For just one moment, forget your mental image of overrun beaches covered in sunburned package tourists. Islands can offer a chance for isolation, if you know where to go. Here are five of the most remote (but still visitable!) islands that we could come up with:
1. Cocos Islands
Way out there in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the Cocos Islands are some of those island paradises that are becoming increasingly hard to find. They are still unspoiled—for now. There are around 600 inhabitants, and the most basic of services available. There are no resorts here, just the simple pleasure of beaches and coconuts and hammocks.
2. El Hierro
The furthermost island in the Canaries of Spain, El Hierro is a charming place of unique wildlife and wild beaches. There’s also some interesting history—Europeans believed this to be the end of the world, before Columbus proved them wrong. It was his last stop on his way to the India that he never found. While it can’t claim to be totally undiscovered, it is still mostly undeveloped. You will never forget a trip to El Hierro for the rest of your life.
3. Attu
Western Alaska is about as remote as you can get in the United States. The volcanic Aleutian Islands extend far out into the ocean towards Russia, a stark chain that gets more remote the further out you go. Attu is the end of the line, and is wildly beautiful in a very rugged way. Bird watchers and fishermen will especially enjoy a visit here.
4. Saint Helena
Napoleon was exiled here, and while he probably wasn’t thrilled about it, we’d recommend it as a destination. About halfway between Africa and South America, it’s hard to reach—there is no airstrip, and only one slow-moving ship routinely makes port there. But if you’re going to go off the beaten path and willing to take the time to get there, you’ll be rewarded by perfectly blue water, lush green vegetation, and an eternally pleasing climate.
5. Kiribati
This archipelago about 1,650 miles southwest of Hawaii is home to the world’s largest marine preserve, and one of its most untouched. If it’s water life you want to see, this is absolutely the place to do it. The snorkeling and scuba diving here is unparalleled.
With a little bit of creativity, your island adventure can be something entirely unique and special. There is a high premium for privacy and solitude, but it’s worth it. And if this list can’t at least start to inspire you to get away from the most popular destinations, nothing will.
