The Best Off the Beaten Track Caribbean Islands

 

Curious About the Caribbean?

A tropical vacation is one of life's few pleasures. We adore finding hidden gems and remote destinations. While much of the Caribbean has been engulfed by giant all-inclusive resorts and cruise ships, there are still a few off-the-beaten-path islands to be found. We've crisscrossed the region throughout the years, seeing the top hotels and most incredible places. With that in mind, before you plan your next Caribbean holiday, please take a look at our top off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Cayo Espanto

This tiny private island, just off the coast of Belize, has hosted a whopping list of seclusion-seeking A-listers. It contains six luxury private villas and one overwater bungalow at only four acres. Every part of the experience here may be personalized to customers' wishes, as befitting such a clientele. The chef creates daily dishes, and the staff organizes guided bird-watching excursions, Mayan ruins tours, and seaside aromatherapy couples massages.

Nevis 

Nevis, the smaller and less developed Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis' two islands, is an unspoiled paradise with a lot to offer. This island is amazing because of its kind people, lovely beaches with beautiful blue waves, and thick tropical jungles. It's the perfect spot for couples looking for privacy or a romantic break. The island has several villa-style residences, but it has managed to stay off most tourists' radar. Underwater enthusiasts are also welcome, as the island is adjacent to Booby High Shoals, a popular diving site.

Culebra

The island of Culebra is located 17 miles east of Puerto Rico, hugging a winding coastline. This secluded Caribbean island is known for its laid-back ambiance and pristine white sands, which run for seven miles and offer magnificent views of Puerto Rico. Stay at the hilltop Club Seabourne, which features a stretch of white plantation-style cottages with private patios and hammocks ideal for daydreaming. Alternatively, go snorkeling near the marine reserve, where you'll see tropical fish and sea turtles, then watch the sunset at Culebrita, the Caribbean's oldest lighthouse.

Anguilla 

Anguilla is the Caribbean dream come true, with sparkling white sand beaches shaded by coconut palms and sea grape trees. This Eastern Caribbean resort's crystal-clear seas and lively corals make for fantastic snorkeling, glass-bottomed kayaking, and sailing to islets and atolls strewn offshore. A plethora of colorfully painted, open-sided beach bars serving hot grills, furious rum punches, and live reggae music line the beaches.

While there aren't any terrible selections among the 33 beaches with a total of 12 miles of pristine white sand, Little Bay in The Valley, Meads Bay, and Shoal Bay East are a few favorites. Anguilla is not a budget getaway, and authenticity is prized here. Jetsetters seeking an off-the-beaten-path holiday will find luxury hotels and private villas to their liking. For a more economical taste of paradise, visit outside of peak season.

Iles Des Saintes 

The Îles des Saintes, or Les Saintes, is a volcanic archipelago made up of nine islands. Only two of the tiny, reef-ringed isles, Terre-de-Haut and Terre-de-Bas, are inhabited. While these destinations may attract interested visitors to Guadeloupe, they are frequently viewed as day trips rather than full-fledged vacations. However, we believe this is a blunder. The mountainous keys, which have a combined population of only 3,500 people, have kept their old-world French Caribbean flair. Each is brimming with sugar-soft beaches, green coves, and open-air cafes.

Antigua and Barbuda 

Antigua and Barbuda are reported to have 365 beaches, so it would be a shame not to visit this twin-island country. The Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean meet at Antigua and Barbuda. There are several natural and manufactured attractions in this country. It offers tourists the ideal blend of water and land activities, allowing them to relax while having fun.

You'll discover tranquil seas for a more relaxed swim and other activities like kayaking or canoeing, as well as more adventurous sports like kitesurfing and scuba diving. On land, there are a variety of exciting activities to try. Hiking, zip-lining, and a rainforest canopy tour are available too.