Tristan da Cunha Visit News

Visits by the SH Diana and FV Antarctic Sea

Report by Nick Schönfeld with photos by Philip Kendall, Julia Gunther and Fran Bryson

We welcomed two vessels on the morning of the 20th November 2025: at 07:30 the FV Antarctic Sea, a Norwegian krill boat en route to the Falklands, followed shortly afterwards by the SH Diana with 107 passengers at 08:30. Diana's visitors arrived by Zodiac, which is always an adventure in the Tristan harbour. For a short time, visitors from both ships were ashore together, something we do not often see. Thanks to the bright blue jackets worn by SH Diana guests, it was easy to tell everyone apart, and the settlement was alive with activity without ever feeling crowded.

SH Diana at anchor off the harbour (Photo: Philip Kendall)

Visitors entering the harbour by zodiac (Photo: Julia Gunther)

Despite the Diana needing to shorten her stay to keep ahead of bad weather on the way to South Georgia, passengers still enjoyed a good amount of time ashore. Our local guides André, Jerry and Christopher led tours through the village and the thatched house. Several visitors also hired taxis to the Potato Patches for a quiet moment in the sunshine and the chance to watch the albatrosses soaring overhead. Birdwatchers across both groups reported Antarctic Terns (king birds), Sooty Albatross, Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross (Mollies) and Skuas, along with our much-loved Northern Rockhopper penguins. One couple even enjoyed a private tour.

Exploring the Settlement

Stepping across the Big Watron and walking in the settlement (Photos: Julia Gunther)

Taking a picture by the Fishing Dong (Photo: Julia Gunther)	On an independent hike, Fran Bryson was fascinated by the well-kept cemetery (Photo: Fran Bryson)

The signs outside the Tourism Centre are a popular photo opportunity (Photos: Julia Gunther)

How many ways can you pose by the Remotest Island sign (Photo: Julia Gunther)

In the Post Office and Tourism Centre, visitors could enjoy homemade crawfish sandwiches, chocolate biscuits and freshly brewed coffee, and browse a wide range of Tristan souvenirs, including T-shirts, stickers and island-made gifts.

Many visitors took the chance to use our Wi-Fi to check emails or send a quick message to loved ones. And even with limited time on land, several still managed to write a postcard home, something that never loses its charm on Tristan. Today was also the first time the Post Office and Tourism Centre was able to accept card payments from cruise-ship passengers, a very welcome improvement that has connected Tristan's banking system to the outside world more readily, and which has made things much easier for visitors and for the team.

Visitors in Café da Cunha (Photo: Julia Gunther)

For the first time, cruise passengers were able to pay for souvenirs by card (Photo: Philip Kendall)	Fran Bryson kindly gave a signed copy of her book to the Tristan library (Photo: Philip Kendall)

Visitors writing postcards in the gift shop (Photo: Julia Gunther)

The Albatross Bar was open for both ship visits, and passengers could have a cool drink or beer, although there was not quite enough time for a game of snooker.

Visitors inside the Albatross Bar (Photo: Julia Gunther)	Fran Bryson outside the Albatross Bar (Photo: Fran Bryson)

Mine host Randall Repetto behind the bar (Photo: Fran Bryson)

Next door, the Prince Philip Hall was filled with stands displaying beautiful, handcrafted items made by islanders, including woollen hats, gloves, penguins and other handmade pieces. And for those still keen to shop, the Rockhopper Gift Shop offered even more souvenirs and gift items. The supermarket was also open for anyone needing supplies or some fresh fruit.

Many people wanted their picture taken outside Prince Philip Hall (Photos: Julia Gunther)

The islanders' craft stalls in Prince Philip Hall were popular (Photos: Julia Gunther)

Above & below: Some of the knitted handicrafts on offer for sale in Prince Philip Hall (Photos: Julia Gunther)

The SH Diana departed at 12:30, while the second group of Antarctic Sea visitors came ashore in the afternoon before the ship departed around 4:00pm. The SH Diana has become something of an old friend to the island, calling in reliably each year, and many islanders have travelled on her back to Cape Town. A big thank you to the professional crews on both vessels, as well as the team from Fisheries, for their excellent cooperation. 

