Beautiful photos show what life is like in the world's most isolated settlement, which sits at the foot of an active volcano in the middle of the South Atlantic Ocean

Rachel AskinasiApr 23, 2020, 02:29 IST

The most remote settlement in the world is on a volcanic island in the middle of the South Atlantic.Peter Schaefer/EyeEm/Getty Images

The Edinburgh of the Seven Seas settlement has been dubbed the most remote settlement in the world, and can only be reached after a nearly week-long boat trip departing from Cape Town, South Africa.
The settlement is home to less than 300 residents and sits on the island of Tristan da Cunha, an active volcanic island in the middle of the South Atlantic Ocean.
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Sitting on the island of Tristan da Cunha, Edinburgh of the Seven Seas, one of the British Overseas Territories, has been dubbed the most remote settlement in the world.

Tristan de Cunha is actually an active volcanic island in the middle of the South Atlantic Ocean. The last time it erupted was in 1961, which forced islanders to evacuate to England.

The island is only accessible by boat — many of which depart from the nearest city of Cape Town, South Africa — and the journey to Tristan de Cunha takes nearly one week to complete.

Less than 300 islanders and visitors live there, but the remoteness grants the lucky few plenty of tranquility and safety.

The economy relies on the export of crawfish, known as "Tristan Rock Lobster," but tourism also makes up a small part. However, there are no hotels on the island, so the government has created a homestay program for visitors.

Here is what life is like in the most remote settlement in the world.

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By November of 1963, all the islanders who chose to reject the swinging sixties in the UK had returned back to their settlement to carry on their legacy.

A boat filled with islanders returning home to Tristan da Cunha in 1963. Carl Mydans/Contributor/Getty Images

An islander told the Redfern Natural History Productions reporter the first time he had ever ridden in a car was in England during the evacuation. He said he only really rides on donkeys on Tristan.

Even though the UK government expected residents to stay, a ballot was conducted and ruled 148 to 5 in favor of returning. Redfern Natural History Productions/YouTube

An islander told the Redfern Natural History Productions reporter the first time he had ever ridden in a car was in England during the evacuation. He said he only really rides on donkeys on Tristan.

Islanders were forced to evacuate. Most went to England, where they got a taste of modern life.

When the islanders evacuated, the UK government assumed it was permanent. Terence Spencer/Getty Images

It left behind a great deal of volcanic rock.

The volcanic rock can be found all along the hike. Redfern Natural History Productions/YouTube

You can see here how close the lava got to the settlement. It stopped before it reached the buildings.

The view is incredible. Redfern Natural History Productions/YouTube

Tourists can climb the active volcano on their visit. This peaceful, quiet settlement was almost destroyed in 1961 when the volcano erupted and sent lava spewing down the mountains.

Hiking gives tourists an aerial view of the settlement. Redfern Natural History Productions/YouTube

Tourists can climb the active volcano on their visit. This peaceful, quiet settlement was almost destroyed in 1961 when the volcano erupted and sent lava spewing down the mountains.

There's a museum called "Traditional Thatched House Museum" that's available as a guesthouse for one night for two people. The price includes tea, coffee, milk, sugar, candles, sleeping bags, and a "traditional Tristan cooked meal" for lunch.

Staying in the museum is a special experience. Redfern Natural History Productions/YouTube

There's a museum called "Traditional Thatched House Museum" that's available as a guesthouse for one night for two people. The price includes tea, coffee, milk, sugar, candles, sleeping bags, and a "traditional Tristan cooked meal" for lunch.

Some islanders open up their homes to visitors on a homestay basis. They collect 75% of the guest fees while the other 25% goes to the government.

Homestays are a great option to immerse yourself in the island culture. Peter Schaefer/EyeEm/Getty Images

But for the tourists that do make it to the island, there are a few options when it comes to tourist accommodations.

A resident welcomes visitors with open arms. Where's Andrew/YouTube

While some cruise ships have added the port to their route from Africa to Latin America so tourists can have a peek into this style of remote life, it's generally not somewhere people just pass through.

Tourists get a chance to see unusual and rare birds. David Forman/Getty Images

While some cruise ships have added the port to their route from Africa to Latin America so tourists can have a peek into this style of remote life, it's generally not somewhere people just pass through.

... and make a limited amount through tourism.

Tourism is a chance for outsiders to learn about the settlement and support local islanders. Redfern Natural History Productions/YouTube

They also sell postage stamps to collectors abroad ...

