12 Lesser Known Caribbean Islands To Add To A Future Trip

Away from the big resorts and crowded cruise ship ports, the Caribbean offers dozens of smaller islands where you can enjoy a slower pace of life. These are places where you’ll find untouched beaches, smiling locals and a sense that you are onto something fresh and different from the tired tourist track. Whether you seek quiet time, introspection, a touch of culture, or simply the purest nature at its finest, these hidden gems offer all the warmth and beauty of the Caribbean without the crowds. Here are 12 islands that should be penciled in for your next trip.

1.  Bequia, SVG

Frequently overshadowed by its more famous neighbors, Bequia is a charming and low-key paradise renowned for its sailing culture. The port in the island’s Port Elizabeth harbor is filled with pastel colored shops, beachside cafés, and friendly smiles. Travelers can snorkel with sea turtles, visit the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary, or relax at Princess Margaret Beach. Bequia remains uncrowded and refreshingly authentic, offering a true glimpse into what life on a Caribbean island looks like when left untainted by mass tourism.

2. Saba, Netherlands Antilles

Steeply rising from the sea, Saba has earned the title “The Unspoiled Queen” and then some. This volcanic island is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, lush rainforest, and welcoming, close knit community. Instead of beaches, there are mountain trails, clear diving waters, and old world tranquillity. The island’s capital, The Bottom, is quaint with a timeless charm, and local inns welcome intimate stays. Saba is the place for travelers who crave adventure, an authentic vibe, and a leisurely island pace.

3. Dominica

Dubbed “The Nature Island,” Dominica’s waterfalls, hot springs and rainforests have less in common with the Caribbean than they do the Amazon. It’s a perfect spot for eco tourists who like hiking, diving or getting back to nature in its purest form. UNESCO Morne Trois Pitons National Park is home to the famous Boiling Lake and secret jungle paths. Dominica’s commitment to sustainability makes it a sanctuary for lovers of natural beauty, tranquility, and vibrancy.

4. Guadeloupe

A mix of Gallic glamour and easygoing charm, this four island archipelago is a world away from other Caribbean destinations. Its butterfly shaped islands are connected by bridges that traverse dense rainforests and golden beaches. Visitors can hike the active volcano, browse local markets, and feast on Creole cuisine. Guadeloupe’s French heritage is elegant, and its natural diversity is grounded and genuine. It is a place that yields to those curious enough to find it and wants you to arrive at your discoveries slowly.

5. Carriacou, Grenada

Just north of Grenada lies the small, peaceful, and perfectly unhurried island of Carriacou. Nicknamed “The Isle of Reefs,” it is surrounded by crystalline waters ideal for snorkeling and sailing. On the island, a palpable community atmosphere prevails, with vibrant festivals and friendly locals who welcome visitors as if they were old friends. Hillsborough, the main town, is bustling yet tranquil, offering a modest seaside allure without the crowds. Carriacou is unpretentious and easy, an antidote to the digital age.

6. Vieques, Puerto Rico

Vieques, a short ferry ride from mainland Puerto Rico, has long been celebrated for its quiet beaches and one of the world’s brightest bioluminescent bays. Wild horses run free on the island, creating an untamed beauty of their own. Guests can discover secluded coves, kayak through the luminescent night waters, or relax on Playa Negra’s volcanic sand. Accessible yet far flung, Vieques consistently offers travelers the ultimate blend of comfort and wilderness.

7. Anegada, British Virgin Islands

Unlike its mountainous neighbors, Anegada, a flat coral island, features white sand and turquoise shallows that stretch for miles. Famed for its lobster, hidden beaches, and salt ponds teeming with flamingos, it is one of the best kept secrets in the Caribbean. Visitors can scoot around by scooter, snorkel through shipwrecks, or feast on grilled seafood at a beach shack. The unhurried charm and natural beauty of Anegada, in particular, is perfect for travelers looking to really get away.

8. Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago

Where Trinidad is electric, Tobago offers peaceful beaches, waterfalls, and a strong local culture. The island’s rainforest reserve is one of the oldest in the Western Hemisphere, and a haven for bird watchers. Pigeon Point and Englishman’s Bay are postcard pretty, while small towns like Charlotteville serve up glimpses of real Caribbean life. Tobago is a place of deep, crystalline nature with an entirely unassuming vibe that makes everyone who arrives feel part of it, quite at home.

9. Isla Holbox, Mexico

Off Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Isla Holbox behaves like a private paradise. Here, cars are substituted with golf carts and streets are made of sand, not asphalt. The balmy blue waters are known for encounters with whale sharks, pink flamingos that call the place home, and surrounding sunsets to knock you clear over. Locals prize sustainability; they want development to remain low key and the natural environment to stay pristine. The laid back vibes of Holbox, with its colorful murals and turquoise beaches, are perfect additions to a Caribbean inspired trip.

10. Montserrat

Frequently referred to as “The Emerald Isle of the Caribbean,” Montserrat boasts volcanic peaks, black sandy beaches, and hardy people. It was transformed into a place of quiet strength and natural beauty after eruptions reshaped the island in the 1990s. Visitors can poke around the ruins of Plymouth, the island’s buried capital, or go for a hike through the verdant hillsides in the north. Montserrat offers solitude and a unique level of natural regeneration.

11. Salt Cay, Turks and Caicos

Small, peaceful, and seemingly frozen in time, Salt Cay is a world apart. Formerly a salt producer, the island today welcomes visitors to its unspoiled beaches and tranquil lifestyle. It’s also one of the best places for whale watching, from January to April. Its small inns and guesthouses make it a perfect spot for travelers seeking simplicity and connection. Salt Cay is a reminder that the absolute luxury of the Caribbean comes in open spaces, stillness, and a sea breeze.

12. Culebra, Puerto Rico

Remote and unspoiled, Culebra is famous for Flamenco Beach, on which days of the calendar are often spent ‘cleaning.’ Without large resorts or cruise ports, the island feels delightfully untouched. This place is all about the coral snorkeling, kayaking in placid bays, and walking on empty sand. The locals are friendly and open, eager to show off their island’s spectacular views. Old Time Culebra is a no frills Caribbean getaway that provides precisely what those looking for crave.