When you imagine an island getaway, visions of sparkling turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and fruity cocktails likely come to mind. But not all islands are created equal. Some harbor hidden dangers, fascinating histories, and unsettling realities that most tourists wouldn’t dare explore.
This list dives into ten islands you might want to skip on your next vacation, each with its own unique brand of danger or intrigue.
Bikini Atoll, Marshall Islands (USA)
This idyllic atoll in the Marshall Islands might seem like a dream destination, but its past is a nightmare. Between 1946 and 1958, the United States conducted 23 nuclear tests here, leaving behind a legacy of radiation contamination. Jack Niedenthal’s book “For the Good of Mankind” offers a chilling account of this period.
Miyake-jima, Japan
Don’t let the stunning scenery on this volcanic island fool you. Miyake-jima is home to an active volcano that has spewed toxic sulphur dioxide gas in recent years. Residents are issued gas masks and must be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice.pen_spark
Gruinard Island, Scotland
This remote Scottish island has a dark history. During World War II, it was used as a testing ground for anthrax, a deadly biological weapon. The island was so contaminated that it remained off-limits to the public for nearly 50 years, only being declared safe in 1990 after a painstaking decontamination process.
North Sentinel Island, India
Located in the Andaman Islands, North Sentinel Island is home to the Sentinelese, an indigenous tribe that has chosen to live in complete isolation from the outside world. They fiercely resist any contact and have been known to attack outsiders who come too close.
Ramree Island-Myanmar
This island in Myanmar might seem idyllic, but its shores are teeming with danger. Saltwater crocodiles are notorious for inhabiting Ramree Island, and legend has it that during a significant WWII battle, these vicious reptiles devoured Japanese soldiers who were fleeing.
Poveglia island, Italy
The Venetian Lagoon in northern Italy has the small island of Poveglia, situated between Venice and Lido. A tiny waterway divides the island into two parts. The island was first mentioned in history in 421 and inhabited until 1379 when its inhabitants fled the conflict.
Ilha da Queimada, Brazil
The “snake island” Ilha da Queimada, off the coast of Brazil, is home to tens of thousands of golden spearhead vipers, the only species found there. According to local lore, there are approximately five of these crawling insects on every square meter of the island, making them among the world’s most venomous. Only a lighthouse keeper lived on the island for years; however, the Brazilian Navy currently forbids any civilians from visiting.
Farallon Islands, United States
Between 1946 and 1970, radioactive waste was dumped in the waters of the Farallon Islands off the coast of San Francisco. 48,000 drums of low-level radioactive waste were reportedly shipped off the islands, but no one knows exactly where they are or how dangerous they are to the ecosystem. The enormous population of elephant seals in the area attracts great white sharks.
Measurements near the wreck show no radioactive pollution despite a load of drums of trash when it was deliberately torpedoed in 1951. In March 2015, the aircraft carrier USS Independence was rediscovered in the vicinity.
Thilafushi Island, Maldives
Garbage Island is its name. It’s true that the Maldives are unable to dispose of their waste in massive dumps like the rest of us. Because there were few other options, the Maldivians decided to start dumping trash in a deserted lagoon. Beach towels and bathing suits are not required because there is no area to spread out.
Vozrozhdeniya Island, Uzbekistan
Located A deadly desert surrounds this island, which is located on the Kazakh-Uzbek border. At the absolute least, a relic from the history of an island.
Fishing villages and turquoise lagoons previously dotted Vozrozhdeniya, which is now an abandoned ghost town, but back when the Aral Sea was at its peak, it was a thriving place.
For years, the Soviets mistreated the sea, leading the waters to recede and the sea to turn to dust, while the rivers that fed it were diverted to grow cotton farms. Salty sand laced with deadly pollutants is all that remains of the old oasis.
These are just a few examples of the many islands around the world that hold surprises beyond the realm of tropical paradise. Whether contaminated by radiation, wildlife, or human actions, these islands serve as a reminder of the hidden dangers and fascinating realities that exist off the beaten path.
Conclusion
So next time you’re planning a dream island vacation, consider venturing beyond the typical tourist destinations. The world is full of incredible islands, but some come with a side of danger or intrigue. Just be sure to do your research before booking your flight!
