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What is the Most Remote Island in the World?
What would be the furthest you could go to escape a world that often feels overcrowded and overconnected? Can’t take a trip to the International Space Station? In this case, the allure of remote islands hold a special fascination. These isolated landmasses, surrounded by vast oceans, offer us a glimpse into a simpler, more primal way of life, far removed from the hustle and bustle of modern civilization. Among these secluded retreats, one island stands out as the epitome of isolation: Tristan da Cunha.
The Spectrum of Isolation: Inhabited and Uninhabited Islands
Remote islands can be either inhabited or uninhabited, each presenting its own set of conditions and, like here at Desert Island Survival, potential for adventure. Inhabited islands like Tristan da Cunha have communities that have adapted to their isolated conditions, while uninhabited islands often remain untouched by human civilization, offering a pure, unspoiled example of the increasingly rare natural world without people.
The World’s Most Remote Inhabited and Uninhabited Islands:
Inhabited Islands:
Tristan da Cunha
Located in the South Atlantic Ocean, The British Overseas Territory of Tristan da Cunha is over 2,000 kilometres from the nearest inhabited land, Saint Helena, and more than 2,400 kilometres from the nearest continental land, South Africa. Tristan da Cunha is known as the most remote inhabited archipelago on Earth, with a small population that lives in the fantastically named Edinburgh of the Seven Seas, known locally as ‘The Settlement’ or ‘The Village’ and unsurprisingly named by a previous inhabitant of the Scottish Borders. Tristan da Cunha island is named as such after the Portuguese explorer Tristao da Cunha, who having discovered the island promptly named it after himself.
Pitcairn Islands
The Pitcairn Islands in the Pacific Ocean are home to the descendants of the mutineers from the HMS Bounty. With only around 50 inhabitants, Pitcairn Island is one of Britain’s most isolated dependencies. Officially The Pitcairn Islands are made up of four volcanic islands: Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno. Henderson is by far the largest island; however, Pitcairn is the only inhabited one.
Easter Island (Rapa Nui)
While more widely known than many other remote islands, Easter Island’s nearest inhabited neighbour is the previously mentioned Pitcairn Islands, over 2,000 kilometres away. Famous for its mysterious moai statues, it is one of the most isolated inhabited islands in the world. The Polynesian name Rapa Nui literally translates as ‘Big Rapa’, due to geographical similarities with another island also named ‘Rapa’ in the Bass Islands.
Saint Helena
This island in the South Atlantic Ocean is one of the most isolated places on Earth. Though it gained an airport recently, for centuries access was solely by boat. This isolation leads to what Saint Helena is perhaps most widely known for, as it was the location to which Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled to in 1815.
Norfolk Island
Located between Australia, New Zealand, and New Caledonia, Norfolk Island, though inhabited, is quite remote and has its own unique history and biodiversity. This remote inhabited island has one of the largest populations of tiger sharks in the world.
Uninhabited Islands:
The world is also dotted with uninhabited islands, each with its own story. These islands, devoid of human presence, are vital for biodiversity and offer critical insights into ecosystems undisturbed by human activity.
Bouvet Island
This uninhabited island in the South Atlantic certainly belongs on this list, as it is considered the most remote island in the world (inhabited or uninhabited). A volcanic island with a crater covered with ice, this location is situated over 2,200 kilometres from the nearest inhabited land. It’s a nature reserve, mostly covered by a glacier. A dependency of Norway, Bouvetoya focuses on wildlife, and has been declared an uninhabited protected nature reserve.
Kerguelen Islands
Although there is a French research station that’s occasionally inhabited by scientists, the Kerguelen Islands in the Indian Ocean are typically uninhabited. They are extremely remote, often referred to as the “Desolation Islands.” Situated 3,300 kilometres east of Madagascar, these isolated islands consist of the main island, Grande Terre, and a surrounding 300 islands and islets.
South Georgia Island
While not permanently inhabited, this British Overseas Territory in the southern Atlantic Ocean is visited by research vessels and tourists. It’s known for its rugged terrain and large populations of seabirds and marine life. The island has a rich and storied history, with the cruises stopping off there increasing those who get to experience this remote enclave.
Heard Island and McDonald Islands
Australian external territories in the Southern Ocean, uninhabited and among the most remote places on Earth, located about 4,000 kilometres southwest of Australia. As volcanic islands, they are technically Australia’s only active volcanoes!
Svalbard’s Remote Islands
While Svalbard itself is inhabited, several smaller islands in the archipelago are uninhabited and represent some of the most remote lands in the Arctic region. Situated halfway between Norway and the North Pole, Spitsbergen is the only permanently inhabited island in the archipelago is the site of the Svalbard Global Seed Bank.
These remote islands, whether inhabited or not, are fascinating for their unique ecosystems, the resilience of their human populations (where present), and their sheer isolation, which provides a rare glimpse into untouched natural beauty and, in some cases, unexplored territories that remain mysteries in our increasingly connected world.
Accessibility Challenges
Reaching these remote locations is no easy feat. Many of the journey involves long voyages by sea, sometimes only possible at certain times of the year, highlighting the true isolation of these destinations, many will require a good working knowledge of bushcraft skills, something we can certainly help with.
Extreme Locations: The Pinnacle of Isolation
While Tristan da Cunha is renowned for its remoteness, as you can see other islands like the Kerguelen Islands and Pitcairn Island also rank high on the list of isolated destinations, each with its own unique characteristics. Tristan da Cunha’s geographic isolation contributes to its unique biodiversity and the distinct lifestyle of its inhabitants. The geography of the islands adds to their allure, with a mix of dramatic landscapes that are as challenging as they are beautiful.
Point Nemo
If the islands listed here still seem a little too close to inhabited land masses, then grab your oars and make your way to Point Nemo, also known (rather beautifully) as ‘The Oceanic Pole of Inaccessibility’. Located at roughly 48°52.6′S 123°23.6′W, this is the place in the ocean that is farthest way from any land.
Discover Your Own Remote Adventure
Are you drawn to the allure of remote islands? Whether it’s the extreme isolation of Tristan da Cunha or the unique experiences offered by islands like Tonga, our adventures provide an opportunity to explore some of the most secluded spots on Earth. Check out our adventures on remote islands.
FAQs
Where is the most remote island in the world?
Your friend and mine, Tristan da Cunha, located in the southern Atlantic Ocean with Gough Island and Nightingale Islands, holds the title of the most remote inhabited island in the world, with Bouvet island the most remote uninhabited.
What is the most remote island you can visit?
Tristan da Cunha is considered the most remote inhabited island that you can visit, offering a unique experience far removed from typical tourist destinations.
How long does it take to get to Tristan da Cunha?
Reaching Tristan da Cunha typically involves a seven to ten day sea voyage from Cape Town, South Africa, making it one of the most challenging destinations to reach on the planet.