Descending to the harbour (Photo: Julia Gunther)	A final photo opportunity at the harbour's welcome sign (Photo: Julia Gunther)

Cruise passengers reembarking a zodiac (Photo: Fran Bryson)	Reembarking passengers wave as they pull away from the harbour steps (Photo: Julia Gunther)

It was wonderful to see the harbour so full of life, and with one or two more ships still due before Christmas, including the upcoming arrival of the Lance, which brings home islanders from Cape Town, the busy days are not over yet.

We thank Fran Bryson for the use of photographs from her four-part travel blog 'Remotest Island'.

If you were on the SH Diana, we'd welcome your feedback using our Visitors' Feedback Form.

SH Diana and FV Antarctic Sea at anchor off the harbour (Photo: Julia Gunther)

Administrator Philip Kendall Adds

It really was an amazing day of two ships. After our good friend the SH Diana left, the FV Antarctic Sea’s crew enjoyed an afternoon of shore leave which ended up in the Albatross Bar where I joined them after work. Captain Jan Sorensen regaled me with tales from Scandinavia to the Antarctic, where they will spend the next three months fishing. He thanked the island for the opportunity to allow them this rare chance to come ashore.

The FV Antarctic Sea's RIB in the harbour (Photo: Philip Kendall)	The FV Antarctic Sea's crew outside the Albatross Bar, Capt Sorensen second left (Photo: Philip Kendall)

The crew enjoyed a drink (or more) and several rounds of pool in the Albatross before returning to their ship with a gift of lobster from the island, just as the harbour closed for the day at 7:00pm.

The FV Antarctic Sea (Photo: Philip Kendall)

If you were on the FV Antarctic Sea, we'd welcome your feedback using our Visitors' Feedback Form.

The SA Agulhas II's Second Visit of 2025

Report by Kelly Green. Photos individually credited

It's not often we can say this, never in my case, that the SA Agulhas II has visited Tristan twice so close together. The last visit was brilliant, and this one was right up there as well. She arrived on the 3rd November 2025. This time she was only around the island for about two weeks, bringing contractor teams and a few visitors. She was chartered using funds from the FCDO in order to deliver essential infrastructure projects. The offloading went smoothly despite the limited weather windows. With almost 700 ton of cargo on her, everyone pulled together and the stevedores worked hard to ensure cargo moved safely and quickly. The contractor teams settled in well and got straight to work, making good progress in the time they had.

SA Agulhas II at anchor off the settlement (Photo: Philip Kendall)

View through a window of the 1961 Volcano and the settlement (Photo: Matthew Tharp)	Ian Lavarello presenting a Tristan plaque to Captain Roland Clutties on the SA Agulhas II (Photo: Ian Lavarello)

Visitors' Activities

With time tight and the weather calling the shots, the Conservation Department made the most of the first calm spell and headed over to Nightingale. It turned into a fantastic day with some of the best wildlife our archipelago has to offer. On the way back they were even greeted by a group of dolphins or porpoises, which the guests said was spectacular.

Visitor Chris Farrell cosying down with Rockhopper Penguins on Nightingale Island (Photo: Matthew Tharp)

We also managed trips to Runaway Beach, the Thatched House Museum, and the 1961 volcano, and the group enjoyed a tour of the school.

Visitor Matthew Tharp poses atop the 1961 Volcano (Photo: Matthew Tharp)

Craft and Archive Day

The Tourism Centre hosted the very popular craft and archive day. Allowing the visitors to delve into Tristan's rich heritage and history.

Visitors at the craft and archive day (Photo: Julia Gunther)

Carding and spinning wool (Photos: Julia Gunther)

Archivist Nick Schönfeld explaining an exhibit to visitors (Photo: Julia Gunther)

Some of the manuscripts and photographs being safeguarded and digitised (Photo: Julia Gunther)	Philip and Louise Kendall examining an exhibit (Photo: Julia Gunther)

Bonus Yacht Visitors

We also welcomed a familiar face back to the island when the yacht Nicolisa, which visited earlier in the year, returned to the archipelago. The skipper came ashore, enjoyed a meal, and joined in the festivities. On Sunday 16th November, another yacht - Audaz II - arrived briefly on her way to take part in the Cape to Rio 2025 race. The crew only stopped for half a day but still managed to enjoy a delicious lobster lunch before continuing onward to Cape Town.

