You may have been to one of these places. And of course, they have been discovered — in today’s world, it’s hard to hide anything. But most people haven’t discovered these far-off places in the Caribbean for themselves — the parts of the Caribbean you may not know exist. (Note: every destination on this list has a place where can actually stay). But when you do discover them, you’ll feel as though you have the entire place to yourself. Here’s a list of some of the great undiscovered places of the Caribbean. What’s your favourite undiscovered Caribbean getaway? Tell us in the comments section.
Great Inagua, Bahamas
This is the farthest south you can go in the Bahamian island chain. While Great Inagua has long been the home to the Morton Salt Company, it’s also the Bahamas’ birding capital. (There are also quite a few flamingos).
Terre-de-Haut, Les Saintes, Guadeloupe
You may not realize that Guadeloupe is, in fact, an archipelago, made up of a group of islands including Marie-Galante, La Desirade and Les Saintes. The charming Terre-de-Haut is part of Les Saintes, and has among the most beautiful bays in the region.
Ile a Vache, Haiti
Above: the view from the Abaka Bay Resort
Haiti itself is out of the consciousness of most travelers, but Ile a Vache is a hidden gem. There’s a reason the country is putting much of its new tourism hopes on this island. But for now, it can be your secret paradise.
Coche Island, Venezuela
Coche Island is between the more famous Margarita Island and the coast of Venezuela. With just a few small towns, it’s ripe for exploration. And the beaches are terrific.
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Part of the so-called Spanish Virgin Islands, Culebra is a quiet, low-key getaway from the main island. It’s even sleepier than neighbouring Vieques. Culebra is actually an archipelago of 24 islands.
Carriacou
Above: the Green Roof Inn
Most people forget that Grenada is actually a tri-island state: with Grenada, Petite Martinique and Carriacou. The latter is actually a part of the Grenadine chain (the largest, in fact), and a beautiful place to enjoy the wonders of the sea.
Guana Island – BVI
There are any number of private sanctuaries within the British Virgin Islands chain, including Guana Island, a private island with its own resort. The property calls itself the “Caribbean before it went public,” and that’s an apt description.
Bocas del Dragon — Trinidad
There aren’t any hotels on these islands, but there are a number of rental villas. Just a few miles away from Venezuela, these islands have some spectacular vistas — and you can only get there by boat.
Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
Central America tends to get forgotten when one thinks about the Caribbean. But six Central American countries have a Caribbean coast, including Costa Rica. Puerto Viejo is a fascinating, truly Caribbean contrast to the Pacific side of the country.
Isla Carenero, Panama
Above: the Careening Cay Resort on Isla Carenero
You may have heard of Bocas del Toro, a popular destination on Panama’s Caribbean coast. But Bocas del Toro is actually an archipelago, and Isla Carenero is an oasis. It’ s said to have been the last stopping point for Christopher Columbus before his final voyage back to Spain.
Roatan, Honduras
Above: the Bananarama resort
One of the Bay Islands on Honduras’ Caribbean coast near the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, Roatan has become a magnet for divers. And unlike the rest of Honduras, English is actually the primary language.
Los Roques, Venezuela
This archipelago in the Venezuelan Caribbean is actually a national park. There’s just something about the water here.
Montserrat
Ok, so you’ve read about Montserrat quite a bit in CJ. But the volcanic island is still off the beaten path for tourists. While Montserrat is slowly redeveloping tourism, it’s a fascinating destination.
Union Island, St Vincent and the Grenadines
You can see Grenada from this small island in the Grenadines. It’s best used as a jumping off point to visit the enchanting Tobago Cays Marine Park.
Ilet Oscar, Martinique
This tiny islet off the coast of Martinique is home to the Maison D’Hote de L’ilet Oscar, a four-room house where you can channel your inner Robinson Crusoe.
Salt Cay, Turks and Caicos
Above: the Castaway on Salt Cay
For many Caribbean insiders, Salt Cay has some of the best beaches in the entire Caribbean. Take your pick — there aren’t exactly lines to get in.
Saba
Photo: Cees Timmers
The Dutch Caribbean island of Saba is basically a big rock in the Caribbean Sea. (A volcanic one, actually). With a very small tourism industry, and it’s definitely worth the trip.