A lifelong fascination with The Mutiny on the Bounty, I’ve seen all the Films and read most of the books. The story is one of rebellion, survival, and the establishment of one of the most remote communities on Earth.
The films –
In the Wake of the Bounty 1933 – Mayne Lynton, Errol Flynn
Mutiny on the Bounty 1935 – Charles Laughton, Clarke Gable, Franchot Tone (All 3 nominated for Best Actor).
Mutiny on the Bounty 1962 – Trevor Howard, Marlon Brando
The Bounty 1986 – Anthony Hopkins, Mel Gibson
In 1787, the British Royal Navy ship HMS Bounty, commanded by Lieutenant William Bligh, was sent on a mission to collect breadfruit plants from Tahiti and transport them to the West Indies as a cheap food source for enslaved laborers.
The journey was filled with harsh conditions and limited supplies. Initially Bligh attempted to reach Tahiti by way of Cape Horn which would have meant circumnavigating the globe. Due to harsh weather conditions, they changed course reaching Tahiti sailing East and missing the breadfruit season.
After arriving in Tahiti in 1788, the crew spent several months there collecting breadfruit plants. During this time, many of the sailors developed close relationships with the Tahitian people, especially the local women whom were very receptive to the English sailors. Enjoying a relaxed lifestyle that contrasted sharply with life at sea, when it came time to leave, many were reluctant to return to naval life.
The Mutiny – On April 28, 1789, less than a month after departing Tahiti, the discontent reached a boiling point. Fletcher Christian, led a group of mutineers who seized control of the ship. They forced Bligh and 18 loyalists into a small open boat, providing them with minimal supplies. The mutineers took control of the Bounty and returned to Tahiti, while Bligh and his men embarked on an extraordinary journey of survival. Bligh navigated the open boat without charts over 3,600 nautical miles to safety in Timor, displaying remarkable skill and leadership despite the circumstances. He eventually returned to England, where his account of the mutiny shocked the Admiralty.
The mutineers split into groups after the mutiny. Fletcher Christian and a small group of loyal followers, along with several Tahitian men and women, sailed the Bounty to the remote and uninhabited Pitcairn Island in 1790, which was not on any charts at the time. They burned the ship to prevent detection, effectively isolating themselves from the world.
Life on Pitcairn was initially fraught with conflict. Relationships between the mutineers and Tahitian companions deteriorated, leading to violence and the deaths of many. By 1800, only one mutineer, John Adams, remained alive, along with several women and children.
According to accounts from John Adams the last surviving mutineer on Pitcairn, Fletcher Christian was killed during a violent conflict with the Tahitian men around 1793. However, no specific details of his death were officially documented. Some unverified reports and legends suggest Christian survived the events on Pitcairn and secretly returned to England. These theories often stem from rumours and alleged sightings of Christian in England or other locations. However, there is no credible evidence to support this, and such stories are generally considered speculative.
Pitcairn Island was not rediscovered by the outside world until 1808 when the American whaling ship Topaz visited. By then, most of the original mutineers, including Christian, were long dead, and the survivors offered limited details about their fate. Christians grave has never been identified, and no physical evidence of his death has been found, leaving room for speculation.
Descendants of the mutineers continue to live today on Pitcairn population around 50 people. English is the official language, but many residents also speak Pitkern, a Creole language derived from 18th-century English and Tahitian.
How to get to Pitcairn Islands
Since there are no airports on Pitcairn Island, all travel involves a combination of flights and boats
Step 1: Fly to Tahiti, French Polynesia
From the UK, fly to Faa’a International Airport (PPT) in Papeete, Tahiti.
Papeete Bed and Breakfasts
Step 2: Fly to Mangareva, Gambier Islands
From Papeete in Tahiti, take a domestic flight to Totegegie Airport (GMR) on Mangareva Island, part of the Gambier Islands.
Flights are operated by Air Tahiti and run once a week. The flight takes about 5 hours.
Step 3: Boat from Mangareva to Pitcairn – Check the visitpitcairn official website
From Mangareva, take a ferry or private charter to reach Pitcairn. The government-chartered supply ship, the MV Silver Supporter, provides regular service between Mangareva and Pitcairn.
The sea voyage typically takes 32-36 hours, depending on weather conditions.
At the time of writing a return trip costs 6000 NZ dollars – £2739 UK.
- Accommodation Options on Pitcairn Island
There are no hotels or resorts on Pitcairn. Instead, visitors stay in homestay accommodations with local families. This not only provides a comfortable place to rest but also allows for an immersive experience into island life. Many of the options are listed on Pitcairn official government site.
Homestays: Pitcairn families offer private rooms, often with meals included. Hosts provide a warm welcome and a chance to learn about the islands culture and history.
Cost: Around USD $80-$100 per night, including meals.
Facilities: Basic but comfortable, with shared bathrooms. Electricity and internet are limited.
Booking: The Pitcairn Island Tourism Department handles accommodation bookings. You can contact them directly via their official website or email. Also Pitcairn Islands Bed and Breakfasts shows some of the accommodation options.
- Activities on PitcairnExplore historical sites like Christians Cave and the Bounty anchor.
Hike scenic trails
Interact with locals to learn about their heritage and culture.
Engage in fishing, snorkelling, and birdwatching. - Practical Tips Visas: UK citizens do not require a visa for French Polynesia or Pitcairn but check for transit requirements through other countries (e.g. the USA).
Health: There are basic medical facilities on Pitcairn, but serious emergencies require evacuation. Travel insurance with medical evacuation is essential.
Supplies: Bring essentials, as shops on Pitcairn are limited.
Timing: The best time to visit is during the Southern Hemisphere summer (November to March), when the weather is warm and seas are calmer. - Estimated Costs
Heres a rough breakdown of expenses for a 2-week trip from the UK to Pitcairn:
Flights (UK to Tahiti, Tahiti to Mangareva): £2,500-3,500.
Ferry (Mangareva to Pitcairn, round trip): £2,000-2,500. Currently 6000 NZ$ (2024) Details available on the Visit Pitcairn website.
Accommodation: £600-1,200 (for 7-10 nights).
Meals and extras: £200-400.
Total: Approximately £5,500-7,500.
Visiting Pitcairn Island is a unique and once-in-a-lifetime bucket list adventure, ideal for those drawn to remote destinations rich in history and natural beauty. The journey is crazy, not quite as crazy as the original voyage but the reward is an unforgettable experience on a tiny island with a fascinating past and unique future.