Collectors worldwide are interested in buying stamps. RFStock/Getty Images

Their local economy depends largely on the harvest of rock lobster — which they sell internationally — and fish.

Lobster boats docked along the coast of the island. David Forman/Getty Images

... and a few bars.

Every town needs a bar or two. Redfern Natural History Productions/YouTube

... bus stops where you can catch a ride to the potato patches ...

A small bus stop to wait in. David Forman/Getty Images

... a police force, although there's said to be just one police officer on the job ...

The town doesn't seem to need much policing. Redfern Natural History Productions/YouTube

... several handy stores ...

A handy store in town. Redfern Natural History Productions/YouTube

... an internet cafe, since WiFi isn't so easily accessible ...

The internet cafe. Redfern Natural History Productions/YouTube

The settlement has all the basics you would expect from any small town today. It's got a supermarket ...

The town's supermarket. Redfern Natural History Productions/YouTube

There's also a station that monitors radioactivity and seismic waves where scientists come to work as well.

The station needs to be monitored. The Official CTBTO Photostream/Wikimedia Commons/Attribution

Scientists visit the island to gather information on the rare plant and animal species living on the island among the volcanic rock.

There are plenty of rare botanic species for scientists to study. David Forman/Getty Images

Of the 253 people currently living on the island, 23 are not part of the permanent group of residents. And of the 246 permanent islanders, there are only nine different last names.

Islanders spend time knitting together. Where's Andrew/YouTube

Of the 253 people currently living on the island, 23 are not part of the permanent group of residents. And of the 246 permanent islanders, there are only nine different last names.

Roughly seventy families call Edinburgh of the Seven Seas home — they're reportedly all farmers.

Animals graze on communal pastures. Mark Hannaford/Getty Images

"Whether family or not, a passing touches the hearts of the whole community, and this is when you see islanders not only as a community but as a family," wrote one islander, Dawn Repetto, on the community's website.

Ladies on the island usually collect flowers and make wreaths. Kent Kobersteen/Getty Images

"Whether family or not, a passing touches the hearts of the whole community, and this is when you see islanders not only as a community but as a family," wrote one islander, Dawn Repetto, on the community's website.

Islanders say they feel a sense of community while dealing with death just as much as they do while living and celebrating life.

If there is a death during the week, usually the workday will be cut short. Kent Kobersteen/Getty Images

Before the church was created, islanders held services in people's homes.

The church is a great way for islanders to come together in one communal space. David Forman/Getty Images

The church was built in 1923 and was the first on the island.

The island has four churches in total. David Forman/Getty Images

The residents also celebrate traditional Catholic holidays, including Easter.

Residents at Saint Mary's Anglican Church on Easter Sunday. Kent Kobersteen/Getty Images

Holidays also include Old Year's Night on December 31 to bring in the new year, and Queen's Day to celebrate the Queen's birthday.

Queen Elizabeth II. WPA Pool via Getty Images

After hunting in and around the potato patches, teams return to Prince Philip Hall to receive prizes and have a dance-filled celebration of the day.

At the end of the day, teams enjoy refreshments in their homes before heading to celebrate. Redfern Natural History Products/YouTube

Judges count the rats and measure the tails to decide which team wins.

The Medical, Veterinary, and Agricultural Officers act as judges. Courtesy of Tristan da Cunha Photo Portfolio

On this holiday, men team up and compete to see who can catch the most, and the biggest, rats and mice — it was an idea thought up before mice repellent existed on the island.

On Ratting Day in 2019, a gong sounded at 7:00 am to alert the settlement that the day had begun. Courtesy of Tristan da Cunha Photo Portfolio

On this holiday, men team up and compete to see who can catch the most, and the biggest, rats and mice — it was an idea thought up before mice repellent existed on the island.

In fact, it's such a problem that the islanders have an entire holiday dedicated to ridding the island of the vermin — Ratting Day.

Teams of men compete on Ratting Day to remove the troublesome rats. Courtesy of Tristan da Cunha Photo Portfolio

The same boats that brought people to the island brought mice and rats as well. In killing the chicks of native birds, the rodents could be eradicating a number of species.

Efforts are made to remove the rats and mice, but getting to a point of a rodent-free island is difficult. Redfern Natural History Productions/YouTube

The same boats that brought people to the island brought mice and rats as well. In killing the chicks of native birds, the rodents could be eradicating a number of species.

