least touristy caribbean islands
So Curacao can be a great destination to consider if you’re traveling during hurricane season. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. This quiet little French Caribbean island sits a few kilometers... St. Eustatius, Netherlands Antilles. Enjoy adventures like scuba diving and skydiving, in between bar hopping on the beach, sampling rum cocktails and eating local dishes. - Much has been written about the attitude of local populations towards tourists. Dive into the surrounding waters to discover the wonderful world of colorful corals and sponges, as well as hundreds of meters of the old town walls and 17th-century warehouse ruins waiting to be explored. St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ visitors are spread out over the 33 islands that comprise the country. Instead, the tropical island is teeming with rare and exotic life forms including 35 globally endangered or vulnerable species and boasts several natural wonders such as coral reefs, seagrass beds, and woodlands. Montserrat’s population and tourism industry was severely impacted by a major eruption of the previously dormant Soufriere Hills volcano in 1995, which displaced many residents and decimated parts of the island. It is a small quiet island with beautiful beaches and relatively easy to get to. Estimated 2017 stay-over tourists: 77,231 Although it’s only 35 square miles, Anguilla has all of 33 sparkling white-sand beaches lapped by the gentle waves of turquoise-colored Caribbean waters. (Although there are plenty of beautiful beaches here, too.) Saint Eustatius: Diving Site. Don’t leave the island without trying Goat Water, a tasty stew which is the national dish of Montserrat. Some lists include Bermuda, which is located about 1,590 kilometres (990 mi) from any Caribbean island, Guyana and Belize. Enjoy these spices in mouthwatering local dishes and take back some spices with you. Ireland: Sale on Small-Group Tours w/Air,... 7 Things You Should Never Do in the Caribbean. JSTOR (July 2016) ( Learn how and when to remove this template message) This is a list of islands in the Caribbean by area. Unlike its metropolitan, party-hard big brother Trinidad, little Tobago is content to be a laid-back and natural Caribbean beauty. Ursula Petula Barzey is an award-winning digital content creator and founder of Caribbean & Co. She is passionate about all things related to the Caribbean especially Montserrat from which her family hails! A good pair has saved my sleep and sanity many times!". Two unique islands, St. Kitts and Nevis, make up this country that was once known as the gateway to the Caribbean. So if you’re looking for an island getaway without the crowds, you’ll want to consider these secret Caribbean islands. Photo Credit: © Discover Dominica Authority. Less touristy… I haven't been to the caribbean … Estimated 2017 stay-over tourists: 9,200 Saba is another of the most exquisite destinations in the Caribbean and remains mostly untouched by the bustle of tourism. Anguilla has 33 white sand beaches, year-round water temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and world-class snorkeling. Known as the “nature island,” Dominica is the Caribbean destination for people who get bored sitting on the beach. They account for 76% of the stay-over visitors to the region. The two main islands, West & East Falkland, are untouched breeding grounds for a variety of birds. But who knows how long it will stay that way. Barbuda is essentially a long strip of sandy beach with the highest point on the island … It’s less touristy than some of the other major islands in the Caribbean and still has an authentic feel to it. Barbuda is essentially a long strip of sandy beach with the highest point on the island reaching only 124 feet. And for honeymooners and nature lovers who want to get away from it all, Montserrat is the perfect Caribbean destination. Montserrat: Soufrière Hills Volcano. The island is known for its cuisine – a mixture of Spanish, African, and Taino – plus its strong rum and impressive architecture. Do Travelers Still Need to Worry About the Zika Virus in 2019? We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. What it doesn’t have are crowds: the secret isn’t out yet about this stunning Caribbean island. Any advice on a less touristy destination? She loves traveling the region in search of the best cultural and foodie adventures, places to stay and live/work opportunities. Things you buy may earn us a commission. Updated 06/26/19. and now are reaping the benefits. Puerto