If your first question about Clipperton Island is how to get there, or if it is possible to visit this tiny remote French atoll in the North Pacific, then you’re definitely in the right place.
This travel guide (written by one of our team member that actually got the chance to visit Clipperton Island) will show you how it is possible to visit the island, and also the best things to do and see in Clipperton Island. This French atoll, also known as Ile de La Passion, is located in the middle of the Pacific (about 1100 km from the Mexican coasts). It showcases some of the most pristine and untouched natural beauty you’ll ever see. From its crystal-clear waters overflowing with vibrant marine life to its breathtaking coral reefs, this place is a paradise for snorkelers and divers alike (but not only!). And let’s not forget about the stunning white sandy beaches, perfect for soaking up the sun and just chilling out.
We will first see the 5 best things to do in Clipperton Island, then how to get there (either by boat or plane – yes it’s actually possible by plane 😁).
The 5 Best Things To Do In Clipperton Island (French Pacific Territory)
1 – Explore the Coral Reefs
Dive into the mesmerizing underwater world of Clipperton Island’s coral reefs. As you snorkel or scuba dive through the clear waters, you’ll be greeted by an amazing amount of colorful fish, vibrant corals, and other fascinating marine creatures. Swim next to beautiful sea turtles, look into secret spots where crabs live, and be amazed by all the different kinds of marine beauties. As you explore it, you’ll feel like you’re entering a completely different world. The noise and busyness of everyday life will disappear, and calmness will be everywhere.
2 – Climb Clipperton Rock, The Highest (Volcano) Point Of The Island
The ground around the lagoon is about 1.7 square kilometers big and sits about 2 meters above sea level on average. But there’s a little volcano chimney called Clipperton Rock (Rocher de Clipperton in French) that goes up to 29 meters high on the southeast side. Carved by the relentless forces of wind and water, these natural formations offer a glimpse into the island’s geological history. Clipperton Rock is the remains of the island’s now extinct volcano’s rim, which has been formed during the last 3 million years. It’s a very short hike, but it will get you to the highest point of the island.
Travel Guides Genius Insiders Tips: If you decide to climb the Clipperton Rock, make sure you don’t do that on a rainy day as the rocks can be very slippery due to the rain but also due to the massive presence of guano (bird’s poop) covering the stones (which gives the rock this white color).
3 – Bird Watching & Beach Cleaning
Grab your binoculars and get ready for a bird-watching adventure like no other. Clipperton Island is home to a diverse array of avian species, from majestic frigatebirds soaring overhead to adorable red-footed boobies nesting in the island’s rugged cliffs. As you walk around the island’s winding trails, keep your eyes peeled for colorful tropicbirds darting through the skies and elegant albatrosses gliding effortlessly above the waves. With each new sighting, you’ll get a deeper appreciation for the rich biodiversity that thrives in this remote corner of the world. There are many endemic species on Clipperton Island, from fishes to vertebrates.
While watching the birds, you can also take a bit of your time to clean the beach. With the strong marine currents from Polynesia and central America, the remote atoll is unfortunately not sheltered from pollution. In March 2012, the Clipperton Project team saw lots of debris around Clipperton Island, especially near the northeast shore and Clipperton Rock. They found garbage like plastic bottles and containers, which could hurt the plants and also the animals there. Most of the trash was on two beaches, the northeast and southwest ones, but the rest of the island was pretty clean. So don’t hesitate to give it a little eco-cleaning 😎
4 – Explore the central Lagoon
As the lagoon is not directly connected to the sea, you would need to take with you your own kayak (or floatable zodiac). One of the biggest advantage of crossing the lagoon is that it saves you time from rounding the island from the outside. The lagoon doesn’t have many fish and is shallow in some places because of the worn-down coral. But there are deeper parts that go down 43 to 72 meters, including a place called Trou Sans Fond (‘the bottomless hole’) with acidic water at the bottom. The water seems almost like fresh water on top and is full of nutrients. About 45% of the lagoon is covered in seaweed beds.
