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Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres (Spanish for "Island of Women") is an island in the Mexican Caribbean Sea, 13 km (8 miles) off of the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, near Cancún. Isla Mujeres has an enticing small-town vibe and is one of Mexico's designated Pueblos Mágicos.

Understand
Isla Mujeres was a Mayan sanctuary to goddess Ixchel for about a thousand years. In around 1850 the first modern inhabitants moved to the island and established the village of Dolores.

Peak season is during the winter months when temperatures are cooler. Summer temperatures are sweltering, with blazing sun and highs well over, although summer visitors (from mid-May through September) have the opportunity to see whale sharks which gather in nearby waters in groups that can contain up to 400 sharks.

By boat

You can depart from these ports in Cancun:

 * Puerto Juarez/Gran Puerto. Puerto Juarez every half hour from about 5AM until 9PM, and hourly until 11PM. Schedules vary by time of year (check the website for the current schedule). 18 minute smooth ride in modern air conditioned ferries. M$258/468 one-way/return (pesos) (Feb 2022). Puerto Juarez is used by locals and the ferries tend to be full, but there are always comfortable seats. The port is quite close to downtown Cancun, but not within a walking distance. Taxis from Las Americas cost M$100 (if you hail them from the street) to M$150 if you leave from popular spots.
 * Playa Caracol in the middle of the Hotel Zone. It departs 6-7 times per day. Prices are M$378/518 one-way/round-trip (Feb 2022).
 * Playa Tortugas in the west of the hotel zone. It has 8-9 departures per day. It costs M$378/518 one-way/round-trip (Feb 2022).
 * Punta Sam. Here you can get a car-ferry. It's M$170 (Jan 2022) one-way for pedestrians. There are four daily departures on week-days, and three daily departures during the week-end. You can see the schedules and fares on the website of Ultramar Cargo

Puerto Juarez and Punta Sam can be reached by Colectivos starting opposite the ADO bus station (in front of the McDonald's) in downtown within a few minutes for M$10 (Jan 2022). A bus route to Puerto Juarez also picks up there and is M$10.50.

By plane
If you're in a hurry and have cash to spare, you can charter a Cessna from Aerobanana (+52 998 87-25040). Or, if you are the adventurous type, try hitching a ride with a local in their plane. You will never forget the look on the Mexican's face when he sees an opportunity to acquire a new friend.

Cancún International Airport is the nearest airport with scheduled domestic and international flights.

Get around
The island is about 7 km in length, but the main town area is extremely compact and very walkable. Taxis from the ferry terminal will take you anywhere in town for M$30, but for excursions to the far side of the island the best option is to rent a scooter or golf cart. Like everything in Mexico, you should be able to haggle a decent price - assume M$25 a day as a starting price for a moped rental. There are two main roads that run from end to end of the island. Be aware that when driving on the Caribbean side of the island, there are occasional strong gusts of wind that can really take you by surprise on a scooter, as can the many topes, or speed bumps.

See
Note that Tortugranja, the former sea turtle hatchery on the island, has closed as of September 2021.

Water activities

Buy
You have the typical items available for purchase (blankets, jewellery, stone carvings, pipes). Silver is the item to look for and good prices can be found, especially if buying in quantity. The majority of shops and restaurants accept the US dollar but may give you your change in pesos.

Eat
Hidalgo Street is full of restaurants catering to the tourist crowd and tends to be the most lively and also the priciest, while the central portion of the island is where the locals tend to eat and has slightly lower prices. Beach restaurants are also plentiful, with options near the ferry terminal being more lively while those on Playa Norte and other beaches featuring a more relaxed atmosphere.

Fish is fresh and bountiful, and dishes like ceviche are popular and delicious. A signature island dish is Tik-n-chik, which is a whole fish marinated in achiote and grilled. Dining options include everything from an exquisite lobster dinner to a slice of pizza. Some of the best food on the island comes from carts: taco stands and vendors selling corn on the cob and tamales in the town square. Be aware that eggs, corn, or milk is rarely refrigerated here because of local tradition.

Drink
Isla's nightlife is a lot more laid back than Cancun's but there are still good options. The livelier nightlife seems to be found on Hidalgo Street, while the beach bars are more relaxed. Also, like all beach towns in Mexico, it is usually "Happy Hour" someplace, and beer is 2 for about US$3, mixed drinks, 2 for US$5. The "beach bars" on the north end have rotating happy hours. Try a michelada, which is a beer mixed with fresh lime juice and a variety of other sauces - the perfect delicious island drink. If you want a dosage of Cancun nightlife, jump on an express ferry heading to Cancun in the evening, party the night away and take the first ferry back to Isla at 5AM.

Splurge
The private homes on Punta Sur make great options if your budget is greater. These homes overlook the bay towards Cancun.
 * Casa Vaya Vida. This 3-bedroom home has a piano-shaped infinity pool overlooking the bay. The master suite has an ocean view. The palapa on the roof provides 360-degree ocean views.

Cope
There are not too many ATMs on the island. One is right across the port, and the next one in a supermarket just a few meters north. The Xpress Supermarket by the town square also has an ATM.

Go next

 * Cancún
 * Cozumel
 * Playa del Carmen

title: Isla Mujeres


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Islands

"No man is an island."

- John Donne (1572-1631)

Yet all of us in a sense are islanders, since on a planet 70% covered by interconnected oceans, every place is an island, in being surrounded by water. There must be over a million - Indonesia alone has over 17,000 - but no-one can count them. The count has even defeated auto-mapping IT based on satellite images, mainly because islands are fractal. Focus down on one, other islets swim into view, and around those are wave-dashed skerries, and around those. . . But even those where only a single seagull can perch are big enough to rip open an unwary boat, so counting and mapping them is no idle pastime.

The greatest islands are continents, and even some of the non-continental islands are so big that you feel to be on a mainland. Scattered worldwide or in tight groups or connected by roads or tidal strands, some are leftovers of eroded mountains, some are fiery new land from volcanic activity, while others are sinking. Many are uninhabited or have precarious landing coves, others support bustling towns, airports and beach resorts. And then there are river islands (one of which changes hands annually between Spain and France), artificial islands (the Chinese Spratleys are causing tensions), or the likes of Yeats' "Lake Island of Innisfree". Whatever your tastes, there are islands to suit you.

Most islands are associated with a mainland, so for the Greek islands look at Greece, and Singapore Island oddly enough is in Singapore. This page is simply an index to those that are not so obviously part of a particular continent or country. Some are nation states - the island whose people call it "Ísland" is better known as Iceland. Others are dependencies, territories or wildlife reserves, and on some hardly anyone has set foot.

 * Islands of the Arctic Ocean — near-polar territories north of 60°
 * Islands of the Atlantic Ocean — islands in the east and south Atlantic
 * Caribbean — the West Indies and more, the chain separating the Atlantic and Caribbean sea
 * Islands of the Indian Ocean — island territories and nations, big and small
 * East African islands including Madagascar and several smaller islands are a subset within the Indian Ocean
 * Islands of Oceania — islands found in the equatorial and southern regions of the Pacific Ocean
 * Islands of the Southern Ocean — near-polar territories south of 45°

Last but not least are "phantom islands" - these have been sighted and charted, in some cases consistently over decades, but turn out not to exist. For obvious reasons they can't be listed here, but if you do manage to get ashore on one, please make sure to describe it on these pages.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Islands


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Pašman

Pašman is an island with a surface area of 60 square kilometers, separated from the mainland by the Pašman Channel, which is strewn all over with many islets.

Towns and villages

 * Kraj
 * Pašman
 * Mali Pašman
 * Mrljane
 * Banj
 * Neviđane
 * Cimera
 * Ždrelac

Get in
Pasman is connected to the mainland by the Biograd-Tkon ferry line, and by bridge over the Zdrelac strait with the island of Ugljan, with which it shares similar vegetation. The sea currents in the strait change course every six hours, making the sea water here the cleanest in the Adriatic.

See

 * The Franciscan Monastery of St. Dujam in Kraj.
 * The Benedictine Monastery of St. Kuzma and Damjan on Mt. Cokovac.

Do
Mrljane is a small, undeveloped village, but what it lacks in terms of restaurants and atmosphere it makes up for with a large swimming/play area on the Jackie O. Beach. You can walk for about 100 m out to sea before the water rises to chest height (for an average sized adult). Therefore, it's great for young children. There are trees lining the beach, offering natural shade from the sun.

title: Pašman


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Island Park

Island Park is a city of 270 people (2019) in Idaho.

Understand
The city was incorporated by owners of the many lodges and resorts along U.S. Route 20 in 1947, primarily to circumvent Idaho's liquor laws that prohibited the sale of liquor outside of city limits. It is only 500 feet (150 m) wide in most locations yet, at 33 miles (53 km), claims to have the longest "Main Street" in the world.

Climate
Summer days are usually warm, with nights dropping to temperatures around 40, while winters are very cold, with massive yearly snowfall averaging 215 inches (546 cm).

Get in
Salt Lake Express provides intercity bus service.

 * Highway US 20 runs north–south through the most of the city
 * Highway SH-87 begins in the northern part of the city and runs northwest through the northern part of the city and on to Montana

title: Island Park


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Island Peak Trek

Island Peak (6,189m), officially known as, is a mountain in the Khumbu (Everest) region in Nepal that's one of the most commonly climbed "trekking peaks" in Nepal. It can be climbed as part of several different trekking itineraries.

Understand
Island Peak was originally named by Eric Shipton in 1952 (some sources say 1951) and was so named because it sits in the middle of the upper Chhukhung valley, like an island in the middle of a sea of ice. It was officially renamed Imja Tse in the early 1980s. Imja Tse simply means Island Peak in Nepali. The peak was first summited by Gopendranath Dutta on 6 Oct. 1951 during Eric Shipton's Mt. Everest riki expedition in 1951.

Much of the upper Khumbu Valley is within Sagarmatha National Park. The park was created in 1976 and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1979. It was first climbed in 1953 as part of a training exercise by a British expedition that went on to summit Mt Everest. Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, who was one of the first two humans credited with climbing Mount Everest, was also one of the first to summit Island Peak.

