It might not be on everyone’s radar, but let us tell you, it’s worth the journey! This guide will tell you how to get to Bouvet Island, what to do there and why it is worth the trip. The island of Bouvet (also known as Bouvetøya in Norwegian) is the most remote island in the world located in the northern limit of the Antarctic Plate, 1,695 km north of the Antarctic continent, 1,859 km east of Montagu Island in the South Sandwich Islands archipelago, and 2,518 km south-southwest of the Cape of Good Hope.
From towering cliffs to icy glaciers, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a nature documentary. Being one of the most isolated places on Earth, there’s a sense of adventure in just getting there. One of our collaborator got the chance to embark on an expedition to visit Bouvet Island, which helped us a lot writing this guide. We will first see the 7 best things to do in Bouvet Island, then how to get there, explaining you all the possible options as there is no way to visit Bouvet Island by plane (or seaplane).
The 7 Best Things To Do In Bouvet Island (Bouvetøya)
1 – (Actually) Manage To Reach The Island
Getting to Bouvet Island isn’t easy, but here you are, standing on this remote spot in the ocean. It feels like a real achievement, doesn’t it? Whether you sailed for days or flew in on a helicopter, just being here is something special. Take a moment to appreciate how far you’ve come and enjoy the fact that you’ve reached one of the most isolated places on Earth. Welcome to Bouvet Island – you did it!
2 – Explore the Rugged Terrain & Go On a Hike
Get ready to lace up your boots and hit the trails! Bouvet Island’s rugged terrain offers some of the most breathtaking hiking opportunities you’ll ever experience. With towering cliffs, deep valleys, and icy glaciers, every step is a new adventure. Trekking across this remote landscape, you’ll feel like a true explorer, discovering untouched beauty at every turn. Just be sure to pack plenty of supplies and dress warmly – this wild terrain isn’t for the faint of heart! If you are brave enough and well equiped, you can try to reach Olavtoppen (or Olav Peak), the summit of Bouvetøya. 90% of the island is covered in glaciers, which means that you might first need an helicopter landing (which requires a permit) to help you with the most difficult parts of the climb. In 2012, the Hanse Explorer expedition managed to climb at the summit, you can watch their Bouvet Island volcano climbing video here.
3 – Explore the Mystery of the Abandoned Lifeboat
In 1964, Lieutenant Commander Allan Crawford stumbled upon an enigma during an expedition to Bouvet Island – an abandoned lifeboat, devoid of markings or propulsion, resting by a lagoon. Despite exhaustive searches, no answers emerged about its origins or purpose. Two years later, it vanished without a trace, leaving behind a lingering mystery. Was it a relic of a forgotten expedition, lost to time? Or did it hold the key to a tragic tale, concealed by the island’s unforgiving terrain? The unanswered questions surrounding the abandoned lifeboat continue to intrigue, wrapping Bouvet Island in a mysterious vibe, which makes us wonder about the secrets it keeps.
4 – Witness the Majestic Icebergs
Prepare to be awestruck by the sheer beauty of Bouvet Island’s icebergs. These towering frozen behemoths dot the surrounding waters, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen. From pristine white to stunning shades of blue, each iceberg is a masterpiece of nature’s design. If the weather allows, you can also have a boat trip to Larsøya, Bouvet island’s only significant islet, about 400 m long. Whether you’re admiring them from the shore or venturing out on a boat tour, witnessing these majestic giants up close is an experience you’ll never forget.
5 – Marvel at the Abundant Wildlife
Bouvet Island may be remote, but it’s teeming with life! From colonies of adorable penguins gathering in Nyrøysa to graceful albatrosses soaring overhead, the island is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. Spend your days watching seals bask in the sun or catch a glimpse of hard-to-catch whales breaching in the distance. With the diversity of its animal inhabitants, every moment spent in the presence of Bouvet Island’s wildlife is a chance to connect with the natural world in a truly profound way.