Rico is one of the jewels of the Caribbean. Accommodations range from luxury resorts to quaint villas and guest houses, in addition to over 100 restaurants where visitors can indulge in local crayfish and lobster dishes or relish international cuisine. High unemployment rates, a lack of economic … But for amazing beaches and easy drive on the island Antigua is my favorite so far. Mango-shaped St. Lucia is just 27 miles long and 14 miles wide, but the island’s slow and winding roads can make getting between the north and south a half-day journey. You may even like St. John, USVI. It is also the closest Caribbean Island to the United Sates, just 83 miles from Florida. . Tue, 18 Aug 2015 21:16:13 +0000. Dominica is rated as one of the world’s top ten diving spots and is the only country where sperm whales reside year-round. Follow her on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline for photos from around the world. In a world changed by coronavirus, Anguilla is set to provide pristine beaches, secluded resorts, like the Shoal Bay Villas, and a sublime opportunity for you to truly get away from the madness … I haven't been to the caribbean coast of central america, so I can't comment. Be the first to discover secret destinations, travel hacks, and more. By Donna Heiderstadt. Photo Credit: ©Derek Galon via Montserrat Tourism Division. Just remember, even though Virgin Gorda is the second large British Virgin Island, it is small. All utilities have been restored on the posh French Caribbean island, but most of St. Barts’ 16 hotels (including the first, Eden Rock) won’t reopen until summer or fall. Explore lush rainforests, jaw-dropping waterfalls, and stroll through the oldest botanic gardens in the Western Hemisphere. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. Now, the active volcano draws in tourists looking to safely see a volcano from afar. But these 10 gems unspoiled by the cruising throngs are terrific holdouts of authentic island life. So do you fancy any of these least visited Caribbean islands for your next vacation? By. Grenada is also known as ‘The Spice Isle’ due to an abundance of rich spices grown and harvested on its islands. Her stories have also appeared online at USA Today, Business Insider, Huffington Post, Yahoo, Boston.com, TripAdvisor, Buzzfeed, Jetsetter, Oyster, Airfarewatchdog, and others. Although the BVI is a territory of Great Britain, these islands are definitely more Caribbean than European, with warm weather and a laid-back vibe. They represent just 3% of the stay-over visitors to the region, but some would say these beautiful and mostly pristine Caribbean islands are a fantastic opportunity for tourists to the region to have a more authentic experience — to discover the Caribbean the way it used to be. I know that I'm asking for over-generalizations. Alistair Homer/Shutterstock. What are the most expensive countries to visit in the Caribbean Islands? The 7 Least-Visited Caribbean Islands—From Antigua and Barbuda to Montserrat | Condé Nast Traveler 7 Secret Caribbean Islands You'll Want to Keep to Yourself Caribbean islands are already … Estimated 2017 stay-over tourists: 8,808 Lush green mountains abound on the island of Montserrat, known as the ‘Emerald Isle’ of the Caribbean. Anguilla: CuisinArt Golf Resort Spa Beach. Bonaire: Diving Site. With a population of 0.28 people per square kilometer, the Falkland Islands, another territory under UK jurisdiction, is the third least densely populated territory on Earth.The Falkland Islands is technically an archipelago comprised of 778 islands, with a total population of 3,398 inhabitants. Held in the days before Ash Wednesday, this yearly festival starts at 4 am on Monday and doesn’t stop until Wednesday. The island’s downtown is far from impressive—it’s filled with plain buildings and less-than-welcoming duty-free shops—but what San Andrés lacks in colorful buildings, it makes up for with stunning beaches. Nevis: Lush Jungle Landscapes and a Dash of Luxury. The Caribbean Islands That You Can Travel to Now Pummeled by Zika, hurricanes, and now Covid-19, the Caribbean is desperate to reenergize tourism. Unspoilt beaches, rolling hills and NO tourists in sight: Inside the world's least visited countries. Seeking … Curaçao is one of the lucky Caribbean islands in the ABC group (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao), which are hit less often by hurricanes. The award for the most underdeveloped island in the Caribbean goes to Barbuda -- and this is a compliment. The Handy Item I Always