Yacht Nicolisa anchored off the settlement (Photo: Nick Schönfeld)

Yachts Auraz II and Nicolisa at anchor either side of the MFV Edinburgh (Photo: Fouche Conradie)	Lobster lunches ready to be served (Photo: Matthew Tharp)

The visitors and contractors also had an unexpected treat during their stay: they were able to join in our King's Day celebrations, which we have reported on a separate page. It turned into a brilliant, fun-filled day with activities on the American Fence hosted by the school, followed by a reception at the Residency where the Administrator handed out prizes. It was a lovely opportunity for guests to experience a real Tristan community event.

Departure

Sunday 16th November was lively all round, with many of the SA Agulhas II crew able to come ashore. They picked up gifts from the shop and later headed to the pub, where they had a great time with the community.

Captain Roland Clutties with Philip Kendall and Ian Lavarello in the Albatross Bar (Photo: Philip Kendall)	Charles Wickham, Philip Kendall, Dr Alex Wonner, Dr Acela Lopez and Dr Abigail Paton - the ship's doctor and formerly a doctor on Tristan (Photo: Philip Kendall)

Before departing on Monday 17th November, the ship completed a full circumnavigation of the island, giving everyone on board the chance to see Tristan and its dramatic coastline at its very best.

Gathering at the harbour prior to departure (Photo: Julia Gunther)

Charles Wickham and Simon Glass at the harbour (Photo: Philip Kendall)	Policemen Conrad Glass and Barry Thacker chat with a visitor (Photo: Philip Kendall)	Not being frisked! Visitor Chris Farrell being helped with his life vest. (Photo: Philip Kendall)

Raft leaving the harbour for the SA Agulhas II (Photo: Julia Gunther)

With the ship on her way, the Tourism Team switched gears to prepare for their first cruise ship of the season, the SH Diana, due to arrive on Thursday 20th November.

If you were on the SA Agulhas II, we'd welcome your feedback using our Visitors' Feedback Form.

The SA Agulhas II 2025 voyage visitors' second week on Tristan

Reports from Kelly Green and Philip Kendall

Each year, the SA Agulhas II makes a scheduled stop at Tristan as part of her supply and research voyage to the South African base on Gough Island. For Tristan, the ship's arrival brings much-needed cargo, visitors, and opportunities for exchange, making it one of the most anticipated events in the island's calendar.

On 21st September, Tristan warmly welcomed the SA Agulhas II. After her arrival, the island was buzzing with activity as visitors enjoyed a wide range of experiences both in the settlement and further afield. We reported the first week of the visit earlier. Here's what else has happened since...

Classic silhouette of Tristan island as the Agulhas II heads off on the Gough Island leg of her voyage.
Photo: Antarctic Legacy of South Africa

Work at Gough Island

Once passengers had been landed, a team of Tristan men travelled with the ship to Gough Island to help ensure strict biosecurity measures were in place for protecting the island's fragile ecosystem from invasive species. They also installed a new AIS (Automatic Identification System) beacon, which acts like a digital lighthouse, helping track ships in the South Atlantic and improving maritime safety for Tristan and passing vessels.

Biosecurity measures: boot washing at Calshot Harbour. Photo: Shannon Swain	Helicopter lowering a container at the Gough Island base. Photo: Nathan Swain

Activities at the Post Office & Tourism Centre

The Post Office & Tourism Centre has been at the heart of the action, with the coffee machine running full-time and a steady flow of both new and familiar faces coming through the doors. Our first Wednesday lunch was a full house, with Tristan's famous Lobster Thermidor proving as popular as ever.

Visitors enjoying Wednesday lunch with Philip & Louise Kendall at the Tourism Centre. Photo: Kelly Green

One of the highlights was our craft day at the Centre, where visitors discussed making model longboats, and learned how Tristan wool is made, from carding and spinning to knitting. They had the chance to try their hand at each stage of the process while also chatting with islanders about local traditions. They also heard how wool has long been part of island life, from shearing the sheep that graze the Base to hand knitting garments that are now sold both locally and online. It's a lovely way of keeping our heritage alive and sharing a piece of Tristan with the wider world.

