Bounty Day on Pitcairn
The 23 January anniversary of the Bounty's burning, marked in Bounty Bay.
Updated 3 September 2026
The mutineers burned the Bounty in the bay below Adamstown on 23 January 1790 so that she could not be seen from the sea and could not be used to leave, and the date is the island's own anniversary. A model of the ship is set alight on the water in the evening and the community gathers for it. Almost everyone on Pitcairn is descended from the people who watched the original burn.
What to look for
- The model burning - the ship set alight on the water at dusk.
- Bounty Bay - the water where the original was destroyed.
- The community gathering - most of the island's population in one place.
- The 1790 date - the anniversary the day marks.
When to go
The day falls on 23 January every year. Getting to Pitcairn for it means planning around the ship schedule. January is the warmer, wetter part of the year.
Before you go
Sailings to Pitcairn are infrequent and being there on the date takes real planning. This is a community occasion rather than a staged event for visitors. Weather can move or curtail what happens.
Nearby
Adamstown is above the bay, and the museum is nearby.
What to pack for Bounty Day on Pitcairn
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Comfortable walking shoes - Sightseeing means kilometres of pavement and cobbles daily. Find on Amazon
- A slim anti-theft daypack - Zips that close properly; keep it in front in crowds and on transit. Find on Amazon
- A refillable water bottle - Many cities have public fountains; save money and plastic. Find on Amazon
- A light layer + compact umbrella - For museum air-con and a sudden shower. Find on Amazon
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Where to start if Bounty Day on Pitcairn is going on the list.
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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
