Tristan da Cunha Visit News

SA Agulhas II visitors' activities 2026

Report and photos from Philip Kendall and Kelly Green

SA Agulhas II off the settlement, October 2026. Photo: Robin Repetto

The SA Agulhas II visit may have been a short one this year, but that certainly didn’t stop a huge amount of important work from taking place during those few weeks!

Chilling out and contemplating the ship offshore. Photos: Odile Cesari &amp Tracy Tough

	Healthcare and Training A team of health professionals worked hard at the hospital, providing a range of services to Tristan’s residents. The dental team and eye specialist worked incredibly hard to see members of the community, carrying out dental and eye assessments and helping people with their healthcare needs. Over 180 dental appointments were completed, alongside a similar number of optician appointments.
	Left: Dental checkup. Photo: Kelly Green
	We also welcomed Dr Peter Smith, a general psychiatrist, and Rene, a child psychiatrist, who were part of the visiting healthcare team, offering specialist mental health services and support to the island’s residents.

Professor Ian Cumming also delivered two UK-accredited training courses to strengthen our community’s emergency response skills.

The first was a five-day Emergency First Responder course (FREC3), covering trauma, immediate life support, choking, burns, major haemorrhage, asthma and heart attacks. All seven candidates successfully passed: Acela, Philip, Vera, Linda, Debbie, Tristan and Leon. Congratulations to everyone!

Above & below: Prof. Ian Cumming conducting First Response Emergency Care training. Photos: Philip Kendall & Kelly Green

The second was a one-day UK-accredited Basic Life Support course, focusing on essential life-saving skills, including choking and catastrophic haemorrhage. All five participants successfully passed: Stacey, Tracy, Odile and Benjamin. Well done to all involved!

One of the main reasons for Matt Dryden visiting, was to set up and improve diagnostic capacity for serious infectious diseases. So, he set up a machine that runs panels to detect the causes of respiratory infection, gastrointestinal infection, meningitis, and sepsis. He also checked out the blood sciences machines.

Ian Cumming and Matt Dryden had a review of the overall medical services, overseas referrals and how those might be future proofed.

It was a valuable opportunity for the community to access a variety of healthcare services and specialist support, alongside important training to strengthen local emergency response skills.

Building Inspections and Important Work at the Harbour

Outside the hospital, solar panels are being installed on the hospital roof, increasing the renewable energy capacity on the island, and the roads project is continuing to improve the infrastructure to the patches.

We also welcomed Dainah Smith, who was sent by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) to inspect several buildings on the island for asbestos.

There was plenty of essential work taking place down at the harbour, too!

Overseen by crane engineer Sean Kryney, a dedicated team spent seven days carrying out essential maintenance and repairs on Tristan’s Liebherr LR1100 crawler crane, which is used to offload barges and bring vital supplies ashore.

Crane refurbishment and harbour team Photo: Kelly Green

The work included removing and replacing the track chains, grouser shoes, idler wheels, track slack adjuster cylinders, A-frame, load cells, X-frame, pendants and various other components. Completing this work was essential to help prevent a critical failure of the machine and ensure it remains operational. This piece of essential equipment is now good for another few years.

A big thank you to Sean and the entire team involved: Gerald van Heerden, Craig Kastoor, Vinini Xambesi, Sean Kryney, Jadin Arendse, Thulani Mofu and Paul Ferreira (Jurrie).

Refurbished caterpillar tracks. Photo: Philip Kendall	The old track repurposed as a picture frame. Photo: Tracy Tough

It is a great example of the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes to keep Tristan running, from healthcare and building inspections to maintaining the equipment we rely on to receive essential supplies.

Making the Most of the Visit

Although the weather wasn't particularly kind during the visit, there was still plenty of time to enjoy island life!

Above & below: Wednesday Lunch at Café da Cunha. Photos: Ian Cumming & Kelly Green

Everyone got to enjoy our busy Wednesday lunch at Café da Cunha, followed by a craft show at the Tourism Centre, which also gave visitors plenty of opportunities to browse and enjoy a bit of shopping.

Spinning and carding wool at the craft show. Photos: Paula Swain & Tracy Tough

Brian Rogers with some of his model longboats at the craft show, and Tracy Tough with the real thing in the Longboat Museum next door. Photos: Paula Swain

There was also time for some evening entertainment, with karaoke at the Albatross Bar giving visitors and locals a chance to get together, enjoy themselves and make the most of their time on the island. They clearly enjoyed belting out their favourite songs

Karaoke Night in the Albatross bar was popular with visitors and islanders alike. Photos: Philip Kendall & Kelly Green

Walks and Wildlife

Towards the end of the visit, the weather finally cleared just enough to allow for two mountain walks.

Dr Matt was taken up Burntwood by Philip Rogers, making the most of the opportunity to explore Tristan's spectacular landscape.

