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Ascension

Ascension, Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha

Ascension Island, part of the British Overseas Territory of St Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha, is a remote volcanic island located in the South Atlantic Ocean. Known for its unique geography, diverse wildlife, a…

#remote island#volcanic#tropical#British overseas territory#military base

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Ascension.

Top Hotels in Ascension

Top Flights to Ascension

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Ascension.

Tours

Fort Hayes Exploration

Explore the historic Fort Hayes, offering a glimpse into the island’s military past with stunning ocean views.

Ascension Island Heritage Society Museum

Learn about the history and culture of Ascension Island at the Heritage Society Museum.

Shopping

Two Boats Club

Enjoy the only communal recreational club and bar on the island, located at Two Boats village offering leisure activities.

Outdoor

Green Mountain National Park Hiking

Experience the lush beauty of Ascension Island at Green Mountain National Park, featuring diverse flora and fauna on the hiking trails.

Turtle Watching

Witness the majestic sea turtles nesting on the shores of Ascension Island, a unique and awe-inspiring experience.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Ascension.

Currency

£ | GBP | Pound Sterling

Population

Not Available

Languages

English, English, French, Creole

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Ascension.

What people love

Ascension Island, located in the South Atlantic Ocean, offers unique advantages for travelers seeking a remote and adventurous destination. Some of the pros of traveling to Ascension include:

Unspoiled Natural Beauty: Ascension Island is known for its stunning landscapes, including volcanic craters, rugged coastlines, and pristine beaches. Nature lovers will appreciate the island's diverse flora and fauna, as well as the opportunity to observe rare bird species and marine life.
Outdoor Activities: The island offers a range of outdoor activities for adventurous travelers, such as hiking, diving, fishing, and bird watching. Ascension's waters are teeming with marine life, making it a popular destination for snorkeling and scuba diving.
Unique Cultural Experience: Ascension Island has a rich history and cultural heritage, with influences from British, American, and African traditions. Travelers can learn about the island's military past, visit historic sites, and interact with the friendly local population.
Remote and Tranquil Setting: Ascension Island is one of the most remote inhabited islands in the world, offering a peaceful and tranquil environment for those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of modern life. The island's small population and lack of commercial development make it an ideal destination for relaxation and solitude.
Stargazing Opportunities: Ascension Island's remote location and minimal light pollution provide excellent conditions for stargazing. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the night sky and observe celestial phenomena that are not easily visible in urban areas.

Overall, traveling to Ascension Island can be a rewarding and memorable experience for those seeking a unique and off-the-beaten-path destination.

What to know

Traveling to Ascension Island, which is a remote volcanic island in the South Atlantic Ocean, has several cons that you should consider:

Limited transportation options: Ascension Island is not easily accessible, with limited flights available from the UK and Cape Verde. The lack of frequent transportation options can make travel to and from the island challenging.
Limited tourist infrastructure: Ascension Island is a remote destination with limited tourist facilities and amenities. Accommodation options are limited, and there are few restaurants and shops on the island.
Remote location: Ascension Island is located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, far from any major landmass. This remoteness can make it difficult to access emergency services or medical facilities in case of an emergency.
Harsh climate: Ascension Island has a dry and arid climate, with limited rainfall and high temperatures. The weather can be harsh, especially during the summer months, making outdoor activities challenging.
Limited attractions: Ascension Island is a small island with limited tourist attractions. While the island is known for its natural beauty and wildlife, there are limited activities and sights for tourists to explore.

Overall, traveling to Ascension Island can be a unique and adventurous experience, but it is important to consider the challenges and limitations of visiting such a remote destination.

Ascension Island is a remote island located in the South Atlantic Ocean and is part of the British Overseas Territory of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha. Here is a detailed history of the island, including significant events, historical figures, and important landmarks:

Early History

Discovery: Ascension Island was discovered on Ascension Day, May 21, 1501, by the Portuguese navigator João da Nova. However, it was not claimed or settled at that time.
Early Visits: The island was largely ignored by European powers for the next few centuries due to its barren landscape and lack of fresh water.

19th Century

British Control: The island was claimed by the British on October 22, 1815, following the imprisonment of Napoleon Bonaparte on nearby Saint Helena. The British established a small naval garrison on the island to prevent any escape or rescue attempts.
Royal Navy: The island was strategically important because of its location, and the British Navy used it as a supply station and a base for anti-slavery patrols in the Atlantic Ocean.
HMS Ascension: The island was managed by the Royal Navy and was known as HMS Ascension, functioning like a ship under naval command.

20th Century

World War II: During World War II, Ascension Island became an important airbase for the Allies. The United States built Wideawake Airfield, a crucial stopover for aircraft crossing the Atlantic.
Communications Hub: The island also became a key communication hub, with the installation of submarine cables and radio stations.
Post-War Developments: After the war, the airfield continued to be used as an emergency landing strip for transatlantic flights and for refueling purposes.

Modern Era

Space and Military Installations: In the latter half of the 20th century, Ascension Island hosted various American military and space installations, including a NASA tracking station used during the Apollo missions.
Conservation Efforts: In recent years, Ascension Island has become known for its efforts in conservation, particularly regarding the protection of its unique flora and fauna and its significant sea turtle nesting sites.
Governance: Ascension Island is governed as part of the British Overseas Territory of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha. The island has its own local government, known as the Island Council.

Important Landmarks

Green Mountain: The highest point on the island, Green Mountain is a lush area with a variety of plant life, a stark contrast to the otherwise arid landscape. It was planted with vegetation by the British in the 19th century to provide fresh produce and water.
Wideawake Airfield: Originally constructed by the US during WWII, this airfield remains in use today.
Devil's Ashpit: A volcanic feature near the center of the island.
Long Beach: Known for the nesting of green turtles.

Ascension Island remains a strategically important and ecologically significant location in the South Atlantic, with a unique history tied to maritime navigation, military strategy, and environmental conservation.