Tristan da Cunha, United Kingdom Cruise Port

Deep within the South Atlantic Ocean is a remote group of volcanic islands, among them the main island and cruise port of Tristan de Cunha, United Kingdom. Also called Tristan, the archipelago is 1,200 miles from Saint Helena, the nearest inhabited land, and its 1,500 miles from the South Africa, the nearest continental land. Despite this isolation, Tristan de Cunha is populated, with fewer than 300 residents living within its 80 square miles. Even though the UK is a world away, it's still a British overseas territory (which includes Saint Helena and Ascension). Originally sighted by Portuguese explorer Tristão da Cunha in 1506 (who named the island for himself), by 1816, the UK had annexed the islands. When the Suez Canal opened, the island was no longer needed as a stopping point. Today, there’s plenty to explore. Here are some favorite experiences when cruising to Tristan de Cunha, United Kingdom:

Take a stroll through Edinburgh of the Seven Seas, the island's main settlement. Set on a lovely green hillside, the village is unassuming, but has some historic buildings to visit (most of them no taller than one story). The volcanic park site called Park 61 is also near the village.
If you have the time and stamina, check out Queen Mary's Peak, the summit in the middle of the island; it's only recorded eruption was in 1961. Adventurous types can climb the peak, which takes several hours and requires a local guide.
Visit the interestingly named Inaccessible Island with a guide to see the protected wildlife reserve, which includes many bird species; many cruise lines will offer this as a shore excursion. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the island has no permanent settlements and no amenities.
Also a UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Gough Island is another area to explore. This island is inhabited by a South African settlement and uses it as a South Atlantic Ocean meteorological station. It's also a protected wildlife reserve, identified as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International. There are also plenty of fur seals here, and southern right whales migrate around the island.

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