Pack: "Earplugs. Any other islands recommended? In the Caribbean and the Bahamas, islands without cruise ships are disappearing. Our map and report provides details on each country's entry requirements for U.S. visitors. The two islands of Trinidad and Tobago are about 50 miles apart—you can easily take an inexpensive ferry or a quick flight between the two. Photo Credit: © Tourism Corporation Bonaire. Secret Caribbean Islands: The 10 Least Visited. Robert Curley. An island that still retains the color and adventure of the Old Caribbean, the tiny isle of Bequia, part of the State of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, is a true hidden treasure as one of the few unspoiled islands throughout the Caribbean Sea. … I'm heading to Grenada in June and it looks like the island that matches most of your criteria. St Vincent & The Grenadines: Palm Island. The Windward Islands include Grenada, St. Lucia, Dominica, and St. Vincent. This means our people, economy and future are far more likely to be wrecked by COVID-19 than nations with more diversified economies. 3. Located in the West Indies between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, the country of Antigua and Barbuda is made up of the two eponymous islands plus a number of smaller islands. Yes, you can (and should) visit the Caribbean during hurricane season. The island's total population is a relatively scant 180,000 people, and most live in the Rodney Bay area, within walking distance to internationally known Reduit Beach on the island's … Actual 2017 stay-over tourists: 81,140 Known as ‘The Nature Island’, Dominica (pronounced Dom-in-EEK-a) boasts tropical rainforests that host a plethora of wildlife and more than 1,000 plant species. The sister island to Antigua, Barbuda is only 62 square miles, reachable by 20-minute flight or 3-hour boat ride. Photo Credit: © Sean Pavone/ Adobe. Photo Credit: © Radioflux via Wikimedia Commons. All Rights Reserved. Visitors are drawn to the allure of old Caribbean charm and unparalleled splendor. Crowd-Free Caribbean Islands: 7 Remote Getaways. While there, explore the Port of Gustavia, a decades-old symbol of the country’s economic development. No glitz and glamour here, just plenty of friendly locals, ever-flowing rum punch and dazzling turquoise waters perfect for snorkeling. The Caribbean Islands That You Can Travel to Now. Scenery, the highest point in the Dutch Kingdom, rewards the traveler with spectacular views. Today, airports and hotels here are shuttered, unemployment throughout the region is soaring, and nobody knows when these tourism sector jobs … Each one of the 22 cottages on the 113-acre island is a model of serene … Abundant coral reefs and shipwrecks make it a world-class diving and snorkeling destination. Photo Credit: ©St Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation. British Government Denied Montserrat’s Request to Launch A Citizenship By Investment Program, 3 Caribbean Gardens at the 2015 RHS Chelsea Flower Show. A stone’s throw away from St. Maarten, Saba is a diver’s paradise with year-round tropical temperatures perfect for exploring striking reefs of fish and coral. In the south, you’ll find the iconic Pitons that have made St. Lucia famous, along with some of the country’s best beaches. You may even like St. John, USVI. I've been looking at Bonaire. Tourist-based economies like ours throughout the Caribbean region have limited social safety nets. We are NOT all-inclusive type of travelers. Here’s what that means for you. Caribbean islands have put protocols in place for travelers. So check out these least visited Caribbean islands and consider one or more for your next vacation. Curaçao stands out from the rest of the Caribbean in more ways than just weather—it’s been part of the Netherlands since it was colonized in the 1600s, and the European influence is strong today, showing up in everything from the cuisine to the architecture. The award for the most underdeveloped island in the Caribbean goes to Barbuda -- and this is a compliment. It’s worth experiencing both Tobago’s beaches and its wild interior. Nicknamed the Emerald Isle for both its lush tropical forests and its ties to Ireland, ... Anguilla: 68,000 Visitors. Report. Separated by a short gap of sky-blue Caribbean Sea in the midst of the Leeward Islands, the duo that makes up Antigua and Barbuda represent one of the region’s most well-rounded tourist draws. It’s home to the historic UNESCO Brimstone Hill Fortress once known as the ‘Gibraltar of the West Indies’. © 2021 Smarter Travel