Inaccessible Island

Inaccessible Island lies west of Tristan, cliff-bound on most of its perimeter and living up to its name, and it holds the Inaccessible Island rail, a flightless bird about the size of a chick and generally described as the smallest flightless bird alive, which survives there because no rats or cats ever reached the island. UNESCO inscribed it with Gough Island in 2004 as a nature reserve of global importance.

What you actually see

• The Inaccessible Island rail - generally described as the smallest flightless bird alive.
• The cliff perimeter - the walls that give the island its name.
• The intact ecosystem - an island rats and cats never reached.
• The UNESCO listing - inscription with Gough Island in 2004.

When to go

October to March is the southern summer. Landing is rarely possible and strictly controlled. Weather governs everything.

Honest expectations

Access is severely restricted to protect the ecosystem and permits are rarely granted to visitors. Landing depends on swell and usually fails. Biosecurity rules on clothing and gear are strict and enforced.

Nearby

Nightingale Island is east, and Tristan is northeast.