It's considered to be a moderately easy peak by alpine standards and can be attempted by people with little or no alpine experience. Normally, trekking/climbing organizations offer to teach the novice Alpinist what they need to know to attempt the peak.

Island Peak can be climbed during two seasons on either side of the monsoon, spring (mid-March to May) and autumn (mid-September to November). It's possible to climb the peak during the winter but cold temperatures will present additional difficulties.

The summit of Island Peak is at 6,189m so the rate of elevation gain and the consequent risk of Altitude sickness or specifically Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a very real concern. Your general fitness and your acclimatization process will both be very important.

The trek to Island Peak initially follows the main Everest Base Camp Trek route, but separates near Dingboche. Most teams attempting the mountain will initially fly to Lukla and hike from there. Although itineraries include an attempt to summit Island Peak, many people visit the area as trekkers. If you are trekking and not climbing, there are additional options for exploring the Khumbu region.

Be aware that weather conditions around Lukla and Island Peak, as well as Kathmandu, may play havoc with flights and trekking/climbing schedules. It's best to be flexible with your arrival and departure dates and even be prepared to have the expedition cancelled completely, almost without notice.

If you succeed in reaching the summit of Island Peak, you'll be rewarded with views of nearby mountains such as, Lhotse, Nuptse and others in the immediate vicinity.

Prepare
Although many trekking/climbing organizations do offer to teach novices everything they need to know to enable them to climb this peak, it hardly bears mentioning that any prospective climber will be far better off if they have at least some experience with climbing rope management, alpine equipment such as harnesses, ascenders, crampons, ice axes and so on. The better your general fitness and conditioning, the greater will be your chances of success and you will actually enjoy your climb more. Most big peaks involve a certain amount of suffering, so anything you can do in advance to reduce that suffering will be to your advantage.

Some trekking organizations try to set up abbreviated itineraries (about 14 days) that allow participants the chance to hike to the peak and climb it as quickly as possible. Obviously, this is only really feasible if you are fit, somewhat acclimatized and have some alpine experience. If none of those conditions apply to you, then find (or arrange) a trek and climb that allows extra time for you acclimatize, develop reasonable fitness and, learn how to use climbing equipment. Itineraries from some companies are around 19 days of trekking and climbing plus travel to and from Kathmandu.

The Nepal Mountaineering Association lists Imja Tse as a "Group B" climbing peak. If you intend to climb this peak, you must be accompanied by a Sirdar/Guide who must be registered with the Nepal Mountaineering Association. The rules associated with climbing peaks in Nepal list a wide variety of duties of the Sirdar/Guide. You should familiarize yourself with these duties.

Group B trekking peaks incur a permit fee of USD350 for a group of up to 4 climbers with an additional USD40 per person over that number. There will also be a USD250 deposit to ensure compliance with garbage regulations.

Trekkers will also need a TIMS card. If you are a part of a guided group, you will need a "blue" TIMS card (NPR1,000). If you are an independent trekker, you will need a "green" TIMS card (NPR2,000). These cards must be registered at various checkpoints along the trail. You will NOT need a TIMS card if you have a climbing permit, which you will have if your primary objective is to climb Island Peak.

If you wish to have a trekking/climbing company organize everything, an option which does offer certain advantages, you will need to find one with a good reputation. There are hundreds of such companies so finding one can be an interesting process. You could start by looking at companies registered with the Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepalor You may use this company Peak climbing Agency Nepal which supplies you with a ely quick and fair response. Possibly the best way to locate a suitable company is to rely on recommendations from people you know.

Arrange for rescue insurance. Some insurance companies will cover you if you are hiking but NOT if you are mountaineering (i.e.: climbing a peak). Make sure you know what you are getting. If you are hiring a trekking company, choosing a local company could be a better option to support the country economy you visit. There are around 2000 registered trekking companies in Nepal including Mountain Monarch to offer the adventure thrill being alive, you will almost certainly have to provide this information to the guide and the agency before you leave for the trek.

Get in
In the "old days" people visiting the Everest area would simply trek there from Kathmandu. You'd have lots of time over a couple of weeks to get fit and acclimatize. That's not usually what people do now. Most will now opt to fly from Kathmandu to Lukla and pay about USD161 to do so. Consequently, there are dozens of flights in and out of Lukla each day and if weather causes delays, things can get backed up very, very quickly.

The organized itineraries offered by trekking companies, which you will likely be using, all include a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and back to Kathmandu the same way at the trek's end. It's always possible, however, to have trekking companies set up whatever custom options you want. With that in mind, there are four other possible places to start your trek into the Khumbu and end up at Island Peak if you have a few additional days:

 * - about six days south-west of Lukla. During the 1950s and 1960s, this was part of the original route into the Khumbu for expeditions to Everest and other peaks in the area. This option is a good way to avoid the crowds and is perhaps the only good reason to take it, other than as an excellent fitness exercise. This route isn't particularly impressive for scenery and because it crosses rather than follows river valleys, there is an inordinate amount of up and down. One estimate suggests that by the time you reach Lukla you will have accumulated nearly 9,000m of elevation gain, more than climbing Everest from sea level! Take a bus the 184 km to Jiri (1,905m)  and on to Shivalaya. Be warned: the bus trip will take most of the day as the road is narrow, twisty and slow.
 * - is a three or four day walk from Lukla. Its airstrip was extended in 1986 to accommodate twin-engine aircraft. These days it's not used much by trekkers so flights might be easier to find, especially at the last minute.
 * - five days south of Lukla, offering a mostly unknown alternate way into or out of the Everest region. Tara Air has 40-minute flights from Kathmandu to Lamidanda.
 * - Finally, if you really want to experience a long trek into the Khumbu, consider starting here, bypassing the road to Jiri. It takes about 6 days to hike from Barahbise (Bahrabise) to Shivalaya through part of Nepal that isn't much visited by trekkers. It would be important to have a guide for this route (or some ability in Nepali) as well as camping equipment because accommodation for trekkers is pretty sparse and even locals might not be able to explain the right direction to you. The route starts at 820 m and rises to cross the Tingsang La (3,320m) and then wanders through high meadows, pastures and forests and eventually to  Shivalaya. This is a remote, seldom-used route and we leave it for your research and discovery if such an experience appeals.

Remember that Island Peak is inside the boundaries of Sagarmatha National Park and you will have to pay an entry fee. It's best to get this entrance permit before you leave Kathmandu. Trekkers from SAARC countries must pay an entry fee of NPR1,500, other foreigners NPR3,000 and Nepa;lis NPR25. These new entrance fees were put in place in 2012.

Your TIMS card (see above) if you are trekking only and will not be using a climbing permit.

Villages
Some of the villages the trek passes through on the way to Island Peak:

 * Lukla - has what some call the most dangerous airport in the world, some lodges, hotels and a hospital.
 * Phakding - has a large collection of lodges three to four hours from Lukla.
 * Namche Bazaar - a significant village on the Everest Base Camp Trek, with lodges, markets, a museum, currency exchange facilities, National Park Visitor Centre.
 * Tengboche - the name of a monastery and the nearby village, with lodges and an eco-centre. Five to six hours from Namche Bazaar
 * Dingboche - located five to six hours east of Tengboche. Has lodges and tenting areas.
 * Chhukhung - (alternate spellings: Chhukung, Chukhung) a small village three hours walk east of Dingboche.

Itineraries
There are several ways to approach Island Peak. The most direct route is to follow the Everest Base Camp Trek and diverge near Dingboche. A possible itinerary for this route could be as follows, starting from Kathmandu:
 * Day 1 - fly from (1,350m)  to  (2,800m) . Continue on to  (2,600m).
 * Day 2 - Phakding to (3,440m).
 * Day 3 - Namche Bazaar - acclimatization day.
 * Day 4 - Namche Bazaar to (3860m).
 * Day 5 - Tengboche to (4,360m).
 * Day 6 - Dingboche to (4,730m).
 * Day 7 - Chhukhung to Island Peak Base Camp (5,200m)
 * Day 8 - Island Peak Base Camp to High Camp (5,600m)
 * Day 9 - High Camp to Summit (6,189m) descend to Base Camp and continue to Chhukhung
 * Day 10 - Chhukhung to Namche Bazaar
 * Day 11 - Namche Bazaar to Lukla
 * Day 12 - Lukla to Kathmandu

This itinerary represents possibly the fastest option to the summit of Island Peak. It would require good fitness, acclimatization and alpine experience. For most people, a longer approach would be advised.

For a more relaxed pace, allowing for more time to acclimatize and see other scenery in the area, the following itinerary would be a possible example:

 * Day 1 - Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla and hike to Phakding
 * Day 2 - Phakding to Namche Bazaar
 * Day 3 - Rest and acclimatize in Namche Bazaar (day hike to some higher elevation is recommended)
 * Day 4 - Hike to Tengboche
 * Day 5 - Hike to
 * Day 6 - Rest and acclimatize in Pheriche
 * Day 7 - Hike to
 * Day 8 - Hike to . Spend the day hiking up to (5,380m)  and back to Gorakshep for the night
 * Day 9 - Hike up, a "black hill" at 5,643m, with good views of Everest, then on to Lobuche
 * Day 10 - Hike to Chhukhung
 * Day 11 - To Island Peak Base Camp
 * Day 12 - Climb to Island Peak High Camp
 * Day 13 - Climb to Island Peak summit and descent to Base Camp
 * Day 14 - Trek to Dingboche
 * Day 15 - Trek to Tengboche
 * Day 16 - Trek to Manjo
 * Day 17 - Trek to Lukla for overnight
 * Day 18 - Fly to Kathmandu

As you can see, there are many variations on route and time, even if your ultimate objective is the summit of Island Peak. These are things you will need to sort out with your team, arrange with your guide or propose to the trekking company, whatever system you plan to use.

