10 Islands That Are So Remote They're Almost Impossible To Reach

For some reason, many of us are wildly obsessed with reaching places that are off-limits. Especially when it comes to islands, it's like the one forbidden fruit for travelers: The more remote and untouched the island, the more we just need to get our feet on its golden sands (or rocky hills, for some of these). Regardless of what it takes to get there - if we can even get there - we're bound to do it all just for the sake of our own personal satisfaction.

While you wouldn't necessarily want to visit some of these, there's no denying that it's interesting to learn about the islands that take heaven and earth to reach. From incredibly rough waters to locations that simply aren't easily accessible by most people's transportation affordability, it's a wonder these islands have even been discovered. Some of them are more easily reached than others, while some... well, you'll soon find out.

10 Pitcairn Island Is Inhabited By Only One Generation Of Descendants... And Some Crabs

Pitcairn Island is definitely reachable by boat... But that doesn't mean there's much to see on it. Located in a remote area of the world that's definitely not on our "to travel to" bucket list, this island is one that few people visit simply because it's so remote. It's nothing like a Bahamas trip or a stay in Jamaica - much of it is untamed and untouched by human hands.

9 Amsterdam Island, With A Population Of Only 25

If you're not keen on boats that tend to rocket around in rough seas, then you probably shouldn't be adding Amsterdam Island to your "must-see" list. Again, this island is largely untouched aside from the minute population of only 25 which call it home (which could even be less by now). Its rocky locale and isolation put it far from a tourist destination.

8 Bouvet Island, A Chunk Of Ice Which Some Researchers Call Home

Okay, we get it, a chunk of ice floating in the middle of the water isn't exactly something you'd love to spend a week on. Despite that, people still book trips to the Arctic and put their mountaineering skills to the test climbing glaciers, so there's that. Unfortunately, this hunk of ice is only open to the researchers who have permission to be there - and the boats that service only their trips.

7 Bear Island Rarely Sees Rain And Is... Radioactive?

Bear Island is a whopping 400 miles from the coast of Europe, which makes it quite the isolated little island. It's also part of Svalbard (bundle up) which means it's easy enough to book a flight to get you roughly 150 miles from it. From there, chartering a boat is the only way to reach it. However, you should know, this island is home to a shipwreck filled with radioactive warheads, which have been slowly leaking since 1989.

6 Bishop Rock Actually Made The Guinness World Record Book

Bishop Rock is still known as one of the smallest islands to feature an actual functioning building, and being on it is nothing short of harrowing. For starters, good luck figuring out how to dock a boat around it. Second, this lighthouse sees waters that are rarely calm... So hopefully that's not a problem for you, either.

5 Boreray, A Scottish Prehistoric Treasure, If You Can Find It

Boreray is a stunning island in Scotland, but it's also quite eerie. Often covered with heavy fog, this island was once a home for farmers until 1930, when bad luck struck local agriculture. Now, it's owned by the National Trust which means actual permission is required to visit it. Furthermore, these shores are no friend to boats or planes, so good luck finding transportation, too.

4 Rockall Is A Dangerous Trek And Owned By The British

Yup, that's it... A rock that literally sits in the middle of the ocean. And yes, it is technically considered an island. This "rock" is actually the very summit of an inactive volcano and doesn't lie too far from Rockall in Scotland. Custom trips are required and that's not including the method of actually getting onto this rock... Factor in waves that have occasionally hit 95 feet, and you're best to rethink this trip.

3 North Sentinal Island Is Great If You Want To Risk Your Life To See The Locals

This island already has a reputation due to the hostile tribe that inhabits it, but that hasn't stopped people from attempting to make contact. Those people don't often make it off the island and it's not likely anyone is about to go in after them (it's protected land), so... at least there are pictures to show you what it would be like.

2 Macquarie Island Has More Penguins Than Actual Humans

If you're a penguin-lover then that's cool, Macquarie Island is likely right up your alley. That doesn't mean getting there will be easy, though. Any island (similar to the Galapagos) which is home to mass numbers of wildlife is likely protected or limited, so while it would be awesome to check out this remote landmark, it's not the easiest thing in the world.

1 Tristan Da Cunha Is The Most Remotely Inhabited Place In The World

In the South Atlantic, you'll find the island of Tristan da Cunha. This island is almost 2,000 miles from the closest country (South Africa) and there are only ten excursions per year that make their way to this island, simply because it is so remote and, furthermore, there's literally nothing on it for tourists. That includes hotels, restaurants, and even swimming is deemed unsafe.

Next: Remote Getaway: 10 Stunning Islands You Can Visit Now