There are three different species of albatross native to the island, but the albatross are threatened by mice every year.

Pictured above is the yellow-nosed albatross. David Forman/Getty Images

Animal life includes rare bird breeds and Northern Rockhopper penguins.

Tristan islanders call the penguins "pinnamins." Auscape/Contributor/Getty Images

More than 40% of the island's territory is declared a nature reserve.

The island works to remove rodents like rats because they destroy the island's indigenous bird life. Redfern Natural History Productions/YouTube

The numbers of livestock each family owns are controlled by the government to prevent overgrazing of the limited land — each household can own two cows, while a single householder can only have one.

The government regulates how much livestock each family can own. Redfern Natural History Productions/YouTube

The numbers of livestock each family owns are controlled by the government to prevent overgrazing of the limited land — each household can own two cows, while a single householder can only have one.

They can also use the space to take care of their livestock and let them graze.

Plenty of residents have their own livestock. Redfern Natural History Productions/YouTube

They harvest inside "walled patches" made from volcanic rock, and use hand tools rather than harvesting machinery.

A family's walled patch. Where's Andrew/YouTube

Every family living on the island has a few fields to grow potatoes and other crops.

A family's individual crops. Redfern Natural History Productions/YouTube

... and anyone can take the bus to get there.

The bus that transports visitors and residents to the patches. Redfern Natural History Productions/YouTube

There's one road that leads to the patches ...

The single road out to the fields. Where's Andrew/YouTube

The farming part of life in Tristan allows islanders to grow their own food without having to import.

A resident harvests a bunch of potatoes. Redfern Natural History Productions/YouTube

Edinburgh of the Seven Seas is a rural settlement, which sustains itself by growing mainly potatoes on patches of land about a mile away from the town.

Potatoe patches can be found nearby the town. Redfern Natural History Productions/YouTube

He said there's an element of freedom he's able to get on the island that he didn't have when he spent time in England — freedom to roam around and explore the natural landscape.

Spending lots of time in nature can do wonders for your overall wellbeing. Where's Andrew/YouTube

He said there's an element of freedom he's able to get on the island that he didn't have when he spent time in England — freedom to roam around and explore the natural landscape.

Another native islander was asked about what it was like to grow up on Tristan. He joked: "Pretty good, as long as you can find something to do."

Growing up on the settlement is way different than city life. Where's Andrew?/YouTube

... and he says they don't lock their doors. Even if they travel out to where the potato patches are, they can leave all the windows open and nothing would happen.

The residents have high levels of trust amongst each other. Redfern Natural History Productions/YouTube

He also said, "It's safe" in terms of criminal activity. Children can run around without supervision...

Safety is not an issue. Redfern Natural History Productions/YouTube

"Everyone on the island, we call them brothers and sisters," he said.

The family-like community keeps the island strong. Redfern Natural History Productions/YouTube

The islander said if someone kills a large animal for eating, they share it. If someone's home is destroyed, someone else will host them or help them repair it.

The island residents put others before themselves and are always willing to lend a helping hand. Redfern Natural History Productions/YouTube

One islander told a reporter from Redfern Natural History Productions that it's one giant family-like community, and everyone is there to help each other out.

Residents all work together and are like one big family. Redfern Natural History Productions/YouTube

The settlement is known for its high levels of hospitality and will welcome all visitors after the long journey.

The settlement does not have hotels, and most visitors stay with local residents. Redfern Natural History Productions/YouTube

Two are fishing vessels provided by the fishing company Ovenstones, which only carry 12 passengers each.

A fishing boat is one way to get to the island. Ian Sherlock/Wikimedia Commons/Attribution-Share Alike

Voyages are also listed on the South African National Antarctic Programme's schedule. The route isn't simple though and makes six stops in total. There are a handful of different ships, including the S.A. Agulhas, that cross the route.

Very few tourists visit the island because of the taxing journey to get there. Ossewa/Wikimedia Commons/Attribution-Share Alike

Voyages are also listed on the South African National Antarctic Programme's schedule. The route isn't simple though and makes six stops in total. There are a handful of different ships, including the S.A. Agulhas, that cross the route.

The trip from Cape Town's port takes approximately six days, and the ships leave on an inconsistent schedule — sometimes they set sail multiple times per month and sometimes they skip a month entirely. The government suggests padding travel time in Cape Town with an additional two days.