Visiting specialist Matt Dryden on the Base, and his guide Philip Rogers at Burntwood. Photos: Philip Rogers & Matt Dryden

The following day, Professor Ian Cummings and CTBTO representative Benjamin Duportal set off with Jason, Calvin and Nathan to climb the mountain from behind the village. They had hoped to reach the peak, but with such cold weather, the snow was lying much further down the mountain than usual. Instead, they walked across the lower slopes before descending at Green Hill.

The Conservation RIB leaving harbour to circumnavigate the island with visitors. Photo: Kelly Green	Happy visitors in the Conservation RIB heading west. Photo: Matt Dryden

For those who didn't head out on the mountain, there was still plenty of adventure to be had. Members of the conservation team took visitors out on a RIB trip around the island, offering a fantastic opportunity to see Tristan from the sea. Some also got to experience a little of Tristan's deep-sea fishing, making the most of the chance to get out on the water.

Additionally, Eugene Repetto took his visiting Paula Swain and Tracy Tough out the Pigbite to see the seals and rockhopper penguins.

Some of the Wildlife Photos taken by Visitors

Left: A Peeoo or Sooty Albatross. Right: A Molly or Yellow-nosed Albatross on its nest on the Base.

Photos above and below by Matt Dryden

Rockhopper Penguins (not hopping!)	A Starchy or Tristan Thrush.
A rockhopper penguin incubating an egg at Pigbite. Photo: Paula Swain	Fur seal at Pigbite Photo: Paula Swain

A Visit from Father Dominic We also welcomed Father Dominic Helmboldt to Tristan during the visit, who spent time with our local Catholic community at St Joseph’s Church. Visits from Catholic clergy are important to the island, providing pastoral support and opportunities for the community to come together in faith and celebrate religious services and sacraments.
Farewell reception at the Residency. Photo: Philip Kendall	Fr. Dominic Helmboldt celebrating mass in St Joseph's church. Photo: Philip Kendall

Philip Kendall's Agulhas II Farewell Reception Speech

On the 14th October, Philip and Louise hosted their last event in the Residency as Administrator - the Agulhas Farewell reception. The handover to the new Administrator, Andy Wells, took place the next day.

"Good evening, everyone, and welcome to the Agulhas II Farewell Reception. This annual gathering gives us the chance to reflect on the visit and to thank all those who have contributed so much to the island over the past two and a half weeks.

First, I must apologise for the weather. It has not been the most cooperative — climbing the Peak or visiting Nightingale Island has been difficult. But we still have a couple of days left, so never say never.

This year, we have been fortunate to have people caring for our physical, mental, and spiritual health. My thanks go to the medical professionals who have looked after our teeth and eyes. Sandy, you are now so familiar with Tristan that you could almost apply for residency — six visits and counting! Thanks also to Ian and Matt for their work at the hospital, which now has the capability to diagnose the reasons behind the current coughs.

We are grateful to Father Dominic for tending to our spiritual health, and to Dainah for bravely crawling through the loft spaces in search of asbestos — and encountering a few dead rats along the way.

This evening is not only my fourth Agulhas Farewell Reception, but also my last. I want to extend a special thank you to the Tristan community and to the wonderful team I have had around me. All the Chiefs are here tonight: our Chief Islander, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Finance Officer, Chief Medical Officer, and Chief of Police — newly promoted Inspector Barry. And of course, not forgetting my Chief Wife, without whom nothing would be possible.

So please, raise your glasses with me — to the Agulhas II, to our visitors, and to everyone who has worked so hard to support Tristan during this visit. Thank you all."

A Short Visit with a Lasting Impact

Although the SA Agulhas II visit was shorter than usual this year, it was certainly a busy and productive few weeks for Tristan da Cunha.

From healthcare and specialist training to building inspections, essential harbour maintenance, community activities and opportunities to explore our incredible island, there was a great deal happening behind the scenes and plenty of memories made along the way.

Passengers and their luggage on American Fence waiting to depart. Photo: Paula Swain

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

2026 Welcome Party for the SA Agulhas II

Report by Kelly Green with additional photos from Paula Swain

The annual SA Agulhas II community party took place on Saturday 3rd October 2026, with Administrator Philip and his wife, Louise, hosting an evening of good food, good company and plenty of dancing!

The evening got underway with drinks at 7:00pm, and Philip giving a warm speech, thanking the community for what has been a wonderful three years on Tristan.

Philip Kendall (right) delivering his speech. Photo: Kelly Green

Philip Kendall's Speech

"Good evening, everyone, and welcome to the passengers of the Agulhas II. This is my fourth annual Agulhas welcome reception, and I have a feeling it could be the best yet.

We are especially delighted to welcome Tristan family members returning home for the first time in years - it is wonderful to have you back, albeit briefly. Alongside you, we have our usual array of experts ensuring that our eyes, teeth, and general health are all in good order. Sean is here keeping the crane in shape, while Dainah is bravely checking for asbestos in my house and office.

I would also like to extend a warm welcome to Tinus and Richard, who are assisting with the smooth handover at the factory. And of course, Andy Wells, who claims to be my successor! I welcome him too, though you still have me as Administrator for the next two weeks until Louise and I depart on the Agulhas. So, although it's not quite goodbye just yet, I would just like to say thank you to the whole community for your friendship over the last three years.

We have achieved a lot together. Thinking back to when I first arrived three years ago, people used to complain constantly about not being able to download their emails. Now the complaint is that Netflix freezes occasionally. That's progress!

We have also been through a lot together, especially in the last six months, with Hantavirus and the storm. There is one person here I would like to personally thank, for his support and guidance from afar during the Hantavirus outbreak. Dr Matt Dryden was behind the scenes, but very much at the forefront of the UK response. Dr Alex has something for you Matt. Please come forward.

Dr Matt Dryden, visiting UKHSA Infection Consultant, took the opportunity to recognise the hard work and dedication of Dr Alex, Dr Silvio and the entire hospital team during this year's hantavirus emergency. Dr Alex Wonner presented him with a gift from the community. Photos: Kelly Green

Before I hand over to Andy and Ian to say a few words, I have the honour of presenting some well overdue medals. These are mostly for those who were off-island at the time they were first awarded.

• First, the well-deserved Platinum Jubilee medals for Her late Majesty, presented to the Police Service.
• And then, the Coronation medals, presented to our Fire, Search, and Rescue Services.

Philip Kendall presenting medals. Photos: Paula Swain & Kelly Green

Congratulations to all and thank you once again for joining us tonight.

Thank you all again. Enjoy the rest of the evening, and now Andy, over to you."

The incoming Administrator, Andrew Wells, said a few words, expressing how excited he is about his new posting and looking forward to getting to know everyone and becoming part of island life. He will be sworn in before officially taking up his new position just before the Agulhas departs.

Andrew Wells speaking to the community. Photo: Paula Swain

As a special thank you from the community, Chief Islander Ian Lavarello presented Philip and Louise with a model longboat to mark their time on the island and their contribution to the community.

Philip and Louise Kendall being presented with model longboat to mark their time on Tristan. Photo: Paula Swain

After the speeches and presentations, it was time to relax, catch up and enjoy the evening. The food kept coming from a delicious spread prepared by the Seven Seas Catering team, including some much-loved Tristan lobster. Conversations continued and, before long, the lights were turned down and the music was turned up!

Socialising after the speeches. Photos: Paula Swain

The dance floor soon filled up, with plenty of dancing, laughter and a few impressive moves keeping everyone entertained well into the evening.

The 'Jerusalema' line dance was a lot of fun. Video still: Paula Swain

Tristan's ever popular Pillow Dance. Photos: Paula Swain

The dancing continued into the night. Photo: Paula Swain

It was a great night for the community to come together, celebrate Philip and Louise's time on Tristan, welcome Andrew and simply enjoy each other's company.

A big thank you to Philip and Louise for hosting such a fantastic evening, and for everything they have done for the community over the past three years. We wish them both all the very best for the future!

More Ways to Pay on Tristan da Cunha!

Making payments on or to Tristan has just become even easier. Following the successful introduction of credit card facilities on the island last year, the use of card payments has continued to grow. Building on that success, card machines have now been rolled out to a number of additional locations across the settlement. Residents and visitors can now make card payments at the Tourism Office, Post Office, Island Store, Albatross Bar, Café da Cunha and the Finance Department. The Finance Department will also offer a cashback service in GB Pounds, US dollars, Euros and SA Rand, providing added convenience for visitors and the community. An exciting new development is the launch of the island's Digital Pay-by-Link payment system.* This allows people who are off island to securely make payments online for a range of goods and services. Whether paying an accommodation deposit, purchasing stamps and souvenirs, or settling other charges, payments can now be made quickly and easily from anywhere in the world. The new system will also benefit visiting cruise ships, enabling operators to make payments directly to the island online before or after their visit. This will streamline transactions and help improve efficiency for both visitors and local services.
	The currency used on Tristan da Cunha is the GB pound (GBP).
With the 2026/27 tourist season just around the corner, these improvements represent another important step in modernising services and making Tristan more accessible to visitors and customers worldwide. We hope the increased convenience will encourage greater spending on island products and services, boosting local revenue and supporting the community. In short, whether you're buying a postcard in Edinburgh of the Seven Seas, enjoying a drink at the Albatross Bar, or arranging your visit from thousands of miles away, paying for goods and services on Tristan has never been easier. * A secured URL link is shared to customers via email, SMS or WhatsApp prompting an instant settlement by customers. The Pay-by-link digital service entails a 10% transactional fee.

Payment Methods now Available

Method	Fee	Currencies accepted	Notes
Cash	None	GBP, USD, EUR or ZAR	In person on the island
Bank Transfer	None	GBP, USD, EUR or ZAR	N.b. Verification by SMS code will not work on Tristan
PayPal	5.60%	GBP only	Tristan's Online Shop - fees included in prices
Credit Card	10%	GBP only	In person on the island (including cashback) or online
Pay-by-link	10%	GBP only	New!

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