See
Aside from the scenery that unfolds as you hike towards the spine of the Himalaya, there are a number of worthwhile attractions along the route:

Eat
Following as it does, the Everest Base Camp Trek, the route to Island Peak will provide opportunities for all kinds of foods. The hungry trekker will find lodges, bakeries, pizza shops and almost anything else your palate might desire. Expect to take your breakfast and supper meals at the lodge where you are spending the night. This is the trade-off of having inexpensive accommodation.

The "traditional" trekking meals include the following:
 * Breakfast - scrambled eggs, oatmeal, muesli, Tibetan bread, tea
 * Lunch - pasta or rice with potatoes, tea
 * Supper - rice dishes, tomato pasta dishes, "pizza" in various forms, soups, chicken burgers, chips ("french fries"), tea

Drink
All the usual Nepali favourites will be available on this trek. For environmental reasons, try to avoid drinks that come in plastic bottles as there is really no effective way to recycle such things here. Glass bottles aren't really much better and their weight means that they won't get recycled either.

Sleep
With all the people visiting the area, trekkers, climbers heading for various mountains, especially Everest, the villages along the route have "enjoyed" an influx of money and, consequently, there has been a bit of a building boom. Expect to find lodges in almost every village along the route. There are far too many to include an extensive list here, but a few can be mentioned. For example, the quantity of accommodation in  Namche Bazaar is almost astonishing, although at the height of the trekking and climbing season, space may be hard to find unless you are prepared to stop early.

Note that while accommodation in some lodges can seem inexpensive, you are usually expected to take your meals at the lodge. That's where the lodge owners make their money. During the peak of the climbing and trekking season, when the hordes have descended on the Khumbu, there still may be some competition for places to stay, even with the number of lodges available. There might be some advantage to getting on the trail early each day and stopping early in the afternoon. Groups with a few Sherpas will often send one out early in the morning ahead of the group to secure accommodation well before lunch and hours before their group catches up with them.

Camping

 * Island Peak Base Camp at 5,000m.

Trekking Costs
As a general rule, the costs of everything - food, accommodation, drinks - will increase as you go along the trek. Remember that most of the things trekkers want must come in on someone's back from the trailhead. Some things, like bottled water, which you should be avoiding anyway for environmental reasons, can cost about NPR 500, compared to less than NPR100 back in the city.

Accommodation in basic lodges along this route will cost from NPR 200 for a room to NPR 500 if the room has an attached bathroom. For this price, trekkers are expected to take their meals in the lodge. Room rates are much higher if you take your meals elsewhere. If you really want to sample the food from some outside restaurant, try to arrange to have your lunch at that establishment while you are passing through the village.

Prices for meals depend on how much you order. Each item can cost NPR 250-500 so if you want a dish of "mixed pasta" plus a bowl of noodle soup and a "potato roastie", you can spend as much as NPR 1 ,000 or more for your supper. For obvious reasons, meals with no or little meat will be less expensive. In some parts of Nepal, meat simply isn't available so trekkers get used to being vegetarians for a few weeks. You will lose weight.

There are "luxury lodges" on this route and they can charge USD 150-200 per day with food prices to match. If you have hired a trekking company, they can get discounts, but remember that luxury is a nebulous quality high on the trail.

A guide will cost approximately USD 25 per day. Porters can be hired for about USD 15 per day. Note that it is much less expensive to hire a local, Nepalese trekking company with local guides and porters; the money you pay will go directly into the Nepali economy as an added benefit. A tip for good service will be expected at the end of the trek. You will pay this in cash at the end of the trek to the guide/sirdar who will distribute the money to the rest of the staff. It would be worth discussing this with the trekking company people ahead of time but the amount of the tip could be from 15-25%.

A one-way ticket from Kathmandu to Lukla by air will cost USD 177.

In brief, a 2 to 3-week trek with a porter/guide, your flights, food, tips and accommodation may cost you USD 1,200-1,500.

Stay safe
Some medical services are available along the trekking route.

 * Lukla and Kunde - small clinics that can provide medical support while waiting for evacuation
 * Namche Bazaar - Namche Healing Centre ; also the Namche Medical Centre and a small dental clinic
 * Pheriche - Himalayan Rescue Association Clinic treating locals and trekkers. At 15:00 each day the Clinic gives a talk about altitude sickness and other health issues that you might encounter. Pheriche is between Tengboche and Dingboche.

Altitude sickness is one potentially life-threatening condition that you need to be aware of. Become familiar with the information in this related article.

Water for drinking must be treated in some effective way. Trekking in Nepal has the usual recommendations.

If you happen to sustain minor injuries but are unable to walk, it may be possible to hire a mule or be carried down by a porter. If your condition is more serious or life-threatening, evacuation by helicopter is the only option. Helicopter costs start when the machine leaves Kathmandu so it is entirely possible that such transportation could cost as much as USD10,000. For this reason, you must have travel insurance that covers mountaineering activities and helicopter rescue if required. To put such a rescue into action you would also need a contact in Kathmandu to guarantee payment. This could be the trekking company you are using or possibly your embassy but they will need details of your insurance policy before you leave Kathmandu. Realize that even if everything goes well, a helicopter evacuation could take as much as 24 hours.

Go next

 * Gokyo - a 9-day out-and-back high altitude trek from Namche Bazaar through a valley west of Everest Base Camp. This is a less crowded route with good views of Everest. It offers views of Cho Oyu and, below it, the Ngozumpa Glacier which is the largest in the Nepal Himalaya. The Ngozumpa Glacier is the subject of some special research because of its rate of melting and the possible risk to villages down valley. It's possible to climb to a ridge above the village of Gokyo and see four 8,000m peaks: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu. There is an impressive ice ridge connecting Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang (7,922m) that offers one of the most dramatic panoramas in the Khumbu. An alternate route in or out of the Gokyo valley is over the 5,420m Cho La, a high pass connecting west into the Khumbu.
 * Numbur Cheese Circuit - a 14-day trek that starts at Shivalaya, the alternate route to Lukla

title: Island Peak Trek


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Islands of the Arctic Ocean

Most of the Arctic consists of the Arctic Ocean, littered with islands, mostly fragments of the North American, European, and Asian continental masses. Some are inhabited; others are completely covered in snow and ice and therefore uninhabitable. Several of the most interesting lie in the border waters between the Arctic and northern Atlantic Oceans, 60° and northward toward the Pole.

Islands

 * — a vast self-governing territory of Denmark
 * — another, smaller self-governing territory of Denmark
 * — the northernmost (or least-extended-to-the-south) fully independent nation on Earth
 * — home to a tiny Norwegian radio and weather station
 * — by far the most visited islands within the Arctic Circle, a territory of Norway
 * — not actually an island, just a point on a vast shifting and floating mass of ice
 * — northernmost known bit of land on Earth, north of Greenland

Northern Canada includes many islands, the biggest of which are more than 1000 km across, as well as much mainland territory. A few islands include:

Russia has an exceedingly long Arctic coast with many islands.
 * and a group north of them that includes Bennett Island
 * – a national park and World Heritage Site
 * and a group north of them that includes Bennett Island
 * – a national park and World Heritage Site
 * – a national park and World Heritage Site

Understand
The largest number of Arctic islands are parts of the Nunavut and Northwest Territories of Canada, and several are part of northern Russia; most of these are barren and uninhabited, and are covered (to the extent they are covered) in their respective countries' articles.

Greenland – so large it hardly deserves to be called a mere "island" – lies largely in the Arctic Circle. Although it is arguably part of continental North America, it bears cultural and practical similarities to its smaller neighbors in the Arctic region. Likewise, Iceland barely kisses the Arctic Circle and has a fairly mild climate, but still has a sparsely-vegetated landscape and moderate accessibility issues. Jan Mayen and Svalbard are quintessentially Arctic – remote and harsh – but habitable.

By plane
Longyearbyen in Svalbard, is accessible on regularly scheduled SAS flights from Tromsø and Oslo, Norway.

Reykjavík, Iceland, is served by several flights a day from other Nordic countries and from the United States.

Greenland is reached primarily by flights from Denmark and Iceland.

Nunavut, Canada is reached primarily by flights from Ottawa and Yellowknife.

By plane
Although they lie on or near the "great circle" routes taken by airliners between Europe and North America, the Arctic islands are generally treated as "fly-over" territories, with fewer stops since passenger planes gained the ability to cover the distance without refueling. Because of their historical ties to Europe, they are easier to get to from there than from Canada or the U.S.

 * Deutsche Polarflug. North Pole and Svalbard sightseeing flights, starting in May 2007, 11-hour sightseeing flights departing from Germany in an Airbus 330, cruising over Norway and Svalbard, flying low over special sights, and getting all the way up to the North Pole.  Most passengers switch during the flight between center-section seats to pairs of outer-section seats, giving everyone in this class a window or next-to-window seat for half of the flight; a small number of tickets are center-section or outer-section only.  Informative in-flight programming.  €790-€1190 economy, call for first-class.

By tour

 * Adventure Life. Offering small-ship expeditions and land safaris to Arctic islands and the North Pole, their Arctic voyages have been featured in New York Times and USA Today.
 * Arctic Kingdom. Offering land safari tours to remote destinations in the Arctic. Luxury camping options including boat tours and polar bear watching expeditions.
 * Big Five Arctic Tours - Offers group and individual tours to the Arctic.
 * Quark Expeditions. Provides everything from month-long semi-circumnavigation trips to week-long explorations of the Arctic, including ice-breakers to reach the remote North Pole.
 * Ocean Expeditions. Expedition support yacht ‘Philos’ purpose-built for high latitudes. Specialising in private or commercial expeditions involving film making, scientific research, adventure activities, wildlife enthusiasts or just an intimate experience of the Arctic.

See
Arctic scenery varies throughout the seasons and depending on area. Travelers have opportunity to see an abundance of wildlife throughout the course of a cruise or land trip. Best times to go vary based on what wildlife viewing is preferred. From late May through early September one can see caribou, moose, humpback whale, beluga whales, seals, grizzlies, polar bears, Arctic foxes, muskoxen, and up to 200 species of birds. In the ice covered regions (such as at the North Pole) there is little wildlife.

