Where is Pitcairn Island – Bounty Bay?

The Pitcairn Islands group is a British Overseas Territory comprising the islands of Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno. Pitcairn, the only inhabited island, is about 2170km (1350 miles) east south-east of Tahiti and just over 6600km (4100 miles) from Panama. The Islands’ administrative headquarters are situated in Auckland New Zealand, 5310km (3300 miles) away.

Pitcairn Island is rugged and the coast lined by cliffs for nearly the whole of the island – nowhere giving easy access to the sea. Bounty Bay is the primary anchorage.  Bounty Bay was remodelled in 2009/10 with armouring to strengthen the jetty, as well as widening and deepening. Extensive wind and wave data have shown that a breakwater would not increase lending capacity or safety significantly enough to make it economically viable. The government are looking at the possibility of an alternate landing facility on the other side of the Island, however, this is still a long way off.

All projects on Pitcairn are covered by an environmental impact assessment and the government want to ensure that nothing is changed that make Pitcairn special or attractive as a tourist destination.

Burned on 23 January 1790, the remains of Bounty lie 3m below the surface of Bounty Bay. Although tourists are allowed to dive on the wreck, sadly, over the years, Bounty relics have disappeared from the site and today there is very little left.

See Pitcairn Island Tourism for more information.

Entrance Notes and Cautions for Bounty Bay:

Pitcairn Island is approximately 1100 feet high and can be seen from about 25-30 miles away on a yacht – visibility and swell allowing. Approaching from the East, Pitcairn Island Island appears to have a saddle in the middle of it. This is where you should initially aim for. As you near the island, toward Bounty Bay there appears to be a distinctive pinnacle, high above the bay – again head toward this pinnacle. The pinnacle (Ships Landing Point) is situated on the Southern edge of Bounty Bay, above the landing area.

Bounty Bay is useable in conditions up to and including Force 4, but if the swell is from the South it can be extremely rolly.

It is possible to enter Bounty Bay safely at night if there is enough ambient light. Before 2200 local time (UTC -8), shore side yellow street lights may be visible by the landing. There are other yellow street lights. Again call on the radio and seek local advice – VHF Channel 16 (call sign Pitcairn).

One should not leave the boat unattended for any length of time as weather conditions can change very quickly and at least two yachts have been lost at Pitcairn when the wind turned unexpectedly.

Cruiser Highlights for Pitcairn Island:

Currently an average of only 25 yachts visit in any one year so you will be assured of a warm welcome from the locals.  Provisioning is good with fruit, vegetables, pizza and break available for purchase from the islanders.  Fruit trees grow wild, with an abundance of mangoes and bananas.

Adamstown village has a Post office, General Store, Museum, Public Hall, Seventh Day Adventist Church, The Government Treasury (where you can get cash on credit cards) and the Pitcairn Island Medical Center and Doctor. Generally all facilities are open in the morning on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. Saturday is the sabbath and attending the local church for the interdenominational service is an ideal way to meet the locals.

In 2013 the islanders set up a Sailor’s Day Room at their temporary Cultural Centre at Bob’s Valley. It’s a great little space, with a shaded deck, arm chairs, local information and books available for exchange. You’ll find it’s a relaxing place to just chill out between meeting the locals and exploring the island.

See Shore Services for more details.

Position:

25° 03.95’S 130° 05.7’W

Last updated: July 2025

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