What happens when a fitness YouTuber swaps the gym for a deserted island? Joe Fazer finds out the hard way in this raw and honest survival vlog. Here’s the full breakdown of his five-day battle with nature, hunger, and his own limits.
It All Started with Pizza and a Movie
Joe Fazer didn’t plan this trip months in advance. The idea sparked in the most casual setting—he was lounging on the couch, snacking on pizza, watching Cast Away. As Tom Hanks struggled to survive alone on a deserted island, Joe claimed, “I could do that.”
His little brother immediately disagreed, which naturally turned into a full-blown sibling argument. But instead of just talking, Joe did something wild—he booked the trip to prove it.
The Journey to Nowhere
Within a week, Joe was on a plane. He watched survival tutorials during the 12-hour flight, learning techniques for shelter, food, water, and fire. Then, he hopped on a second local flight to reach a tiny island community of just 400 people.
From there, he hired a fisherman to take him an hour and a half offshore—completely off-grid. When the boat pulled away and disappeared into the horizon, Joe was left alone. No crew. No help. Just him and the island.
Day 1: Coconuts, Cuts, and Getting Settled
Armed with only a few essentials—fishing gear, a machete, a knife, clothes, camera equipment, and a satellite phone for emergencies—Joe had one priority: water.
The ocean was stunning, but undrinkable. Coconuts were his only option. The problem? They were way up in the trees. Joe spent hours trying to knock them down, injuring himself in the process. Climbing failed. Using a heavy branch failed.
Finally, after switching to a thinner stick, he managed to bring one down—and with it, a massive sense of relief. Hydration: unlocked.
Next up, food. He cracked open brown coconuts for the meat, which packed a hefty 1,400 calories each. Not ideal for long-term nutrition, but enough to keep going.
Then came the struggle for shelter. Using sticks, palm leaves, and natural rope from vines, Joe built a basic hut. It wasn’t luxury, but it kept the mosquitoes and crabs (mostly) out. Barely sleeping that night, he was exhausted—but alive and motivated.
Day 2: Mosquito Hell and Fire Failure
Day two hit hard. Crabs had invaded his shelter. Mosquitoes had feasted on his legs. He had to fix both problems fast. A stick barrier kept the crabs at bay. But fire? That was the real challenge.
Joe spent hours trying to create fire using friction. Wood-on-wood, with rope and coconut husk. He managed to get an ember—a tiny glowing coal—but couldn’t keep it alive.
His hands blistered. His energy dropped. He tried fishing to take a break, using plastic bottles as makeshift reels. No luck.
With no fire and no fish, Joe ended the day feeling defeated. He was still living off coconut meat and water. At this point, he was starting to genuinely worry: could he make it the full five days?
Day 3: Rock Bottom to Redemption
Waking up on day three, Joe was at his lowest. Starving. Sleep-deprived. Mentally wrecked. All he could think about was Domino’s pizza.
But instead of quitting, he got back to work. He had to make fire.
Hour after hour, he tried again. He finally got another ember—and lost it. Then again. Lost it. His hands were shredded.
And then finally… it happened.
Joe created fire. Real fire. From nothing but sticks, husk, and relentless willpower.
He was pumped. But now, it was time to eat something real.
Fishing, Finally
Joe took his makeshift rod and hit the shoreline again. This time, it worked.
He caught a fish. Gutted it. Wrapped it in leaves. Cooked it over his newly built fire.
It was dry. Unseasoned. Bony. But it was warm, full of protein, and the best thing he’d eaten in three days.
It was a turning point. From that moment on, everything changed.
Day 4: Peace in Paradise
By day four, Joe had everything dialed in.
Water? Handled.
Food? Fish and coconuts.
Shelter? Crude, but comfortable.
Fire? Glorious.
After three days of pure struggle, he finally had time to breathe. To enjoy the sunset. To take in the beauty around him.
And it hit him—how much we take for granted.
Ordering a hot meal takes seconds. Out here, it took three days just to eat something decent. The appreciation, the perspective, the calm—it all made sense now.
Day 5: Heading Home
The final day arrived. Joe was covered in bites, sunburned, sore, but proud.
He’d survived five days alone. No help. No cheat codes. No tapping out.
As the boat pulled up to take him back, Joe knew this was more than just a vlog challenge. It was a mental and emotional journey. One that humbled him, pushed him, and changed the way he saw the world.
Final Thoughts
This wasn’t just another YouTube challenge. Joe Fazer’s five-day survival test was a raw, unfiltered reminder of how tough nature can be—and how tough we can be when we choose to keep going.
The experience started with a sibling disagreement and ended with one of the most powerful tests of mental grit he’s ever faced.
If you’re looking for motivation, perspective, or just a great story—this is it.
And yes, when he got back, Joe demolished a Domino’s pizza. Rightfully so.
Watch the full video on Joe Fazer’s YouTube channel and see for yourself how it all went down. It’s not just about survival—it’s about showing up for yourself, even when no one’s watching.
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