There’s more to a beautiful beach vacation than crowds of tourists, massive resorts, and overpriced excursions. Though Caribbean Islands like the Bahamas and Aruba are favorites for Americans, lesser-traveled destinations like San Andrés and Koh Rong offer better prices, amazing local flavor, and unique things to do.
These are the underrated tropical islands you need to visit before crowds do:
Saba, Caribbean
Though Aruba and St. Thomas may ring a bell, Saba probably doesn’t. One of the Caribbean’s least–visited islands, Saba is a mountainous landscape built for adventure travelers. You won’t find sandy beaches here, but you will find plenty of opportunities to get active and truly explore.
Climb to the top of Mount Scenery, which is the highest point in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, or descend a historic 800-step ladder—once the only access point to the island—at Ladder Bay. Saba’s most sublime diving and snorkeling can be found at Saba Marine Park, protected waters home to reefs, tropical fish, and sharks.
Isla Holbox, Mexico
North of the Yucatán Peninsula, Isla Holbox is where you go to avoid touristy hotspots in the region like Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. The island’s car-free surroundings and laid-back attitude welcome travelers looking for a slow, relaxing trip.
Timing your visit to Isla Holbox is crucial for seeing all the island has to offer. From April to November, bioluminescent waters can be seen during the night. May to September are the best months to visit, as you can view this natural phenomenon and also swim with whale sharks. Nearby, Punta Cocos or Punta Mosquito are top spots for flamingo watching.
Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
This UNESCO-protected archipelago off the coast of Brazil offers some of the best diving and snorkeling in Brazil, with sea turtles, rays, and coral reefs on display. If you don’t know how to scuba dive, this is a great place to learn—PADI diving courses are offered on the island.
If you’d rather bathe in the sun than get active, you’re in luck—Baía do Sancho is frequently ranked as the world’s best beach for its gorgeous waters and soft sand. When you’re ready to explore the inner island, hike to Morro Dois Irmãos, the island’s iconic twin-peaked rocks.
São Tomé and Príncipe, West Africa
This tiny, volcanic archipelago off the coast of Central Africa is a wonderful alternative to St. Lucia, which beckons adventurous travelers looking for lush nature and luxury.
Hike through rainforests and volcanic mountains to spot rare birds and wildlife at Obo National Park or learn more about the island’s history as a cacao producer at Roça Agostinho Neto, one of its oldest colonial cocoa plantations.
Nosy Be, Madagascar
Off the northwest coast of Madagascar, Nosy Be’s turquoise waters, wildlife, and history of fragrance production hardly get enough recognition. This island is known to locals as “Nousy Manita,” or the Island of Perfumes, due to its fragrant ylang-ylang plantations. See how this coveted essential oil is produced by paying a visit to one of them.
Nosy Be is also one of the few places in the world where you can dive with whale sharks during migration season. If getting up close and personal with these gentle giants feels a little too intimidating, trek through Lokobe National Park to see lemurs, chameleons, and tropical flora.
Koh Rong, Cambodia
While Thailand’s islands get all the love, Cambodia’s Koh Rong is an unsung paradise with many of the same attractive qualities. Snorkel during the day at Long Set Beach to see coral reefs, then take a night swim to take in the glow of bioluminescent plankton before unwinding at one of Koh Rong’s many affordable accommodation options. The next day, explore the mainland by trekking to Koh Rong Waterfall, stopping at breathtaking viewpoints along the way.
Aitutaki, Cook Islands
While Rarotonga may be the more popular destination in the Cook Islands, Aitutaki offers a more intimate and exclusive experience with fewer tourists. You can easily fill a day by chilling out on a boat trip around Aitutaki’s stunning turquoise lagoon, stopping at sandbanks and small islets (motus).
A 15-minute boat ride from Arutanga port, the island’s main outlet, Honeymoon Island welcomes visitors with untouched coral reefs and marine life. Before you leave Aitutaki, visit One Foot Island to get your passport stamped at one of the world’s most remote post offices. The stamp is, of course, shaped like a foot.
La Désirade, Guadeloupe
A lesser-known island in the French Caribbean, serene La Désirade has a quiet charm about it. Hike the Pointe Doublé Nature Reserve to take in beautiful views, then relax your sore muscles at beaches Like Fifi and Souffleur.
La Désirade’s best diving spots aren’t on the island at all. Take a ferry to Guadeloupe nearby to scuba dive in Jacques Cousteau Reserve, a protected marine area spanning 987 hectares.