5 – Relax on White Sandy Beaches
Last but not least, Clipperton island is mostly made of sand, which means that it’s time to sink your toes into the soft, powdery sands of Clipperton Island’s pristine beaches. Stretching for miles along the coastline, these beaches offer the perfect spot to unwind and soak up the sun’s warm rays. Whether you’re lounging in a hammock strung between two palm trees or taking a leisurely stroll along the water’s edge, you’ll find peace and serenity in abundance. Feel the soft sounds of the waves relax you completely, helping you forget all your worries from daily life.
🎁 Bonus – Join a DXpedition For Radio Amateurs
If you’re a radio amateur looking for excitement, Clipperton Island is a great spot for an Island DXpedition. Bring your gear and set up on this remote island surrounded by beautiful views. You can chat with fellow enthusiasts from all over the world. It’s a special and tough place for radio fun because there are literally no people around (you’ll have the exclusivity). Whether you’re trying to reach faraway places or just enjoying talking to others, a trip to Clipperton for radio fun will be something you won’t forget.
One final tip if you plan to sleep in Clipperton Island: Make sure to build a barrier to prevent crabs, in particular, from getting in, and bring earplugs if you’re a light sleeper (because of the sound of waves and birds).
How To Get To Clipperton Island & How To Visit It?
Now the part that probably most of you were looking forward to. Is it possible to visit Clipperton Island ? The answer is YES, definitely. Although there are no public/commercial cruises passing by Clipperton Island, you can still have a chance to visit. We have listed below the 3 different ways for you to visit it (from the “easiest” to the most “difficult” one).
1 – Visit Clipperton Island With A Private Boat
Believe or not, but many people have been able to make a stop at Clipperton Island while on route from the American continent to the Polynesian islands (or vice versa). It is totally possible to charter a boat (either from Polynesia/Australia) or Mexico (the closest coast from Clipperton Island) and stop at the French atoll. This will require you to have an authorization though. Those access permits are issued by the High Commissioner of the French Republic in French Polynesia (it is actually not relatively easy to request it and get approved, as Clipperton Island doesn’t have a special conservation status like many other US islands’ national parks/conservation area).
Here’s a useful link if you want to contact the the High Commissioner of French Polynesia:
https://www.polynesie-francaise.pref.gouv.fr/index.php/Nous-contacter
Note that you will have more chances to get a positive response if you write them in French.
Despite being accessible by sea, there are no ports or docking points at all. The only way to land on the atoll is to use a smaller boat like a zodiac or something similar. But be aware that big waves often happen, making it very hard or even impossible to get onto the island in those conditions (always include 2 or 3 additional days in case the sea conditions don’t allow you to land safely on the atoll). Another possibility would be to join a scientific expedition (even if you’re not a scientific); as long as you contribute financially to it – in other words you pay – there is a chance for you to get on board.
2 – Visit Clipperton Island With The French Navy (Marine Nationale)
As of today, the French presence is maintained through an annual visit by a frigate from the French Navy, generally the Prairial (or Le Bougainville destroyer), which helps maintain the French plaque and flag meant to fly there. If you are lucky enough, you can contact the French Navy (link below) and gently ask them to join an expedition (they actually do that for some other islands such as the French Southern and Antarctic Lands, or even the Scattered Islands in the Indian Ocean). The demand is usually very high and you have to ask months (if not years) in advance, but this is your best chance to visit it with professionals in a very safe environment. You would need to have valid travel documents (or VISA) to go to France first, then the authorization for you to join the Navy will be granted to you if your request is approved.
You can contact the French Navy from their official website:
https://www.defense.gouv.fr/marine
Expect loads of delays and administrative works.
3 – Visit Clipperton Island By Plane (or Seaplane)
Even though you might see on the web that some websites will tell you that there are no airports/runways on the island, there is one actually. Although this airstrip (built by the Americans during the World War II) is not in very good condition, it is sometimes used by small planes for drug trafficking. As we assume that you’re not into that business (and we hope so 😅), the other option would be get to Clipperton Island by seaplane (from Mexico). You would need to charter it though, which means that it will require quite a nice amount of money. Make sure you are also a good swimmer, as you would need to reach the island by yourself once the plane lands on the water (there are no docks or jetty in Clipperton Island).
There you go, we hope that this guide helped you answer your questions. Clipperton Island is definitely a place difficult to reach, but it’s not impossible and actually easier than you might think.
