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12 Remote Islands Where Nature Still Calls The Shots
There’s something undeniably captivating about places where the wild still calls the shots. And remote islands, untouched and fiercely independent, offer a rare chance to step into a world unfiltered by human chaos.
Out there, it’s all about raw landscapes, untamed beauty, and an unpredictable rhythm that makes you feel, well, refreshingly small. These are the places where thick forests stretch unapologetically, vibrant ecosystems hum with life, and the ocean reminds you who’s boss.
Forget convenience; it’s not part of the package, and that’s exactly the point. It’s not about conquest or carving out comfort; it’s about being humbled by rugged shores and windswept cliffs, by lands where footprints fade faster than a heartbeat.
So if you’re craving a break from polished itineraries and overbooked destinations, there’s no better antidote than these wild havens. Intrigued yet? Good. Let’s explore.
Socotra, Yemen
On Socotra, the wind isn’t just a weather condition; it’s a personality. It carves the ridgelines, turns sand into an involuntary condiment, and props up those gnarly dragon’s blood trees like some surreal art installation. Trails? Please. You’ll be following the free-spirited whims of goats.
But the island’s real bragging rights are its bizarre exclusivity. Pretty much 90% of the reptiles and 95% of the land snails here exist literally nowhere else. And nature cranked the weirdness dial to max and then sat back to laugh at us.
The weather? It reworks your plans like a late-stage editor, complete with flash floods to keep you on your toes. Nighttime puts your ego in check with stars so vivid they mute small talk. Bottom line? You’re visiting Socotra’s turf, so tread lightly. The trees bleed red, the sea outshines Instagram, and, yes, the sand will infiltrate places you didn’t expect. Fair trade for the experience of a lifetime, wouldn’t you say?
Pitcairn Island, UK
Pitcairn Island is what happens when a road just… gives up. It climbs politely through breadfruit and palms, then shrugs and stops like it realized it’s in the middle of nowhere. Fewer than 60 people call this little rock home, and you don’t just show up. Instead, this place makes you earn it.
First, there’s no airport. You hop on a ship, and if the ocean’s in a good mood, you transfer by longboat. Speaking of oceans, the U.K. turned all 320,400 square miles of surrounding water into a no-take marine reserve, which has supercharged the clarity, fish activity, and heartbreakingly gorgeous shades of blue.
Back on solid ground, history whispers through family stories, names scratched into existence, and enough rainwater sipping to make you appreciate plumbing again. And the island runs on its own clock with no promises, just possibilities (maybe the landing works tomorrow). Out here, it’s ocean’s rules or nothing. You good with that?
Cocos (Isla Del Coco), Costa Rica
Forget your pirate treasure fantasies, because Cocos Island puts them to shame. Picture this: a jungle-soaked rock marooned 340 miles off Costa Rica’s coast, with no towns, no hotels, and only the park rangers to give it any street cred.
It’s all tropical rainforest here (literally the only one in the tropical eastern Pacific), which means every inch is dripping with life, and the rain shows no signs of slowing down (seriously, bring a dry bag). Underwater? It’s hammerhead central, with schools packed tighter than rush-hour traffic.
On land, waterfalls plunge down basalt cliffs, vines stage an unruly takeover, and rust never gets a day off. Time warps into a blur of blue dives, bubbling streams, and earthy jungle scents. Turns out, this isn’t some polished postcard; a trip to Cocos is raw, wild, and totally unforgettable.
Svalbard, Norway
Welcome to the land of extremes. It’s nothing but high noon for months, then nothing but starry darkness. Adjust… or don’t. This place doesn’t care. The win here? Protection on a massive scale, as most of Svalbard is under strict conservation, and boy, can you feel it.
Silence grips the gaps between snowmobile tracks. Walruses snooze on icy shores; foxes leave trails like little mysteries in the snow. Civilization? Settlements are small and fleeting, just a dot before glacier and sky take over.
Summer midnight hikes happen because the sun basically forgot how to set, while winter stars are so bold they could headline a concert. And Svalbard doesn’t do “cute.” It’s harsh, honest, and totally worth it. But schedules? Forget ’em. They’re as useful here as sand at the North Pole.
South Georgia, UK
Glaciers? Blinding. Winds? Like a slap to the face (your hood doesn’t stand a chance). Then you notice it. The beach is moving. Fur seals, elephant seals, and king penguins (like, tens of thousands of them) shuffle around in what can only be described as nature’s most chaotic conveyor belt.
Humans? None (okay, a few researchers and museum staff rotate in and out, but the penguins are the real locals). The atmosphere here is pure nature soundtrack: waves crashing, penguins squawking, ice breaking off glaciers like some distant mic drop.
Good luck navigating the “penguin highways” without feeling like a total intruder. And Grytviken offers some rusty history if the skuas (aka snack thieves) don’t distract you first. It’s wild, it’s noisy, and it’ll leave you cheering for nature’s front-row madness.
Saba, Caribbean Netherlands
A stairway straight into the clouds? Meet the Ladder. About 800 stone steps slice up from the sea like a challenge that Sabans crushed with grit and determination. Beaches? Don’t hold your breath. But at the summit, there’s a cloud forest waiting to wrap you in mist, while underwater, coral reefs are everywhere you turn.
