Inaccessible Island Map

Description: This map shows peaks, beaches, rivers, rocks, and points of interest on Inaccessible Island.

Other Maps of Inaccessible Island

Inaccessible Island is a volcanic island located in the South Atlantic Ocean. It is part of the Tristan da Cunha archipelago, a British Overseas Territory, and lies approximately 45 kilometers (28 miles) southwest of Tristan da Cunha, the main island of the group. The island has an area of about 12.65 square kilometers (4.88 square miles) and rises steeply from the ocean to a maximum height of 449 meters (1,473 feet) at Swales Fell.

The island was discovered in January 1656 by Dutch explorers aboard the Nachtglas, who named it "Nachtglas Island." It received its current name from French explorer D'Etcheverry in 1778, who found it impossible to land due to its steep cliffs rising almost vertically from the sea. This challenging topography continues to make access difficult, with only a few landing sites available during calm sea conditions, primarily at Blenden Hall on the northwestern coast.

In 1995, Inaccessible Island, together with Gough Island, was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its pristine nature and significant biodiversity. The island remains uninhabited by humans and has never supported a permanent population, though temporary settlements existed in the 19th century. Two German brothers, the Stoltenhoffs, attempted to settle on the island from 1871 to 1873 before being rescued due to harsh living conditions.

Inaccessible Island is renowned for its ecological significance. It is home to the Inaccessible rail, the world's smallest flightless bird and the only species endemic to the island. The rail evolved in isolation and represents a remarkable case of island evolution. The island also hosts two endemic subspecies of land birds: the Inaccessible Island finch and the Inaccessible Island thrush.

The vegetation of Inaccessible Island consists primarily of tussock grass along the coastal areas, while the interior highlands feature wet heath and bog communities. The island contains Phylica arborea woodland, a unique habitat type that represents one of the most isolated tree communities in the world. Unlike many remote islands, Inaccessible has remained relatively free from introduced mammals, though some non-native plants have become established.

Scientific expeditions to the island have been infrequent, with major research visits occurring in 1938, 1962, 1982-1983, and 1989-1990. The island is protected by Tristan da Cunha conservation ordinances, which restrict access and require permits for landing.