The Northern Lights may be visible at the highlight of the dusk and nighttime hours on a cruise.

Do

 * Skiing
 * Ice fishing

Stay safe
This is polar land and you need many layers of clothes to survive; see cold weather. Also beware of polar bears.

title: Islands of the Arctic Ocean


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Islands of the Atlantic Ocean

The islands of the Atlantic Ocean are - except for those in one concentrated region - scattered far and wide, with little in common but their relative obscurity. On the other hand some of the islands below are very popular holiday destinations, more precisely, beach destinations.

The most numerous group of islands are the so-called West Indies and their neighbors, located southeast of the United States of America, east of Central America, and north of South America. Although part of the Atlantic, this sea forms its own region: the Caribbean. On the other side of the ocean, the Canary Islands, Madeira, Azores and Cape Verde form an area known as Macaronesia.

The near-polar islands to the far north and south are covered here among the islands of the Arctic Ocean and Subantarctic Islands.

The remaining islands of the Atlantic run rather intermittently from the southwestern tip of Europe, past West Africa, across the equator, to the open waters of the South Atlantic:

Northern hemisphere

Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands (and to some extent Bermuda) are close to the Caribbean islands and as such are often considered part of the Caribbean.

title: Islands of the Atlantic Ocean


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Islands of the Indian Ocean

The islands of the Indian Ocean are a varied collection, including many of the smallest territories and one of the largest island nations (Madagascar). Many hug the coastlines of continents; others must be sought out hundreds of miles from any other land.

The one thing they have in common was being affected by the tsunamis of Krakatoa in the 1880s, and on Boxing Day 2004, in both cases ranging from remarkable waves to inundation.

The subantarctic islands south of 45° latitude are categorized on this site as islands of the Southern Ocean, rather than islands of the Indian Ocean.

Countries

 * East African islands, associated with Africa

Territories

 * Scattered Islands in the Indian Ocean
 * Outer islands of Mauritius
 * Scattered Islands in the Indian Ocean
 * Outer islands of Mauritius
 * Scattered Islands in the Indian Ocean
 * Outer islands of Mauritius
 * Scattered Islands in the Indian Ocean
 * Outer islands of Mauritius
 * Outer islands of Mauritius
 * Outer islands of Mauritius
 * Outer islands of Mauritius
 * Outer islands of Mauritius
 * Outer islands of Mauritius
 * Outer islands of Mauritius
 * Outer islands of Mauritius
 * Outer islands of Mauritius
 * Outer islands of Mauritius

title: Islands of the Indian Ocean


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Islands of the Southern Ocean

The Southern Ocean is the very cold ocean surrounding Antarctica and bathing several archipelagos. There are various definitions of its extent, but this page describes islands south of or close to the Antarctic Convergence, out to about 50°S. They are all difficult to reach, as much through their remoteness as their cold climates.

Antarctic islands
The Antarctic islands lie south of the 60th parallel and are governed by the Antarctic Treaty. East to west are:

 * are part of the Ross Dependency of New Zealand. The three main islands (all about 25 km long by 3 km wide, and ice-clad) are Young, Buckle and Sturge. There's no base here and since their discovery in 1839, humans have only set foot on them on four occasions.
 * largest member is Coronation Island, discovered in 1821 and named for newly-crowned King George IV of Britain. It's 46 km long and about 10 km wide, with Mount Nivea its highest peak at 1266 m. It's almost entirely ice-clad, with a few ice-free patches along the coast, and is a breeding ground for chinstrap penguins, Cape petrels and snow petrels. Signy Island to the south has a British research station, staffed in summer. Laurie Island to the east has the Argentine station Orcadas, staffed year-round. Powell and Fredriksen are the other two significant islands, lying between Coronation and Laurie islands.
 * in the Bellingshausen Sea is a dependency of Norway. It was first sighted in 1821 but is usually hemmed in by pack ice, so the first landing was only in 1929. It's 11 km long by 19 km broad, about the size of Staten Island. It's mostly covered by glacier, with a 1640 m mountain, and has no base.
 * , discovered in 1902, is part of the NZ Ross Dependency. It's only 565 m long by at most 340 m wide and has no base. In 2009 a couple were married here by their ship's captain, so Barbados is facing more competition.

Sub-Antarctic islands

These islands north of the 60th parallel are governed by different countries. East to west are:
 * are in five groups: The Snares, Bounty Islands, Antipodes, Auckland Islands and Campbell Island.
 * , part of Tasmania in Australia, is a wildlife reserve 20 miles long by 3 miles wide.
 * are a territory of Australia, with that nation's only active volcanoes, last erupting in 2016. The archipelago is also a.
 * is part of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands. The main island Grande Terre is 150 km east-west by 110 km north-south and has a permanent scientific settlement. There are some 300 lesser isles in the archipelago.
 * are a French archipelago, with the research station Alfred Faure on Île de la Possession.
 * are part of South Africa, 1200 miles southeast of the Cape, with Marion Island the larger and Prince Edward the smaller island.
 * is Norwegian, ice-clad, and volcanic though with no recent eruptions.
 * are administered by Britain. South Georgia is icy and mountainous, with the old whaling stations of Grytviken and South Leith. The South Sandwich Islands are volcanic and stretch almost to the 60th parallel, so they're on the threshold of Antarctica and very difficult to access.

Other

 * are not within the Southern Ocean, but are marked on the map to demonstrate the vagaries of its boundaries. They're closer to the pole than several islands considered "sub-Antarctic" but although chilly, they are never ice-bound. Tierra del Fuego at the tip of South America is similar.
 * is a rhomboid 75 km by 60 km and over 250 m thick. As of 7 June 2024 it's approaching South Georgia, and drone footage shows spectacular caves and arches as it erodes. It calved from the Filchner–Ronne Ice Shelf way back in 1986 (when its Soviet base Druzhnaya I had to hurriedly relocate) but stuck aground in the Weddell Sea until 2020.

Understand

About 15 million years ago, the mountain chain connecting South America to Antarctica sank under the ocean, and a new continent was born. Cold sea currents enclosed Antarctica and its climate became intensely cold. The oceanography and biology of those currents was poorly understood until 21st century technology such as satellite imaging probed remote waters and depths beyond human reach. It's now recognised as "the Southern Ocean", a body of water as distinct as the Atlantic and Pacific. It has no east-west boundary, but circulates clockwise (west to east) around Antarctica, with the gales of the Screaming Sixties raising huge waves with no land to break them. Its northern boundary is invisible but distinct: a 30 km strip where it meets the other oceans but does not much mingle, and a great upwelling of deep water drives a food chain. This "Convergence" is at roughly 60°S where it meets the Pacific, and this was an earlier definition of its extent, but is around 50°S meeting the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Seafarers know they've reached it when those aboard declare "Jeez, and I thought I was cold yesterday."

The Antarctic islands lying south of the 60th parallel have a marine polar climate: very cold, but not as extremely cold as the mainland, so the sea only freezes over in the very depths of winter. They are all governed by the Antarctic Treaty, which (as on the mainland) seeks to protect the fragile environment, forbids military use, and sets aside national claims. Thus, various nations operate bases here and have hypothetical claims to territory which they waive. References to nations on this page should be understood accordingly. The Treaty restricts commercial activity but doesn't affect fishing on the open ocean.

Sub-Antarctic islands are also cold but not polar deep freeze: modulated by the ocean, their midsummer temperature is about 5–10 °C (40–50 °F) and their winters average 0 to −10 °C (32–14 °F). That makes them more approachable by ship, and they're often the first or last points of call of cruises into Antarctica. It's not their coldness but their remoteness and lack of population and amenities that put them beyond the range of individual travel, so you need to join an expedition, cruise or similar organised party. They're not covered by the Treaty but are designated as nature reserves by their governing nations, and have bases but no permanent residents.

This page doesn't cover islands which lie close to the Antarctic mainland (often welded to it by thick ice) and are described elsewhere. Along the Antarctic Peninsula, these include Anvers and Wiencke islands, with Port Lockroy; on the other side of the continent is Ross Island, with McMurdo base and Scott base.

Nor does this page cover the islands close to mainland South America, the Falkland Islands and Tierra del Fuego. They have towns, places to stay and eat, and regular transport. Many people visit them as part of an organised trip down into Antarctica but you can get yourself there independently. You'll need warm clothing but the descriptions and advice for the sub-Antarctic islands doesn't apply to them.

Get in

Visiting this area of the world involves careful planning, a big budget, several weeks or months of your time, and incurs risks. Most visitors are on organised tours or cruises, and planning your own expedition is beyond the scope of these pages.

Visitors to any land or sea south of 60°S need permission from an Antarctic Treaty member country. Your tour or cruise organiser will take care of this but those travelling independently should apply six months in advance. Individual, non-governmental visitors can contact the Antarctic Policy Unit, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Private Bag 18901, Wellington NZ, phone +64 4 439 8000. The formalities north of 60°S are similar, check with the governing nation.

By boat
It's not too difficult to reach the islands that are near a regular cruise route to Antarctica and with a harbour or at least a sheltered beach that a Rib (Zodiac) can access. They are routinely visited by cruises in summer: see Antarctica for options. Cruises from Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego towards the Antarctic Peninsula often take in South Georgia, and those from New Zealand towards the Ross Sea might take in the NZ Group or Macquarie. The Antarctic cruises from Ushuaia take a couple of weeks and cost over US$5000 per person.

At the other end of the scale, islands far from a cruise route and lacking harbours are very challenging to reach, and then there's the getting out to consider, when storms may render the landing beach unusable for weeks on end. Bouvet Island is one bleak and daunting example. Some of these places have only been reached by a handful of people in the 250 years since they were discovered.

Midpoint on the scale of difficulty is Kerguelen. Tourists may visit on the regular supply ship from Réunion, which makes a one-month circuit of the heaving ocean and also calls at Crozet and Amsterdam Island.

