Why You Should Visit These 5 Lesser-Known Caribbean Islands
6 POPULAR DESTINATIONS BY LAND, AIR, AND SEA
If a Caribbean vacation appeals to you—but crowds do not—then consider the islands on this list. They haven’t attracted the same level of ultra-busy, tourist-oriented commercialism that some of their neighboring islands have. This makes them among the most unspoiled and uncrowded in the Caribbean, and ideal destinations in which to enjoy a more authentic slice of island life.
Windwardside, Saba. Photo by M.Torres mtcurado/iStock.com
SABA
How to Get Here: Fly nonstop to St. Maarten from 10 U.S. gateways aboard airlines such as American Airlines, JetBlue, Delta, and United. Then take a 12-minute flight or 90-minute ferry ride to Saba.
Not to Miss: Hike through rainforest to the top of Mount Scenery for sweeping Caribbean views.
This tiny Dutch-Caribbean Island proclaims itself the “Unspoiled Queen of the Caribbean.” At just 5 square miles, Saba (pronounced “Say-ba”) is a tiny speck of an island that has retained relative anonymity. It’s akin to the island of Molokai in Hawaii, and prides itself on its laid-backness and secret status. There are no sprawling all-inclusive resorts. No stop lights. No nightclubs. No Starbucks or McDonald’s. No major cruise ships port here.
Instead, visitors are more interested in being surrounded by nature and old-world Caribbean charm than by tourists. Located 28 miles southwest of St. Maarten, Saba is essentially the top of the dormant Mount Scenery volcano, with four small villages—Hell’s Gate, Windwardside, St. John, and the Bottom—wedged into the island’s valleys.
Because there are no sandy beaches on Saba, save a tiny black-sand “disappearing beach” at Well’s Bay, one of the biggest natural draws is what lies beneath its surrounding ocean waters. The Saba Marine Park is a renowned diving destination, home to stunning coral formations, sharks, dolphins, turtles, and underwater mountains created by long-ago volcanic activity. You’ll also find natural wonders on land— Saba is home to three different ecosystems (rainforest, dry forest and coastal/tide pools), plus miles and miles of hiking trails.
GRENADA
How to Get Here: JetBlue and American Airlines are among the airlines to offer nonstop flights out of New York, Boston, Miami, and Charlotte, respectively.
Not to Miss: Glass-bottom boat or snorkel trip to the Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park.
Grenada is also called the Spice Island—a nod to the numerous nutmeg plantations that help to create the sweet aroma that welcomes you. Be prepared to also breathe in the fragrances of fruits and flowers on this 120-square-mile slice of paradise that’s often compared to one giant garden.
Its flourishing rainforest, beautiful waterfalls, and quiet beaches are respites that will soothe and relax you, especially if you can make it to the milky-white sand of Grand Anse Beach, which regularly tops the lists of best beaches in the world. While some eastern European cruises do stop in Grenada’s capital of St. George’s, they aren’t as common as other Caribbean destinations where there are numerous ships in port each day—which means more Grenada for you.
Sunset at the port of Roseau in Dominica, Caribbean. Photo by NANCY PAUWELS/iStock.com
DOMINICA
How to Get Here: American Airlines flies direct from Miami.
Not to Miss: Whale watching—Dominica is home to more than 20 species of whales and dolphins and the only place in the world where sperm whales reside year-round.
Don’t confuse Dominica with the Dominican Republic. The latter is a much more commercialized island jammed with all-inclusive resorts and cruise ships. Dominica is not that. Much smaller in size and less well-known, this 290-square mile island is an off-the-beaten path paradise for those who want to immerse themselves in outdoor adventures that go well beyond lounging poolside with a cocktail.
Nicknamed the Nature Island, nearly two-thirds is covered by lush rainforest—plus it boasts 365 rivers and 12 waterfalls. Active endeavors in this pristine paradise abound: canyoning, river tubing, hiking, snorkeling, and more. While cruise ships do stop in Dominica, day-trippers miss out by not spending at least a week on just this island.