6 – Take A Helicopter Tour & Photograph the Dramatic Landscapes
Calling all shutterbugs – Bouvet Island is a photographer’s dream come true! If you’re lucky enough to have an helicopter available within ship, you should definitely ask the captain for a tour around the island from air (see video above). With its dramatic landscapes and ever-changing weather patterns, every corner of the island offers a new and exciting opportunity to capture stunning images. From mist-shrouded cliffs to very nice sunsets over the icy horizon, there’s no shortage of awe-inspiring scenes to photograph. Pass by key spots like Kapp Valdivia (on the island’s northern tip), Kapp Circoncision (on the island’s western corner) or close to Kapp Fie (on Bouvet’s southeast tip). Grab your camera and get ready to capture the beauty of Bouvet Island in all its glory – you won’t be disappointed!
7 – Join a DXpedition For Radio Amateurs
If you’re a radio enthusiast seeking adventure, Bouvet Island is the perfect destination for an Island DXpedition. Pack your equipment and head to this secluded island with breathtaking scenery. Connect with fellow radio amateurs worldwide, as you’ll have the island all to yourself. Whether you’re aiming to reach distant locations or simply enjoy chatting with others, your radio experience on Bouvet Island will be unforgettable. You’ll have the exclusivity of being on a radio frequence that is located in the most remote place in the world!
How To Get To Bouvet Island & How To Visit It?
1 – Embark on a Bouvet Island Cruise
For a more leisurely approach to reaching Bouvet Island, consider joining a cruise that includes this remote destination on its itinerary. While not every cruise ventures to Bouvet due to its extreme isolation, there are specialized expeditions that offer the chance to catch a glimpse of this remote island. Cruising past Bouvet, you’ll marvel at its rugged coastline and icy landscapes from the comfort of your ship. Although you may not set foot on shore (due to the weather), the experience of witnessing this untouched wilderness from the deck of a cruise ship is truly unforgettable. Some cruises that already successfully went to Bouvet island include Oceanwide Expeditions.
2 – Join a Specialized DXpedition
If you’re itching to explore Bouvet Island, joining a specialized DXpedition is your ticket to adventure. These organized trips are tailor-made for radio enthusiasts, offering a unique opportunity to combine your passion for radio with a thrilling expedition to this remote island. With experienced guides leading the way, you’ll have the chance to set up your equipment and make contacts with fellow operators from around the globe. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that promises excitement and fun as you journey to one of the most isolated places on Earth. And well, if you’re not a radio amateur, you can always try your luck and help them financially to fund the trip, which in exchange will grant you a spot to join the expedition. Sometimes, you can just quickly look up on Google for any ongoing/future DXpeditions, as most of them launch campaigns online to fund the trip, which is your real opportunity to hop on.
3 – Charter a Private Boat
For those seeking the ultimate in exclusivity and flexibility, chartering a private boat is the way to go. While undoubtedly the priciest option, it offers unparalleled freedom to customize your journey to Bouvet Island according to your preferences. With a private boat at your disposal, you can set your own schedule, explore the island at your leisure, and even indulge in activities like fishing or wildlife watching. It’s a luxury experience that comes with a huge price tag, but for those with the means, it’s a dream way to embark on the adventure of a lifetime to Bouvet Island. In theory, you’re supposed to get permission from the Norwegian Polar Institute to visit Bouvetøya. But in reality, they usually don’t ask because they know that it’s almost impossible to get there. Plus, any trip to the island usually involves activites like helicopters, which do need permits (remember that landing of helicopters on Bouvetøya is prohibited, unless you obtain the permit from the Polar Institute).
Here we are, we hope that you enjoyed our guide and got more knowlegde about Bouvetøya. Yes, Bouvet Island is extremely hard visit, but that doesn’t mean that it’s impossible. It’s sometimes a question of luck (and means), but when you manage to land there, you can for sure be proud of yourself, as only a very few lucky persons got the chance to visit Bouvet Island.
