Forbidden Isles
A Guide to the World's Most Dangerous Islands
Ilha da Queimada Grande
Known as 'Snake Island', this island off the coast of Brazil is home to the highest density of venomous snakes in the world. It is inhabited by the golden lancehead viper, a critically endangered and highly venomous pit viper. The island is completely closed to the public; access requires special permission from the Brazilian Navy.
North Sentinel Island
Located in the Bay of Bengal, this island is home to the Sentinelese, one of the last uncontacted peoples in the world. They violently reject any contact with the outside world, attacking anyone who approaches. The Indian government protects the island and prohibits anyone from going within three miles of it.
Miyake-jima
This Japanese island is home to Mount Oyama, an active volcano. The volcano constantly leaks poisonous sulfur gas at high levels, requiring residents to carry gas masks at all times. Alarms sound across the island when the gas levels rise to dangerous heights.
Ramree Island
This island off the coast of Myanmar is famous for a horrific event during World War II. During a battle, hundreds of Japanese soldiers retreated into crocodile-infested swamps. It is alleged that saltwater crocodiles killed hundreds of them, an event Guinness World Records has dubbed the 'Greatest Disaster Suffered from Animals'.