The inconsistent shipping schedule is a big reason for needing to plan your trip way in advance. GuilhermeMesquita/Shutterstock

The trip from Cape Town's port takes approximately six days, and the ships leave on an inconsistent schedule — sometimes they set sail multiple times per month and sometimes they skip a month entirely. The government suggests padding travel time in Cape Town with an additional two days.

The island is only accessible by boat across the South Atlantic Ocean — most trips leave from Cape Town, South Africa.

Arriving to the island after a nearly week-long journey must feel incredible. Mark Hannaford/Getty Images

Once visitors have timing ideas, they need to email the Secretary to the Administrator and provide reasons for their visit and what they hope to do while on the island.

An email explaining your intent to visit is essential. Brian Gratwicke/Flickr

Before even booking a flight, prospective visitors need to get their trip approved by the Tristan government.

Tourists must look at the shipping schedule to ensure their spot on a boat. Redfern Natural History Productions/YouTube

The island is so remote that the government actually recommends visitors start to plan their trips a year in advance.

Visiting the island is not easy. Geoff Renner/robertharding/Getty Images

Being the remotest settled island in the world is Tristan's claim to fame.

Residents enjoy the tranquility and safety that comes with being so remote. Redfern Natural History Productions/YouTube

There are less than 300 islanders and visitors who currently live there, including descendants from original settlers to stationed researchers.

All residents prefer to just call it "the Settlement." Redfern Natural History Productions/YouTube

The settlement was named after the Duke of Edinburgh, Queen Victoria's second son, after he visited in 1867.

The Duke of Edinburgh. Print Collector/Contributor/Getty Images

The island is one of Britain's 14 overseas territories.

A ship leaves Portsmouth Harbour in England to patrol the waters around Britain's territories in the South Atlantic. Chris Ison/PA Images/Contributor/Getty Images

The island of Tristan da Cunha is more than 1,700 miles (nearly 2,800 kilometers) off the coast of Cape Town.

The volcanic island sits 6,500 feet (2,000 meters) above sea level. David Forman/Getty Images

It lies at the edge of an island, Tristan da Cunha, in the middle of the South Atlantic Ocean.

Tristan de Cunha is actually an active volcanic island. Google Maps

Edinburgh of the Seven Seas is known as the most remote settlement in the world.

Edinburgh of the Seven Seas. Reuters

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Beautiful photos show what life is like in the world's most isolated settlement, which sits at the foot of an active volcano in the middle of the South Atlantic Ocean

By November of 1963, all the islanders who chose to reject the swinging sixties in the UK had returned back to their settlement to carry on their legacy.

An islander told the Redfern Natural History Productions reporter the first time he had ever ridden in a car was in England during the evacuation. He said he only really rides on donkeys on Tristan.

Islanders were forced to evacuate. Most went to England, where they got a taste of modern life.

It left behind a great deal of volcanic rock.

You can see here how close the lava got to the settlement. It stopped before it reached the buildings.

Tourists can climb the active volcano on their visit. This peaceful, quiet settlement was almost destroyed in 1961 when the volcano erupted and sent lava spewing down the mountains.

There's a museum called "Traditional Thatched House Museum" that's available as a guesthouse for one night for two people. The price includes tea, coffee, milk, sugar, candles, sleeping bags, and a "traditional Tristan cooked meal" for lunch.

Some islanders open up their homes to visitors on a homestay basis. They collect 75% of the guest fees while the other 25% goes to the government.

But for the tourists that do make it to the island, there are a few options when it comes to tourist accommodations.

While some cruise ships have added the port to their route from Africa to Latin America so tourists can have a peek into this style of remote life, it's generally not somewhere people just pass through.

... and make a limited amount through tourism.

They also sell postage stamps to collectors abroad ...

Their local economy depends largely on the harvest of rock lobster — which they sell internationally — and fish.

... and a few bars.

... bus stops where you can catch a ride to the potato patches ...

... a police force, although there's said to be just one police officer on the job ...

... several handy stores ...

... an internet cafe, since WiFi isn't so easily accessible ...

The settlement has all the basics you would expect from any small town today. It's got a supermarket ...

There's also a station that monitors radioactivity and seismic waves where scientists come to work as well.

Scientists visit the island to gather information on the rare plant and animal species living on the island among the volcanic rock.

