The 5 best Caribbean islands you’ve never heard of

Just about everyone has a favorite Caribbean island to escape to during winter’s dreary months. For East Coasters, Puerto Rico is an easy jaunt—a direct flight and no passport needed. Other popular islands, like Grand Cayman and Turks and Caicos, provide white sand beaches and turquoise waters for anyone suffering from a serious Vitamin D deficiency, or just needing a relaxing place to escape.

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While returning to the same, familiar destinations over and over again makes sense, let’s be honest: It’s also a bit lazy. There are at least 28 different nations in the Caribbean, made up of more than 7,000 individual islands. So, the next time you’re headed south, why not try somewhere new? We’ve put together a list of 5 incredible islands that you may not have heard of…yet.

Port Elizabeth in Bequia | Photo by Compass + Twine

BEQUIA
Pronounced Beck-way, this beautiful little dot on the map is part of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. In fact, it’s the second largest island in the Grenadines. Colorful Port Elizabeth draws in the sailboat and yacht crowd, and we’re pretty sure Jack’s Bar on Princess Margaret Beach is what keeps everyone coming back time and time again. A chill spot with cool design and killer cocktails, every seat at Jack’s Bar has a gorgeous view, and when you’re done, just walk down the wooden stairs until your feet hit the sand.

Bequia means “island of the clouds” in the ancient language of Arawak, spoken by some of its very first settlers. A relaxed stroll along the soft, fine sand will let you know how it got its name pretty quickly. Spend some time exploring the 7-square mile island and it will likely become a new favorite.

A view of Canouan from above. | Photo courtesy of Flickr CC: Ian Mackenzie

CANOUAN
Canouan may be a little more difficult to get to, but that’s what makes it so special.  The best was to reach this tiny Southern Caribbean island is to fly to Barbados and then take a little puddle-jumper plane, island-hopping until you get there. As part of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Canouan attracts an uber-wealthy sailing crowd that, for a large part, hails from Great Britain. We once heard it it described as the place where “the billionaires go to escape the millionaires.” It’s hard to even imagine such a place, but the picturesque island is also wonderfully relaxed, and you can find great accommodations for all price ranges. For a beautiful 4-star property, check out the beloved Tamarind Beach Hotel & Yacht Club, where you can see the glow of that brilliant turquoise water out your guest-room window.

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Windsurfers in Bonaire | Photo by Compass + Twine

BONAIRE
Just 50 miles from the Venezuelan coastline, lies a gem of an island called Bonaire. Together with Aruba and Curaçao, the group makes up the ABC Islands which are part of the Leeward Antilles.  With a strong Dutch influence, the main city of Kralendijk boasts colonial charm, colorful building facades and lots of great places to grab some food or drinks.

With a diverse eco-system, consisting of everything from desert landscape to wetlands with flamingos, Bonaire is pleasantly situated below the Hurricane belt.  However, the climate is still pretty windy, making Bonaire one of the best places in the entire world to windsurf or kite surf. Head to Sorobon Beach and take a quick windsurfing lesson. You’ll be up, catching the breeze before you know it. The water here is only about hip-deep for as far as the eye can see, making it an ideal place for first-timers to learn alongside world-class professionals. If you aren’t feeling adventurous, grab a drink and watch the colorful show play-out in front of you, just a few meters offshore.

Chatham Bay, Union Island | Photo by Compass + Twine

UNION ISLAND
Situated in the heart of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Union Island is another secret mecca for the US and European sailing crowds. Calm cerulean water and beautiful beaches make it ideal for land-goers as well. Only about 3,000 people live full-time on the island so you may even have a beach to yourself. While some of the sailing and yacht-specked islands in the Caribbean can have a pretentious air about them, Union Island certainly does not. It’s as laid-back and nonchalant as can be. Everyone’s there for the same reason—to unwind on a remote and rugged little Caribbean Island. Beyond its own shores, Union Island is also a great jumping off point for the Tobago Cays, which offer some of the most vibrant reefs and best snorkeling in the Caribbean, along with other great islands in the area.

Flamenco Beach on Culebra | Photo courtesy of Flickr CC: Angel Xavier Viera-Vargas

CULEBRA
Culebra is a sleepy, yet quirky small island municipality off of Puerto Rico that happens to be home to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Puerto Rico mainland lies less than 20 miles to the west of Culebra, and St. Thomas, of the US Virgin Islands, lies less than 20 miles to the east. With such big neighbors on either side, it’s no wonder Culebra seems to have been forgotten in between. However, there’s a small cult of beach-goers, mainly local Puerto Ricans, who know of the island’s true beauty. Flamenco Beach, in particular, has recently been making quite the name for itself. Over the last few years, it has been recognized as one of the Top 5 Most Beautiful Beaches in the world by multiple global publications. Whether you stay on Culebra, or even just head over from mainland Puerto Rico for a fun day trip, don’t miss a chance to visit this spectacular and pristine beach.

Tagged: Caribbean