Suchandra
Our planet is full of breathtaking and mysterious places, and some of the most intriguing among them are islands that are completely off-limits. Whether due to dangerous wildlife, isolated tribes, or government restrictions, these islands remain untouched by the general public. Here are six islands you can never visit – and yes, one of them is in India.
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1. North Sentinel Island, India
Tucked away in the Bay of Bengal, North Sentinel Island is home to the Sentinelese tribe, one of the last uncontacted tribes on Earth. The Indian government has declared the island off-limits to protect both the tribe and outsiders. The Sentinelese are fiercely protective of their land and have violently resisted any attempts at contact. Entering the island is illegal under Indian law, and even flying too close is discouraged. The isolation of the Sentinelese is so extreme that even disease exposure from outsiders could be fatal to them.
2. Snake Island (Ilha da Queimada Grande), Brazil
Located about 90 miles from São Paulo, this island is home to one of the deadliest snake species in the world: the golden lancehead viper. With an estimated one snake per square meter, Snake Island is considered so dangerous that the Brazilian government has banned public access. Scientists are allowed to visit under strict regulation, but for the average traveler, this island is absolutely off-limits—and for good reason.
3. Surtsey Island, Iceland
Formed in 1963 by a volcanic eruption beneath the sea, Surtsey Island is one of the youngest islands on Earth. It’s also one of the most scientifically valuable. Iceland has restricted access to researchers only, aiming to observe how ecosystems develop without human interference. Even tourists from nearby islands can only view Surtsey from a distance. The idea is to preserve its untouched nature as a “living laboratory” of natural development.
4. Poveglia Island, Italy
Often referred to as one of the most haunted places in the world, Poveglia Island near Venice has a dark history. It was used as a quarantine station for plague victims and later became a mental asylum. Today, it is closed to the public, and Italian authorities do not allow visitors due to safety concerns and its decaying structures. Ghost stories aside, the eerie atmosphere and haunting past make it a no-go zone.
5. Heard Island, Australia
Located between Madagascar and Antarctica, Heard Island is one of the most remote places on Earth. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site owned by Australia, with an active volcano and extreme weather conditions. Access is heavily restricted for environmental reasons, and only scientific expeditions with special permits are allowed. It’s so isolated that it takes weeks to reach by ship.
6. North Brother Island, USA
Situated in New York’s East River, this abandoned island once housed a quarantine hospital and later a rehab center. Today, North Brother Island is closed to the public and is managed by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation as a bird sanctuary. The crumbling buildings are unsafe, and the island’s role as a protected natural area keeps visitors away.
These six islands are fascinating reminders of the limits of human reach. Whether protected by nature, history, or law, they remain untouched worlds that continue to stir curiosity and wonder—forever out of reach.
