7 Under-the-Radar Caribbean Islands

by Megan D.

7 Under-the-Radar Caribbean Islands

by Megan D.

The Caribbean's iconic sugary beaches and blue waters are not far away. But here’s something you may not know: There are approximately 28 island nations and more than 7,000 individual islands in the region. So when you say you've already done the U.S. Virgin Islands, Jamaica, Aruba, and the Dominican Republic, here are a few hidden gems that you'll find are the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets. Bookmark this for when you're ready to travel.

The Caribbean's iconic sugary beaches and blue waters are not far away. But here’s something you may not know: There are approximately 28 island nations and more than 7,000 individual islands in the region. So when you say you've already done the U.S. Virgin Islands, Jamaica, Aruba, and the Dominican Republic, here are a few hidden gems that you'll find are the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets. Bookmark this for when you're ready to travel.

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Eleuthera / iStock / erikruthoff
Los Roques
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Los Roques

Los Roques, an archipelago off the coast of Venezuela, is chock full of smaller islands to explore. It consists of 350 islands, cays, and islets that span more than 40 square miles. It's popular among a wealthier crowd, who like to take their private yachts and dock for a little boat-side swim. If you’re vacationing in Caracas, Los Roques makes a an easy day trip. Wildlife lovers will also love the destination, as the entire archipelago was deemed a national park back in the 1970s. As a result, it's home to a wide array of birds and marine life.

Read more: 13 Beautiful New Caribbean Resorts for a 2020 Getaway

Los Roques, an archipelago off the coast of Venezuela, is chock full of smaller islands to explore. It consists of 350 islands, cays, and islets that span more than 40 square miles. It's popular among a wealthier crowd, who like to take their private yachts and dock for a little boat-side swim. If you’re vacationing in Caracas, Los Roques makes a an easy day trip. Wildlife lovers will also love the destination, as the entire archipelago was deemed a national park back in the 1970s. As a result, it's home to a wide array of birds and marine life.

Saba
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Saba

Off the coasts of Saint Martin/Sint Maarten and Saint Barths, the tiny island of Saba receives just 25,000 visitors each year. It ought to be on divers' radars as it's often heralded as one of the world's top diving destinations – in 1987, the waters around the island were deemed the Saba National Marine Park, which has led to a highly preserved coral reef and marine environment. There's also plenty to do on land with unique climbing and hiking opportunities. To visit Saba, travelers can fly in and out of St. Maarten and Sint Eustatius. A ferry service is also available from St. Maarten, which travels to Saba several times a week.

Read more: Why You Need to Visit Saba

Off the coasts of Saint Martin/Sint Maarten and Saint Barths, the tiny island of Saba receives just 25,000 visitors each year. It ought to be on divers' radars as it's often heralded as one of the world's top diving destinations – in 1987, the waters around the island were deemed the Saba National Marine Park, which has led to a highly preserved coral reef and marine environment. There's also plenty to do on land with unique climbing and hiking opportunities. To visit Saba, travelers can fly in and out of St. Maarten and Sint Eustatius. A ferry service is also available from St. Maarten, which travels to Saba several times a week.

Little Cayman
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Little Cayman

Everyone knows big brother Grand Cayman, but perhaps even more unique and beautiful is Little Cayman, an island about 60 miles from its better-known relative. If for no other reason, come to Little Cayman to scuba; its most famous dive sites are Bloody Bay and Jackson’s Bight. Visitors of Little Cayman may also want to make the boat trip over to Owen Island, which is only accessible by boat, kayak, or standup paddleboard. Because of the lack of buildings (or humans in general), Owen proves to be very popular among honeymooners looking for a true escape.

Read more: 10 Best Caribbean Holiday Getaways

Everyone knows big brother Grand Cayman, but perhaps even more unique and beautiful is Little Cayman, an island about 60 miles from its better-known relative. If for no other reason, come to Little Cayman to scuba; its most famous dive sites are Bloody Bay and Jackson’s Bight. Visitors of Little Cayman may also want to make the boat trip over to Owen Island, which is only accessible by boat, kayak, or standup paddleboard. Because of the lack of buildings (or humans in general), Owen proves to be very popular among honeymooners looking for a true escape.

