Tech and Startups To Help Explore Islands

Islands offer some of the most beautiful and idyllic views in the world. Surrounded by sea and with gorgeous white sand, these areas are popular with chill-seekers, surf lovers and explorers worldwide.

Whilst the amount of islands globally is unknown, some sources estimate the number can be as high as over 600,000. Here, we look at the tech and startups that exist to help people explore islands more easily.

How Many Island Nations Exist In The World?

According to World Population Review, there are 48 countries in the world that are considered island nations. Some of the biggest include Indonesia, Japan and the Philippines.

Surprisingly, according to Statista, Sweden has the most islands with 267,570, the majority of which are uninhabited. To put this into perspective, The Philippines has around 7,000 islands and islets.

What Are The Most Popular Islands To Visit Globally?

Every year, thousands of people flock to the world’s most beautiful islands. Some of the top spots include:

Bali, Indonesia – Bali is quickly becoming a top tourist hotspot, well known for its affordable prices and hippy-style bars and cafes. Made up of volcanoes, beaches and mountains, it’s a popular place for those looking for some relaxation.

The Maldives – The Maldives have solidified themselves as a top honeymoon destination, famous for their beautiful blue waters, sea planes and hotels in the middle of the ocean. An island nation, the country is perfect for those looking for some romantic luxury.

Koh Samui, Thailand – Thailand is home to over a thousand islands, but places like Koh Samui have become famous for their beautiful resorts and amazing sealife. Situated close to other islands, it’s the perfect spot to explore Thailand from.

The Whitsundays, Australia – The Whitsundays are a group of islands that are both inhabited and not. This cluster of bright white sand beaches attract thousands of tourists every year, drawn to their amazing sea life and beauty.

The Galapagos, Ecuador – One of the most biodiverse areas in the world, The Galapagos is well known for being the birthplace of Darwin’s research into Natural Selection. The islands are home to some species only native to there, and attract thousands of nature lovers every year.

Tech And Startups To Help Explore Islands

Locus Map

Islands can sometimes be difficult to navigate, especially if reception is patchy.

Locus map offers offline mapping, perfect for getting around remote areas. Designed for hiking and biking, it’s the perfect outdoor companion for any island explorer.

Ecobnb

Part of what makes islands so appealing is their connection to nature. Ecobnb is a network of accommodation options that respect and blend into nature.

That means that you can rest easy, knowing that you aren’t just enjoying the environment, but protecting it too.

Boatsetter

The best part of exploring islands is being in the sea. Boatsetter is a boat rental platform, allowing people to charter and rent boats for the day.

With prices starting at $1000, it’s a luxury way to island hop.

iTranslate

Island nations can sometimes be remote places to visit, making language barriers more difficult to overcome.

Apps like iTranslate allow you to translate on the go, ensuring you can communicate your way around any island in the world.

Direct Ferries

Island hopping, especially around Europe, can mean lots of ferry options and timetables. Direct Ferries is a ferry comparison website, that allows people to compare times, prices and companies to help navigate islands.

Star Walk

Islands can provide some of the best views of the night sky, particularly as many of them lack light pollution.

Star Walk allows travellers to find stargazing locations and then understand the constellations they are seeing.