Palmerston Island

Island Remote atoll in the Cook Islands with single settlement

Palmerston Island is a remote coral atoll in the Cook Islands with a single small community descended from the Marsters family; visitors arrive by charter for fishing, snorkeling and lagoon cruising.

Palmerston Island is a small coral atoll in the Cook Islands in the South Pacific, notable for its isolated, family-run community. The atoll has been inhabited since the 19th century and remains sparsely populated.

The island comprises a ring of motu around a central lagoon with one principal settlement on the main islet. There are limited facilities and no regular commercial services; visitors typically arrive by private or chartered boat.

The atoll was settled by Englishman William Marsters in 1863 and his descendants continue to live there and manage local affairs. Ownership and daily life on the island remain closely tied to the Marsters family line.

Geographically it sits within the Cook Islands archipelago in the tropical South Pacific; it is remote from the larger islands and surrounded by shallow reef and open ocean.

Marsters family: Most residents are descendants of 19th century English settler William Marsters, who established a family on the atoll in 1863.
Access: There is a single main village and no airport; access is by boat from other Cook Islands.

How to Get to Palmerston Island #

Fly to Rarotonga International Airport (RAR) in the Cook Islands (served by Air New Zealand and regional carriers). Palmerston has no airport or regular public ferry service - it is only reachable by private charter boat or the occasional supply vessel from Rarotonga (or other Cook Islands islands). Travel must be arranged in advance with a local operator or family representatives on Palmerston.

Tips for Visiting Palmerston Island #

Palmerston is a privately inhabited, very remote atoll - you must arrange permission and transport well in advance through the Cook Islands authorities or a charter operator rather than expecting walk-up visits.
There are no regular commercial flights; plan to arrive by private boat or an infrequent supply/vessel and confirm landing arrangements with the islanders because tidal/landing conditions and hospitality are coordinated locally.
Visit outside South Pacific cyclone season (roughly May-October is the calmer, drier window) and plan a self-sufficient day visit because facilities and supplies on-island are extremely limited.