Île Saint-Paul
France · Europe
About Île Saint-Paul
Île Saint-Paul is a small, volcanic outcrop in the deep Indian Ocean, located at approximately 38'42" and 77'32", about 85 km south-west of Île Amsterdam. It is notable for being a rare example of a "volcanic lagoon" - an almost totally submerged volcanic caldera, thereby allowing small landing craft to travel into the crater of the volcano.
Île Saint-Paul travel guide
Getting there
You may not land here except as part of a French scientific team. There is no air service, and only a small hazardous landing area within the flooded crater. The support ship Marion Dufresne sails four times a year from Réunion via Crozet Islands and Kerguelen towards Île Saint-Paul, but only calls here if there is a specific need. Often it sails on by to Île Amsterdam before returning to Réunion. Vessels such as cruise boats may anchor to the east. Small craft should approach under motor as the winds inshore are too violent and turbulent for sail. The entrance over the lip of the crater is only a few metres deep.
Buy
If you are in need of emergency supplies, you are far better off going to Ile Amsterdam and throwing yourself at the mercy of the French weather scientists. You won't find anything here.
Eat
There is little vegetation on the island except for grass. You could try fishing but results may vary.
Drink & nightlife
There is no permanent water on the island.
Go next
Île Amsterdam is the next usual port-of-call on the way north back to Réunion.
Overview adapted from Wikipedia, travel guide fromWikivoyage (CC BY-SA)。Photography via Wikimedia Commons.