No.7: Ilha da Queimada Grande (Brazil)
Ilha da Queimada Grande (Brazil)
Source : WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Just off the coast of Brazil lies Ilha da Queimada Grande, better known as Snake Island—home to the highest concentration of venomous snakes on Earth. Thousands of golden lancehead vipers inhabit the island, with densities reaching up to five snakes per square meter.
The venom of these snakes is so potent that death can occur within an hour of being bitten. The Brazilian government has declared the island a No Entry Zone by law, prohibiting access to all but a handful of researchers with special permits. Even then, any authorized landing requires the accompaniment of a medical professional due to the extreme risk. This “Island of Death” remains strictly off-limits to the general public.
No.6: Niihau Island (United States, Hawaii)
Source : WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Known as “The Forbidden Island,” Niihau is part of Hawaii but remains entirely off-limits to general tourists. Privately owned by the Robinson family since 1864, the island is home to only about 70 native Hawaiians and their families. No outsiders are permitted without explicit invitation.
The island is devoid of paved roads, stores, or conventional electricity, with life maintained largely by solar power—preserving a way of life that is frozen in time. While limited snorkeling tours in the surrounding waters have been allowed in recent years, landing on the island itself requires a direct invitation from the owners. By minimizing outside contact, Niihau has preserved its traditional culture and language, standing quietly as the “Last Paradise” of the modern world.
