitate your transfers, we request that you provide your flight details to Quark Expeditions at least 30 days prior to traveling. Extending Your Trip You can extend your trip by booking extra days to explore South America before the voyage. Since you re traveling such a long way, you may want to spend extra time in one of our gateway cities or add on another region. We have a variety of pre-expedition packages in the fascinating cities of Buenos Aires, Ushuaia or the region of Patagonia. Enjoy a cruise to Penguin Island near Ushuaia, trek and canoe in Tierra del Fuego National Park, take in a tango show in Buenos Aires or stroll the catwalks over Iguazu Falls. Contact your Polar Travel Adviser to discover the best options for extending your adventure. SOUTH GEORGIA TO CAPE VERDE: SECRET ISLANDS, RARE BIRDS, AND LEGENDARY EXPLORERS EXPEDITION DOSSIER 6

7 Inclusions THIS EXPEDITION INCLUDES Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping All breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks on board All shore landings per the daily program Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and special guests as scheduled A photographic journal documenting the expedition Waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock A hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program All luggage handling aboard the ship Emergency evacuation insurance to a maximum benefit of US$500,000 per person Departure transfers in Praia, Cape Verde THIS EXPEDITION EXCLUDES International airfare Passport and visa expenses Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above An official Quark Expeditions parka (available for purchase if required) Meals ashore unless otherwise specified Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance strongly recommended Excess-baggage fees on international flights Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, or any other gear not mentioned Laundry, bar, beverage and other personal charges unless specified Phone and Internet charges Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for shipboard staff and crew Additional overnight accommodation Arrival transfers in Ushuaia, Argentina SOUTH GEORGIA TO CAPE VERDE: SECRET ISLANDS, RARE BIRDS, AND LEGENDARY EXPLORERS EXPEDITION DOSSIER 7

8 Dates & Rates END OF THE WORLD Remote Islands of the Atlantic Expedition Aboard the Adventure Ship OCEAN ADVENTURER Dates Days Start/End Triple Lower Deck March 10 - April 11, 2018 All rates per person in USD. 33 Ushuaia/ Praia Main Deck Porthole Main Deck Window Superior Deluxe Suite Owner s Suite $10,795 $11,695 $12,395 $12,895 $13,995 $15,395 $17,995 $19,995 SOUTH GEORGIA TO CAPE VERDE: SECRET ISLANDS, RARE BIRDS, AND LEGENDARY EXPLORERS EXPEDITION DOSSIER 8

9 Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) POSSIBLE LANDINGS AND WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS A rare treat on a polar voyage is to stop for a pint with some locals! At Stanley, in the Falklands, it is one unique optional activity that many travelers partake in. The archipelago itself consists of East Falkland and West Falkland, which are divided by the Falkland Sound. You ll enjoy your first sightings of penguins here as well. STANLEY Stanley s deep-water harbor has been the economic mainstay of the community since the port s completion in Ships that were damaged while rounding Cape Horn would call in for expensive repairs. The questionable vessels that were used to carry fortune seekers to the gold fields of California and Australia often called at Stanley as well. The town is as lively as it gets in the Falklands (Malvinas), and the future of the port may be bright if hydrocarbon deposits off the coast prove to be abundant. IMPORTANT REMINDER Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy and excitement of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your Expedition Team must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed. A measure of flexibility is something all of us must bring to a polar expedition. SOUTH GEORGIA TO CAPE VERDE: SECRET ISLANDS, RARE BIRDS, AND LEGENDARY EXPLORERS EXPEDITION DOSSIER 9

