Fragile South Atlantic Destinations and Eco-friendly Tours
South Africa
Although we do not offer 'dedicated' tours in this port, there is plenty of opportunity to experience the various protected wildlife parks and nature reserves in South Africa. Why not take a trip to the beautiful wine regions of the Western Cape or visit echo-friendly Table Mountain or simply sit on the dock edge and watch the always amusing seals basking in the sunshine. If you're lucky enough, you may even get see a 'Wandering Albatross' off Cape Point. The quality of wildlife here is on a scale that is almost unimaginable!
Namibia
In Walvis Bay there is the opportunity to take the 'Living Desert' tour, where amazingly resilient desert creatures roam in one of the most fragile but unforgiving landscapes in the world; the 'Namibian Desert'. Alternatively you could visit the Pelicans on the coast or see dolphins and seals in their natural ocean habitat. Even our more adventurous passengers are catered for, with activities on offer such as 'Sand Dune Quad-biking', '4x4 Trails' and the Living Desert Tour. This brings to life the mysteries of the desert, its wild life, which although largely unseen is there if you know where to look. Although normally viewed as destructive to the environment, these undeniably exhilarating excursions are tour guided by reputable operators who will keep to areas pre-designated for this purpose. What better way to see the famous Namib' Desert and experience the thrill of your life?
St. Helena
One of our favourite destinations, the tiny Tropical Island of St. Helena is the historian and nature enthusiasts' answer to paradise. The seas surrounding the island where Napoleon Bonaparte spent the final six years of his life in exile are teeming with fascinating marine life. Weird and wonderful creatures can be seen here as easily as 'red buses in London'; dolphin, whale and bird watching excursions are fun, educational and readily available. These are flexible and can be tailored to suit your particular interests. The formidable coastline of St. Helena is barren and apparently uninviting. Buffeted by the Southeast Trade Winds, from a distance this desolate landscape looks dead and forgotten. We offer tours which will prove to you that all is not as it seems; many unique plant and animal species thrive here and call it home, plenty of which are endemic, like the world famous Wirebird! The lush green central regions also have its fair share of interesting flora and fauna; many of these are found nowhere else in the world. The St. Helena Nature Conservation Group (SNCG) is an active organisation whose aim is to promote awareness of the island's fragile environment. Excursions are regularly held with walks to some of the island's remotest locations. These 'Snail Trails' and 'Post-box' adventures are filled with exiting and interesting things to see and learn. The endemic 'Giant Earwig' was last seen in the 1970's and although unproven, is believed by some to be extinct. Why not take advantage of these special excursions and who knows, you may be lucky to re-discover one of these 'elusive' creatures!
Ascension Island
This has got to be one of the weirdest landscapes you'll ever see in your lifetime. The moon-like landscape is home to hundreds of thousands of 'Wide-awake Turns' and other interesting bird species (RSPB Protected) and has to be the avid bird watchers paradise. Even at the top of lush 'Green Mountain' you'll be fascinated to find the 'Land Crab', a formidable creature, spending most of it's life as far away from the ocean as it can possibly get, only returning to the shoreline once a year to lay it's eggs! The ocean surrounding the island is crystal clear and is home to some very fascinating sea creatures. Even the famous 'Green Turtle' makes the long and dangerous trip all the way from South America once a year to lay it's eggs on the beautifully clean, white sandy beaches of Ascension.
The Ascension Conservation Group, like the SNCG on the neighbouring island of St. Helena, regularly offers informative tours of Ascension with a special emphasis on wildlife and environmental protection issues. This is one not to be missed!