Trindade / Martim Vaz

Islands in the Atlantic

Trindade Martim Vaz

Trindade and Martim Vaz, 1100km/685mi off Vitória in the Atlantic, are the Brazilian islands farthest from the mainland. Trindade is 5.5km/3.4mi long by 2.7km/1.7mi across; its highest point is the Pico do Desejado (600m/1970ft). The island is the tip of a mighty extinct volcano emerging from a depth of some 6000m/20,000ft, and is accordingly covered with lava and volcanic sand. The vegetation consists of low-growing plants together with a small forest of giant ferns. Endemic species of animal include the turtles which come to lay their eggs on the islands of Trindade and Ascenção. The islands are under the jurisdiction of the Brazilian navy and have no provision for visitors