Pitcairn, Pitcairn

The Pitcairn Islands are not your average tourist destination. Not many people aim to visit a place that has only 48 inhabitants, no restaurants, hotels, or hardly any electricity. Yet, people still fall all over each other for a chance to visit this mysteriously secluded island.

The residents work hard to preserve their way of life and ask its visitors to help them do so. Visitors have the chance to experience what it's like to live on the most sparsely populated jurisdiction on Earth as they stay with Pitcairn residents and live the way they live. Explore the charms of this rocky volcanic island if you get the chance. It's an experience that you won't soon forget.

Getting in and around Pitcairn Island

Pitcairn Transport

Pitcairn Island is very small, sparsely populated and has limited resources. With that said, it's a very difficult place to visit. Most visitors require approval from the mayor and must jump through a few hoops in order to stay on the island.

There is also no air transport into Pitcairn island. The only way on the island is by boat. Scheduled boats sail to Pitcairn Island from various spots, but French Polynesia is the closest port and the most practical. The Tallship Soren Larsen sails from French Polynesia to Easter Island and Pitcairn Island.

Until recently, there were only dirt roads and rugged trails on Pitcairn. Now there is a single paved road. Getting around Pitcairn Island is usually done on foot, bicycle, or even by personal motor bike.

Pitcairn Car Hire

If you are visiting Pitcairn, car hire is not available. However, if you are staying with a resident you may be able to borrow one of their vehicles to explore the island.

^ Back to top

Pitcairn Island accommodation

Pitcairn accommodations are limited to say the least. In fact, if you are planning to stay overnight on Pitcairn, you'll need approval from the mayor before you can do so. If you are approved, the mayor will likely find a resident with whom you can stay throughout your trip if you are travelling along or as a couple.

Groups may be accommodated at 'The Lodge', a cottage owned by the local government. Other than these accommodations there are no hotels on Pitcairn Island.

^ Back to top

Things to do in Pitcairn Island

You won't find your usual vacation pastimes on Pitcairn Island, but you'll meet a few. Go exploring along the coastline, investigate the mysterious other three islands, and take some time to get to know the locals.

St. Paul's Pool. Due to the rocky shoreline, swimming in the pacific ocean of the coast of Pitcairn is not ideal. But swimming at beautiful St. Paul's Pool, a wave pool near the shore, is picturesque and wonderful.

Museum. There is not a museum that features artefacts from the Bounty, issues of National Geographic in which the islands are featured, and other interested items outlining the history of Pitcairn.

John Adams's Grave. John Adams was one of the last mutineers in the community to survive and the only one that was memorialized with a gravesite.

Flatland. Flatland is a great place to spend an afternoon, where you'll find picnic facilities, a volleyball court, and a tennis court.

^ Back to top

Day trips in and around Pitcairn Islands

Pitcairn Islands. If you are staying with one of the locals or have access to a boat, don't miss the chance to check out one of the other few other Pitcairn Islands as they each have their own unique charms.

Oeno. Oeno is one of the other uninhabited islands of Pitcairn. Its sandy beaches - unlike Pitcairn's rocky ones - and are perfect for swimming and relaxing.

Henderson. Another one of the Pitcairn Islands, this uninhabited island has a collection of beautiful, rare birds as well as a number of caves that are perfect for diving and snorkelling. You may even see a few shipwrecks down there.

The Bounty. Go diving to see the remains of the Bounty that sits on the bottom of Bounty Bay. There's not much left of it but it's a sight to see.

^ Back to top