Gough Island: Zodiac Cruising
Landing on Gough is nearly impossible because of ever-present swell and rough or nonexistent beach, but zodiac cruising can get you very close to shore to observe the impressive seal and penguin colonies. The island is volcanic in origin and features rugged terrain. It is dominated by a central mountain known as Edinburgh Peak, which rises to an elevation of 910 meters (2,985 feet). The slopes of Edinburgh Peak are steep and rocky, surrounded by cliffs. the vertical cliffs are covered with verdant vegetation of tussocks and ferns and many waterfalls are cascading down. Offshore, there are many islets and seastacks. One of the impressive natural wonders we saw was a giant skylight in a sea cave with a window up toward the cliff. And in the cave you are so close to the rocks that you can almost touch them.
