A remote volcanic outpost in the middle of the South Atlantic, Ascension Island offers something genuinely rare: nesting green turtles, a cloud-capped mountain improbably lush with introduced trees, and a frontier-town feel that most cruisers never experience.
All cruise passengers tender to Georgetown Pier Head — the only landing point on the island.
💡 Pro move: No ATMs — bring British Pounds (GBP) cash. Cards are rarely accepted outside the Obsidian Hotel.
Ascension has no dedicated cruise pier; all ships tender to the Georgetown Pier Head stone steps.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Most cruise lines (world voyages, expedition) | Georgetown Pier Head, Clarence Bay📍 | Tendered |
| Expedition ships | Georgetown Pier Head, Clarence Bay📍 | Tendered |
From lush volcanic hiking to turtle nesting beaches and sooty tern colonies, Ascension rewards curious travellers willing to arrange things locally.
What was once a barren volcanic peak is now a green oasis at 859 m — the result of a 19th-century plan to introduce plants from around the world. Trails wind through bamboo groves, eucalyptus and endemic ferns with sweeping ocean views. Charles Darwin visited in 1836.
Arrange at the Conservation Office or Obsidian Hotel →Ascension hosts the second-largest green sea turtle nesting population in the Atlantic, with over 25,000 nests a year. Long Beach, adjacent to Georgetown, is one of the main nesting sites (nesting roughly Dec–Jun, peak Feb–Apr). Guided turtle tours are run by the AIG Conservation Department — no flash photography.
Book via AIG Conservation Office →Ascension is a globally important seabird breeding site. Thousands of sooty terns nest on the island, and boat trips to Boatswainbird Island to see frigatebirds can be arranged through the Conservation Office or Museum.
Arrange via Ascension Island Museum →Wander past St. Mary's Church (completed 1861), the old Marine Barracks (now the Exiles Club), and Fort Hayes — which houses part of the Ascension Island Heritage Society Museum. The island was garrisoned by the Royal Navy in 1815 to prevent Napoleon's rescue from nearby St. Helena.
Self-guided or ask at the Museum →A scenic volcanic bay with clear water for swimming and snorkelling, combined with a poignant 19th-century cemetery for sailors who died of disease — one of the most atmospheric spots on the island.
Hire a car or hitchhike from Georgetown →The waters around Ascension are rich with tuna, wahoo, and billfish. Boat fishing charters can be arranged locally for a productive few hours offshore.
Ask at Obsidian Hotel or pier →Georgetown is small and flat — most of the town is covered in a short loop from the pier.
From the pier, walk up to St. Mary's Church, past the Exiles Club (old Marine Barracks), to Fort Hayes and the Heritage Museum, then down to Long Beach to see the turtle pond at the wharf. The whole town is navigable on foot.
Drive or hitch to the mountain base, then follow the network of maintained trails through bamboo, ferns, and eucalyptus to the summit ridge. Stunning 360° views of the island and South Atlantic.
📍 Open in MapsClimate normals for Ascension Island, South Atlantic, British Overseas Territory (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 81°F / 27°C | 75°F / 24°C | 23 | 6:09 AM | 5:55 PM |
| Feb | 81°F / 27°C | 76°F / 24°C | 22 | 6:09 AM | 6:03 PM |
| Mar | 82°F / 28°C | 76°F / 24°C | 20 | 5:59 AM | 6:03 PM |
| Apr | 83°F / 28°C | 77°F / 25°C | 22 | 5:44 AM | 6:00 PM |
| May | 83°F / 28°C | 76°F / 24°C | 29 | 5:36 AM | 6:01 PM |
| Jun | 82°F / 28°C | 76°F / 24°C | 29 | 5:37 AM | 6:08 PM |
| Jul | 83°F / 28°C | 76°F / 24°C | 29 | 5:44 AM | 6:12 PM |
| Aug | 85°F / 29°C | 77°F / 25°C | 25 | 5:47 AM | 6:06 PM |
| Sep | 86°F / 30°C | 78°F / 26°C | 20 | 5:43 AM | 5:52 PM |
| Oct | 86°F / 30°C | 78°F / 26°C | 20 | 5:39 AM | 5:37 PM |
| Nov | 84°F / 29°C | 77°F / 25°C | 24 | 5:43 AM | 5:31 PM |
| Dec | 82°F / 28°C | 76°F / 24°C | 27 | 5:56 AM | 5:39 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
Georgetown is compact and easily walkable. Cruise passengers tender ashore at Georgetown Pier Head, just steps from the town center.
A small number of taxis have been introduced on the island. Fares are not published; arrange and agree on price upon arrival in Georgetown.
Car rental is the primary way to reach Green Mountain or outlying beaches. Inquire at the Obsidian Hotel or through your cruise line for local arrangements.
Most organized access beyond Georgetown is through cruise-line excursions, which focus on wildlife (green sea turtles, seabirds) and volcanic landscapes.
Hitchhiking is a common and generally accepted practice on Ascension Island, though company-owned vehicles may not be permitted to carry passengers.