Îles Kerguelen

Îles Kerguelen is a remote subantarctic archipelago in the southern Indian Ocean, administratively part of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands. The group covers several thousand square kilometres and is one of the largest isolated island groups outside the polar islands.

The archipelago’s main attractions are its rugged coastal fjords, large seabird colonies and marine mammals. Landing sites are limited and most visitors are scientists or participants on rare expedition cruises; onshore activity is generally limited to short landings and wildlife observation.

Discovered in 1772 by the French navigator Yves-Joseph de Kerguelen-Trémarec, the islands were later used for sealing and scientific work. A permanent French research station was established in the 20th century and remains the centre of human activity.

The islands lie in the southern Indian Ocean at roughly 49°S, 70°E, several thousand kilometres from major continental landmasses. The main settlement and research base sits on the sheltered shores of the archipelago and is the only regular human outpost.

• Access: Access is highly restricted and primarily by research vessel or occasional expedition cruise; there are strict biosecurity controls to protect local wildlife.
• Wildlife and population: The islands support large seabird colonies and populations of seals and penguins, and the human presence is concentrated at a single research base.

What to See #

• Grande Terre: The largest island and central landmass of the group, home to most of the archipelago's fjords, lakes and the main research settlement.
• Port-aux-Français: France's permanent research settlement on the islands, established in the mid 20th century and staffed year-round by scientific and logistical personnel.
• Golfe du Morbihan: A large, deeply indented gulf with many sheltered bays used historically by sealers and now a focus for wildlife observation and scientific landing sites.