Escape the Crowds and Discover the Hidden Gems of the Caribbean for Your Next Island Adventures
Do you want to follow the crowds and visit the same old Caribbean islands where every cruise ship stops? If you’re ready to set sail off the beaten path, it’s time to discover the hidden gems of the Caribbean!
These unique Caribbean islands are often overlooked by cruise ships, but they offer some of the region’s most beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and unique cultural experiences.
So grab your sunscreen, pack your bags, and get ready to explore Caribbean Islands like never before!
- Saba: This small island in the Dutch Caribbean is often overlooked by cruise ships due to its lack of a deep-water port. However, Saba is an excellent destination for hikers and nature lovers, with its towering volcanic peak, lush rainforests, and abundant marine life.
- Anegada: This tiny island is part of the British Virgin Islands and is the only coral atoll in the Caribbean. It’s known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities.
- Bequia: Part of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, this Caribbean island has a relaxed, laid-back vibe. It’s known for its picturesque harbor, colorful houses, beautiful beaches, and local arts and crafts.
- Marie-Galante: This small island is part of Guadeloupe and is known for its stunning white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. It’s also a great place to sample local rum, as several distilleries are on the island.
- Nevis: Nevis is part of the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis. It’s known for its natural beauty and rich history. It’s home to the Nevis Peak volcano and several beautiful beaches and historical landmarks.
- Tobago: This island is part of Trinidad and Tobago and is often overshadowed by its larger neighbor. However, Tobago has plenty to offer visitors, including beautiful beaches, excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities, and a vibrant local culture.
- Bimini: Part of the Bahamas island chain, Bimini is known for its clear waters and great snorkeling and diving opportunities, as well as its connections to famous writers like Ernest Hemingway.
- Le Désirade Literally means “The Forgotten” and is part of the Guadeloupe chain of islands. The church of Notre-Dame-du-Bon-Secours is a feature, while traditional crafts and artisanal products, including pottery, weaving, and embroidery can be found here.
- Little Cayman: Viewing rare species of birds like the Cayman Brac Parrot and the West Indian Whistling Duck kicks off many outdoor activities, from exploring nature reserves and hiking trails to fishing and water sports. The island also has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, with a small community of residents and a handful of restaurants, shops, and accommodations to cater to visitors.
Did you know?
These lesser-known Caribbean islands is that they often have a unique mix of cultures and influences. For example, Montserrat’s island has a population descended from enslaved Africans and Irish indentured servants.
In contrast, Guadeloupe has a solid French influence due to its status as a French Overseas Department. This blend of cultures can be seen in everything from the local cuisine to the music and arts of these Caribbean islands, making them even more fascinating to explore.
History:
The history of these lesser-known Caribbean islands is often tied to their geography and lack of essential ports or infrastructure. Many of these islands were colonized by European powers like France, Britain, and the Netherlands but were often overlooked by these powers due to their smaller size and lack of resources.
As a result, these Caribbean islands developed unique cultures and traditions that blended elements of European, African, and indigenous cultures. In recent times, tourism has become a primary industry in the Caribbean, and many of these islands have begun developing infrastructure and amenities to attract visitors.
These days, these lesser-known Caribbean islands still maintain a more relaxed, laid-back vibe than some of the more heavily touristed islands in the region.