Of the 253 people currently living on the island, 23 are not part of the permanent group of residents. And of the 246 permanent islanders, there are only nine different last names.

Roughly seventy families call Edinburgh of the Seven Seas home — they're reportedly all farmers.

"Whether family or not, a passing touches the hearts of the whole community, and this is when you see islanders not only as a community but as a family," wrote one islander, Dawn Repetto, on the community's website.

Islanders say they feel a sense of community while dealing with death just as much as they do while living and celebrating life.

Before the church was created, islanders held services in people's homes.

The church was built in 1923 and was the first on the island.

The residents also celebrate traditional Catholic holidays, including Easter.

Holidays also include Old Year's Night on December 31 to bring in the new year, and Queen's Day to celebrate the Queen's birthday.

After hunting in and around the potato patches, teams return to Prince Philip Hall to receive prizes and have a dance-filled celebration of the day.

Judges count the rats and measure the tails to decide which team wins.

On this holiday, men team up and compete to see who can catch the most, and the biggest, rats and mice — it was an idea thought up before mice repellent existed on the island.

In fact, it's such a problem that the islanders have an entire holiday dedicated to ridding the island of the vermin — Ratting Day.

The same boats that brought people to the island brought mice and rats as well. In killing the chicks of native birds, the rodents could be eradicating a number of species.

There are three different species of albatross native to the island, but the albatross are threatened by mice every year.

Animal life includes rare bird breeds and Northern Rockhopper penguins.

More than 40% of the island's territory is declared a nature reserve.

The numbers of livestock each family owns are controlled by the government to prevent overgrazing of the limited land — each household can own two cows, while a single householder can only have one.

They can also use the space to take care of their livestock and let them graze.

They harvest inside "walled patches" made from volcanic rock, and use hand tools rather than harvesting machinery.

Every family living on the island has a few fields to grow potatoes and other crops.

... and anyone can take the bus to get there.

There's one road that leads to the patches ...

The farming part of life in Tristan allows islanders to grow their own food without having to import.

Edinburgh of the Seven Seas is a rural settlement, which sustains itself by growing mainly potatoes on patches of land about a mile away from the town.

He said there's an element of freedom he's able to get on the island that he didn't have when he spent time in England — freedom to roam around and explore the natural landscape.

Another native islander was asked about what it was like to grow up on Tristan. He joked: "Pretty good, as long as you can find something to do."

... and he says they don't lock their doors. Even if they travel out to where the potato patches are, they can leave all the windows open and nothing would happen.

He also said, "It's safe" in terms of criminal activity. Children can run around without supervision...

"Everyone on the island, we call them brothers and sisters," he said.

The islander said if someone kills a large animal for eating, they share it. If someone's home is destroyed, someone else will host them or help them repair it.

One islander told a reporter from Redfern Natural History Productions that it's one giant family-like community, and everyone is there to help each other out.

The settlement is known for its high levels of hospitality and will welcome all visitors after the long journey.

Two are fishing vessels provided by the fishing company Ovenstones, which only carry 12 passengers each.

Voyages are also listed on the South African National Antarctic Programme's schedule. The route isn't simple though and makes six stops in total. There are a handful of different ships, including the S.A. Agulhas, that cross the route.

The trip from Cape Town's port takes approximately six days, and the ships leave on an inconsistent schedule — sometimes they set sail multiple times per month and sometimes they skip a month entirely. The government suggests padding travel time in Cape Town with an additional two days.

The island is only accessible by boat across the South Atlantic Ocean — most trips leave from Cape Town, South Africa.

Once visitors have timing ideas, they need to email the Secretary to the Administrator and provide reasons for their visit and what they hope to do while on the island.

Before even booking a flight, prospective visitors need to get their trip approved by the Tristan government.

The island is so remote that the government actually recommends visitors start to plan their trips a year in advance.

Being the remotest settled island in the world is Tristan's claim to fame.

There are less than 300 islanders and visitors who currently live there, including descendants from original settlers to stationed researchers.

The settlement was named after the Duke of Edinburgh, Queen Victoria's second son, after he visited in 1867.

The island is one of Britain's 14 overseas territories.

The island of Tristan da Cunha is more than 1,700 miles (nearly 2,800 kilometers) off the coast of Cape Town.

It lies at the edge of an island, Tristan da Cunha, in the middle of the South Atlantic Ocean.

Edinburgh of the Seven Seas is known as the most remote settlement in the world.