You may need official permission to land, or even to sail close to shore – this is chiefly to protect the wildlife. Cruise operators and expedition organisers are responsible for arranging this, and it may need to be sorted several months in advance.

By plane

Villa las Estrellas on King George Island in the South Shetlands, 150 km north of the Antarctic Peninsula, has a gravel all-seasons runway suitable for large wheeled aircraft. Flights from Punta Arenas take about 4 hours. There are no commercial scheduled flights, but there are air tours, and transfers of visitors joining small-ship cruises.

Get around
A few of these islands are compact and walkable: Scott Island is a scrap 565 m long. South Georgia by contrast is 170 km long, riven by glaciers and mountains (some still unclimbed); there are hiking trails near its main base of Grytviken, but beyond those is expedition territory. You need a boat (a Rib for short hops, or your support vessel for further afield) not only to move between islands, but to move along these rugged coasts with no inland trails.

See and do
As with mainland Antarctica, even just standing there looking is going to involve exertion on your part, careful preparation, and a degree of risk. The distinction between seeing and doing disappears here, and your prime task is to come home safe. Don't do anything, not even just standing there, without having that objective in mind.
 * No trees: Antarctic and sub-Antarctic scenery lacks trees and shrubs, and resembles tundra. This means that birds (including penguins) nest on open ground, where they are vulnerable to rats or visitor disturbance. The islands have rocky outcrops and tussocky grasslands; there may be ice caps at high elevations, but not on low ground.
 * Sea life includes seals and whales. They were once hunted commercially, and some islands have the rusty ruins of old whaling stations.
 * Penguins: Huge penguin colonies are found on many of the islands, and some species have their principal habitat here rather than on the mainland.Volcan du Diable (Kerguelen islands).jpg
 * Volcanoes are active on Heard Island and the McDonald Islands, and along the chain of South Sandwich Islands. Their active history is only partially known, as it's only in the 21st century that satellite imaging has spotted their belchings of steam and ash. Penguins are fond of volcanoes, as the geothermal warmth creates areas free of glaciers.
 * Huge icebergs – defined as 20 km or more across – are common around Antarctica, and may last for decades, but most remain pinned within the pack ice. A few escape, and the largest may reach the sub-Antarctic islands and shipping lanes of these latitudes, so they're tracked by the US Ice Center. A good example was A68a, which in 2021 approached South Georgia before breaking up. "A" means it calved in the quadrant between 0° and 90° West, the Bellingshausen and Weddell seas – in this case it was the Larsen Ice Shelf on the west coast of the Peninsula. B-icebergs are from the quadrant 90° to 180° West, and so on round. A68 means it was the 68th iceberg from Quadrant A, and when it broke into pieces that were huge in their own right, these were labelled A68b, c, d etc, with the mother-berg being A68a. Its end was unexpected: it didn't gradually fracture, but suddenly foamed and fizzed away like a colossal Alkaseltzer. Probably day-time melt water permeated it to freeze and expand at night, pushing open the cracks for the next day's melt water, until there was massive structural failure. So A68a has given us insight into how other bodies of ice might suddenly destabilise.

Buy, eat and drink

You must bring everything you need with you and take everything away, especially trash.

There are fresh water sources in summer, but the birds will get there first and foul it.

Sleep
Most visitors sleep on their cruise ship. Sleeping ashore makes the trip an expedition, which needs to be self-sufficient: the bases have enough rations for their crew but can't cater to tourists.

Some air tours have their own campsite, for instance on King George Island.

Stay safe
The environment is extreme, with latitudes called the roaring forties, filthy fifties and screaming sixties for good reason. Storms sweeping off Antarctica, unobstructed by any land, bring cold strong winds, rain or snow and rough seas to the region. This part of the world is the preserve of deep sea fishing ships (not boats), warships on fisheries patrols, oceanographic research ships, round-the-world yachts and the occasional icebreaker on its way to Antarctica. If you get into trouble, you must be prepared to rescue yourself, as emergency rescue services may be thousands of miles and several days away.

Connect

Surprise surprise, there's no mobile or Wi-Fi signal in these remote waters. Ships use satellite phones and charge for brief access.

There's a Post Office at Villa Las Estrellas on King George Island.

Go next
Cruises visiting the islands of the Southern Ocean are usually making their way to Antarctica or returning across huge seas, with everyone upchucking and the buffet strangely quiet.

title: Islands of the Southern Ocean


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Isla Palenque

Isla Palenque is an island in the Gulf of Chiriquí in the Pacific West region of Panama.

Understand
Isla Palenque is connected to the much bigger Isla Boca Brava just to the north by a sandy land bridge. The Gulf of Chiriquí (Golfo de Chiriquí) is considered by savvy sport fishermen as one of the best kept secrets in big game fishing.

History
A private island resort community began development on Isla Palenque in 2010, and opened its first rooms in 2013.

A Palenque originally referred to a refuge for escaped slaves. During Central America’s colonial period, indigenous Indians were indentured to work in the Spanish mines. Those who escaped sought sanctuary in places they fortified with palisades, or palenques. Isla Palenque has been called by that name for as long as maps can determine, and so may have been used to harbor escapees during the colonial period.

Over the last several hundred years, Isla Palenque let the modern world pass by and has remained a secluded preserve for rare primary forest and hundreds of species of plants, flowers, animals and birds.

According to archeologist Olga F. Linares in her book Adaptive Radiations in Prehistoric Panama, Isla Palenque has been a prized location from the start of human settlement, and was the home of an ancient, pre-Columbian farming community some time during the years 500-1400AD. It may even have been occupied as long ago as 5,000BC. Due to the beauty and mystery of the island, it became a sacred site for the most holy of ceremonies, and tribes from all over the province came here to worship. Important tribal chiefs were known to negotiate and trade with each other, making this the province’s prime center of culture and commerce. By Colonial times this ancient community had vanished, leaving only enough clues about their lives to awaken curiosity and provide a sense of the island's ancient history.

Get in
Isla Palenque can be accessed by boat from the small fishing village of Boca Chica, just 5 miles over water.

Get around
Many guests at Isla Palenque simply walk between the rooms and restaurants spread over the island, on the 3 km of roads or along the many hiking trails on the island. In addition, the resort runs shuttles for its guests upon request.

See
This tropical paradise spans over 400 acres, with 5 miles of coast and over a mile and a half of beaches, ranging in size from a large 4100 foot long crescent shaped beach to idyllic private beaches less than 100 feet long. There are dazzling views of the ocean, zebra-striped volcanic beaches, serene coconut groves and wild rocky outcroppings or rocky ridges covered with primeval trees. In addition to the exceptional quality of its coast, the island is a tranquil home for a vast range of flora and fauna including many variety of bromeliads and orchids. Hundreds of species of plants, flowers, animals and birds make their homes here. Howler monkeys, Jungle cats, iguanas, armadillos, porcupines, tropical squirrels, and colorful frogs also make this special place their home, as do an array of tropical birds, such as parrots, pelicans, frigate birds, hawks, herons and egrets.

Do
Isla Palenque has a 200 acre nature preserve, miles of trails, and several beaches. The private island resort on it provides guided tours on and around the island, as well as trips out to nearby islands, for snorkeling, fishing and other activities. Also in the Gulf are Coiba National Marine Park and Islas Secas, both known for world class scuba diving and snorkeling. Isla Palenque's temperatures are fairly consistent year round, with 90 degree temperatures during the day with 70 degree temperatures at night. Isla Palenque, like most of Panama, has a rainy season from May through November and a dry season from December through April.

Eat
The Resort at Isla Palenque runs two restaurants and bars for its guests, which are not open to the general public.

title: Isla Palenque


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Islas del Rosario

Islas del Rosario is an archipelago located in the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Colombia. Since 1988 the archipelago has been protected as a national park, encompassing a total area of 120,000 km2.

Understand
The Islas del Rosario are approximately from Cartagena, reachable by a 90 minute boat ride. Activities include swimming, fishing, snorkeling, and visiting the aquarium.

Regardless of what mainstream guide books tell you, the cheap tours to Isla del Rosario have nothing to do with appreciating nature nor having a good time on a nice beach. Tours from Cartagena cost between COP$50,000 - 70,000, including boat transport and lunch at Playa Blanca. You will be dropped at an island to visit the aquarium or go snorkeling (for an extra cost), if you don't want to do either, you will be left in a very small area having nothing to do, waiting for the others for an hour.

Food and drink are more expensive than the mainland and expect to pay for bathrooms and change rooms.

Get in
In Cartagena, several agents arrange boat tours to Islas del Rosario. The tour usually includes lunch, a visit to an aquarium, and a few hours at Playa Blanca. Not included in the price is the harbor tax and park entrance (COP$16,500 total - July 2018) and the entrance fee to the aquarium (COP$15,000).

The tourist offices in the center of the old town are a good place to compare the many tour options. If you buy your tour at one of the street vendors, don't pay in advance, preferably pay part or all upon return to Cartagena.

At least one of these tours is to a resort "Coco Liso" which is something like a Colombian butlins. You will be promised a beach, pay a high fee, then disembark a boat after an hour and a half to be greeted with a fairly basic hotel, gimmicky pool, and about of beachfront. If you befriend a local upon arrival to the island, they might lead you to their private beach - quite beautiful, and all the more interesting for having its existence totally denied by the tour operators.

See
There are several island groups within the archipelago:
 * Islas de San Bernardo - The Archipelago of San Bernardo is a set of 10 coastal islands, located in the Gulf of Morrosquillo in the Caribbean Sea. Most trips to the islands are organized from the city of Tolú. Since 1996, part of the archipelago belongs to the National Natural Park Corales del Rosario and San Bernardo. It consists of the islands Boqueron, Palma, Panda, Mangle, Ceycén, Cabruna, Tintipán, Wonder and Múcura and an artificial island, Santa Cruz Islet.

