Underrated Caribbean Islands For The Tropical Travel Connoisseur

Unsplash/Rowan Heuvel

Everyone goes to the Bahamas. And while there are many reasons to love a Bahamian vacation, there are also some hidden gems of islands in the Caribbean where locals are swimming in some of the most beautiful waters on earth without hordes of travelers swarming off of cruise ships. Here are five lesser visited Caribbean isles to check out on your next tropical vacation.

Flickr CC/dronepicr

Bonaire

This Dutch island is a top-notch diving destination (there are dozens of incredible sites), but if you aren’t certified for SCUBA, you can snorkel or rent a clear-bottomed kayak to still take a peek under the bright blue sea.

Saba

Located near Sint Maarten and Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saba is a little difficult to reach. But once you do, you’ll love it. The tiny island was featured in the OG “King Kong” movie as the epitome of Carribean remoteness, so the outdoors and small towns are like a time capsule.

Flickr CC/Vlad Podvorny

Grenada

Called the Spice Island, Grenada is a mix of beaches, colorful towns, markets and tropical hills. You can eat your fill in the colonial-style streets and then head for a swim in a waterfall or sandy stretch of sea.

Providencia

Right off the coast of Colombia, the beaches are golden sand and lounging on the beach really is the thing to do in Providencia. But if you want to be more active, hit the trails for a tropical hike.

Flickr CC/SF Brit

Little Cayman

While tourism hub Grand Cayman is home to some major resorts, its baby sibling Little Cayman has fewer crowds and the same natural splendor. It’s only 10 miles around, meaning you’ll be one of only a few on the tiny island.

RELATED

Choose Your Own Adventure: Here’s The Best Caribbean Island For You

Stay At This Floating Airbnb On The Caribbean Sea For Less Than $30 A Night