Marion Island Island

Address: Marion Island, Prince Edward Islands group, Indian Ocean (administratively Western Cape, South Africa)

Website: https://www.environment.gov.za/programmes/peireserve

Admission: No public tourist visits; Marion Island is part of South Africa’s Prince Edward Islands reserve and access is restricted to researchers and support staff

Marion Island is a subantarctic island in the Indian Ocean, administered by South Africa as part of the Prince Edward Islands. It is volcanic in origin and largely left to scientific study and wildlife.

Human presence consists of an on-island research station occupied by rotating scientific and support teams rather than a civilian population. The island supports large seabird colonies and seal populations and is used for ecological, meteorological and geological research.

South Africa manages the island as a scientific outpost and access is tightly controlled; it is not a tourist destination. Marion Island lies in the subantarctic waters of the southern Indian Ocean and is remote from continental landmasses.

• Administration: Part of the Prince Edward Islands group and administered by South Africa for scientific research purposes.

What to See#

• Research station: A year-round South African research station occupied by rotating scientific and support personnel conducting meteorological, biological and geological research; access is restricted to authorised personnel.

Access to Marion Island is by dedicated research vessel operated by the South African Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries. Voyages depart from Cape Town and take several days; all visitors require research permits and must travel as part of an approved scientific or logistical team.

• Access is strictly controlled - obtain permits through the South African Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries well in advance.
• Bring cold-weather gear and insect repellant for tussock zones; weather shifts rapidly and conditions are severe.
• If part of a research expedition, follow all biosecurity measures: ships and gear are subject to strict cleaning to prevent invasive species.