Kerguelen Islands (Desolation Islands), South Indian Ocean

The Kerguelen Islands also known as Desolation Island, are a group of islands in the southern Indian Ocean. The islands are a territory of France. There are no indigenous inhabitants, but France maintains a permanent presence of 50 to 100 scientists, engineers and researchers.

The main island ofthe archipelago is called La Grande Terre. It measures 150 km east to west and 120 km north to south. The main base, the so-called "capital" of the islands, is located at the eastern end of the Gulf of Morbihan on Grande Terre island and is known as Port-aux-Français.

The highest point is the Galliéni Massif (Pic du Grand-Ross), which lies along the southern coast of the island and has an elevation of 1,850 meters. The Cook Glacier, which covers approximately 403 km², lies on the west-central part of the island. Grande Terre has numerous bays, inlets, fjords, and coves, as well as several peninsulas and promontories.

Things to see and do

* Southern elephant seals and Kerguelen fur seals
* Sea birds
* Cook Glacier
* Macaroni penguins

General Information

Cruise Season - Nov - April
Currency - Euro (EUR)
Language - French
Land Area - 7,000 km²
Population - 50 - 100 approx (Scientists)
Electricity - 2 round pins European style.
Time - UTC plus five hours
International Country Telephone Code - + 262

Port Location - The main base, the so-called "capital" of the islands, is located at the eastern end of the Gulf of Morbihan on Grande Terre island and is known as Port-aux-Français.

Transport Links - There is no airport on the islands, so all travel and transport from the outside world is by ship.