10 Most Mysterious Islands In The World with Unearthed Secrets

Imagine setting sail on a voyage across the globe’s vast oceans, where hidden amongst the waves lie islands shrouded in secrecy and stories untold. Each of these enigmatic islands  holds secrets that have piqued human curiosity for centuries. From the remote Socotra Island with its alien-like flora to the haunting, abandoned structures of Bannerman Island. Easter Island whispers tales through its stoic moai statues, while the Bermeja in Mexico weaves narratives of eerie legends and chilling lore.

In this exploration, we will navigate through the mists of time and history to uncover the secrets of the world’s 10 Most Mysterious Islands. We aren’t just talking about mere land masses surrounded by water. These islands are treasure troves of mysteries, each with a unique story that blends history, myth, and natural wonders into a tapestry as rich and deep as the oceans themselves.

So, let’s set sail on this adventure. Not just to learn about these islands but to immerse ourselves in their mystique. We’ll unravel the tales that have been woven around their shores and delve into the heart of what makes each of these islands a beacon for the curious and the adventurous. Each island, a world unto itself, tells a story that contributes to our understanding of the human spirit’s relentless quest for exploration and answers.

10 – Isla Bermeja

Measuring in at around 80 square kilometres, this island was once off of the coast of Mexico but has since seemingly disappeared into thin air! Isla Bermeja would have been the furthest point of Mexico’s geographic border to the West if discovered but this has now changed thanks to it vanishing. This has meant that the geographic border remains the Alacranes Islands and Mexico cannot claim the island to extend its borders as planned! But just what happened to Isla Bermeja?

The simple fact is no-one is really sure! It was first shown on maps off the Yucatan coast in the 1700’s and efforts since then have been made to find it. A Mexican naval vessel in 1997 was the first to have a good look for it but could find no trace where it should be. Many believe that it has mysteriously sunk or submerged due to an earthquake where some say that the USA blew it up to stop Mexico expanding!

09 – Vozrozhdeniya Island

This perplexing island was once found in the Aral Sea and was chosen in the 1920’s by then Soviet Russia to house its biological weapons experiments! The Soviet authorities at the time needed an out of the way place within its territory to perform the experiments and Vozrozhdeniya was ideal! With no-one nearby to work out what was going on, it provided the perfect place to use.

Up to 1500 workers stayed on the island to work and live when it was at its peak. The Soviets developed and tested terrible weapons there such as anthrax, smallpox and tularemia for potential military use. So, what happened to it? The Aral Sea dried up which meant it was no longer an out of the way island! The Soviets buried or burned the biological weapons there to avoid detection and scarpered.

08 – Earthquake Island

This island makes the list for the way it mysteriously sprung from the earth’s core! Many will remember the huge earthquake around Pakistan in 2013 that killed 39 people. What most don’t know is that the same quake also created this whole new island out of nothing! It was not present on any maps beforehand and scientists believe that the violent forces involved, created it. Measuring 100 metres long by 9 metres high, it is a wonder of nature in many ways. Scientists believe that the immense forces caused by the earthquake buckled the land and forced some to rise up, thus creating this island.

07 – Magic Island

If you like your sci-fi then this is an island that will intrigue you! The boffins at NASA have long been studying what is happening up in the stars above us. One of the planets they keep an eye on is Saturn and its many moons. When analysing recent satellite pictures sent back for review, the NASA scientists noticed a brand-new island had been created on Titan, one of the moons of Saturn.

This was major news as it was the first time any new land had been seen and prompted many to wonder exactly what had created it. It’s pretty tiny, measuring in at 20 kilometers by 10 kilometers but is an astounding discovery none the less. The island lies in one of the seas of Titan but the NASA guys say they will not know the full nature of the land mass until they can float a boat there to investigate.

06 – Bannerman Island

The next island that people wonder about is this one found a half-hour boat ride from New York. Originally called Pollopel Island, businessman Frank Bannerman VI brought it to house his extensive stock of military hardware there. Bannerman had purchased old civil war gear from the US government when the conflict ended and intended to use the island to house it all.

Renaming the island after himself in 1900, Bannerman constructed a castle on the land he would live in as well as vast stores for his arsenal. When Bannerman died in 1918, the work on the island ceased and it soon fell into disrepair. It closed for a long-time after this but has recently been re-opened in 2017 for anyone who wants a snoop around this strange place.

05 – Socotra Island

Surrounded by crystal clear water, this island is truly one of a kind. Found off the coast of Yemen, it looks like some kind of alien planet due to the many rare plants found there. It is thought that a third of the plant life here is found nowhere else on earth. Due to this, 70% of the island has been protected under law for future generations. The cause of this strange plant life is thought to be the arid conditions and extreme temperatures the island sees.

Many unusual fauna are found here including the Dragons Blood Tree. The sap of this tree is bright red and leaves only grow on the very tips of its branches. It is not just the plants that people come to see – the island is home to bat colonies and huge limestone caves to explore if you dare!