Media LLC. By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. If you crave some peace and quiet, consider these under-the-radar Caribbean islands. Tobago was purportedly the inspiration for Robinson Crusoe, and even though the deserted beaches … From the lush rainforest to the dormant Mount Liamuiga volcano, there are plenty of hiking opportunities on these islands. Note: This story is based off data from the most recent UNWTO Tourism statistical annex, ternational tourism arrivals as a standard of measurement. Nevis is smaller and quieter, and has a distinctive volcanic mountain that dominates the landscape. Our map and report provides details on each country's entry requirements for U.S. visitors. Pummeled by Zika, hurricanes, and now Covid-19, the Caribbean … I have heard Tenerife harbours much beauty besides if your keen to look further.We're keen to look further! Grand Anse beach in the south west with white sand beach and turquoise water and north that has rainforest feel. The smaller and … … Caroline joined Boston-based SmarterTravel in 2011 after living in Ireland, London, and Manhattan. I'm from Cyprus originally - have seen the damage an uncapped tourist industry can do to a beautiful island and have a DEEP seated hatred of all things touristy. Updated Feb. 22. Dominica: Canoe on Indian River. Unlike most Caribbean islands, it's located outside of Hurricane Alley, making it safe in several senses. 11 Least-Crowded Islands in the Caribbean Bonaire. Caribbean tourism is hot right now, with tourist arrivals increasing by 12 percent in the first quarter of 2019. The Least-Visited Destinations 1. Beach at the Four Seasons Resort Nevis/Oyster. To present you with the 25 Best Caribbean Islands to visit in 2021, we used a points system according to the most number of appearances of the island per search. As we noted though, most crime in the Caribbean is an internal problem and is linked to inner-city areas well away from tourist resorts. The privately owned Petit St. Vincent is one of the Caribbean's top honeymoon destinations and a favored pit stop for yachters. St. Vincent is the largest island, while the Grenadines account for the remaining 32 islands, some of which are uninhabited. Saint Kitts: A view of the scenic ‘sugar’ railway. Occupying an area of 42,803 square miles and with more than 4000 smaller islands, Cuba is the largest Island in the Caribbean. More than 7,000 islands are in the Caribbean Sea, and out of all of them, Montserrat, part of the Lesser Antilles, is the least visited. Discover the natural appeal of the Welchman Hall Gully and Flower Forest or go on an … In addition to kitesurfing, windsurfing, sailing, and fishing, visitors can appreciate the natural beauty of the coastline and mangroves while kayaking on the Lac Bay lagoon. The 9 Most Underrated Caribbean Destinations You Need to Visit Now. Sign up for our free newsletter. The Best Caribbean Islands To Avoid Tourists Terre-De-Haut, Îles Des Saintes, French West Indies. At its peak is the Elfin Forest, a movie-like scene of mysterious clouds that gently cover Epiphytes, orchids and a myriad of other unique and rare plants. If for no other reason, go to Martinique to try the local cuisine, a tasty blend of French and Creole. You can also reach Anguilla by ferry from one of the nearby islands, or via air from St. Maarten and Antigua. What’s left of the island are evergreen mountains dotted with spectacular hiking trails and mysterious dark sand beaches. By Alexis Lipsitz. Anguilla, 68,000 Beach at Zemi … In short, if you’re heading out from your resort, make sure you do your research and stay away from bad neighborhoods. Note: Originally published September 15th, 2014, this post was updated April 10th, 2018. For info on these editor-selected items, click to visit the seller’s site. On the basis of crime rates, some of the least safe Caribbean Islands to visit include Puerto Rico, Haiti, Trinidad and Tobago. But for amazing beaches and easy drive on the island Antigua is my favorite so far. Launched in 2014, Caribbean & Co. has won five travel media awards. The former capital Plymouth is now a modern-day Pompeii, Plymouth buried in volcanic ash from the 1995 eruption of the Soufriere Hills Volcano. St. Vincent and Grenadines: 76,000 Visitors. The warm, tropical weather makes the island a preferred tourist destination. Caroline Morse Teel is a Senior Editor at SmarterTravel. I'm heading to Grenada in June and it looks like the island that matches most of your criteria. Nicknamed the Emerald Isle for both its lush