Uncovering the Underrated Gems of the Caribbean: Island Destinations

Are you looking for a Caribbean vacation that’s off the beaten path? You’ve come to the right place. The Caribbean is full of beautiful islands, each with its own unique culture, attractions, and activities—but most people only know about the most popular destinations. To help you uncover some of the Caribbean’s hidden gems, here are 12 of the most underrated island destinations.

1. Saba, Netherlands Antilles

Saba is a small island in the Netherlands Antilles with an area of only 13 square kilometers. Despite its size, this little island packs a lot of adventure. Saba is a popular destination for hikers and divers, with lush mountains, rugged coastlines, and pristine coral reefs. Visit Saba and you’ll find yourself surrounded by a diverse array of birds, sea turtles, and other wildlife. Plus, the island has a laid-back atmosphere and friendly locals that make it a great place to relax and enjoy the Caribbean sunshine.

2. Mayreau, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Mayreau is a tiny island in the St. Vincent and the Grenadines chain. The island itself is small, but its beauty is unmatched. Mayreau’s main attraction is its picturesque Saltwhistle Bay, which is home to a small fishing village and some of the best snorkeling and diving in the Caribbean. Mayreau is also a great base for exploring the surrounding islands, as it’s close to Mustique, Bequia, and the Tobago Cays.

3. Carriacou, Grenada

Carriacou is a small island located off the coast of Grenada. This little island is known for its colorful culture and vibrant festivals. Carriacou is the largest of the Grenadines islands and is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including rare birds, reptiles, and sea turtles. The island also boasts some of the best beaches in the Caribbean, with secluded coves, white sand, and crystal-clear waters.

4. Nevis, St. Kitts and Nevis

Nevis is a small, peaceful island in the Caribbean Sea. This island is known for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and friendly locals. Nevis is also home to some of the best diving and snorkeling in the Caribbean, with thriving coral reefs and abundant sea life. And if you’re looking for a little adventure, you can explore the island’s many hiking trails or take a guided tour of its historic sites.

5. Montserrat, Lesser Antilles

Montserrat is a tiny island in the Lesser Antilles chain. This island is often overlooked but is home to some of the Caribbean’s most stunning sights. Montserrat is known for its lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and secluded coves. Plus, the island is home to some of the region’s best diving and snorkeling spots. And if you’re looking for a unique experience, you can hike to the top of Montserrat’s Soufrière Hills volcano, which is still active.

6. Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands

Grand Turk is an island in the Turks and Caicos Islands chain. This island is known for its laid-back atmosphere and stunning white sand beaches. Grand Turk is also home to some of the region’s best diving and snorkeling spots, with vibrant coral reefs and an abundance of sea life. Plus, the island is a great base for exploring the surrounding islands, as it’s close to Providenciales, Salt Cay, and the other Caicos Islands.

7. Anguilla, British West Indies

Anguilla is a small island in the British West Indies known for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters. This island is a great destination for beach lovers, as it boasts over 30 stunning beaches. Anguilla is also home to a vibrant nightlife, with lively bars and clubs that stay open late. Plus, the island is known for its excellent restaurants, which serve up a variety of cuisines from around the world.

8. Saint-Barthélemy, French West Indies

Saint-Barthélemy, or St. Barts, is a small French island in the Caribbean Sea. This beautiful island is known for its upscale hotels, luxury villas, and stunning white sand beaches. St. Barts is also home to some of the world’s most exclusive restaurants, which serve up a variety of French and international dishes. Plus, the island is known for its lively nightlife, with bars and clubs that stay open late.

9. Anegada, British Virgin Islands

Anegada is a small island in the British Virgin Islands chain. This remote island is known for its secluded beaches, crystal-clear waters, and diverse wildlife. Anegada is also home to some of the Caribbean’s best snorkeling and diving spots, with vibrant coral reefs and an abundance of sea life. Plus, the island is a great base for exploring the surrounding islands, as it’s close to Jost Van Dyke and the other Virgin Islands.

10. Cat Island, Bahamas

Cat Island is a small island in the Bahamas known for its laid-back atmosphere and stunning beaches. This island is a great destination for beach lovers, as it boasts over 20 beautiful beaches. Cat Island is also home to some of the region’s best diving and snorkeling spots, with vibrant coral reefs and an abundance of sea life. Plus, the island is known for its excellent restaurants, which serve up a variety of local dishes.

11. Bequia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Bequia is a beautiful island in the St. Vincent and the Grenadines chain. This island is known for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and friendly locals. Bequia is also home to some of the Caribbean’s best diving and snorkeling spots, with vibrant coral reefs and an abundance of sea life. Plus, the island is a great base for exploring the surrounding islands, as it’s close to Mustique, Canouan, and the Tobago Cays.

12. Dominica, Lesser Antilles

Dominica is a small island in the Lesser Antilles chain. This island is known for its lush rainforests, rugged mountains, and stunning waterfalls. Dominica is also home to some of the region’s best diving and snorkeling spots, with vibrant coral reefs and an abundance of sea life. Plus, the island is a great base for exploring the surrounding islands, as it’s close to Guadeloupe, Martinique, and the other Windward Islands.

The Caribbean is full of beautiful islands, each with its own unique culture, attractions, and activities. With so many islands to choose from, it can be hard to decide which one to visit. But if you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience, these 12 underrated island destinations are the perfect place to start. From the lush rainforests of Dominica to the vibrant coral reefs of Bequia, the Caribbean’s hidden gems are sure to provide an unforgettable vacation experience.