10 South Georgia POSSIBLE LANDINGS AND WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS South Georgia is roughly 100 miles (160 km) by 20 miles (32 km) wide. When the legendary Captain James Cook published his account of the area, he created a rush of interest in whaling and sealing on South Georgia and the Sandwich Islands. Today, penguins and seals are abundant once again. DRYGALSKI FJORD ST. ANDREW S BAY This is a photogenic and dramatic fjord, with sharp and jagged peaks rising out of the sea. Glaciation never reached the peaks, giving the fjord a unique landscape. GOLD HARBOUR The backdrop to this harbor is the hanging Bertrab Glacier. King and gentoo penguins call Gold Harbour home, as do rowdy elephant and fur seals. GRYTVIKEN Only a handful of people live, albeit temporarily, on South Georgia, a United Kingdom overseas territory. Two of them are curators of the South Georgia Museum, located in the former villa of the whaling station manager. The church was built for the whaling community and is the only building in Grytviken that is still used for its original purpose. PRION ISLAND Robert Cushman Murphy named Prion Island for the species of petrels seen here. Birders will be pleased to know that wandering albatross are also known to nest on the island. Thousands of breeding pairs of king penguins nest at St. Andrew s Bay the largest king penguin rookery on South Georgia, and a wildlife spectacle to behold. Reindeer introduced by Norwegian whalers are known to feed on the grass in the area. STROMNESS This abandoned whaling station was in full operation the day that Sir Ernest Shackleton and his companions staggered into it after a 36-hour trek across the island. There is a small cemetery here, with the graves of 14 whalers. IMPORTANT REMINDER Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy and excitement of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your Expedition Team must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed. A measure of flexibility is something all of us must bring to a polar expedition. SALISBURY PLAIN One of the largest king penguin rookeries on South Georgia is located on Salisbury Plain. The Murphy and Lucas Glaciers flank the plain, creating a perfect backdrop for photos. SOUTH GEORGIA TO CAPE VERDE: SECRET ISLANDS, RARE BIRDS, AND LEGENDARY EXPLORERS EXPEDITION DOSSIER 10

11 Atlantic Islands POSSIBLE LANDINGS AND WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS The British overseas territory of St. Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha consists of the world s most remote islands. What s the allure of journeying to such far-flung lands? To escape to places that few have set foot on, save for the tens of thousands of birds who find sanctuary in this region. Here, on the most isolated inhabited island on the planet, you ll find a solitude and hospitality that harkens back to days gone by. Thousands of miles away, off the northwest coast of Africa, the island nation of Cape Verde (Cabo Verde) is also known for its hospitality, as well as scenic seaside villages and beaches. Solitude, scenery and seabirds sounds like the ideal escape to us, too! ASCENSION ISLAND EDINBURGH OF THE SEVEN SEAS Ascension has the distinction of being discovered twice: first in 1501 on an unrecorded visit, and then again two years later by Portuguese navigator Afonso de Albuquerque, who named it after the day of its recorded sighting, Ascension Day. The volcanic island remained uninhabited, however, until a British garrison was stationed to guard the island against French attempts to rescue an exiled Napoleon from St. Helena. Ascension s strong military history continued through the 20th century, when it supported a U.S. airbase during the Second World War. The island was also home to a NASA tracking station from 1967 to Thousands of Ascension frigate birds are endemic to the island, which has the second-largest nesting population of green turtles in the Atlantic. BOATSWAIN BIRD ISLAND A designated Important Bird Area, this tiny nature reserve is renowned for the tens of thousands of breeding seabirds, such as white-tailed tropicbirds (boatswains), that give the island its white color. CAPE VERDE (CABO VERDE) Discovered in 1456, this archipelago off the coast of Senegal remained uninhabited until 1461, when the Portuguese colonized it, establishing the first European settlement in the tropics. The island nation achieved independence in 1975 and is a member of the African Union. The isolation of these volcanic islands has resulted in a number of endemic bird species, such as the Cape Verde shearwater and warbler. The only settlement of the Tristan da Cunha Islands, the hamlet of Edinburgh of the Seven Seas is the world s most isolated community. Founded in 1816, it is named after HRH Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, in honor of his visit in A volcanic eruption in 1961 forced the evacuation of the settlement; a hardy lot, most islanders returned two years later to rebuild the village. They renamed the harbor Calshot, after their temporary home in England. GEORGETOWN Named after King George III, who reigned at the time that Ascension was claimed for Britain, Georgetown is the island s main cultural and historical hub. The most modern of the island s three forts, Fort Bedford, affords scenic views of the settlement, while the nearby beach hosts thousands of green turtles during nesting season. GOUGH ISLAND A UNESCO World Heritage Site (along with nearby Inaccessible Island), Gough and its surrounding waters were designated a wildlife reserve in The second largest of the Tristan da Cunha group of islands was named for Captain Charles Gough, who sighted it in As a sanctuary to such birds as buntings, skuas and northern rockhopper penguins, Gough remains uninhabited, except for the handful of South African personnel who staff the weather station. SOUTH GEORGIA TO CAPE VERDE: SECRET ISLANDS, RARE BIRDS, AND LEGENDARY EXPLORERS EXPEDITION DOSSIER 11

