The few visitors were deterred from settling due to the aridity. It was eventually occupied in 1815 by the British who wished to prevent any possible use by the French for an attempt to release Napoleon from St. Helena.
Cruises to Ascension Island
Atlantic Odyssey to Cape Verde
HDS31C25 During the days at sea the chances of meeting whales are high. Witness the northbound spring migration of northern birds like Arctic Terns and Long-tailed Skuas who join us in crossing the Equator (“the Line”).
m/v Hondius
Cruise date:
23 Mar - 25 Apr, 2025
Berths start from:
6705 USD
St. Helena to Cape Verde
Witness the northbound spring migration
HDS32-25 During the days at sea the chances of meeting whales are high. Witness the northbound spring migration of northern birds like Arctic Terns and Long-tailed Skuas who join us in crossing the Equator (“the Line”).
m/v Hondius
Cruise date:
15 Apr - 25 Apr, 2025
Berths start from:
2350 USD
Can be booked in combination only
Cruise page
St. Helena to Cape Verde
Witness the northbound spring migration
PLA33-26 During the days at sea the chances of meeting whales are high. Witness the northbound spring migration of northern birds like Arctic Terns and Long-tailed Skuas who join us in crossing the Equator (“the Line”).
m/v Plancius
Cruise date:
24 Apr - 4 May, 2026
Berths start from:
2450 USD
Can be booked in combination only
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The Overlooked Treasures of Ascension Island
If you know anything about Ascension Island, which is unlikely, it probably has to do with the green turtle breeding population that exists there.
Latest highlight and wildlife
See the highlights you may experience:
See the highlights you may experience:
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Ascension Island cruise reviews
Ascension Island FAQ
What is the Time in Ascension Island?
Ascension Island follows Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). This means that if it is 20:00 GMT (8 p.m.) during your expedition cruise to Ascension Island, it would be 16:00 (5 p.m.) in New York City, USA, 21:00 (9 p.m.) in London, U.K. and 8:00 (8 a.m.) the following morning in the Antarctic South Pole.
What is the Temperature Like on Ascension Island?
The average annual temperature ranges from 22 to 31 degrees Celsius (72 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit). The temperature in Georgetown is typically between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius (73 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit) in January, but it cools down by about one degree from August through November.
The tropical dessert climate and remote location makes Ascension Island a good choice for adventurous individuals who would like to experience a once in a lifetime expedition cruise to Ascension Island.
What Wildlife Can I See in Ascension Island?
Ascension Island is a very notable location for wildlife lovers. In fact, it has the Important Bird Area designation from BirdLife International. People who travel to Ascension Island can expect to see numerous seabirds, including Black Noddies, Red-Billed Tropicbirds, Sooty Terns and Ascension Frigatebirds. Another major reason that people take a voyage to Ascension Island is that it provides travelers with the opportunity to see Green sea turtles nesting.
What is the Capital of Ascension Island?
Georgetown is the capital of Ascension Island, and it is home to approximately half of the island’s population. This is Ascension Island’s chief settlement, and it is found on the west coast. There is a small downtown area that includes a hospital, grocery store and library, but local school children have to travel three miles each way per boat to attend classes.
How Many People Live in Ascension Island?
Ascension Island has a population of 880 residents, and an estimated 450 of them live in the capital city of Georgetown. Interestingly, none of the citizens are indigenous to Ascension Island. Instead, the population is made up of people who originated from 15 places worldwide, including the U.K., the U.S. and Saint Helena.
Who owns Ascension Island?
Ascension Island is a British overseas territory. It was reportedly first spotted in 1501, but its official date of discovery is listed as May 21, 1503. That date was a holiday, Ascension Day, and this is how the island got its name.
The area has been under British control since 1815, and it is currently home to a Royal Air Force station with a runway extended to serve as an emergency landing strip for the now decommissioned US Space Shuttles.
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About
Ascension Island weather
Your Ascension Island cruise brings you into a tropical marine climate. Temperatures along the beaches range from about 20°C at night to 30°C during the day. As you move inland and up the hills temperatures tend to drop by about 5°C as you reach the higher elevations.
Facts about Ascension Island
- Ascension Island is part of Britain’s overseas territory.
- Ascension Island has a population of between 700 and 800 people.
- The Island was discovered by the Portuguese in 1501.
- The British used Ascension Island as a guard post and naval staging area to make sure nobody tried to help Napoleon escape from St. Helena.
- The Island’s Long Beach is one of the most important nesting grounds in the world for Green Turtles.
- Ascension Island became an important resupply station for British ships engaged in anti-slavery patrols in the early 1800s.
- The Island continues to have a military presence for the British and American forces as it holds a significant strategic location in the Atlantic Ocean.
Travel to Ascencion Island
Part of our route through the Atlantic includes a stop at beautiful Ascension Island. Located in warm tropical waters, your Ascension Island expedition allows you to visit this fascinating island. Bird-watchers will love their Ascension Island cruise, and sport fishing is always available.
The biggest attraction for many of those who travel to Ascension Island is a visit to Long Beach to watch the sea turtles come in to nest.
