By Ansa Javiad
From white sandy beaches to lush green rainforests, embark on a journey to discover the most scenic and underrated Caribbean islands.
The Caribbean is known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant culture, making it a popular destination for tourists from around the world. However, there are several underrated Caribbean islands that offer breathtaking natural beauty, rich history, and unique culture, yet often go unnoticed by travelers.
This article lists some of the most underrated Caribbean islands, each with its own distinct personality and charm. So, buckle up for an adventurous journey to discover why these islands are worth a visit for anyone seeking an off-the-beaten-path Caribbean experience.
Related: Island Hopping In Style: Exploring 10 Of The Caribbean's Best Kept Secrets By Cruise
10 Dominica
Ariel View Of Roseau, Dominica
Located in the Lesser Antilles region of the Eastern Caribbean Sea, Dominica is a mountainous Caribbean island known for its rugged natural beauty, numerous rivers, waterfalls, and lush rainforests. The island is often called "Nature Island" because of its unspoiled natural scenery and diverse animal and plant species, including numerous birds and reptiles. The island offers the world's second-largest hot springs and boiling lake, with various outdoor activities, including scuba diving, snorkeling, and hiking, making for a popular holiday destination for tourists.
9 Anguilla
Woman in a pool at a resort in Anguilla
Situated east of Puerto Rico and north of St. Martin, Anguilla is a British Overseas Territory in the eastern Caribbean famed for its world-class beaches and pristine waters, ideal for swimming, scuba diving, and snorkeling. Visitors can explore the various historical and cultural sites, including the Heritage Collection Museum, the Wallblake House, and the Old Salt Factory and Pump House, to peek into the island's rich heritage. The island is a true haven for foodies for its versatile carabiner cuisine centered around seafood, with numerous local restaurants serving the island's specialties, including johnnycakes, goat strew, and conch fritters.
8 Grenada
View from above St. George's, Grenada
Located in the southern Caribbean Sea, Grenada is the largest of Grenadine islands, renowned for its vibrant culture and incredible natural beauty. The island is also called the "Spice Isle" for its ample production of spices like nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon. Grenada boasts a vast range of animal and plant pieces, including various breeds of monkeys, exotic birds, and iguanas. The island features a mix of mountains, beaches, and rainforests with various waterfalls, including the most popular Concord and Annandale Falls, providing visitors with several sightseeing and hiking opportunities.
Related: Explore The Caribbean's Gem: A Comprehensive Dominican Republic Itinerary
7 St. Kitts And Nevis
A View Of Saint Kitts & Nevis Island
Nestled in the northern part of the Lesser Antilles, St. Kitts and Nevis is a small island in the Caribbean divided into two separate islands famed for its lush green rainforest, volcanic mountains, and pristine shoreline. The highlight of the island is Mount Liamuiga and the Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering a glimpse into the island's colonial past. Additionally, the island features some exotic beaches, including Pinney's Beach, ranked as one of the best beaches in the Caribbean, offering visitors an opportunity to soak in the incredible Caribbean beauty.
6 Tobago
Parlatuvier Bay, Tobago
Tobago is a small island located in the southern Caribbean Sea, part of the twin-island nation of Trinidad and Tobago. The island features some of the most incredible Caribbean beaches, including Pigeon Point Beach, offering opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving, with a diverse range of marine life and coral reefs to explore. Tobago is also famed for the scenic landscapes of the Main Ridge Forest Reserve, the oldest protected rainforest in the Western Hemisphere, inhabiting a range of flora and fauna, including several species of birds, monkeys, and butterflies.
5 Bonaire
Bonaire is a small Caribbean island located in the southern Caribbean Sea, near the coast of Venezuela. It is part of the Caribbean Netherlands, along with the islands of Aruba and Curaçao. The island is surrounded by one of the most extensive coral reef systems in the world, making it a popular destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. The highlight of this place is that Bonaire's marine park is home to over 400 species of fish, as well as sea turtles, dolphins, and other marine life. Additionally, visitors can explore the island's history and culture at sites like the Bonaire Museum and the Willemstoren Lighthouse, dating back to the 19th century.
Related: Is Punta Cana Safe? What To Know About This Caribbean Destination
4 Guadeloupe
A Beautiful View Of Pointe des Châteaux, Guadeloupe
Guadeloupe is a French overseas department located in the Caribbean Sea, known for its stunning beaches, diverse natural landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. The island is divided into two main sections, Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre, set apart by a narrow sea channel. Besides the beautiful sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife, the island also features various cultural and natural attractions, including the Carbet Falls, La Soufriere volcano, and the Guadeloupe National Park, covering over 17,000 acres of rainforest and inhabiting a wide range of flora and fauna, including several species of monkeys and birds.
3 Saba
Saba is a small Caribbean island located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea famed for its rugged natural beauty, with steep cliffs, lush rainforests, and pristine beaches. The island is surrounded by a protected marine park, inhabiting a wide variety of marine life, including colorful coral reefs, sea turtles, and tropical fish. Besides the pristine beaches, there are various historical and cultural sites like the Saba Museum and the historic village of Windwardside, featuring traditional Saban architecture and local crafts. Additionally, the island offers various outdoor recreational opportunities for the tourist, including hiking, swimming, diving, and snorkeling.
2 St. Vincent And The Grenadines
Scuba Diver Snorkeling In St. Vincent And The Grenadines
St. Vincent and the Grenadines is an island nation located in the southern Caribbean, made up of 32 islands and cays; St. Vincent is the largest island in the chain and is known for its rugged natural beauty, black sand beaches, rich history, and culture, with several historic sites, including the La Soufriere volcano, and the Botanical Gardens, dating back to the 18th century featuring a variety of tropical plants and flowers. The Grenadines are a chain of smaller islands and cays, a popular destination for sailing and boating enthusiasts, with several world-class marinas and yacht clubs.
Related: Top 10 Best Caribbean Islands To Visit For The Holidays
1 Martinique
Martinique is a Caribbean island located in the Lesser Antilles, known for its lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture, with a unique blend of French, African, and Caribbean influences. The island is home to several natural attractions, including the Montagne Pelée volcano, which last erupted in 1902 and is now a popular hiking destination, and the Balata Gardens, featuring a variety of tropical plants and flowers. The island is also popular for its vibrant culture, with a rich history and heritage, reflected in its art, music, and cuisine.
