15 Remote Islands Where Nature Rules Untouched and Untamed
Did you know that 95% of the world’s oceans remain unexplored? This is according to UNESCO’s Ocean Literacy Portal. Most of us are familiar with popular islands like Hawaii and Bali, but other remote islands haven’t suffered the effects of urban development.
These natural sanctuaries continue to exist as reminders of what the Earth does on its own. For eco travelers looking for adventure, these islands are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see pristine ecosystems, rare wildlife, and landscapes that time forgot.
Here is a quick preview of 15 remote islands where nature is wild and human presence has yet to be detected.
Svalbard Islands, Norway
The Svalbard Islands are almost at the top of the world, between the Norwegian mainland and the Arctic. These islands offer a front-row seat to polar bears, Arctic foxes, and wandering reindeer.
The ethereal backdrop—midnight sun and vast glaciers—is hard to describe. Given Svalbard’s untouched beauty, the Arctic richly deserves to be protected amid fears of it heating up faster than the rest of the world due to climate change.
Lord Howe Island, Australia
Lord Howe Island is a little piece of ancient Earth in the Tasman Sea. To protect its ecosystem, it restricts the number of tourists to 400 at any time.
The marine park surrounding the island has recorded 241 native species of vascular plants and approximately 168 bird species either living on or visiting the islands. Underwater enthusiasts enjoy snorkeling in the pristine coral reefs. It is an example of a sustainable tourism practice model.
Socotra, Yemen
Socotra is a bizarre island in the Arabian Sea. Known as the “Galápagos of the Indian Ocean,” it features over 730 coastal fish and 260 hard and soft coral species. It’s dominated by the famous Dragon’s Blood Tree, which has an alien-like landscape.
According to UNESCO, Socotra is a World Heritage Site famous for its biodiversity. Visitors love its turquoise waters and white beaches. Socotra is the place to go if you want to enter an otherworldly place.
South Atlantic Ocean: Tristan da Cunha
1,500 miles away from the next landmass, Tristan da Cunha is dubbed the most remote inhabited island on Earth. Only 250 people live in this harmony with untamed surroundings.
Birdwatchers on the island will find a haven for rare species, such as the Tristan Albatross. Volcanic cliffs and the expansive grasslands attract hikers. Tristan has remained alone, and its ecosystem is unperturbed by invasive species.
Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles
Because the Indian Ocean island of Aldabra Atoll is so remote, it is still largely untouched. In 1982, the island became a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it hosts the world’s largest population of giant tortoises, over 152,000.
Coral reefs on the atoll act as a blueprint for biodiversity conservation worldwide. Aldabra shows that ecosystems flourish when humans do the least of the least.
Pitcairn Island, South Pacific
The population on Pitcairn Island is less than 50. Cultural enthusiasts come for its crystalline beaches and archaeological sites from Polynesian history.
Its surrounding waters have vibrant corals and many underwater species for marine explorers to adore. There is total harmony with its untouched environment.
Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia
The Pacific’s rugged and unspoiled jewels, the Marquesas Islands, are famous for their ancient ruins and Stone Age culture. Most of the islands are covered in steep mountains and lush green blankets.
Their allure has inspired artists like Paul Gauguin and others. Year-round, adventurers can come for untamed nature, cascading waterfalls, secluded beaches, and a blissful escape.
Deception Island, Antarctica
Adventure travelers traveling to Deception Island will be treated to an uncommon site: an Antarctic island home to a volcanic caldera. It stands out because of its hot volcanic springs and penguin colonies.
A fine display of untouched, utterly uncorrupted terrain, Deception Island offers its share of natural extremes and stark beauty.
North Sentinel Island, India
One of the most mysterious corners of Earth may be North Sentinel Island. It isolates the indigenous Sentinelese people from modern society.
Its landscape is dense forests and pristine beaches. Traveling to remote areas is prohibited as it destroys the local lifestyle, but the wilderness is still an eco treasure.
Mozambique Bazaruto Archipelago
The Bazaruto Archipelago in Mozambique is an unspoiled tropical paradise. Its marine park features a protected area containing dugongs, dolphins, and over 2,000 fish species.
Powdery beaches and azure waters combined make the quintessential relaxation and exploration. It is one of Africa’s purest coastal ecosystems for nature lovers.
Chiloé Island, Chile
Myth, nature, and tradition converge on a beautiful place like Chiloé Island. The landscape features brightly colored stilt houses and quaint fishing boats, although the lush forests are impressively untouched.
The island has a rich biodiversity, and penguins and dolphins can grace its shores. Considering its mystical aura, Chiloé attracts everyone who chooses to come.
Macquarie Island, Australia
The UNESCO World Heritage site Macquarie Island is between New Zealand and Antarctica. Massive penguin colonies and southern elephant seals call this subantarctic island home, and many seabird species breed on the island. The Australian government has invested many resources to protect this pristine environment.
Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
Fernando de Noronha is a well-known archipelago featuring jagged volcanic formations and turquoise waters. Access to its ecosystems is tightly restricted, with only 400 tourists allowed daily.
Divers rave about exploring Noronhoa’s waters. They may encounter sea turtles, dolphins, and even reef sharks up close.
Jan Mayen, Norway
It is an isolated but beautiful home to Mount Beerenberg, the world’s northernmost active volcano. Visitors describe its otherworldly lunar surface.
Thousands of untouched wildernesses are also home to puffins and arctic foxes. The icy beauty of Jan Mayen leaves everyone speechless.
Kiribati, Central
Kiribati consists of 32 atolls. It is filled with untouched coastal and jungle areas, and its dense rainforests, coral reefs, and virgin lagoons are indescribable in beauty.
Tourism policies are oriented towards sustainability, which ensures that Kiribati will remain a pristine destination for future explorers.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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