By Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon
CJ Travel Editor
Out of the way and sometimes challenging to reach, the Caribbean’s smaller isles are often overlooked. But here are seven gems that we consider to be desirable as they are diminutive, and well worth that extra flight or ferry ride.
Nevis
There’s something magical about St. Kitts’ sister island. It might be something in the calm warm water or it could be the magnetic pull of Mount Nevis, the volcanic peak in the center of the 10-square-mile island. Whatever it is, this gem is a must-visit.
Marie Galante, Guadeloupe
If you’re looking for a pastoral Old-Caribbean paradise where you’re more likely to see oxen-pulled carts than souped-up SUVs tooling along narrow roads, say “oui” to this 61-square-mile French outpost.
Harbour Island, Bahamas
Just off Eleuthera, this Out Island is as famous for its three miles of pink sands as it is for the famous visitors (Lenny Kravitz, Diane Von Furstenburg, Mick Jagger) who decamp at its boutique hotels and chic villas.
Virgin Gorda
Since it’s a popular stop for cruisers and boaters, overnighting on this British Virgin might be the best way to ensure that you’ll be able to enjoy The Baths – that photogenic collection of massive waterfront granite boulders that are icons of the 8-square-mile isle – all to yourself.
Great Exuma, Bahamas
If you like the Bahamas, you love the Exumas, an archipelago of about 300 cays 35 miles south of Nassau. Great Exuma is the largest, and the perfect base for an excursion to see with those famous swimming pigs.
Middle Caicos, Turks and Caicos Islands
Provo’s marquee beach at Grace Bay is undoubtedly beautiful, but to see two of the Caribbean’s most stunning yet least visited strands, hop the ferry, rent a car and tool across the causeway to Middle’s Bambarra and Mudjin Harbour beaches.
Bequia, St Vincent and the Grenadines
This 7-square-mile island is the largest of the Grenadine chain, and famous for its seafaring and boat-building tradition. Go now or visit during the annual Easter Regatta (April 2-6 next year) for a firsthand appreciation of both.