Did you know that Brazil’s Ilha da Queimada Grande is home to one of the highest concentrations of venomous snakes in the world, with researchers estimating there is one snake for every 10 square feet of the island?
While many islands conjure up images of tranquil beaches and tropical getaways, some are notorious for harboring deadly secrets.
From hostile tribes and active volcanoes to nuclear testing sites and toxic wildlife, these islands prove that paradise isn’t always what it seems. Here are 13 of the most treacherous islands around the globe that are best left off your travel itinerary.
1. North Sentinel Island, India
Located in the Bay of Bengal, North Sentinel Island is home to the Sentinelese, an indigenous tribe known for their hostility towards outsiders. The island is off-limits to visitors, and for good reason.
In 2018, an American missionary who attempted to reach the island was killed by the tribesmen, highlighting the dangers of encroaching on their territory.(ref)
The Sentinelese have lived in isolation for over 60,000 years, fiercely protecting their way of life. The Indian government has declared the island a protected area and prohibits any contact with the tribe, both for their safety and to preserve their unique culture.
Venturing near North Sentinel Island is not only illegal but also extremely risky, as the Sentinelese have made it clear they want to be left alone.
2. Ilha da Queimada Grande (Snake Island), Brazil
Off the coast of Brazil lies Ilha da Queimada Grande, more commonly known as Snake Island. This small island is home to a dense population of golden lancehead vipers, one of the most venomous snakes in the world.
It is estimated that there are between 2,000 to 4,000 snakes on the 106-acre island, with a venom capable of melting human flesh.(ref)
The Brazilian government has banned visitors from setting foot on Snake Island to protect both humans and the snakes’ habitat. The only people allowed on the island are researchers who have special permission and must take extreme precautions.
With a snake encountered every 10 square feet, Ilha da Queimada Grande is a slithering death trap best observed from a safe distance.
3. Miyake-jima, Japan
Miyake-jima, an island located south of Tokyo, is home to Mount Oyama, an active volcano that has erupted several times in recent history. The most devastating eruption occurred in 2000, forcing the evacuation of the island’s entire population.
While residents have since returned, they must carry gas masks at all times due to the high levels of toxic sulfur dioxide in the air.
The island’s unique landscape features volcanic rock formations and lush forests, but the ever-present threat of eruptions and poisonous gases makes it a risky place to visit. Tourists are allowed on Miyake-jima but are advised to stay informed about volcanic activity and to follow the instructions of local authorities.
4. Gruinard Island, Scotland
During World War II, the British government conducted biological warfare tests on Gruinard Island, located off the northwest coast of Scotland. Scientists contaminated the island with anthrax spores, rendering it uninhabitable for decades.
The island was finally declared safe in 1990 after an extensive decontamination process.
Although Gruinard Island is now considered safe, its dark history serves as a chilling reminder of the long-lasting impact of biological weapons. The island remains uninhabited, with only occasional visits from researchers and clean-up crews.
While the threat of anthrax has been eliminated, the island’s eerie past makes it an unsettling destination.
5. Bikini Atoll, Marshall Islands
Bikini Atoll, part of the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean, was once a tropical paradise. However, between 1946 and 1958, the United States conducted 23 nuclear weapons tests on the atoll, including the detonation of the Castle Bravo hydrogen bomb, which was 1,000 times more powerful than the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima.
The tests contaminated the atoll with radioactive fallout, forcing the evacuation of the native population. While the islands were declared safe for habitation in the late 1990s, the long-term effects of radiation exposure remain a concern.
Today, Bikini Atoll is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, serving as a reminder of the devastating consequences of nuclear testing.
6. Saba, Caribbean Netherlands
Saba, a small island in the Caribbean Netherlands, is known for its rugged terrain and the aptly named Mount Scenery, a potentially active volcano. The island’s steep cliffs and narrow roads make it a challenging destination for even the most experienced hikers and drivers.
The island is also home to a variety of venomous snakes, including the red-bellied racer.
Despite its natural hazards, Saba attracts adventurous travelers with its pristine diving sites and lush rainforests. Visitors must be prepared for the island’s rough conditions and take necessary precautions when exploring the outdoors.
While Saba’s beauty is undeniable, its treacherous landscape is not for the faint of heart.
