Thousands of islands line the Caribbean, providing exotic travel opportunities. Visit St. Lucia to experience its enchanting beauty, with lush tropical forests, healing hot springs, and pristine beaches. See the twin volcanic peaks of Gros Piton and Anse Chastanet, as well as beautiful Marigot Bay.
Grenada’s pristine beaches attract many visitors, but there’s much more to discover on this tiny island. Visit Etang National Park and Forest, or hike in the mangroves to observe iguanas and herons.
Ambergris Caye
The country of Belize is a tropical paradise of pristine blue waters, beautiful beaches, and the world’s largest barrier reef. It features around 450 islands, called cayes, that stud the 185-mile-long Belize Barrier Reef making it a prime location for snorkeling and diving.
Ambergris Caye is the most popular island in Belize and is home to many fantastic hotels and resorts. It also has several great activities to enjoy including snorkeling, sailing, fishing, and diving. Plus there are plenty of amazing beaches to relax on with crystal clear water and soft white sand.
One of the best things to do on Ambergris Caye is to stand on a pier at dawn and listen to the surf lap against the coral sands while you gaze up into the sky for the bright flash of an elkhorn or staghorn coral as it rises from the sea. The majority of people who visit Belize come to swim and dive the reef so if that is what you want then you can find great hotels that include snorkeling and diving for the price of your stay.
The other popular activity on Ambergris Caye is a relaxing cruise to watch the sunset and see how the locals live. This is a great way to get to know the island and also to get away from the hustle of the main town San Pedro.
Another fun activity to enjoy is a trip to the Belize Chocolate Company. Here you can learn about the process of making chocolate and then taste a warm slice of their famous flourless chocolate cake. They serve it with ice cream and a cup of hot coffee on the side.
Gozo
A small island off Malta, Gozo is packed with secluded beaches, rugged coastal features, and awe-inducing natural wonders. But perhaps the most iconic feature of this Mediterranean oasis is its soaring hills. They form distinct landmarks over the sea and have even been used as the official emblem of the island.
The best place to soak up Gozo’s evocative landscape is from one of the island’s top lookout points, such as the one at Xlendi. From here, you can enjoy sweeping views over the sea and mountains, including the awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage Site of the enigmatic temples at Ggantija. Dedicated to the fertility goddess, these massive megalith stone slabs are an impressive relic of an ancient civilization.
While you’re on the lookout for stunning panoramas, make sure to take a detour to the enchanting Dwejra Bay. This secluded location is famed for its inland sea surrounded by high cliffs and was the site of the epic natural arch that was the Azure Window up until it was destroyed by nature in 2017.
It’s also worth checking out one of Gozo’s most dazzling man-made structures, Ta’ Pinu Basilica. This impressive construction is like nothing else on the planet and is a major draw for religious pilgrims from across the world.
As with Malta, Gozo is a destination where the local culture is very much alive and thriving. You can see this in the symphony of colors, sounds, and flavors offered by the islands’ cuisine. Thanks to centuries of cultural crossover, you can expect a mix of the very best Mediterranean foods (think incredible pasta and pastries reminiscent of Turkish burek) with some unique offerings that are uniquely Gozitan. Check out Thomas Cook Discount Codes for potential discounts and savings when exploring the vibrant local cuisine of Gozo and experiencing the rich flavors and traditions.
Taha’a
Less touristy than the other Society Islands, Taha’a offers a real glimpse of authenticity. This pearl surrounded by dreamy motu (islets) offers sensational views and is the perfect place to unwind and relax.
Its luxuriant and preserved vegetation is an invitation to hike along its many trails that pass through emerald forests and high viewpoints. Taha’a is also renowned for its vanilla production, and its famous plantations welcome you to discover the secrets of this precious crop and its sublime scent.
A visit to the pristine lagoon will delight any marine fauna enthusiast. Its crystal clear waters shelter a fantastic underwater world of marine flora and fauna including moray eels, grey sharks, Napoleon wrasse, shoals of barracuda, and trevallies.
