History meets adventure on one of the world’s most isolated and remote destinations – the Pitcairn Islands. And when we say remote, we mean it: no airport, a population of just 50 residents, and home to the world’s smallest capital.
Nestled between New Zealand and South America, this breathtaking archipelago consists of four islands: Pitcairn (the only inhabited one), Henderson, Ducie, and Oeno. A British Overseas Territory, Pitcairn is famously linked to the mutiny of HMS Bounty and the descendants of the mutineers who settled there. Thanks to its seclusion, the island has preserved much of its natural beauty, offering unspoiled, raw, and unforgettable experiences.
How to reach Pitcairn Islands
Getting to the Pitcairn Islands is no cakewalk. The journey is long, often taking two or more days due to multiple stops. With no airport, the only way to reach the Pitcairn Islands is by sea, with options such as cruise ships, chartered yachts, or cargo ships. One of the best options is the government-run chartered freighter, the Silver Supporter, which offers 4-, 11-, or 18-day stays on Pitcairn and can be booked here. However, there are other options as well you can pick from.
Nearest airport: Mangareva Airport, (Gambier Islands)
Route: First fly from the major airports in Auckland, Los Angeles or Tokyo to Tahiti. From Tahiti, take a flight to Mangareva, with Air Tahiti being the only airline servicing this route. From Mangareva, you can book a cargo ship or other vessels to reach Pitcairn.
The best time to visit Pitcairn Islands
The island experiences moderate subtropical weather year-round, with January to March being the warmest and the sunniest. The best time to visit is from June to August when the temperatures are cooler.
Budget needed for Pitcairn Island
A significant portion of the cost of a trip to the Pitcairn Islands comes from travel logistics, largely due to its remote location. Below is an average cost breakdown. However, remember that these figures can vary based on factors such as when you book your flights and the travel season.
- Flights: From South Asia (India, Hong Kong, Singapore, and beyond), the flights cost approximately USD 1,794 (HKD 13,933). The starting price is USD 720 (HKD 5,590) for flights from the US, while from Europe (London and beyond), the flight prices start at EUR 1,400 (HKD 12,000). There would be an additional fare for the local airline from Tahiti to Mangareva, and the cargo to a boat ride from Mangareva to the islands (roughly USD 478/HKD 3,713 and upwards). For exact costs, head to the island’s official tourism website.
- Accommodation: Most accommodations range from USD 119 to USD 191 (HKD 924 to HKD 1,483).
- Water activities and sports: Approximately USD 478 (HKD 3,717) and upwards.
Pitcairn Islands Visa policy and Requirements
If you arrive and depart from the same cargo vessel, you can stay in the Pitcairn Islands for up to 14 days without a visa. If you plan to stay for more than 14 days, you need to complete an entry clearance form. For more information, click here.
Best tourist places in the Pitcairn Islands
- Adamstown: The capital city and the island’s only settlement, Adamstown is where you can meet the locals and learn more about Pitcairn Island’s history. You can stroll around the town and explore the market area, the post office and the treasury.
- Pitcairn Islands Museum: Another landmark attraction, the museum located in the main square showcases artefacts about the island’s history and culture, including items from the HMS Bounty, stamps, the huge anchor of the ship, the Bounty bible and more.
- Bounty Bay: Named after the British vessel, Bounty Bay is a scenic landing area and a good spot for swimming, snorkelling and kayaking. Offering a picturesque landscape of the rugged cliffs and the turquoise waters, make sure to visit the bay early morning or late evening to catch a mesmerising sunrise or sunset.
- Christian’s Cave: Named after Fletcher Christian, the leader of the Bounty mutineers, Christian’s Cave is a captivating site for cave exploration, where you can discover natural rock formations and geological features. The Eco Trail, a beautiful path winding through lush vegetation, leads to the captivating cave.
- The Edge: The Edge is a viewpoint known for a dramatic view of the coastline, cliffs and the Pacific Ocean. The view comes after the challenging trek of ‘Hill of Difficulty’, which as the name suggests, is a steep trail. However, the stunning vista at the top makes the effort well worth it.
- John Adams’ Grave: A landmark of historic importance, the resting place of John Adams is a site you should visit. Known for the significant role he played in the island’s early governance, he is often referred to as the “father of modern settlement on Pitcairn”.
Related Stories
Things to do in the Pitcairn Islands
- Whale watching: Owing to the remote location, the waters around the Pitcairn Islands are known for the sighting of humpback whales and other species of whales as well. You can witness these majestic creatures from the island or opt for local guides as well. To get closer views, the best time to visit the islands is in the second half of the year – from June to November.
