The world is full of remote, mysterious islands — some with natural dangers, others shrouded in secrecy, and a few protected by strict regulations. While most islands beckon travelers with promises of paradise, these islands remain largely off-limits to visitors. Whether it’s for reasons of safety, preservation, or respect for local inhabitants, here are some of the most fascinating islands on Earth that you can’t just book a ticket to.
North Sentinel Island [India]
Located in the Bay of Bengal, North Sentinel Island is home to the Sentinelese people, one of the last uncontacted tribes in the world. The island is strictly off-limits by Indian law to protect the tribe’s isolation and way of life. Any attempts to approach the island have been met with hostility, as the Sentinelese resist all outside contact. The Indian government enforces a 5-nautical-mile exclusion zone around the island to prevent intrusions, and the area is patrolled by the Indian Navy.
Snake Island [Brazil]
Just 33 kilometers off the coast of Brazil lies Snake Island, officially known as Ilha da Queimada Grande. It is home to the golden lancehead viper, one of the most venomous snakes in the world, found nowhere else on Earth. The island hosts an estimated 2,000 to 4,000 snakes, making it extremely dangerous. Due to this, the Brazilian Navy has prohibited public access, allowing only scientific researchers with special permits.
Niʻihau [USA]
Known as the “Forbidden Island,” Niʻihau is the westernmost of the inhabited Hawaiian Islands and is privately owned by the Robinson family. The island has a small population of Native Hawaiians and is closed to the general public to preserve its culture and way of life. Only relatives, invited guests, and select government officials are permitted to visit. The island has no paved roads, stores, or electricity – offering a stark contrast to the tourist-friendly neighboring islands.
Heard Island [Australia]
Located between Madagascar and Antarctica, Heard Island is one of the most remote places on Earth. Governed by Australia, this volcanic island is covered in glaciers and is home to an active volcano, Big Ben. The island is part of a marine reserve and strictly protected for its pristine environment and unique ecosystems. Access is extremely limited due to environmental regulations and its inhospitable climate, requiring lengthy expeditions by boat. Only a small number of scientists and authorized personnel are allowed to visit.
Gruinard Island [Scotland]
Gruinard Island, off the northwest coast of Scotland, has a dark past. During World War II, it was used by the British government for testing biological weapons, specifically anthrax. The island remained contaminated for decades and was officially declared safe only in the 1990s after decontamination efforts. Despite this, it remains uninhabited and is generally avoided due to its history.
Surtsey [Iceland]
Surtsey is one of the world’s youngest islands, formed by a volcanic eruption off the southern coast of Iceland in 1963. Since then, the island has been a rare, untouched laboratory for scientists studying ecological succession – how plant and animal life colonize new land. To protect its pristine conditions, only a handful of researchers are allowed to visit, and any form of tourism or casual visitation is strictly prohibited.
Faroe Islands [North Atlantic Ocean]
While the Faroe Islands are generally accessible to tourists and have become more popular in recent years, some parts of the archipelago are periodically closed to the public to protect fragile ecosystems. Since 2019, the islands have introduced unique initiatives such as temporarily halting tourism during specific weekends to allow volunteers to assist with conservation work. The Faroe Islands carefully balance welcoming visitors with preserving their wild beauty.
[Contributed By Anushka Gaikwad]