Visit of the SH Diana, March 2025
Report from Kelly Green with additional photos from Philip Kendall and the expedition team
On Friday, 21st March 2025, as the first light of dawn broke over Tristan da Cunha, the sound of cockerels crowing filled the air. I lay in bed for a moment, knowing that it would be a busy day ahead - the arrival of the SH Diana was expected. As I always do, I looked out my window to check the conditions, and to my delight, the morning was absolutely perfect.
The SH Diana arriving
Before the day’s activities began, I stepped outside to hang my washing. Just then, my phone buzzed with a message from Nikki, the ship’s expedition leader. She had sent a breathtaking photo of the settlement bathed in the warm glow of the rising sun. As I started to reply, I glanced up - and there she was, SH Diana, gracefully rounding the corner into view.
The view from the ship as the sun rises beyond the settlement and Big Point...
...and passengers' view of 1961 Volcano and the settlement
The day’s operations commenced promptly at 7:20 AM. First, the scout boat arrived, followed by some of the ship’s personnel, who efficiently set up a gazebo and water station for the guests. Meanwhile, the Administrator and immigration officials made their way to the ship for clearance, ensuring everything was in order.
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| The ship's wall of plaques already had one from Tristan, received during a previous visit. Rather than exchange a second plaque, Administrator Philip Kendall gave a book about the island to the captain for the ship's library | |
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| Passengers arriving in the harbour by zodiac, and gathering on the quay for the walk up to the village | |
As this was happening, my tour guides, taxi drivers, and bus operators assembled at the harbour, ready for the morning’s excursions. At 8:15 AM, passengers began disembarking, with the first tours heading to the volcano and the thatch house. The visiting group had also requested a taxi and bus tour to the Potato Patches, and we made arrangements for 49 guests using a combination of a 12-seater bus and 10 standby cars.
There was also long walk to the Potato Patches tour that headed off; they got to enjoy beautiful runaway beach!
Islander Joyce Hagan keeping an eye on things by the harbour sign
The harbour had now quietened down as most guests were out exploring. I made my way back to the Tourism Centre, where only a few visitors were there as everybody was out and about.
A notable highlight of the day was that the SH Diana agreed to take several passengers back to Cape Town. These included islanders and expat workers who had been on Tristan. At 10:30 AM, they boarded the ship, ready for their journey home.
As the morning turned into a beautiful, sunny afternoon, the Tourism Centre became lively again. Visitors gathered to take photos at the iconic Tristan sign, and there was a buzz around the shops, where souvenirs, lobster tarts, postcards, and stamps were in high demand. Many guests explored the longboat museum and the newly installed interpretation boards, enjoying the island’s rich history and stunning landscapes.
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| Passengers gather round the 'Remotest Island' sign | Visitors in the Post Office & Tourism Centre |
A visitor relaxes in the Tourism Centre garden with a game of golf in play in the field behind
One of the most exciting impromptu additions to the day was a trip to Pigbite on the other side of the 1961 volcano to see rockhopper penguins. This was the first time we've arranged this tour, and with the help of the Conservation team, visitors eagerly hopped into the back of the 4x4s for rugged rides to their destination.
Visitors on the Pigbite tour...
...and in the backs of the bakkies ready to return over the lava flow (visible at right)
As the afternoon stretched on, the pub filled with laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses, as visitors and locals enjoyed cold beers and rounds of snooker. Even the golf course saw action until just before 6:00 PM, with players making the most of the long daylight hours.
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| Island passengers leave to 'hitch a ride' to Cape Town | Passengers returning in one of the ship's zodiacs |
Meanwhile, the final Zodiac of the day departed, carrying the Tristan da Cunha guides who would spend the night on board in preparation for an early start towards Nightingale Island the next morning.
Nightingale Island Trip
On day two, passengers visited Nightingale Island, disembarking at the West Landing. Tristan guides took them up the cliffs to see the birdlife nested in the tussock grass and by the ponds.
Delighted passengers approaching the landing place in a zodiac at Nightingale Island
Passengers disembarking from a zodiac at the West Landing, Nightingale Island, with Middle Island in the background and Inaccessible on the horizon
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| Island guides help visitors up the steep and slippery path from the landing place | |
The reward for their climb - A photogenic group of Rockhopper penguins
The visit of SH Diana was truly one for the books - a day of smooth operations, exciting excursions, and beautiful weather that showcased Tristan da Cunha at its best. From early morning walks to late-evening golf games, the energy of the island was vibrant and welcoming, leaving our guests with unforgettable memories.