12 INACCESSIBLE ISLAND PRAIA Together with Gough Island, this extinct volcano, which has been inactive for six million years, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and wildlife sanctuary. Most of the island is surrounded by sheer sea cliffs and boulder beaches, making landings rather inaccessible to all but the seabirds, including albatross colonies, that nest along the rocky shore. The flightless Inaccessible rail can only be found here. Northern rockhopper penguins are also plentiful JAMESTOWN Dramatically sandwiched between steep cliffs, Jamestown is the capital of St. Helena. The settlement s main claim to fame is Napoleon Bonaparte. Exiled to the island in 1815, the French emperor resided peacefully at Longwood House until his death six years later. Although he d requested to be buried in the nearby Sane Valley, his tomb is now empty (his remains have been in Paris since 1840). Now a museum owned by the French government, Longwood features hundreds of original artifacts and furniture. LETTERBOX PENINSULA At the eastern tip of Ascension Island, this nature reserve is home to increasingly large numbers of nesting masked boobies and Ascension frigate birds, thanks to efforts to eradicate the island s primary mammal predator, feral cats. LONG BEACH The biggest beach on Ascension Island is a major breeding site for the giant green turtles who feed on the Brazilian coast and then journey 1,430 miles (2,300 km) across the Atlantic Ocean to nest on its sandy shores. The capital of Cape Verde (Cabo Verde), Praia is perched on a plateau on the archipelago s main island, Santiago. The old town offers many photo ops, as it is filled with picturesque buildings that date back to the nation s colonial days. ST. HELENA ISLAND Discovered by the Portuguese in 1502, St. Helena was, for centuries, a major stopping point for ships sailing to Europe from Asia and South Africa. A must-visit for history lovers, some of the most exclusive Napoleonic locations in the world are found on the island, where the British government exiled the deposed French emperor in TRISTAN DA CUNHA ISLAND Tristan da Cunha was first sighted in 1506 by Portuguese explorer Tristão da Cunha, but it wasn t settled until the British claimed it to keep an eye on Napoleon, who was exiled to nearby St. Helena, a mere 1,510 miles (2,430 km) away. Since the island is basically an active volcano that rises to 6,750 feet (2,082 meters), the entire population lives on the only flat patch of land, in Edinburgh of the Seven Seas. IMPORTANT REMINDER Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy and excitement of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your Expedition Team must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed. A measure of flexibility is something all of us must bring to a polar expedition. NIGHTINGALE ISLAND Part of the Tristan da Cunha Islands, this active volcano last erupted in 2004, the result of a six-hour earthquake swarm. Until then, the volcano may have been dormant for more than 39,000 years. The island is an Important Bird Area and the only place on the planet where Nightingale buntings are found. You might also find pirate loot here, too! Legend has it that Captain John Thomas hid the Spanish booty in the island s caves during an expedition to the South Atlantic. Last revised: April 24, 2017 SOUTH GEORGIA TO CAPE VERDE: SECRET ISLANDS, RARE BIRDS, AND LEGENDARY EXPLORERS EXPEDITION DOSSIER 12