7. Farallon Islands, California
Located just 30 miles off the coast of San Francisco, the Farallon Islands are home to a thriving population of great white sharks. The islands are a protected wildlife refuge and are closed to the public, with only a small number of researchers allowed to visit each year.
The waters surrounding the islands are known as the “Red Triangle” due to the high concentration of great white sharks that hunt the area’s abundant seal population.
While shark attacks on humans are rare, the presence of these apex predators makes the Farallon Islands a risky destination for anyone venturing into the water.
The islands are also known for their rough seas and unpredictable weather, making them a challenging environment even for experienced sailors and researchers.
8. Reunion Island, France
Reunion Island, a French overseas department located in the Indian Ocean, is known for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and active volcano Piton de la Fournaise.
However, the island’s waters are also home to a significant population of bull sharks, which are known for their aggressive behavior and have been responsible for several fatal attacks on humans.
The island’s authorities have implemented shark prevention measures, including nets and surveillance, but the risk of encounters remains. Visitors are advised to exercise caution when swimming and to stay informed about the latest shark advisories.
While Reunion Island’s natural beauty is undeniable, its shark-infested waters add an element of danger to this tropical paradise.
9. Iwo Jima, Japan
Iwo Jima, an island located south of Tokyo, is best known as the site of one of the bloodiest battles of World War II. The island was the scene of a brutal conflict between American and Japanese forces in 1945, resulting in the deaths of over 20,000 Japanese soldiers and nearly 7,000 American troops. (ref)
Today, Iwo Jima remains a solemn memorial to those who lost their lives in the battle. The island is home to several war memorials and is visited by a small number of veterans and their families each year.
While the island is no longer an active battlefield, its haunting history and the presence of unexploded ordnance make it a somber and potentially dangerous destination.
10. Ramree Island, Myanmar
Ramree Island, located off the coast of Myanmar, is home to a dense population of saltwater crocodiles, some of the largest and most aggressive crocodiles in the world.
During World War II, the island was the site of a bloody battle between British and Japanese forces, with reports of soldiers being attacked by crocodiles while trying to cross the island’s swamps.
Ramree Island remains a largely undeveloped and remote destination, with few visitors venturing to its crocodile-infested shores. Those who do visit must take extreme caution and be prepared for the island’s harsh conditions, including its thick mangrove forests and lack of infrastructure.
11. Clipperton Island, France
Clipperton Island, a small coral atoll located in the eastern Pacific Ocean, is a remote and largely uninhabited island with a dark history.
In the early 20th century, a small group of Mexican settlers attempted to establish a colony on the island, but a series of misfortunes, including a shortage of supplies and an outbreak of scurvy, led to the deaths of most of the inhabitants.
Today, Clipperton Island is a French overseas territory and is visited only by occasional research expeditions. The island’s remote location, lack of fresh water, and treacherous reefs make it a challenging destination for even the most experienced sailors and explorers.
12. Vozrozhdeniya Island, Uzbekistan/Kazakhstan
Vozrozhdeniya Island, located in the Aral Sea between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, was once the site of a top-secret Soviet biological weapons testing facility. During the Cold War, the island was used to test a variety of deadly pathogens, including anthrax, plague, and smallpox.
After the fall of the Soviet Union, the island was abandoned, leaving behind a legacy of contamination and environmental damage. Today, the island is off-limits to visitors due to the potential presence of hazardous materials and the risk of exposure to harmful pathogens.
The island serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers of biological weapons and the long-lasting impact of human activities on the environment.
13. Heard Island, Australia
Heard Island, located in the southern Indian Ocean, is a remote and inhospitable island known for its active volcano, Big Ben, and its extreme weather conditions. The island is home to vast glaciers, rugged coastlines, and a variety of unique wildlife, including seals, penguins, and seabirds.
Despite its natural wonders, Heard Island remains one of the least visited places on Earth due to its remote location and harsh environment. The island is administered by Australia and is visited only by occasional research expeditions.
Those who do venture to Heard Island must be prepared for its extreme conditions, including sub-zero temperatures, high winds, and treacherous terrain.
These 13 islands prove that paradise isn’t always what it seems. While some may be tempted by the allure of these remote and exotic destinations, it’s crucial to remember that the risks often outweigh the rewards.
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Nancy Maffia
Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.