Drink
Beer price COP$5,000 - 6,000

Cocktail price COP$15,000 - 20,000

Potato chips COP$7,000

Bring your own snacks if necessary.

title: Islas del Rosario


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Islas Ladrones

Islas Ladrones (Los Ladrones) is an island in the Gulf of Chiriquí in the Pacific West of Panama.

Understand
Islas Ladrones is located 40 km south of Boca Chica.

Ladrones means “thief” in Spanish.

Get in
The island can be accessed by boat from Boca Chica or Pedregal, the port near David.

Get around
The island is just 500 m in diameter.

See
The concentration of fish life is stunning and divers can see schools of jack, barracuda and snapper regularly. There are also smaller reef species like king angelfish, damselfish, surgeonfish, parrotfish, triggerfish, wrasse, gobies, blennies and moorish idols.

From May to November giant manta rays make an appearance. Other species including eagle, mobula and devil are seen year round. As for shark, white-tip, black-tip and nurse are the most frequently seen throughout the year. At certain times of year, humpback whales swim through the area, frequently with their calves.

Do
Travelers say the scuba diving is incredible here with a diving visibility of 30-80 m near the island. Snorkelling is also quite good here.

For sport fishing checkout Boca Chica.

Eat, drink and sleep
Check out the other islands of the gulf.

title: Islas Ladrones


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Islas Paridas

Islas Paridas is in the Gulf of Chiriquí in the Pacific West of Panama.

Understand
Islas Pardias while mostly uninhabited is a 30-min boat ride from Boca Chica or 90-min boat ride from Pedregal. Islas Paridas is 30 km south of David and right in the center of Parque Nacional Marino Golfo de Chiriquí, closest to the Hannibal Banks and the big game fishing areas.

Get in
Boats from Boca Chica.

Get around
Quite large, a boat is need to explore the island.

See and do
Jungle trails, mangroves, pristine beaches, bird-watching, whale watching, closest lodging to the Hannibal Bank, agate beaches.

Eat and drink
See the other islands of the Pacific West.

title: Islas Paridas


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Islas Secas

Islas Secas is an island in the Gulf of Chiriquí in the Pacific West of Panama.

Understand
Islas Secas is located 25 km south east of Boca Chica.

Get in
The island can be accessed by boat from Boca Chica.

By plane
There is an Islas Secas private plane, leaving from Tocumen, Panama’s International airport or Albrook Field. Secas flights can be coordinated with International arrivals at Tocumen. However, the transfer on the resort’s aircraft is an additional $400 roundtrip from Panama to Islas Secas and back.

Get around
The island can be assessed by the resort's boat called the Betty Fae, named after a popular soap opera character.

See and do
The diving around the islands offers very good visibility during the dry months and is home to many fish that flock around the rocky and coral outcrops and also form large schools. White-tip sharks, rays and turtles are seen frequently as are free swimming moray eels, lobster and nudibranchs. Humpback whales can be seen around these islands at a certain time of year.

Eat, drink and sleep
All is covered by the resort at Islas Secas.

title: Islas Secas


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Isla Taquile

Isla Taquile is an island in the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca. It is also called "island of the knitting men" because that's what men do - knit! This has a very long tradition and is deeply embalmed in the culture: If a man wants to marry a women, he first has to prove that he can work hard by knitting a hat out of which he can drink.

It's slightly more touristy than its brother island Isla Amantani.

Understand
The island of Taquile is governed by a council of elders whose members are elected.

One of the unique features of the island is that there are no big hotels or restaurants. Groups that go to the island and want to have lunch ask at the tourist office in which family's backyard they'll eat that day. Same applies for finding a bed, one has to ask at the tourist office which family's turn it is to take a paying guest.

Crime is non-existent and was only introduced for a short period of time by corrupt policemen when the Peruvian government set up a police station. The island's people kicked the police out again, so today there is no police station.

Because it is a very popular destination for tours from Puno, on any given day the island is full of tourists. If one wants to experience the real island life one has to stay overnight. Best opportunities for photos are until 10:00, when the first tour boats arrive, and after 16:00 (when the last tour boats leave).

Get in
Boats from Isla Amantani stop for a few hours at the island. There are also direct boats from Puno, usually part of a tour that stops at the floating islands on the way, which arrives at 11:30 and departs by 14:00. Travel time by boat from Puno is 2 hours and 30 minutes each way.

A fee of S/5 (soles) (as of February 2010) is charged when you enter the island.

Tours can be arranged through any travel agent in Puno for around US$10, or easily acquired at the dock in Puno before 07:30. The boats are typically nice, with reclining seats and emergency toilet.

Taquile has two ports: one in town, one a 20-minute walk away. The main advantage of the second port is that the ascent is not as steep as the one from the town's port - that one is really, really steep. So, unless you are already acclimatized to the height, make sure you arrive at the port out of town.

To get there without taking part in a tour, go to the port of Puno and ask around for boats going to Taquile. For getting off the island simply go down to the port in town and talk to the skipper.

Get around
The only mode of transportation on the island is on foot via steep walkways.

See
For a full exploration of the island you need to stay the night. If you only have a few hours climb up to the mirador north(?) of the little town. It's the highest point and gives a nice overview over the town. There is also a temple still used to bring sacrifices to Pachamama.

Do
The local culture is very specific to the island and very fascinating. If you speak Spanish, have a local explain it to you. If you don't speak Spanish, hope for a good tour guide.

There are ample opportunities for great photos, even more so when you stay overnight and go on photo hunt when the island is not full of tourists (i.e., before 10:00 and after 16:00).

Buy
Locals sell textiles and other souvenirs typical of this area at booths and in a big market hall at the main square. Bargaining is frowned upon.

Eat
On the plaza there is a community restaurant and some families run ad-hoc restaurants in their backyard. Profit is used to help the community. For tour groups, the elders mandate which restaurant or family's backyard the group will eat at. The food is simple, typically fish from the lake, although omelets are usually available for vegetarians. Food is expensive on the island, S/15-20 for a set menu that would cost S/8 on the mainland. Food is also expensive if you stay with a family overnight.

Drink
There are no bars on the island.

Sleep
There are about 70 families who have basic accommodation. The elders will decide which families will accommodate guests. The typical fee is US$3, and gifts of fresh food are appreciated. To get a room, ask in the tourist office at the main square.

Go next
Be sure to catch the boat back to the mainland or plan on staying there overnight.

If you stay overnight, go down to the port in town in the early afternoon and ask a skipper for a passage back. If the skipper is in a good mood it will be for free.

title: Isla Taquile


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Isla Tiburon

Isla Tiburón is in the Sea of Cortez offshore of the state of Sonora in Mexico. The island was established as a refuge to protect large game animals from the dangers of poaching and overhunting that they were facing on the mainland.

Understand
In the 1960s, the Mexican Marines who had bases on the island prevented the Seri Indians from landing or hunting on the island although the island had always been Seri territory.

By the 1970s, the rights of the Seri were recognized. Today, the Indians don't hunt on the islands, and instead permits are auctioned off to wealthy Americans and the proceeds are split. Half is allocated to the Seri, the remainder is used to finance conservation efforts. If you are interested in hunting, save your pesos: permits typically sell for ~US$75,000.

History
Tiburón Island used to be populated by the Seri Indian tribe, but they have been relocated to the mainland. Today only about 2000 Seri survive in a small village, Punta Chueca about 32 km (20 miles) north of Bahia Kino.

Landscape
The coastline is a combination of sandy beach, gravel shore and low cliffs. There are many secluded coves on the island. The interior of the island is mostly mountainous. The Sierra Menor is a prominent mountain system of volcanic origin. Low resolution topographic maps are available (topo lines drawn at 100m increments).

Flora and fauna
Many birds nest on Isla Tiburón in the spring of the year. While it is possible to visit during nesting season please be especially careful to avoid disrupting the birds.

Climate
A desert climate. The island is part of the Sonoran desert. Winter temperatures are nearly ideal, while summer can be deadly. Strong winter winds can be a concern in December and January. Late winter to early spring is probably the ideal time of year to visit.

Get in
This is the hard part, you must first obtain a permit, and then arrange a boat from mainland Sonora. The channel between the mainland and the island is called Canal del Infiernillo ('Tiny Hell's Channel') because of the strong tidal currents and shoal water that occur there which can make navigation challenging. 3-m (10-foot) waves and strong winds are not uncommon. Be sure to hire a seaworthy fishing boat for the crossing. The crossing takes about 5 hours in rough seas, considerably less when waters are calm.

The island can be reached from Punta Chueca, which is the nearest community inhabited by members of the Seri tribe, and from Bahía de Kino, a non-Seri community 34 km (21 miles) to the south. The distance from Punta Chueca to Punta Tormenta, the nearest point on the island, is 3 km (1.9 miles).

Fees and permits
Permits are required to visit the island. They are available in Bahia Kino (viejo kino) near the waterfront in the park service's small office building. Permits cost US$4 per day/person. They can also be obtained in Punta Chueca.

Get around
Federal officials have constructed and maintain about 160 km (100 miles) of dirt roads for conservation efforts. There are no public vehicles allowed on the island. All transport is done either by kayak, panga, or on foot.

Eat
The waters around Isla Tiburón are especially rich. In fact the most obvious sign of human activity you'll see during your visit are the shrimp vessels and small fishing pangas working the waters just off the island during the night and early morning. Most campers have no problem catching enough fish to make ceviche or fish tacos.

Drink
Bring plenty of water: plan on 4 L (1 US gallon) a day per person. There is no reliable source of freshwater on the island. You may find some in the arroyos after a rain, but you shouldn't count on it.

Sleep
There is no organized lodging anywhere on the island. Instead all visitors must camp. There are no designated campsites, but there are many coves and beaches that make fine campsites.

title: Isla Tiburon


text:
Islay

Islay (Gaelic Ìle, say "eye-la") is an island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland, with a population of 3,228 in 2011. It's mostly low-lying grazing land and heath, with Port Ellen and Bowmore the main settlements. Islay is exposed to the Atlantic, with a mild climate and strong breezes, which keep the midges in check, but in winter fierce gales and storms are common, with disruption of transport. You have to travel via Islay to reach the nearby Isle of Jura.