Dominica experts advise splitting a stay between the north and south regions of the island to better access key attractions. In Morne Trois Pitons National Park, you can swim in Emerald Pool, an Eden-like setting fed by a 40-foot waterfall, and Titou Gorge, where “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest” was filmed; or take a guided hike to Boiling Lake, the second-largest volcanic lake in the world.
At Champagne Reef, named for the bubbling waters rushing from volcanic thermal springs on the ocean floor, you’ll find dazzling underwater eye candy. To soothe achy muscles from the nonstop action, head to Wotten Waven to soak in its open-air thermal spa, surrounded by tropical rainforest.
Dominica also has a rich Creole culture—a fusion of West African, French, British, and Indigenous Kalinago influences—that is interwoven into the food, music, art, and fashion found on the island, especially during Carnival season in February and World Creole Music Festival in October.
Shirley Heights, Antigua and Barbuda. Photo by Sean Pavone/iStock.com
BARBUDA
How to Get Here: 90-minute ferry or 20-minute flight from Antigua; American Airlines flies nonstop to St. John’s, Antigua, from New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Charlotte, Dallas, and Miami.
Not to Miss: Any of its pink-sand beaches Barbuda is for those who seek a low-key Caribbean hideaway primarily centered around one thing: the beach. Pink beaches, to be more exact. Located about 30 miles north of Antigua, Barbuda is the smaller sister island to its better-known Caribbean big sister. Unlike Antigua, however, it’s remained virtually untouched by tourism. It helps that cruise ships don’t stop here (they port in Antigua), and Barbuda is home to only a handful of resorts.
The level of solitude that Barbuda provides attracted the likes of Princess Diana; Barbuda even renamed a beach after its beloved royal visitor. Most who vacation on Barbuda opt to relax on its alluring pink-sand beaches—arguably the pinkest in the Caribbean—which are framed by crystal-clear turquoise waters.
When you get the itch to step away from the sand, you’ll discover that snorkeling, caving, and birding are popular island activities. In fact, Barbuda is home to some 170 avian species, including the largest frigate bird colonies in the western hemisphere. Its world-renowned Frigate Bird Sanctuary is home to about 5,000 of these black-feathered birds. If you visit during mating season (September to April), you’ll get to witness the fascinating ritual.
Little Bay Beach, Anguilla. Photo by cdwheatley/iStock.com
ANGUILLA
How to Get Here: Fly to St. Maarten, which is serviced with nonstop and one-stop flights from major U.S. cities aboard American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, and United. Connecting flights usually go through San Juan, Puerto Rico. Then, take the 25-minute ferry or 10-minute flight to Anguilla.
Not to Miss: Take a boat to Sandy Island, a small patch of sand surrounded by clear turquoise waters, for an even more exclusive experience, complete with well-made rum punches and fresh-from-the-grill lobster and crayfish.
Anguilla has been described as a laid-back alternative to St. Barts: luxury with less splashiness. No wonder celebrities seeking anonymity tend to venture here. Just nine miles north of St. Maarten, Anguilla is a British territory that boasts 33 beaches dotting its 16-mile-long and 3-mile-wide coast. All have silky-white sand and unique personalities, from the secluded cove of Little Bay (only reachable by boat) to the breathtaking arc of Mead’s Bay. Even the most popular beaches, such as Shoal Bay, can feel deserted, helping you imagine it’s your own private paradise.
Beyond the beach you’ll find seven marine parks with sunken ships to explore, something that makes this island a diver’s paradise. Luxury oceanfront properties, such as the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla and the Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club, make this island an appealing escape for wealthy jetsetters and high-end honeymooners, But don’t let that dampen your budget-vacation aspirations. Affordable accommodations, eateries and activities do exist, especially if you visit in the off-season.