Brazil’s Ilha de Queimada Grande, famously nicknamed Snake Island, lives up to its moniker. Located approximately 90 miles off the coast of São Paulo, this 106-acre island is densely populated by thousands of venomous serpents, making it widely considered unfit for human habitation.
Danger Tourism Draws YouTuber to Forbidden Shore
Despite the extreme risks, “danger tourist” and YouTuber Miles Routledge deliberately traveled to the island in pursuit of content. Routledge, known for visiting unsafe global destinations to boost viewership, reportedly had to evade the Brazilian Coast Guard to reach the restricted shore.
Journey to the Abandoned Lighthouse
Upon making landfall, Routledge immediately set off through overgrown jungle terrain toward an abandoned lighthouse, which he described as one of the most dangerous
spots on the island. For protection, he donned medieval-inspired armour and said a prayer before beginning the trek.
Addressing the camera, Routledge stated:
“This isn’t clickbait, I’m on one of the most dangerous island in the world,” he told the camera.
“Many have been to this island and very few have gotten out unfortunately.”
Fact Versus Folklore
Local legend claims the lighthouse’s former occupants died from snake bites. However, historical records indicate the lighthouse was automated in 1920, and the last human inhabitants left simply because their presence was no longer required.
Contrary to its fearsome reputation, Routledge encountered very few snakes during his expedition. At one point, he remarked that dehydration posed a greater immediate threat than envenomation.
“It’s not that bad, for the second most dangerous island in the world,” he told the camera at one point.
Survival and Strict Access Restrictions
Routledge managed to depart the island alive, but his survival should not be interpreted as an invitation for others to attempt the journey. Today, access to Ilha de Queimada Grande is strictly limited to government-sanctioned research teams. These controlled visits aim to minimize risks to both human visitors and the island’s fragile ecosystem.
The Golden Lancehead: A Critically Endangered Resident
Among the island’s inhabitants is the golden lancehead (Bothrops insularis), a critically endangered pit viper species endemic to the island. Its venom is potent enough to kill a human. Despite the high density of these snakes and the island’s notorious reputation, there are no documented fatalities from snake bites directly connected to Ilha de Queimada Grande.
Additional reporting by Brenna Cooper.
