Hermite Islands

The islands south of Tierra del Fuego, including the Hermite Islands.

The Hermite Islands are a group of Chilean islands in the archipelago of Tierra del Fuego. They form part of the Commune of Cabo de Hornos in Antártica Chilena Province of Magallanes y Antártica Chilena Region, at the southernmost end of South America. They are named after the Dutch admiral Jacques l'Hermite (1582-1624).

The largest of the Hermite islands is Isla Hermite, located northwesternmost in the group. East of Hermite are Herschel and Deceit islands. The smallest and southernmost island is Hornos Island, the location of Cape Horn.

The southern tip of Deceit island extends southeastwards through an eye-catching line of sharp-edged rocks known as Los dientes o garras de Deceit (Deceit teeth or claws) that end in a rough islet, the Islote Deceit. Though not so southern as Cape Horn, this string of rocks is perhaps more impressive than the cape itself, especially during gales.

The islands form part of the Cabo de Hornos National Park. Hermite Islands were visited by Charles Darwin at the turn of 1832/1833.

• 
  Hermite Islands (center) and Cape Horn (lower right) from space. Deceit Island lies right, out of the frame
• 
  Deceit teeth seen from Hornos Island.

External references

• Cape Horn & Hermite Islands chart