Isla de Ometepe, Nicaragua
Formed by two volcanoes rising out of Lake Nicaragua, Isla de Ometepe is known for its ancient petroglyphs and black sand beaches. One of these volcanoes, Concepción Volcano, presents a thrilling and challenging hike that’s worth it for the sweeping summit views.
Cool off after your hike in Ojo de Agua, natural swimming pools surrounded by forest. As you explore the island, keep an eye out for pre-Columbian petroglyphs—rock carvings dating back thousands of years.
Pangkor Island, Malaysia
It’s a hard truth but a necessary one: Southeast Asia’s most enticing islands, like Bali and Phuket, are now highly commercialized, rendering them not quite as appealing for a relaxing vacation as they once were. Located on Malaysia’s west coast, Pangkor Island offers secluded beaches, clear waters, and traditional fishing villages without the crowds and gimmicks of others.
Learn about the island’s history by visiting 17th-century ruins at Dutch Fort, which once protected the island from pirates. After, experience modern luxury by stepping into Pangkor Laut Resort, a private island resort with exclusive access to beaches, private villas, and luxurious amenities. The high life doesn’t come with a price here—Pangkor Island’s lack of mass tourism means prices remain low.
Moheli, Comoros
The smallest island in the Comoros archipelago off the east coast of Africa, Moheli is remote and untouched. Go dolphin spotting at Marine National Park, a pristine area perfect for snorkeling and diving. From July to September, you can witness endangered sea turtles nesting on the island’s shores.
Though Moheli may be small, Mount Karthala is anything but. This active volcano is one of the largest in the world and can be accessed with a trek that takes you through the island’s most unique landscapes.
Isla Contadora, Panama
Part of Panama’s Pearl Islands, Isla Contadora feels worlds away from bustling Panama City. You won’t need a pricey snorkeling cruise to experience the best on this island. Excellent snorkeling can be found right off the beach at Playa Larga.
Though this island is relatively quiet on its own, nearby Isla Saboga is ideal for those looking for true peace and quiet. The neighboring island can be done as a day trip—it’s just a quick boat ride away.
Time your visit correctly: From July to October, humpback whales can be seen as they migrate through the Pearl Islands.
Tonga, South Pacific
Overlooked compared to Fiji or Tahiti, Tonga’s 176 islands are ideal for experiencing authentic South Pacific culture in a relaxed, uncrowded environment. Attending a traditional feast (umu) or cultural performance is the best way to view local life firsthand.
There aren’t many places where you can swim with humpback whales, but Tonga is one of them. From July to October, avid divers make the long journey to Tonga to experience this once-in-a-lifetime swim. Even if you’re unable to visit during whale season, you’ll still be treated to gorgeous snorkeling, diving, and kayaking at the Ha’apai Islands.
Île Sainte-Marie, Madagascar
Once a pirate hideout, this island off the east coast of Madagascar is now one of the Indian Ocean’s best-kept secrets and known for its whale watching and idyllic surroundings. From June to September, humpback whales swim around Sainte-Marie. Guides lead groups to prime watching spots daily.
The swashbuckling history of Île Sainte-Marie can be uncovered with a visit to the Pirate Century, where 17th-century threats were laid to rest.
San Andrés, Colombia
Though officially part of Colombia, San Andrés lies closer to Nicaragua. Though known to Colombians, the island is often hailed as a hidden gem in the region. It’s a favorite for diving, with a lively island culture that combines Latin, African, and Caribbean influences.
Take a boat trip to this nearby Johnny Cay for snorkeling, beach lounging, and local seafood or swim in crystal-clear waters off the cliffs of La Piscinita. Hoyo Soplador, one of the island’s most unique attractions, is a natural geyser where ocean waves crash into a blowhole, creating impressive bursts of water.
Tobago, Trinidad & Tobago
Often overshadowed by its bigger sister, Trinidad, Tobago shouldn’t be skipped. Take a dip in Nylon Pool, a shallow lagoon with waters so clear you can see your toes. Buccoo Reef is another top marine attraction. The island’s most famous coral reef is best seen from a glass-bottom boat tour or lengthy snorkel.
On land, the Main Ridge Forest Reserve is the oldest protected rainforest in the Western Hemisphere. Carve out time to trek through this expansive forest, spotting exotic birds and wildlife.
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Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
