Bouvetoya : Profile

Facts

• Bouvetoya (54°42' S, 03°37' E) is the most isolated island on earth. The nearest substantial land mass is more than 1600km (990miles) away.

• Glaciers cover 93% of the 54 sq km (21 sq mi) island and prevent landings on the south and east coasts, while steep cliffs as high as 490m (1607ft) block access to the north, west and southwest. Sometime between 1955 and 1958, a low-lying shelf of lava appeared on Bouvetoya's west coast, providing the only bird nesting site of any size on the island. The island is rarely visited.

Any U.K. yachts planning to visit Antartica can apply to the U.K. Foreign Office. Yachts with at least one British national on board are able to apply. This can also be done even if the yacht is not U.K. flagged. See www.fco.gov.uk/resources/en/pdf/3849543/antarctica-yachting-guidelines for more information as well as useful data about sailing in Antartica. From the 2009/2010 season there are forms tailored to expeditions by smaller yachts.

Last updated March 2010.

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