A quarter of the population speak Gaelic, but many placenames are Norse - including "Islay" itself, though no-one knows what that means. The island is famous for its collection of big name whisky distilleries, nine at the latest count, and usually all can be toured.

Understand
Islay followed the standard Highland history of clan feuds and hand-to-mouth farming, then a rapid shift to modern cash farming, with the population evicted in "the Highland Clearances". One difference here was that many were relocated upon the island, in planned settlements such as Bowmore and with visions of an industrial Hebridean future. Fishing and knitwear were fostered, but whisky and tourism came about almost by accident.

Medieval spirits were small-scale poitín or rough gin. Gentlemen preferred continental brandy, but wars with France and high taxation curbed imports, and encouraged Scotch whisky distilling in the 18th and 19th centuries. This especially flourished on Islay, fertile enough to grow its own barley, and with fresh water sources (peaty or unpeaty as desired) and salt-sprayed terrain conducive to strong flavours. It also had sheltered harbours, so small ships could easily bring materials in and carry the whisky out, duty free if it was for export. More went "for export" than ever left the country, as barrels were run ashore on secluded mainland beaches to enter the black market.

Distilleries have come and gone but there are nine in production on Islay as of 2022. (A tenth may start in 2023, implying sales from 2026.) Much output is blended into popular commercial brands but the product of malted barley from a single distillery is called "single malt whisky", has a distinctive flavour, and carries a price premium. All the Islay distilleries sell single malts, offer tours, and have shops or visitor centres. Most are part of international corporations such as Diageo, but two are independent, helped by a change in the law in 2009. It's illegal to distil your own spirits (of any kind) for personal consumption, but you're permitted under licence to set up a commercial distillery. That was held to mean a still of at least 1800 litres capacity, but in 2009 a legal case overthrew that minimum, and opened the door to micro-distilleries, which then popped up all over the UK but particularly in Scotland. Most of these make gin, but that market was quickly over-saturated. Scotch whisky as a protected trade name has many extra regulations and has to mature at least 3 years before it may be sold. So it was only from the late 2010s that a slower second wave of Scotch distilleries began trading, hopefully on a more sustainable basis than the "boutique gin" fashion.

Bowmore iCentre is the island tourist office, next to Bowmore Distillery. It's open Apr-Aug: M-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su noon-3PM.

By boat
Calmac ferries sail from Kennacraig to two ports on Islay, both taking just over two hours. April to Oct there's 2-3 sailings daily to both and ; in winter there are only one or two per day. Return fares until end of March 2025 are £79.80 per car, £15.80 per adult including driver and £8 per child. Use the Port Askaig ferry to reach Jura. On Saturdays and summer Wednesdays this ferry continues to Colonsay.

Port Askaig is being upgraded, and 19 June - 30 July 2024 has no ferries from Kennacraig, but the Islay-Jura ferry is not affected.

The mainland port Kennacraig is near Tarbert on the Mull of Kintyre, a 3-hour drive from Glasgow. Citylink buses from Glasgow Buchanan station connect with some sailings and continue to Campbeltown near the Mull of Kintyre. Kennacraig is scheduled for major works in Jan 2025 and the timetable will be amended.

Kintyre Express is a foot-passenger ferry to Port Ellen from Ballycastle in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. This runs April-Sept F-M, sailing from Ballycastle at 9:30AM, taking an hour and returning at 3PM, so a day trip is possible from Ireland but not from Islay. Adult fares in 2024 are £80 single, £150 return, bikes are free.

Get around
Islay Coaches Bus 450 / 451 runs along the spine of the island from Ardbeg to Port Ellen, the airport, Bowmore and Bridgend then either east to Port Askaig, or west to Bruichladdich, Port Charlotte and Portnahaven. It runs M-F only, roughly hourly on the Port Ellen - Bowmore stretch, with the route varying slightly on schooldays.

The main roads are undivided two lane and in good repair. Side roads are single track with passing places.

Car hire is available from Islay Car Hire (+44 1496 810544 or +44 7824 665099) and Cresswell Cars (+44 1496 302300). Both will meet & greet at the airport and ferry piers, but may decline one-day hires in summer. You may take their cars to Jura but not to the mainland. No dogs, bikes, smoking or sleeping in vehicles.

Bicycle hire is available in Port Ellen from Islay Cycles (+44 7760 196592) and electric bikes from Islay e-Wheels (+44 7497 090 716). In Bowmore there's Islay Bike Hire (+44 7376 351438).

Hitchhiking is safe and easy on Islay.

Whisky distilleries
The distilleries are here described clockwise. Three of them - Ardbeg, Lagavulin and Laphroaig - are linked by a footpath with each other and to Port Ellen, a 4-mile walk each way. The others are scattered around the island. Prices quoted are for the standard tour; the shop may remain open in winter or during maintenance shut-downs when tours are curtailed. See also Jura, which has one whisky distillery.
 * Port Ellen Distillery operated from 1825 to 1983: its bright warehouses still greet the arriving ferries, and its malt-house supplies malted barley to other island distilleries. It's now owned by Diageo who plan to re-open it in 2023.
 * Port Ellen Distillery operated from 1825 to 1983: its bright warehouses still greet the arriving ferries, and its malt-house supplies malted barley to other island distilleries. It's now owned by Diageo who plan to re-open it in 2023.
 * Port Ellen Distillery operated from 1825 to 1983: its bright warehouses still greet the arriving ferries, and its malt-house supplies malted barley to other island distilleries. It's now owned by Diageo who plan to re-open it in 2023.
 * Port Ellen Distillery operated from 1825 to 1983: its bright warehouses still greet the arriving ferries, and its malt-house supplies malted barley to other island distilleries. It's now owned by Diageo who plan to re-open it in 2023.
 * Lost distilleries obviously can't be shown on the map, but they illustrate the ups and downs of the Victorian trade. Some 60 went out of business in Islay in that era, mostly small farm distilleries that couldn't ramp up to mass production and economy of scale. Their product still occasionally turns up, though you need to be sceptical of provenance and quality - older is not necessarily better. Anything recovered from a shipwreck is probably genuine but has turned into balsamic vinegar.
 * Lost distilleries obviously can't be shown on the map, but they illustrate the ups and downs of the Victorian trade. Some 60 went out of business in Islay in that era, mostly small farm distilleries that couldn't ramp up to mass production and economy of scale. Their product still occasionally turns up, though you need to be sceptical of provenance and quality - older is not necessarily better. Anything recovered from a shipwreck is probably genuine but has turned into balsamic vinegar.
 * Lost distilleries obviously can't be shown on the map, but they illustrate the ups and downs of the Victorian trade. Some 60 went out of business in Islay in that era, mostly small farm distilleries that couldn't ramp up to mass production and economy of scale. Their product still occasionally turns up, though you need to be sceptical of provenance and quality - older is not necessarily better. Anything recovered from a shipwreck is probably genuine but has turned into balsamic vinegar.
 * Lost distilleries obviously can't be shown on the map, but they illustrate the ups and downs of the Victorian trade. Some 60 went out of business in Islay in that era, mostly small farm distilleries that couldn't ramp up to mass production and economy of scale. Their product still occasionally turns up, though you need to be sceptical of provenance and quality - older is not necessarily better. Anything recovered from a shipwreck is probably genuine but has turned into balsamic vinegar.
 * Lost distilleries obviously can't be shown on the map, but they illustrate the ups and downs of the Victorian trade. Some 60 went out of business in Islay in that era, mostly small farm distilleries that couldn't ramp up to mass production and economy of scale. Their product still occasionally turns up, though you need to be sceptical of provenance and quality - older is not necessarily better. Anything recovered from a shipwreck is probably genuine but has turned into balsamic vinegar.
 * Lost distilleries obviously can't be shown on the map, but they illustrate the ups and downs of the Victorian trade. Some 60 went out of business in Islay in that era, mostly small farm distilleries that couldn't ramp up to mass production and economy of scale. Their product still occasionally turns up, though you need to be sceptical of provenance and quality - older is not necessarily better. Anything recovered from a shipwreck is probably genuine but has turned into balsamic vinegar.