tropical forests and its ties to Ireland, Montserrat is one of the smallest islands in the Caribbean. Airlines are adding flights to Martinique and tourism is expected to boomin the near future. She's traveled to all seven continents, jumped out of planes, and bungeed off bridges in the pursuit of a good story. If you love scuba diving, then Bonaire—located in the Leeward Antilles off the coast of Venezuela—is the... Bird Island. Like most Caribbean islands, Barbados has a tropical climate boasting average temperatures of between 24°C and 29°C making it the perfect winter getaway. It is a small quiet island with beautiful beaches and relatively easy to get to. This is one of the cheapest places to live in the Caribbean … The least expensive countries for travel in the Caribbean Islands are currently Cuba ($34.47), Haiti ($51.40), Jamaica ($102.41), Dominican Republic ($106.98), and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines ($132.43). An island of just 10 square miles, San Andrés has a low number of tourists compared to its popular neighbors like Nicaragua. 12 Caribbean Islands Least Affected by the Pandemic. Grand Anse beach in the south west with white sand beach and turquoise water and north that has rainforest feel. Grenada: Hog Island. The island’s only two villages have managed to maintain the traditional architecture, inviting you to meander the narrow streets. Travelers are drawn to the warmth of the island and its people, basking on its white sand beaches and countless off-road adventures. Actual 2017 stay-over tourists: 146,375 Top of the list of least visited Caribbean islands is Grenada and the iconic Grand Anse Beach is one of the leading attractions in Grenada, where the gleaming blue waters of the Caribbean Sea gently lap the two-mile stretch of pristine white sand. We recently published the top 10 most visited Caribbean islands based on data from the Caribbean Tourism Organization. Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Montserrat offers travelers a friendly Caribbean charm blended with modern villa accommodations and nature-themed attractions for a serene vacation experience. You may also want to look into Anguilla. View last reply. Dominica: 79,000 Visitors. Best Secluded Beaches & Romantic Hideaways. https://traveltips.usatoday.com/least-visited-out-caribbean-islands-108387.html Photo Credit: © Grenada Tourism Authority. Trinidad and Tobago is the Caribbean’s southernmost country, but it’s worth the longer flight to get here. Estimated 2017 stay-over tourists: 136,000 The tiny island of Bonaire boasts stunning beaches and a vast underwater paradise for some of the best diving in the southern Caribbean. Caribbean islands have put protocols in place for travelers. It’s a stone’s throw from the protected Johnny Cay Natural Regional Park, the Cueva de Morgan hidden cave and … Tripsavvy's Editorial Guidelines . Updated Feb. 22. You won’t find mass tourism here. Grenada is currently one of the least touristy islands, but not for long: The number of tourists increased 17.6% last year, one of the biggest jumps in the Caribbean, according to OneCaribbean. St. CroixBest for: Culture, history, and food.Although its the largest of the three islands, St. Croix sees the fewest tourists, making it a great destination if you want a less commercialized Caribbean experience. Explore the island’s seemingly endless caverns made up of an estimated 400 caves that form part of the local ecosystem. Robert Curley is a freelance writer and guidebook author specializing in Caribbean Island and Rhode Island travel. Regular ferries allow visitors to pack several experiences into one vacation, hopping between its nine inhabited islands – St Vincent, Young Island, Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, Mayreau, Union Island, Palm Island and Petit St Vincent. The north and south of St. Lucia offer two completely different experiences. With a choice of 63 official dive sites, divers can explore hundreds of fish species and an array of soft and stony coral. This post has been removed by its author. Photo Credit: © St Kitts Tourism Authority. All in all, there are about 50 islands in the Caribbean, ranging from small coral outcrops to large nations. On land, ‘Climbing The Quill’ is a highly recommended activity, where giant trees and colorful flowers grow in abundance. Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Aisle (when the first class private suite isn't available).". Explore the Saint Kitts Scenic Railway Tour – the only one of its kind in the Caribbean. Dominica is one of the best islands in the Caribbean for hiking, and recently opened the 115-mile Waitukubuli National Trail, the first long-distance walking trail in the Caribbean. Montserrat, 8,000 Montserrat; size4riggerboots/Flickr Montserrat is part of the Caribbean’s Leeward Islands and is... 2. With over 50 islands, you’re sure to find one that’s perfect for you in the British Virgin Islands, or BVI. Jeff Bogle Updated: Sep. 12, 2020. Estimated 2017 stay-over tourists: 11,000 Saint Eustatius the Dutch island remains one of few destinations in the Caribbean that is still unspoiled and naturally beautiful thanks. Only the main island, Funafuti, has an airport. (The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands are not in the Caribbean Sea, but rather in the open North Atlantic Ocean.) The sister island to Antigua, Barbuda is only 62 square miles, reachable by 20-minute flight or 3-hour boat ride. Hiking, canyoning, and a world-famous boiling lake add to Dominica’s natural appeal. It experiences a tropical climate with hot and humid weather. Aside from one incident in which two people were murdered within 24 hours in 2017, Bonaire doesn't have much major crime. Just a little bungalow on a beach would suit us just fine, but some good food would be appreciated. Distinct Climates in Popular Caribbean Islands Jamaica. Visitors can also enjoy sailing, scuba diving, kite surfing, and paddleboarding. The only islands I would suggest avoiding would be St. Maarten, Aruba, Cozumel, New Providence and Grand Bahama Island Bahamas, certain tourist enclaves of Jamaica and Dominican Republic (but … Saba: View from Mount Scenery. Antigua and Barbuda: Visitors 12 years old and older are required to … Photo Credit: © Anguilla Tourist Board. ONLINE. Suba diving and snorkeling are other tourist activities in the Virgin Island national park. Actual 2017 stay-over tourists: 75,972 Fifth on the list of least visited Caribbean islands is Saint Vincent & The Grenadines well-known for the diverse and rich character of its people and landscape. St. Kitts is the larger of the two, and offers lively nightlife, plenty of lodging options, and local culture. 2. lcsainio. Travel Smarter! What are the cheapest countries to visit in the Caribbean Islands? Among its imposing beaches are Marigot, known for impressive snorkeling, and Anse des Cayes beach – a favorite of surfers. 9 Cuba. With its lush and verdant vegetation, natural springs, and crystal-clear waters (perfect for snorkeling), this unspoiled paradise in the Cyclades is an ideal destination for a peaceful vacation far from the madding crowd. The natural beauty of Cuba is renowned worldwide. But these 10 gems unspoiled by the cruising throngs are terrific holdouts of authentic island life. Estimated 2017 stay-over tourists: 124,692 Unspoiled beaches and spectacular landscapes await visitors to the twin island of St. Kitts & Nevis. We recommend basing your visit out of Christiansted, where you can tour the historic fort and catch a boat to nearby Buck Island for snorkeling at one of the only three underwater national monuments in the United States. With more than 100 tiny islands scattered across the South Pacific, the country of Tuvalu is among the world's most isolated nations. Estimated 2017 stay-over tourists: 70,000 At just eight square miles, the island of Saint Barthélemy (casually known as St. Barts) is exquisite in its beauty with sparkling white sand gently hugging its rugged coastline. Go back in time to Gustavia and see the Anglican Church built between 1853-1855, and which still has much of the original structure today. Discover the old charm of Bequia’s villages and go snorkeling with hawksbill turtles in Tobago Cays. https://www.caribbeanandco.com/10-least-visited-caribbean-islands She loves exploring off-the-beaten path destinations, anything outdoorsy, and all things adventure. Visitors can even join in the fun by buying a costume from one of the Carnival bands and joining in the parade for a true local experience. Martinique is a less touristy islandin the Caribbean, offering many chances for tourists to interact with authentic island culture. The Caribbean has seen a few high-profile incidents in its day, prompting the U.S. State Department to tack travel advisories onto quite a few of its islands. Jamaica is one of the most popular islands in the Caribbean. Tortola is the main island and home to the capital city, Road Town. You may also want to look into Anguilla. Ultimate Bucket List Experience: Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro.