Tristan da Cunha, South Atlantic Ocean
Overlooked by early explorers due to its rugged mountain landscape, it is absent of natural harbor
and agricultural land, along with heavy rain and high winds at all seasons.
The first recorded landing was by the crew of the Dutch vessel Heemstede in 1643, who had access to
fresh water, fish, seals and penguins.
History
Tristan did enjoy an economic boom, boosted by earnings from crawfish royalties, regular
fishing and supply boats.
In 1955-56, there was a scientific expedition to Gough Island followed by an agreement with
the South African government for the latter to maintain a permanent weather station on the
island. A condition of the Gough lease was an annual visit to Tristan by a South African
ship: first SAS Transvaal and from the 1980s RSA Agulhas.
Current Life
Nowadays, in the small village of Edinburgh, visitors can visit the home of approximately 70
families of farmers.
Visitors can become part of the community by renting a guest house (catered or
self-catering) or by staying in homes on a full-board basis.