Most people, travelers or not, are fascinated with the Arctic regions. Antarctica, in particular, sparks a sense of curiosity that's scarcely satisfied by research alone. With that being said, it's also not the easiest of places to visit, especially with so few transportation methods available. There is one island, though, that travelers can reach quite easily via a cruise or a boating excursion: Elephant Island.
This incredible island sits just 150 miles north of Antarctica, and its beauty can be seen from the moment its mountain range appears in a traveler's line of sight. This remote island is considered to be one of the most desolate places in the entire world, but that's only part of the reason why its visitors are permitted to visit, but not stay.
The Interesting History Of Elephant Island
Although the most well-known excursion to Elephant Island is associated with the ship Endurance, it was actually discovered nearly a century prior by a smaller exploration team. The year was 1821 and a Russian Antarctic expedition team set out on a ship named the Vostok. While historians know that this was the first official recorded sighting of Elephant Island, it's unclear whether or not the team ever stepped foot on its shores. All that's known is that the crew did find the island, but there's little more after that to determine what, other than it crossing their sightlines, was done following.
Flash forward nearly 100 years into the future. An expedition ship named the Endurance is making its rounds in the waters not far from Antarctica in 1916 when the ship became stranded among sea ice. Ernest Shackleton was the explorer who famously led the Endurance into Antarctic waters, which is where they sought refuge in the Wendell Sea. With Elephant Island being the closest landmass to them, it was here that they docked their ship and climbed onto dry land.
The Survival Of The Endurance Crew
With its 28 men stuck on the remote, isolated island that, until that point, had yet to be named, the future was looking grimmer and grimmer. The island itself is so isolated that the only animals that appeared on it were nary more than a seal or penguin, which meant the food supply was practically non-existent. The crew originally took shelter at what's now known as Cape Valentine on the eastern part of the island, before moving west where the weather was not as harsh.
This new location was called Point Wild and helped to shelter them from potential avalanches, rockfalls, and the Antarctic sea. Those wondering where the name 'Elephant Island' came from can thank the Endurance crew, who did manage to survive just over four months on the remote piece of ice-and-snow-covered land.
- Fact: Elephant Island does not have any native inhabitants no vegetation grows on its shores. There are also no native animal species to be found save for those who use the island as a stop-gap during migration.
For those genuinely intrigued by the nature of such an island and how it's possible that one could survive days, let alone four months, a poem written by physicist Reginold James can attest to its conditions:
“My name is Frankie Wild-o.
Me hut’s on Elephant Isle.
The wall’s without a single brick
And the roof’s without a tile.
Nevertheless, I must confess,
By many and many a mile,
It’s the most palatial dwelling place
You’ll find on Elephant Isle.”
Cruises To Elephant Island
The most remote places on earth still intrigue and mesmerize adventurous travelers who don't mind being knocked out of cellphone range for a few days. Elephant Island is one such place, and the only way to reach it is by ship or cruise. However, due to the lack of safety involved in anchoring long-term near the island, it's practically impossible for any kind of permanent settlement to reside on the island. There would be no way to bring food in let alone have the assurance a ship could get near the island, nor would there be a way to provide running water or an adequate long-term shelter.
Cruises to the island often anchor at the nearby Half Moon Island. From here, most excursions rely on motorboats or small zodiacs to bring visitors back and forth from one island or ship to the other.
Fast Facts To Know Before Visiting Elephant Island
- Its highest elevation sits at a height of 2,800 feet
- There are only three main points of interest: Cape Valentine, Cape Lookout, and Cape Yelcho
- Endurance Glacier is a major discharge glacier in the Antarctic region
- Whales native to the area are still facing population problems due to the whaling that took place prior
- The only animals that can be seen are migratory seals, chinstrap penguins, and the occasional whale
- The only temporary settlements are home to scientists and researchers who do not live there long-term