The Western Caribbean is synonymous with the large, marquee destinations such as Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Cuba and Belize. But there are petite gems in the region, too, that offer appeal for visitors curious enough to venture beyond the usual island suspects to untrammeled islands. If that sounds like you, check out our five favorite small islands in the Western Caribbean, and then pack a bag. CJ Travel Editor Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon has the full story.
Victoria House in Ambergris Caye.
Ambergris Caye Off the northeast coast of Belize, the outpost that inspired Madonna’s hit “La Isla Bonita” is famous for its beaches and popular with divers drawn to the Mesoamerican reef, just a few minutes offshore. Fishing, snorkeling and jaunts to the nearby even smaller island of Caye Caulker are fun for those not quite brave enough to swim or dive with the sharks in Shark Alley or Esmeralda.
Cayman Brac If you’re into scuba diving and beach bumming, get yourself into a Cayman Airways plane from Grand Cayman to its 18 square-mile sister island just five minutes’ flight away. Then fill your days on this tranquil outpost (pop. 2,000) with underwater adventures such as exploring the sunken Russian warship MV Tibbets, and topside diversions that include lazing on more than 10 mostly secluded beaches.
Cozumel At 185 square-miles the “island of swallows” is Mexico’s largest Caribbean island and plenty big enough to keep you entertained. Spend your days at this popular Caribbean cruise port snorkeling, fishing, scuba diving, exploring Mayan ruins or simply sunbathing. Just be sure to make time for ceviche sampling at the multitude of waterfront restaurants in downtown San Miguel.
Isla Mujeres Eight miles and less than half an hour away by boat (catch the ferry from El Embarcadero or Puerto Juarez) five-mile-long Isla Mujeres is the yin to Cancun, Mexico’s yang. It’s a laidback beachy oasis where Mayan ruins, an over-water zipline, waterfront fish shacks and blinding white-sand beaches are easily explored by golf cart. And if you decide to “miss” the last ferry back, there are plenty of small Isla Mujeres hotels and bed-and-breakfasts where you can stay in boho style.
Roatán The largest of three Bay Islands off the coast of Honduras, Roatán is a hot spot for scuba diving (it’s near the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the Caribbean’s largest) and ecotourism (its rainforest ecosystem supports several native species of birds and reptile.) While most visitors arrive here on cruise ships and stay for just a few hours, why not book a stay at a resort and have the luxury of exploring the English-speaking outpost at your leisure.