Fine sandy beaches, lush vegetation, coconut palms as far as the eye can see, translucent water… Getting away from it all on a paradise island is a dream! However, some of them have a hidden side that is likely to put you off! So if you don't want your vacation to turn into a nightmare, a word of advice: don't set foot there!
Queimada Grande Island in Brazil
Nicknamed Snake Island , the island of Queimada Grande, off the coast of Brazil , is off limits to anyone wishing to venture there. Only a few freed and careful biologists are allowed. Also called Golden Spearhead vipers , the snakes that reign on this island are among the most poisonous on the planet and they are so numerous that scientists have identified about one per square meter. Thrill guaranteed when you know that just one of their bite can be fatal!
North Sentinel Island
North Sentinel Island has it all: a dream beach, a forest teeming with life and beauty, and yet it is best to admire it on a poster. Located in the Bay of Bengal, it is under the vigilant protection of India. The island is controlled by an indigenous people called the Sentinels who do not wish to have any contact with modern populations. So much so that it is impossible to approach more than 5 kilometers from the island at the risk of being the target of arrows and stones. So, it is better not to have fun playing adventurers!
Miyake-jima in Japan
Located on the Izu Archipelago, Miyakejima Island is a volcanic island off Tokyo . It is renowned for its active volcano , Mount Oyama , which has often erupted in recent years. Since its recent eruption, poisonous gases have been dispersed all over the island, making the air virtually unbreathable. It is still possible today to visit this island, but the risks are great for health.
Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands
Although the word bikini can rhyme with vacation and beach, it has a whole different meaning here on this island in the Marshall Islands. The island is still paying a heavy price, irradiated by the numerous nuclear tests carried out by the Americans, even after 70 years. The local population has also paid the price by being entirely dislodged from the island in view of the many risks associated with radiation.
Thilafushi Island, Maldives
The Maldives islands are definitely associated with the beauty of the landscapes, the relaxation, the dream vacations installed, why not, on one of these many hotels on stilts. However, the reality is quite different a few kilometers further on on Thilafushi Island. Nicknamed the trash island , it receives more than 300 tonnes of waste every day from the surrounding islands. Having no means to destroy them, the waste lands on this uninhabited island because it is uninhabitable. And suddenly, it makes you dream less…!