The Zika virus seems to be spreading to the most remote islands in the world!
After taking over almost all of the Caribbean islands (as you can see in my Discover Zika Free Caribbean Destinations), it is spreading in the South Pacific region also.
The thing is, for all of us, the South Pacific islands mean ‘Paradise on earth’. As heavenly as an island can be, getting sick in paradise takes away all the beauty and the fun.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention keeps an up to date list of All Countries and Territories with Active Zika Virus Transmission, which are now dangerous to visit, especially for pregnant women. Unfortunately, we can find on the islands of American Samoa, Fiji, Micronesia, Marshall Islands, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, and Tonga active Zika transmission.
Looking at a map, it looks like there is no islands risk-free in the South Pacific. But rest assured: there are still some safe gorgeous islands in the South Pacific Ocean.
Discover the stunning Zika free South Pacific islands!
Guam and the Northern Marianas
Guam and the Northern Marianas Islands are all part of the USA and offer breathtaking diving, amazing waterfalls, and the fascinating Chamorro culture. Important to know, Guam and Saipan are more crowded and are packaged-tour favorites. Get beyond the 2 main islands for a less-cluttered experience.
Nauru
Photo credit: Laith Stevens
Green cliffs, wild ocean vistas, breathtaking sunsets… that’s Nauru. Once the second-richest country in the world because of the phosphate boom, it is now a quite poor country that needs tourism to put it back on its feet. Helping people never looked so good!
Nauru Interesting Facts
Nauru is an island built on bird poo. This poo, or phosphate, was used in fertilizers and was mined between the early 1900s and the late 1980s. Now it’s all gone and nothing much grows on the island. Also, about 40% of Nauru’s population have type 2 diabetes – more than any other nation.
Niue
Photo credit: Russel Parkinson
Niue is partway between Tonga and the Cook Islands. It has very little beach but offers stunning ravines, gullies, and caves all around the coast. Since some of the caves extend underwater, it is the perfect place for stunning scuba-diving.
Pitcairn Island
Pitcairn Island has the smallest territory in the world, and it is one of the most remote destinations on earth. It only has about 50 residents, friendly descended from the Bounty mutineers, and offers breathtaking hiking.
Tuvalu
Tuvalu is one of the smallest, remotest, and low-lying nations on earth, but has so much to offer: crystal clear turquoise water, translucent lagoons, and slow pace unspoiled atolls.
Tuvalu Interesting Facts
Tuvalu’s highest spot is only 15ft above sea level. It could be one of the first nations to disappear.
Also, tiny Tuvalu sold its little internet suffix – .tv – to a company in California for as much as several million dollars a year.
South Pacific Islands with Current or Past Transmission But No Zika Outbreak
Unfortunately, the destinations below are infected with the Zika Virus.
Cook Islands
Update on September 9, 2020
Named after the great explorer Captain James Cook, the 15 stunning tropical islands offer pristine beaches, azure lagoons, and tons of fishes and fruits. The Cook Islands are practically the definition of a remote island paradise. It is best to visit between April and November, the dry season. And don’t forget to try spotting humpback whales and green turtles!
French Polynesia
Update on September 9, 2020
Seductively peaceful and lushly stunning, French Polynesia offers much more adventure than its jet-set reputation suggests. From the vast lagoons to the culturally intense Marquesas Archipelago, its 117 islands are spread over a marine area the size of Europe. Divers, hikers, and epicureans will find heaven there!
French Polynesia Interesting Facts
French Polynesia is made of 117 islands and covers an area of the Pacific Ocean as big as the whole of Western Europe. This region is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, and has been nicknamed the “Shark Capital of the Pacific”.
Kiribati
Update on September 9, 2020
Kiribati is a nation of simplicity and great beauty: turquoise lagoons and gorgeous sunsets. Still untainted by tourism, the country is made up of 33 low-lying islands and atolls spread across the equator. You will find in Kiribati genuine smiles and friendly locals.
Kiribati Interesting Facts
Two small Kiribati islands, Tebua Tarawa and Abanuea, disappeared underwater in 1999. Luckily, no one was living there at the time.
Kiribati is spread over 3.55 million sq km of ocean, giving it the largest ocean-to-land ratio in the world.
Palau
Updated on September 9, 2020
Palau is more than a paradise. It is world-renowned for first-class diving: amazing reefs, stunning blue holes, fascinating WWII wrecks, gorgeous caves and tunnels, huge clams, and more than 60 vertical drop-offs. February and March are the driest months, although it’s warm year-round and can rain anytime.
Palau Interesting Fact
Palau has some of the richest varieties of sea life in the world, making it a brilliant place to dive and snorkel.
Solomon Islands
Updated on September 9, 2020
The Solomon Islands are the perfect destination if you want to be alone and head off the beaten path. It will just be you, the clear ocean, the lush rainforests, and traditional villages. Friendly and laid back locals are waiting for you, as is deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
Solomon Islands Interesting Facts
Solomon Islanders used dogs’ teeth for money until the 20th century. Also, some remote islands still don’t get TV signals, so the radio is the best way to catch up on news. Moreover, Solomon Islanders were once feared as cannibals and headhunters. But it’s a thing of the past!
Vanuatu
Updated on September 9, 2020
Accessible volcanoes, world-class diving, ancient living culture, and one of the best cuisine in the Pacific make Vanuatu one of the best destinations in the world. Moreover, the very friendly locals will welcome you with warm and genuine smiles.
Vanuatu Interesting Facts
You can find Nemo, the cute little clownfish from the movie Finding Nemo, in Vanuatu. Also, Vanuatu is made up of 83 islands, with thick forests, white and black sandy beaches, and thousands of sea creatures. And more than 100 local languages are spoken in Vanuatu.
Are you planning a trip to the South Pacific? Which island are you dreaming of visiting… or moving to? 😉
Let me know by commenting below!