Also, explore our guide to the top whale-watching destinations across the world. - Quad bike tours: You’ll notice these the minute you reach the islands. Quad bikes are the main means of transport and are used by the locals for daily commute. Hop on to one of these to explore the islands and the attractions in an adventurous way.
- Stargazing experience: With minimal light pollution resulting in pristine dark skies, the Pitcairn Islands provide exceptional stargazing opportunities. In 2018, the islands gained recognition as the International Dark Sky Sanctuary (IDSS), also known as Mata ki te Rangi, making it one of the first island groups in the world to receive this designation. Currently, there are only 22 IDSSs globally. This is a must-do experience for astronomy enthusiasts and stargazers, offering stunning views of the Milky Way and various constellations.
- Wildlife safaris and birdwatching: Home to an array of endangered species and birds, the Pitcairn Islands is a haven for rich biodiversity, birdwatching and wildlife spotting. Some species you might spot here include green sea turtles, Galápagos giant tortoise, petrel (a seabird) and various marine species. The islands boast unique species not found elsewhere on Earth.
Also read | 10 Best Places To Go Stargazing Around The World
Pitcairn Islands – Local food and cuisines
Pitcairn Island’s cuisine is a fusion of local ingredients like seafood, arrowroot, taro, coconuts, and tropical fruits, with influences from Polynesian and British culinary traditions. The top local dishes to try are Kumara Pilhi (a Kumera, root vegetable, based dish), Pota (made from a plant called ‘Story’), grilled lobster skewers, coconut crab bites, pineapple salsa, roasted breadfruit, taro mash, fried Nanwi fish (a local favourite), Pitcairn Island curry and Pilhi (pureed fruit custard).
Travel tip: Potluck-style community dinners are the best way to sample local cuisine and home-cooked meals.
Top restaurants in Pitcairn Islands
While accommodations often include meals offering a taste of traditional Pitcairn cuisine, there are also a few restaurants and cafes to explore. Christian’s Café, Fletcher Café, Andy’s Pizzeria, Marco Boa’s Café, Big Fence Café, The Edge (for dining with a view), Queen’s View Bistro, and Coral Café (for baked goods) are some of the dining options.
Note: Please note that some cafes may have limited opening hours.
Related Stories
Best hotels to stay in Pitcairn Islands
Luxury hotels are rare due to the Islands’ remote location, and alternative accommodations are limited too.
You can find information about homestays, bed and breakfasts, local stays and lodges on Pitcairn Island Tourism website or email tourism@pitcairn.pn for more accommodations-related details.
In most cases, you will be sharing a home with a local family where you can rent a room, an entire bungalow or a private chalet. This is a great way to experience the local life of the island. Some options include Down Alwyn’s, Big Fence and Plas Pitcairn Chalet.
Souvenir shopping in the Pitcairn Islands
Shopping in the Pitcairn Islands means getting home rare and unique souvenirs. Some options include local honey (known for its premium quality), ancient stamps, HMS Bounty ship models, wooden handicrafts, coconut-themed handicrafts like bowls and jewellery and Tapa (a type of Polynesian cloth).
shop the best travel experiences here
(Feature image credit: Pitcairn Islands Tourism/Facebook)
Related | Things To Do In The Philippines: 7,641 Reasons To Flip For This Island Paradise
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
We may earn an affiliate commission when you shop through links on our site.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
There’s no public transport here owing to the Island's size. For daily commute bicycles, bikes and quad bike tours are good options.
The official currency of the Pitcairn Islands is the New Zealand dollar (NZD).
While English is the official language used on the island, residents also speak Pitkern. You may familiarise yourself with basic Pitkern phrases.
While you won’t find luxurious hotels on the island. However, you will certainly find homestays and lodges with good views.
Always be respectful of the local customs, traditions, and history of the islands and the locals. The locals are generally friendly and welcoming. However, it's important to be mindful of social norms and avoid any behavior that might be considered offensive.
Apart from the famous historical significance related to the HMS Bounty mutiny in 1789, the island is renowned for its raw and untouched natural beauty.
Oeno Island, Henderson Island and Adamstown Beach are some of the best beaches in the Pitcairn Islands.
About 4-5 days are enough to explore the Pitcairn Islands.
Written By
Shaili Shah
An ailurophile, a full-time snacker, an emoji fanatic, and secretly a pahadi - Shaili is mostly found ..Read More