04 – Diego Garcia

This stunning tropical island has long been the subject of rumour and suspicion. Originally home to the Chagossians, they were re-located by force in 1968 so the USA could build an air-force base on the island. Covered in thick jungle and with awesome beaches, it is found in a very strategic military spot. Situated between East Africa, the Middle East and South-East Asia, it allows the US to strike from the air in many important locations in the world.

The other rumoured use for this island is as a top-secret US prison camp but this has always been heavily denied by the US government. It is certain that this island needs top level security to get on so isn’t one for your average tourist.

03 – Floating Eye Island

Discovered by the film maker Sergio Neuspiller in 2016, this is perhaps the newest interesting island on our list. Located close to Buenos Aires in Argentina, it is in the shape of an almost perfect circle with a channel of water on one side. This has given it the appearance of a human eye, hence the islands nickname. It is thought to rotate on its own axis would is pretty amazing for something found on earth! Such was Neuspiller’s delight, he decided to make a film about the island to let people know about it.

02 – Partridge Island

This island is found close to Canada, off the coast of Saint John Harbour. Officially closed to the public since 1941, it has taken on a real air of mystery since with many wondering what it is used for. When it was open, it was the official quarantine station for immigrants wanting to come into Canada. To avoid any infectious diseases like smallpox coming into the country, Canadian officials made all immigrants stay on the island for a certain period of time before entering Canada. Any that died were buried on the island with rumours of a mass grave being used at one point.

01 – Easter Island

Many people will know this from the famous statues that are found on the island itself. Much mystery has surrounded both them and what the native people, the Rapa Nui, got up to when it was populated. It is thought that they were a race of farmers who had somehow crafted and moved the huge statues themselves around 1770. The biggest question of all is what happened to the Rapa Nui? Researchers now think that they were mostly kidnapped by raiders to be sold as slaves while the few remaining simply died of old age or disease. This left the island uninhabited and a real mystery until recently.

There are many locations in the world that still hold secrets or mysteries as many of the above do. Whether it is what is happening there now or what went on in the past, they all seem to have many stories to tell. The next time you fancy going somewhere different on holiday, why not give island hopping a go?! That is, if you are allowed on them!

Bonus – Corregidor Island: A Testament to War and Peace

Nestled at the entrance of Manila Bay in the Philippines, Corregidor Island stands as a poignant symbol of the tumultuous history of World War II. This island, with its strategic location, played a pivotal role in the defense of the Philippines during the war. Today, it serves as a haunting reminder of the past, attracting visitors from around the globe to its historic shores. Here’s what makes Corregidor Island an intriguing addition to our list of mysterious islands:

Historical Significance:

• Battleground of World War II: Corregidor was a crucial site during the war, witnessing fierce battles between American and Japanese forces.
• Fall and Liberation: The island saw the surrender of American forces in 1942 and their eventual triumphant return in 1945.

Present-Day Attractions:

• War Memorials and Museums: Visitors can explore various memorials and museums that pay homage to the soldiers who fought and lost their lives.
• Ruins and Relics: The remnants of war, including artillery pieces and ruined barracks, offer a tangible connection to history.

Natural Beauty and Biodiversity:

Despite its war-torn past, the island is also famous with its natural splendor, with lush forests and a diverse range of wildlife. This is making it a unique destination for both history buffs and nature enthusiasts.

Tourism and Accessibility:

• Guided Tours: Available tours provide insightful narratives of the island’s historical significance.
• Accessibility: Easily reachable from Manila, it’s a popular day-trip destination for tourists and locals alike.

In essence, Corregidor Island is not just an ordinary piece of land. It’s a storyteller, a keeper of history, and a bridge between the past and present. Its soil, soaked with the memories of war, now whispers tales of bravery, resilience, and the ultimate triumph of peace over conflict. It stands as a testament to the human spirit and its capacity to endure and overcome the darkest of times.

This addition to our exploration of the world’s most mysterious islands offers a different perspective – one that intertwines human history with natural beauty, inviting us to reflect on the past while appreciating the serene present. It’s a journey that goes beyond mere sightseeing. It’s about connecting with a pivotal moment in history and understanding its impact on our world today. So, as we continue our voyage through the enigmatic islands of the world, let’s remember that each one holds not just secrets. But also lessons and stories that resonate through time.

Embracing the Unknown: The Fascination with Mysterious Islands

As we conclude our journey through the 10 Most Mysterious Islands In The World, it becomes evident that each island, with its unique blend of history, myths, and natural wonders, offers more than just a travel destination. They are portals into the unknown, beckoning the curious and the brave.

These islands also remind us of nature’s power and its role in shaping human history. As we bid farewell to these enigmatic islands, we are left with a sense of awe and a renewed curiosity about the world. These islands, with their untold stories and secrets, challenge us to keep exploring, to keep questioning, and to appreciate the myriad mysteries that our world has to offer. They stand as a testament to the unknown. And also inviting us to embrace the mysteries of our planet and the endless possibilities they hold.

Our journey may have ended. But the stories of these islands will continue to captivate and inspire, urging us to look beyond the horizon. And also discover the wonders that lie in the world’s most mysterious corners!