Mustique
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Mustique

Part of the Grenadines, Mustique is one of the most exclusive and beautiful islands in the Caribbean. The island is privately owned by shareholders of the Mustique Company, which represents 17 countries. Only 1,200 people actually live on the island, and it hosts a maximum of 500 tourists at a time. Translation: This is one of the most VIP-like vacations you can take. The island has nine beaches and 1,400 acres, and with such a small population year-round, you're sure to find the intimate beach nook you’ve been looking for. Travelers looking to book a trip to Mustique should fly into either Barbados or St. Lucia. It is then an hour-long flight to Mustique on Mustique Airways.

Read more: Receive the Royal Treatment at this Private Mustique Hilltop Estate
 

Part of the Grenadines, Mustique is one of the most exclusive and beautiful islands in the Caribbean. The island is privately owned by shareholders of the Mustique Company, which represents 17 countries. Only 1,200 people actually live on the island, and it hosts a maximum of 500 tourists at a time. Translation: This is one of the most VIP-like vacations you can take. The island has nine beaches and 1,400 acres, and with such a small population year-round, you're sure to find the intimate beach nook you’ve been looking for. Travelers looking to book a trip to Mustique should fly into either Barbados or St. Lucia. It is then an hour-long flight to Mustique on Mustique Airways.

Bonaire
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Bonaire

Just 38 miles from Curacao, Bonaire is recognized as one of the top diving destinations in the Caribbean, as well as one of the best islands for sustainable tourism. While visiting Bonaire, a trip to Washington Slagbaai National Park is a must; it's home to 189 species of birds and offers impressive landscapes like cliffs, valleys, and beaches. The water around Bonaire has been designated the Bonaire National Marine Park, and the southern part of the island is home to massive salt flats, which are flamingo nesting grounds. 

Read more: How to Visit Bonaire on a Budget

Just 38 miles from Curacao, Bonaire is recognized as one of the top diving destinations in the Caribbean, as well as one of the best islands for sustainable tourism. While visiting Bonaire, a trip to Washington Slagbaai National Park is a must; it's home to 189 species of birds and offers impressive landscapes like cliffs, valleys, and beaches. The water around Bonaire has been designated the Bonaire National Marine Park, and the southern part of the island is home to massive salt flats, which are flamingo nesting grounds. 

Eleuthera
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Eleuthera, The Bahamas

A far cry from Nassau, Paradise Island, Eleuthera is a lesser traveled island in the Bahamas chain. You’ve heard of the famed pink sand beaches of the Caribbean, but on Eleuthera you can actually walk along them. There's also a multitude of coral reefs, a top draw for snorkelers and divers. There are three airports on Eleuthera: North Eleuthera Airport, Governor’s Harbour Airport, and Rock Sound Airport.

Read more: A Budget Weekend on Bimini, Bahamas

A far cry from Nassau, Paradise Island, Eleuthera is a lesser traveled island in the Bahamas chain. You’ve heard of the famed pink sand beaches of the Caribbean, but on Eleuthera you can actually walk along them. There's also a multitude of coral reefs, a top draw for snorkelers and divers. There are three airports on Eleuthera: North Eleuthera Airport, Governor’s Harbour Airport, and Rock Sound Airport.

Grenada
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Grenada

Though once a hidden gem, Grenada is increasingly mentioned regularly by those looking to visit the Caribbean. The original "Island of Spice" is known for its beaches, ecotourism, and its production of organic cocoa. Its better-known neighbors include Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Read more: Save, Spring, Splurge: Grand Anse Beach, Grenada

Though once a hidden gem, Grenada is increasingly mentioned regularly by those looking to visit the Caribbean. The original "Island of Spice" is known for its beaches, ecotourism, and its production of organic cocoa. Its better-known neighbors include Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

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