Odile Cesari talks with Brian Rogers about his model longboats. Photo: Kelly Green

Having a go at carding and spinning. Photos: Kelly Green

Another interesting event held during the visit was a display and introduction to the archive by Nick Schonfeld, who is here to continue work on the island's archive project, which is being supported by the Tristan da Cunha Association. Islanders were fascinated to see some of the old documents, records, and photographs he showcased, giving a glimpse into Tristan's rich history and how this ongoing project will help preserve it for future generations.

Nick Schönfeld displayed items from the Tristan archives and the equipment that is being used to digitise them.
Photo: Julia Gunther

Nightingale Island Trip

A standout moment was the conservation team's successful trip with visitors to Nightingale Island. Blessed with perfect weather, the group experienced this pristine environment up close.

Landing at the West Landing with Inaccessible on the horizon. Photo: Shannon Swain

Visitors walking down one of the 'roads' between the tussock, with Tristan in the background. Photo: Shannon Swain

Nightingale is a jewel of the Tristan archipelago, home to some of the world's rarest and most spectacular wildlife. Visitors witnessed thousands of seabirds in their natural habitat, including yellow-nosed albatross, spectacled petrels, shearwaters, and the ever-entertaining rockhopper penguins. They also had the chance to see fur seals along the shoreline and appreciate the island's unique and fragile plant life, much of which is found nowhere else on Earth.

Nesting Yellow-nosed Albatrosses	Incubating Rockhopper Penguins among the Tussock

Nightingale Buntings. Photos: Odile Cesari

Some visitors hiked to the top of the island, rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the South Atlantic, while others stayed closer to the shore to admire the bird colonies. On the return journey, there was even time to enjoy some fishing, making it an unforgettable day all round.

RIBS returned from Nightingale in the harbour with disembarking passengers. Photo: Philip Kendall

Hike up the Mountain

One of the highlights of the second week was a mountain walk, which was a full day trip. Guides Ryan Swain and Calvin Green took three of the visiting passengers up to the top of Burnt Wood, where they were rewarded with stunning views across to Nightingale and Inaccessible Islands. The weather was kind, and the group had a fantastic time exploring and learning more about Tristan's unique landscape.

Whether going up or coming down, the slope at Burnt Wood is always a challenge.

Once on the Base, the visitors were above the clouds...

...and there was this wonderful view up to St Mary's Peak. Photos: Ryan Swain & Calvin Green

Departure & Thanks

The SA Agulhas II left unexpectedly a day early on the 9th October, which meant that there was a lot of running around at the last minute, but the timing worked well for an emergency medevac situation that had arisen.

The Camogli Health Centre's ambulance pulls up by the Agulhas II helicopter.	People watching helicopter departures. There is a pile of mailbags in the background. Photos: Philip Kendall

Administrator Philip Kendall says that the Agulhas II visit was a great success! The group of visiting experts, family members and visitors all had a fruitful time on island. Philip and his wife Louise hosted a farewell reception at the Residency on the evening of Wednesday 8th, and he had a very useful catch-up about the Tristan da Cunha Association with trustee Hazel Carter. He posted the following Public Notice:

To the entire Tristan community,

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the successful annual visit of the Agulhas II. From manning the radio to offloading cargo, hosting our guests to serving them in the bar, your dedication and teamwork were exceptional.

Whether you worked long days alongside our visitors or proudly showcased the touristic beauty of Tristan, your efforts did not go unnoticed. It was a shining example of what we can achieve together- a whole community effort that reflects the spirit and hospitality of our island.

Philip Kendall Administrator

We will be reporting separately on some of the activities of the visiting officials and specialists, but they didn't have to work all the time, so we finish with a picture of FCDO Infrastructure specialist Rob MacIver at Pigbite.

Visiting specialist Rob MacIver with fur seals at Pigbite. How many can you see? Photo: Philip Kendall

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