The key here? Restraint, my friends. The Saba National Marine Park, circling the island since 1987, stretches from the high-water mark to 200 feet deep, covering 5 square miles of protected beauty. Anchors get swapped for moorings, and divers take the place of hype-chasing crowds.
On land, you’ll find picture-perfect villages clinging to the steep slopes like they belong. The island mood? Get sweaty, climb your heart out, refuel with something gloriously fried, and sleep like a rock. Next day? Lather, rinse, repeat.
Kerguelen Islands, French Southern Territories
They call them the Desolation Islands. Not because they’re heartbroken, but because they’re the universe’s “You Are Here” arrow pointing nowhere. To get here, you hitch a ride on the Marion Dufresne, the only supply ship that swings by four times a year from Réunion Island… think of it as Uber for the adventurer.
Flights? Ha. Don’t even ask. The wind? Aggressive. The kelp? Basically soggy ninjas trying to yank you off balance if you dare wade in. Onshore, penguins waddle confidently, and the weather can’t commit to a single temperature (pack a rugged jacket and some patience).
People? They’re all huddled at Port-aux-Français, a research station doing sciencey things and holding onto shreds of civilization. Step beyond that, and it’s just you, the wild basalt landscapes, and an ocean that whispers existential truths. Think you’ve been to a remote spot before? Kerguelen out-remotes them all.
Lord Howe Island, Australia
Imagine small, but done with perfection. That’s Lord Howe for you. Think fern forests crisscrossed with trails, a crescent lagoon that glows so brightly it feels fake, and a visitor cap of only 400 people at a time (elite much?).
That limit keeps the coral vibrant, the island unspoiled, and the mood relaxed. Your itinerary? Easy. Scale ropes on Mt. Gower, snorkel over corals that look straight out of a dream, then feast like a marooned foodie who found paradise.
Conservation runs the show here; it’s a reservation-only kind of magic. Pro tip? Book well ahead, because last-minute beds are fantasy territory.
Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
This Brazilian spot isn’t here to impress; it’s here to protect. You’ll feel that reverence the moment you’re hit with the Environmental Preservation Fee just to set foot on it (yes, this paradise has a price). But hey, it’s worth it.
The marine life is next-level. Turtles glide like zen masters, and spinner dolphins do their acrobatics every morning in a sheltered bay that feels orchestrated. Above ground, it’s rugged cliffs, sun-baked beaches, and whispers of forest. No ultra-luxe frills, just the essentials. And rangers greet you with a smile and a “bom dia,” reminding you this place is a privilege to see.
Oh, and it’s UNESCO-certified, ensuring the underwater magic stays, well, magical. Plus, just like Lord Howe, daily limits keep it all running like the thoughtful, scenic heartthrob this archipelago is. It’s Brazil’s love letter to the planet, and you? You’re lucky enough to read it.
Jan Mayen, Norway
Look at a map and find the speck between Greenland and Norway; that’s Jan Mayen. It’s got one fiery claim to fame: Beerenberg, a properly glaciated volcano, just chilling (well, kind of) at 7,470 feet. Its last eruption? 1985.
The island itself is a celebrity lounge for seismographs and seabirds, strictly invite-only. Lava flows look like they froze mid-dance, and Arctic foxes ghost around as if auditioning for a nature documentary. And when the clouds finally rip open, Beerenberg dominates like a boss (a jagged, icy pyramid that screams “no filter needed”).
Here’s the thing about Jan Mayen: it’s not here to impress you; it’s here to remind you how small you are. Everything here answers to the volcano, and guess what? It makes the rules.
Misool, Indonesia
A tale of teamwork and triumph, Misool is an eco-success story written in technicolor. Locals teamed up with the Misool Foundation to carve out a 300,000-acre, no-take marine reserve. And guess what? They enforced it. Patrols, radar systems, and community support turned the plan into action.
The result? Fish populations skyrocketed by 250% in just six years, while sharks and manta rays made glorious comebacks. Slip into the water, and the reef scene hits you instantly. It’s teeming with life… sorta like an underwater rush hour.
Above water, it’s no slouch either. Karst cliffs rise like a jagged, prehistoric skyline, and glowing beaches spread out at low tide. Plus, nights are warm and soft, designed for stargazing or just soaking it all in. The lesson here? Protect the wild stuff, and it thrives.
Yakushima, Japan
Think every shade of green smashed together, and you’ll have a pretty good picture of Yakushima. Rivers shimmer like liquid glass over granite, while ancient cedars hold their ground. Rain doesn’t just fall here; it dominates the agenda. In fact, locals joke there are 35 rainy days a month, and given the annual downpour (157 inches in the lowlands, up to 394 inches in the mountains), you’ll believe them.
But that endless rain? It’s why the landscape is straight out of a fantasy novel. Trails wind through moss-covered everything. And the forest hums like a melody you can feel underfoot. Just remember to bring boots with grip because “damp” is an understatement.
Look closer while you hike, though. The salamanders, the leaves veiled in mist, the way ridges morph into silhouettes; it’s a living, breathing time machine wrapped in green. You’ll leave with your definition of “lush” completely rewritten.
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