9 Most Dangerous Islands In The World
9 Most Dangerous Islands In The World
We love visiting islands. We’ve been to the Greek Islands, the Caribbeans and even Corsica for many years. But there are some islands that one should wish to stay away from for as long as possible.
These islands are known for their extreme dangers, from hostile inhabitants and venomous snakes to radioactive landscapes and eerie histories. Here, we explore nine of the most dangerous islands in the world, each with its unique set of perils that make them fascinating yet fearsome destinations.
1. North Sentinel Island, India
North Sentinel Island is shrouded in mystery and danger, primarily due to its inhabitants, the Sentinelese tribe. This tribe is among the last uncontacted peoples of the world, fiercely maintaining their isolation.
Any attempts at contact by outsiders have met with aggression, including attacks with bows and arrows. The Indian government has made it illegal to approach closer than five kilometers to the island, both for the safety of visitors and the protection of the Sentinelese way of life, which has remained unchanged for thousands of years.
2. Ilha da Queimada Grande (Snake Island), Brazil
Ilha da Queimada Grande, commonly known as Snake Island, is located off the coast of Brazil and is one of the deadliest islands on the planet. It is overrun with the golden lancehead pit viper, a critically endangered and highly venomous snake.
Estimates suggest there could be up to one snake per square meter in some areas. The Brazilian government prohibits visitors from setting foot on the island, with exceptions made only for scientific research, which requires a waiver acknowledging the extreme risk.
3. Bikini Atoll, Marshall Islands
Bikini Atoll’s haunting beauty masks its perilous condition. Between 1946 and 1958, it was a nuclear testing site for the United States, which left it highly contaminated with radiation. The residents were relocated prior to testing and have not returned permanently due to safety concerns.
Visiting the atoll now requires special permission, as lingering radiation levels continue to pose serious health risks.
4. Saba Island, Caribbean Netherlands
Saba Island boasts one of the most dangerous airports in the world, featuring an extremely short runway that ends just meters from a steep drop into the ocean.
Pilots must be specially trained to land here, navigating the airstrip that is flanked by high hills on one side and sea cliffs on the other. Despite these challenges, the island attracts adventurous travelers looking to explore its rugged terrain and spectacular underwater landscapes.
5. Miyake-jima, Japan
Miyake-jima is an island with an active volcano, Mount Oyama, which has erupted several times in recent history, causing evacuations and spreading hazardous sulfur dioxide gas.
Residents living on this island are required to carry gas masks at all times in case of sudden gas emissions. The constant volcanic activity poses not only immediate risks from eruptions but also long-term health risks from gas exposure.
6. Ramree Island, Myanmar
Ramree Island is notorious for its deadly history during World War II when it was the site of a horrific incident involving saltwater crocodiles attacking Japanese soldiers.
The mangrove swamps of Ramree are home to large populations of these aggressive crocodiles, making it a perilous location. Today, the island remains a risky area due to the wildlife and the challenging terrain.
7. Tristan da Cunha, South Atlantic Ocean
Tristan da Cunha holds the title of the most remote inhabited island in the world. Located over 2,000 kilometers from the nearest continent, the island has a tiny population that is cut off from immediate medical services, making health emergencies particularly challenging.
The island is accessible only by a week-long boat trip from South Africa, weather permitting, which adds to the complexity of living or visiting here.
8. Poveglia Island, Italy
Poveglia Island near Venice has a dark history as a quarantine station for plague victims and later as a mental asylum. The island is rumored to be haunted by the ghosts of those who died there. Visits to the island are strictly controlled, and it has become a site of fascination for those interested in paranormal activities, although the eerie atmosphere and tragic past keep many would-be visitors at bay.
9. Heard Island, Australia
Extreme isolation and an active volcano define Heard Island, located in the Southern Ocean. Its rugged terrain, harsh climate, and frequent storms make it a dangerous place for anyone who attempts to explore it. Access is limited to expeditions, which are subject to strict environmental regulations due to the delicate ecosystem and the challenges posed by its remote location and extreme weather conditions.
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We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home.
We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home. With over 10 years of experience in dating and traveling to romantic places, we share our favorite date ideas and romantic destinations to help couples level up their relationships. Having lived in and traveled through the USA, we also share our favourite things to do in the States.
With 70,000 monthly readers and 16,000 followers on social media, Be Right Back is your go-to resource for romantic trip ideas and couple activities at home and abroad.