Other

 * is a magnificent Celtic High Cross from 8th century AD, ornately carved, the finest of its kind. A plain medieval cross and ruined church stand nearby, along the shore road 10 miles east of Port Ellen; Cill Daltain in Gaelic indicates the Church of St John the Evangelist. The site is free to access 24 hours.
 * Kildalton Castle two miles back towards Port Ellen is not worth seeking out, but a cautionary tale. It was built in 1870 as a grandiose baronial mock-castle, but it was unaffordable even with a whisky distilling fortune. Its 1920s owner Talbot Clifton spent even more on global expeditions to shoot and eat previously unknown species. He died as he was returning from Timbuktu, perhaps something he ate, and was brought back for burial on Islay. The castle fell into ruin and has been reclaimed by the jungle.
 * Dunyvaig Castle is a ruin on the shore in front of Lagavulin Distillery. In the 13th / 14th century it was the shipping base of the Lord of the Isles. But that made it vulnerable to anyone with stronger sea power, and it changed hands in strife or surrender several times. The last owners the Campbells demolished it in 1677 and went to live in Islay House.
 * (Teacsa) is the small island seen off Laphroaig Distillery. It was depopulated in the early 19th century, leaving the ruins of a medieval chapel for the wild goats to enjoy.
 * is the unusual square tower that greets ferries approaching Port Ellen. It was built in 1832 but looks more like a whitewashed medieval turret. The light has been automated and you can't go inside.
 * (An Obha) is the rocky peninsula southwest of Port Ellen that in no way resembles the planet Oa in DC Comics. The whole area is an RSPB nature reserve, accessible 24 hours, free but donations welcome. Birds to look for here include chough, golden eagle, hen harrier, peregrine falcon and twite. There's a couple of short walking trails. The road ends at a car park a mile short of the southwest tip, then a path brings you to the American Memorial, built 1920. This stone tower commemorates the loss of two troopships nearby. In Feb 1918 the Tuscania was in convoy from the US to France when it was torpedoed and sank with the loss of 230 lives. Then in Oct 1918 the Otranto, carrying troops from New York to Glasgow, collided with another ship during a storm, and 400 lives were lost.
 * is Islay's best sea-stack, in a rugged cove of natural arches and ravines. Reach it by the rough two mile trail from Kintra, past the abandoned village of Ghrasdail.
 * Bowmore is the attractive village around Bowmore Distillery. It was built in 1770 as a planned village on a grid pattern, with an unusual circular parish church at the head of Main St. The people of Kilarrow were then resettled here as their village was demolished to make way for Islay House.
 * Bridgend, formerly Kilarrow, at the Y-junction of the island's main roads. The churchyard has many mediaeval tomb slabs. For Islay House see Sleep. The octagonal east guard tower was built in 1760, and there's a square west tower by the shore.
 * is an Iron Age earth rampart reached by a 1½ mile walk from the start of the Cluanach lane near Bridgend. Its inhabitants didn't sport lorgnettes or pince-nez opera glasses, the curious name is probably Old Norse hnaus-bog, turf fort.
 * Dùn Ghùaidhre is an Iron Age fort half a mile south of Kilmeny on the road to Port Askaig. It's on farmland with no public access, but you can see its hilltop earthworks from the road.
 * is at the north tip of Islay, marking the entrance to the channel separating Jura. Built by David and Thomas Stevenson, it was completed in 1859 and automated in 1983. One of the original lens has ended up as a garden ornament on Colonsay.
 * Kilnave Chapel is a ruin along the west shore of Loch Gruinart, built around 1400. In 1598 the Macleans landed mob-handed to wrest the territory from the Macdonalds, but were beaten, apparently with the assistance of a fairy-dwarf hidden in a tree. (A tree on Islay? That stretches belief.) The Macleans were cut off from their boats and some 30 fled into the chapel, which the Macdonalds burned down upon them.
 * shows signs of the same early Christian settlement as at Loch Gruinart, and Naoimh indicates a saint. The ruined chapel is by the chasm that almost severs the island. A 1549 account states that "on the north coist of Ila, beside the entresse of Lochgrunord, layes ane iyle, called by the Erish Ellan-nese, with ane kirke in it. This iyle is half ane myle in lenthe, fair maynland, inhabit and manurit, guid for fishing." The island also has a furnace from the early 19th century kelp industry but is no longer "inhabit" let alone "manurit".
 * Rinns of Islay is the double-headed peninsula on the west side of Islay, between Nave Island north and Orsay south. It's low-lying heath and grazing land, popular with geese and other migratory and over-wintering birds. The sea inlets of Loch Indaal south and Loch Gruinart north mark an extension of the Great Glen fault line, which slices diagonally across the mainland from Inverness and continues southwest through Donegal.
 * are nowadays one-and-a-bit. The main stone is 5 m tall by 1 m wide by 0.3 m thick. The second stone 200 yards northeast looks to have been deliberately broken and is now 2 m tall; a third stone has disappeared. The group may have been aligned to solstice moonrise and set.
 * Kilchoman is an abandoned settlement half a mile southwest of Kilchoman Distillery. An impressive 14th/15th-century High Cross stands by the ruined church; a smaller cross stands a third of a mile away. Many of those lost in Otranto in 1918 lie in the graveyard. The church was built in 1827 when its medieval predecessor became tumbledown, and in turn was abandoned in 1977.
 * (Orasaigh) is the small island sheltering Portnahaven. The lighthouse was built in 1825 by Robert Stevenson. St Oran's chapel is early medieval, with an 18th/19th-century extension. The island is just grazing land, as is Eilean Mhic Coinnich just north.
 * (Orasaigh) is the small island sheltering Portnahaven. The lighthouse was built in 1825 by Robert Stevenson. St Oran's chapel is early medieval, with an 18th/19th-century extension. The island is just grazing land, as is Eilean Mhic Coinnich just north.
 * (Orasaigh) is the small island sheltering Portnahaven. The lighthouse was built in 1825 by Robert Stevenson. St Oran's chapel is early medieval, with an 18th/19th-century extension. The island is just grazing land, as is Eilean Mhic Coinnich just north.

Do

 * What's on? Read Ileach, Islay-Jura Events, or Islay Info.
 * Live music (not necessarily traditional) is at Port Charlotte Hotel Apr-Oct: W Su from 20:00.
 * Islay Whisky Academy is in Bowmore: yes you can even take a diploma in drinking the stuff, though we've yet to hear how Ofsted rate the "Peat-cutting Adventure".
 * Golf: Machrie Links is 6400 yards off blue tees, par 72, visitor £130 per round or £160 all day.
 * Beaches: any of them may be enlivened by Highland cattle strolling past.
 * Mountains: frankly Islay has these the way Denmark has whisky distilleries, but there's an upland area on the east coast facing Argyll. Seven hills count as Marilyns, with the highest Beinn Bheigeir or Vicar (1611 ft / 491 m). Approach along the south coast road from Port Ellen via Kildalton to Ardtalla.
 * Golf: Machrie Links is 6400 yards off blue tees, par 72, visitor £130 per round or £160 all day.
 * Beaches: any of them may be enlivened by Highland cattle strolling past.
 * Mountains: frankly Islay has these the way Denmark has whisky distilleries, but there's an upland area on the east coast facing Argyll. Seven hills count as Marilyns, with the highest Beinn Bheigeir or Vicar (1611 ft / 491 m). Approach along the south coast road from Port Ellen via Kildalton to Ardtalla.

Events

 * Islay Festival / Feis Ile has folk concerts, Gaelic lessons, whisky, ceilidhs, whisky, golf... um, did we mention whisky already? It's held in the last week of May.
 * Cantilena Festival is a chamber music festival held for a week in July. A permanent cadre of six professionals selects young musicians from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland to join them for what will likely be their first extended performing tour.
 * Islay Half Marathon is in early August. The route is a circle from Bowmore out to the airport then back, some gradients but no proper hills.
 * Islay Jazz Festival is held in September, multiple venues but often at the distilleries.

Buy

 * In Port Ellen and in Bowmore the Co-op is open daily 7AM-10PM.
 * The Arts & Crafts Market is held in Bruichladdich village hall Tu Th 10AM-4:30PM.

Eat

 * Port Ellen has Ardview Inn (see Drink) and Seasalt Bistro (Tu-Su noon-2:30PM, 5-8:45PM).
 * Bowmore has Taj Mahal (below), Golden Dragon, Peatzeria and Cottage Cafe.
 * Port Charlotte has Loch Indaal Seafood Kitchen open Tu-Su 6-9PM.
 * Port Charlotte has Loch Indaal Seafood Kitchen open Tu-Su 6-9PM.
 * Port Charlotte has Loch Indaal Seafood Kitchen open Tu-Su 6-9PM.

Port Ellen

 * The Ardview Inn is open daily and serves meals.
 * No. 1 Charlotte St offers B&B and has two bars:
 * The Public Bar has its own entrance on Charlotte Street and offers a large screen TV, dart boards and a pool table. It is an 18+ establishment at all times.
 * The Whisky Bar offers a wide range of whiskies from local distilleries. Children are welcome until 9:30PM.

Other locations

 * . See Visit Scotland, and the Islay Ale Instagram for details.
 * . See Visit Scotland, and the Islay Ale Instagram for details.

Sleep

 * Glenegedale House is an agreeable B&B opposite the airport.
 * Machrie Hotel  is a mid-range hotel on the golf links south of the airport.
 * Kilmeny Country House, also at Ballygrant, is a charming B&B open Mar-Oct. Cash only.
 * Bowmore accommodation also includes Bowmore Hotel, Bowmore House, Lambeth Guesthouse and Lochside Inn.
 * Lochindaal Hotel in Port Charlotte has accommodation in four adjacent converted cottages.
 * Loch Gorm House is a bijou B&B with only 3 bedrooms in Bruichladdich, open Mar-Dec.
 * Self-catering cottages are dotted all over Islay. They're usually rented by the week, expect to pay £500 or more for that.
 * Glenegedale House is an agreeable B&B opposite the airport.
 * Machrie Hotel  is a mid-range hotel on the golf links south of the airport.
 * Kilmeny Country House, also at Ballygrant, is a charming B&B open Mar-Oct. Cash only.
 * Bowmore accommodation also includes Bowmore Hotel, Bowmore House, Lambeth Guesthouse and Lochside Inn.
 * Lochindaal Hotel in Port Charlotte has accommodation in four adjacent converted cottages.
 * Loch Gorm House is a bijou B&B with only 3 bedrooms in Bruichladdich, open Mar-Dec.
 * Self-catering cottages are dotted all over Islay. They're usually rented by the week, expect to pay £500 or more for that.
 * Self-catering cottages are dotted all over Islay. They're usually rented by the week, expect to pay £500 or more for that.

Stay safe
Islay is a pretty safe place and any crime here is likely to be big news.

Connect
As of June 2022, the main villages and roads between them have 4G from EE, O2, Three and (patchily) from Vodafone. 5G has not reached Islay.

Go next

 * Isle of Jura is a 5-min ferry trip from Port Askaig, but then it's a long lonely road, you need a car. Jura has a distillery, lots of walks and lots of deer. It's an easy day-trip.
 * Colonsay: the ferries from Kennacraig to Port Askaig continue to Colonsay Apr-Oct on Wednesdays and Saturdays, taking 70 min. A day-trip is possible with six hours on Colonsay, as the ferry sails on to Oban then turns around and retraces its route. Nov-March there's still a connection once or twice a week, but only one sailing so a day-trip isn't possible.
 * Otherwise it's back to the mainland of Argyll, but other islands lie within reach. A short drive from Kennacraig brings you to Claonaig, which has a ferry to the Isle of Arran. Or continue south for the short crossing from Tayinloan to Gigha.

title: Islay