Guide to Ascension

Ascension Island is an island in the Atlantic Ocean, just south of the equator, 700 miles (1150 km) northwest of Saint Helena, the United Kingdom territory by which it is administered.

This barren and not yet inhabited island was discovered and named by the Portuguese in 1501. The British garrisoned the island in 1815 to prevent a rescue of Napoleon from Saint Helena and it served as a provisioning station for the Royal Navy's West Africa Squadron on anti-slavery patrol. The island remained under Admiralty control until 1922, when it became a dependency of Saint Helena. During World War II, the UK permitted the US to construct Wideawake airfield on Ascension in support of trans-Atlantic flights to Africa and anti-submarine operations in the South Atlantic. In the 1960s the island became an important space tracking station for the US. In 1982, Ascension was an essential staging area for British forces during the Falklands War, and for a short period prior was one of the busiest airfields in the world, with over 400 take-offs and landings each day. It remains a critical refuelling point in the air-bridge from the UK to the South Atlantic.

The climate on Ascension Island is subtropical. It is arid and lacking in vegetation until the elevation increases where lush forest and fertile soil exists.

The main settlement is Georgetown.

Visitors can apply for an E-visa, which must be applied for no less than 14 days before arrival. Applying later than this may result in the visa being refused, even if you meet the requirements. Tourist visas cost £20 for adults, and £5 for under 12s.

By plane

By boat

• The Royal Mail Ship Saint Helena retired from passenger service and its site states that flights are available.

There is no public transport (not even taxis) on Ascension.

Sport fishing is the main attraction for visitors to Ascension Island. There are also some beaches and ocean swimming in certain coves, such as Comfortless Cove and English Bay. Long Beach, as inviting as it looks, has a very hazardous undertow and is not suitable for sea bathing. However, it is a sheer delight for wildlife fans as this is where sea turtles go to nest. There are a few paths (such as Rupert's Path) suitable for hiking into the more lush highlands, as well as mountainside lava tubes to explore. The pastime of letterboxing, hiking to a destination that contains a "letterbox" containing a log book and a rubber stamp pad, is possible here.

Ascension Island features what was at one time reputed to be the world's worst golf course. Located between the settlements of Two Boats village and Georgetown, the course has 18 holes and the greens are better described as 'browns' due to the sand and oil mix used to make them. The rest of the course is made up of volcanic ash and rock, which makes for some interesting rounds.

There is some terrific scuba diving in the waters surrounding Ascension Island. There are only local enthusiasts, however, and no recognized diving operation. Some of the locals are often willing to take experienced visitors with them.

There are fumaroles and lava tunnels to explore (at Command Hill, near the Catholic Grotto).

Money

Ascension Island uses the Saint Helena pound (₤) as its currency, which is fixed to the British pound at a value of 1:1. Saint Helena pound can't be obtained outside Saint Helena or Ascension so bring British pounds in cash.

Shopping

The grocery store and almost every other business on the island have odd hours of operation (for example, the petrol station on Tuesdays is open 14:00-15:00), so make sure you note the times on the first day.

Because everything is imported, prices for food are very high on the island. If you get the chance to go out fishing with the locals, you may walk away with a bag of tuna. Sometimes the community hosts a fish fry that is open to everyone.

There are very few places to eat, with odd opening hours

The only hotel, Obsidian, with restaurant and car hire, closed September 2017.

Tap water is drinkable.

The country code for Ascension is 247 and the population is too small to need area or trunk STD codes.

The International Prefix is 00.

Subscriber numbers are typically 4 digits long and start with a 2 for the US Base, 3 for Travellers Hill or Airhead, 4 for Two Boats and a 6 or 7 for Georgetown.

Numbers starting with 0 or 5 have been reserved for future Mobile service.

There is a Wi-Fi hotspot in Obsidian Hotel's lobby and patio for £10/day. The Post Office in Georgetown offers a vast array of philatelic items for sale from the three islands of St Helena, Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha. Airmail is possible, thanks to the airfield.

Saint Helena is the only reasonable destination you can visit from Ascension Island. See Get in/By sea