Voyages to remote cruise destinations are a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. They can be a relaxing way to escape reality for a few weeks and rediscover a peaceful existence. The following blog offers a guide to some of the most isolated islands on the planet, so you can pick your favourite and embark on an off the grid adventure to these far-flung corners of the globe.
Pitcairn Islands, South Pacific
The Pitcairn Islands are a group of four small volcanic islands located in the South Pacific – the last British Overseas Territory in this secluded corner of the globe. The Pitcairn’s land masses – Henderson, Pitcairn, Ducie and Oeno – are distributed across an area covering hundreds of miles. The islands are most famous as the location for the legendary Mutiny on the Bounty. In 1790, nine of the mutineers from the Bounty, alongside a number of Tahitian cohorts, settled on Pitcairn after taking over their ship. Although the settlers set fire to their vessel upon arrival, the Bounty can still be observed to this day in the waters of Bounty Bay. Many decades past before anyone else arrived on the archipelago, which goes to show just how secluded the Pitcairn Islands actually are. Nowadays, intrepid cruisers can follow in the footsteps of the infamous mutineers and rediscover this tiny island – often viewed as one of the most remote cruise destinations in the world.
Beechey Island, Canada
Found within the Canadian Arctic Archipelago of Nunavat, Beechey Island is an important site in the history of Arctic discovery. In 1845, renowned British explorer Sir John Franklin and his crew chose Beechey Island as the site for their first winter camp whilst searching for an as yet undiscovered part of the Northwest Passage aboard the HMS Erebus and HMS Terror. Despite the fact the Franklin was a seasoned explorer, the expedition ran into trouble. The two vessels became stuck in ice at the Victoria Strait and, tragically, Franklin and his entire crew of 128 men were lost.
The graves of three of Franklin’s crew still stand on Beechey Island, alongside monuments celebrating the achievements of Franklin himself. In 1975, the island was named as a Territorial Historical Site by the Northwest Territories government, due to its significance within the timeline of Arctic exploration.
Espanola Island, Galapagos
Espanola Island – or Hood Island as it’s also known – is one of the world-famous Galapagos Islands, well-known for the part they played in Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection. The Galapagos are located nearly 1000 kilometre off the western coast of Ecuador in the vast Pacific Ocean. Espanola Island is situated to the south west of the archipelago and is one of the smallest and oldest islands in the region.
A diverse collection of wildlife has thrived on this tiny island, due to its utterly remote location, and this diverse ecology is one of the area’s biggest and only tourist attractions. A massive population of albatrosses and blue-footed boobies populate and breed on the island and can be observed on the cliffs of Punta Suarez. Other captivating native animals include tortoises, iguanas and sea lions, creating an eclectic mix of creatures and a unique environment.
Komodo Island, Indonesia
Despite its remote location and status as one of over 17,000 islands that make up the Republic of Indonesia, Komodo Island has gained worldwide recognition, mainly due to its most famous resident – the Komodo Dragon. The Komodo Dragon, from which the island takes its name, is the world’s largest species of lizard and a large population can be found on the island, creating a fascinating – if sometimes daunting – natural attraction.
Komodo Island is also well-known for its history, as the majority people of the island are all descended from convict exiled there centuries earlier. Komodo National Park, which covers a large portion of the island, is not only home to the Komodo Dragon, but also a number of other interesting species, including Timor deer, water buffalo, cobras and fruit bats. The park also boasts a diverse range of marine life and is home to such species as dolphins, dugongs and sea turtles.
Paradise Bay, Antarctica
Paradise Bay – sometimes referred to as Paradise Harbour – is situated behind the Lemaire and Bryde Islands in Antarctica. The bay is also one of only two Antarctic harbours in use by cruise ships and – needless to say – is one of the most remote locations available to cruisers.
The harbour is an ideal place to begin a safe exploration of this icy continent and offers spectacular views of the Antarctic landscape. Visitors will be astonished by the regions brutal environment, comprised of vast icy plains, dramatic cliffs and rugged mountains. Although the Antarctic is one of the planet’s most remote and exciting places to explore, traveller should be extra careful and thoroughly prepared, as the continent can be particularly harsh and unforgiving.
Image Credits: Ansgar Walk – wikimedia.org
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