Ascension Island, United Kingdom

Ascension Island is an island in the South Atlantic Ocean, around 1,600 km from the coast of Africa. It is a dependency of the British overseas territory of Saint Helena, which is 1,287 km to the south east.

A volcanic peak rising from just west of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, much of the island is a wasteland of lava flows and cinder cones; no fewer than forty-four distinct craters have been identified. Giant sea turtles and whales populate the turquoise waters around this rocky island.

There are five settlements on the island, the capital and the largest of these is Georgetown. In order to gain an entry to Ascension Island, people need the written permission of the Administrator, however there are no facilities for tourists or casual visitors.

Things to See & Do

* Georgetown Square
* Georgetown Main Street
* Fishing and diving
* Bird and turtle watching

General Information

Cruise Season – March - Nov
Currency – Pound Sterling (£)
Language – English
Land Area – 91 km²
Population – 1,100
Electricity – 2 vertical square pins and one perpendicular below British style
Time – GMT plus zero hours
International Country Telephone Code – +247

Port Location – The port is located at Pierhead in the capital Georgetown.

Transport Links – There are two ways to get to Ascension. Royal Air Force Tristar or Air Atlanta departing from the United Kingdom or the Falkland Islands. By the Royal Mail Ship "Saint Helena" which cruises between Portland - Tenerife - Ascension Island - St Helena - Walvis bay - Capetown (and occasionally Tristan Da Cunha). It also has a programme of "shuttles" back and forth between St. Helena and Ascension Island.

Within Ascension Island, the only public transport is a recently formed taxi service; most visitors requiring transport will need to hire a car.