Inaccessible Island is truly named. Its name comes from the fct that volcanic cliffs rise vertically nearly the entire circumference of the island. It has been a protected nature reserve since 1994, and together with Gough Island (south of the three islands we visited), a World Heritage Site, accounts for 40% of the land mass within the Tristan da Cunha Group. We were able to make landfall, and it is very unusual for groups of our size and limited time, to make landfall on all three islands. We were able to only be on roughly 200 yards of beach (rocks), and weren't able to go more than 50 feet from the waters edge. While Inaccessible is home to the sooty albatross and the most northern population of wandering albatrosses, we only saw more Rockhopper Penguins on the beach.
This is right by the landing site, and shows the near vertical walls of Inaccessible Island.
Rockhopper penguin. Almost looks like its hungover and deciding whether will ocean will revive its spirits.
Rockhopper penguins and waves
Rockhopper penguin - a 'Yoda' like figure
Rockhopper penguin hopping. Good form for a long jumper!
Group photography of rockhoppers.
Rockhopper penguin togetherness
Rockhopper penguins heading back for their nests - in the tall, impenetrable grass. And not too concerned with the large mammals sitting on their beach.
The last one heading for the nest
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