Taha’a is also a paradise for food lovers, with its numerous gourmet restaurants and local markets. It’s also the perfect place for a pirogue race – an exceptional experience to watch and participate in.
In addition to its numerous hotels and boutique resorts, Taha’a boasts a magnificent lagoon that shelters a string of dream motu (islets). Take a cruise on the enchanting turquoise bay of Haamene and enjoy a picnic on one of the island’s idyllic beaches. You can also visit the famous vanilla plantations, a pearl farm, and a rum distillery. For a more active and cultural experience, join a Polynesian evening at Le Taha’a or the Taputapatea marae, an important place for the locals with an impressive sacred structure made of wood that is home to the Tiare Apetahi flower, unique in the whole world. You can also watch the incredible “la peche au Caillou” fishing festival where large stones are thrashed on the water’s surface to catch fish.
Palawan
As the Philippines’ largest island province, Palawan has it all. The pristine beaches are a paradise for relaxation, and snorkeling here is like entering an underwater Eden teeming with vibrant marine life. There are also plenty of adventure activities to keep you busy, including jungle treks and spelunking.
Known as the Cradle of Philippine Civilization, Palawan features historic sites and natural wonders alike. Culion Island, for example, was once a leper colony, but it now attracts people looking to find peace and reconnect with nature and themselves. And the Tubbataha Reef Marine Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can see pristine coral reefs, dolphins, and whales.
When you want to relax and unwind, the Maquinit Hot Springs is a tranquil oasis where you can soak in therapeutic thermal waters. And as the sun goes down, Long Beach is one of the most beautiful places to witness a spectacular sunset. The sky turns into a canvas of warm hues, reflecting off the tranquil waters and creating a truly magical scene.
As you explore the islands, make sure to sample the local cuisine. Try chicken inasal or pork barbeque (BBQ), grilled seafood, and other exotic dishes such as Tamilok (woodworm) or Halo Halo (ice cream and sweet preserved fruits mixed with evaporated milk and crushed ice). It’s an encounter that will extend your perspectives.
Cuba
Cuba is a Caribbean nation full of vibrant art, soul-stirring music, and villages cloaked in colonial charm. It’s an island brimming with natural beauty, and the country is now more accessible than ever thanks to looser travel restrictions. With nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it’s an incredible destination for adventurers seeking to immerse themselves in the rich culture of the island nation.
Cuba’s most popular activities include snorkeling in Cayo Santa Maria and watching the sunset in the Valle del Silencio. It’s an area of lush farmland and rocky coast that’s a photographer’s dream, with turquoise water and a variety of tropical fish. You can even spot sea sponges and coral in the waters of this national park.
Those who are more interested in learning about the island’s history can explore Museo Giron, a museum that focuses on the conflict between Castro and the United States that ultimately led to the embargo. The city of Havana is also worth visiting, and you can stroll along the famous Malecon for a relaxing experience.
In the eastern part of the island, you can visit Baracoa, which has a remote feel and was the oldest town in Cuba when it was founded in 1511. This area of the country is home to heavenly beaches and lush jungles. You can also tour the Cueva de San Ambrosio, a cave that contains the oldest artwork by African slaves in the country.
For a more active experience, you can take part in one of the many guided hikes offered in the Sierra Maestra Mountains. These hikes can last up to eight hours and are suitable for anyone. Other activities in the area include biking, horseback riding, and kayaking. The region is also home to a variety of reptiles, including the endemic forest-dwelling tocororo (Trogon temnurus) and the endangered mud turtle and hawkbill. Consider checking out the Travel Coupon Code for potential discounts and savings when planning your adventure in the Sierra Maestra Mountains.
Conclusion
Many exotic islands around the world are worth experiencing. From the stunning beaches of the Maldives to the rugged landscapes of Tasmania, each of these islands offers a unique adventure. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure, these five islands are sure to provide an unforgettable experience that you’ll cherish for years to come. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the beauty of these exotic destinations!