11 incredible islands you probably haven’t visited—yet

Have you ever visited an island expecting a peaceful retreat, only to find yourself without a place to lay your towel? Most of the world’s great islands aren’t exactly secrets anymore. Not to worry because there are still thousands of islands most of us have never heard of. Here is our handpicked list of the best under the radar island destinations left in the world.

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Checkout the magical Apostle Island Caves inn both summer and winter | Photo by The Cut – Flickr CC

Apostle Islands, WI
When you think of Wisconsin you don’t exactly think of an island getaway, but you should. The Apostle Islands in Lake Superior aren’t your average islands. If you’re thinking white sands, think again—in winter these islands are known for their bright white ice caves. Frozen spires of ice hang from the ceiling of what are known as inland sea caves making for some incredible photo ops. As intriguing as the icy formations can be, the Apostle Islands aren’t a winter destination. Summer brings photographers and kayakers who frequent the sea caves and nearby town of Bayfield.

Barbados’ famous Tea Cup rocks on the shores of Bathsheba | Photo by GettingStamped.com

Barbados
This Caribbean gem misses the map for most tourists who seem to favor the Virgin islands, Bahamas and even neighboring St. Lucia. However, Barbados has a lot to offer visitors from culture to cuisine and the natural beauty you’d expect from a Caribbean island. Barbados is the furthest eastern Caribbean island, affording it a few unique features: For example, one side of the island is exposed to rugged Atlantic waves, leaving behind peculiar rock formations in Bathsheba. On the west side of Barbados, the sea offers the calm and colorful water you’d expect in the Caribbean.

Kauai’s Grand Canyon of the Pacific | Photo by GettingStamped.com

Kauai, Hawaii
While the masses flock to the beaches of Maui and Oahu, Kauai stays “Kau-iet.” The locals prefer it that way, but Kauai’s natural beauty and diverse landscapes are begging to be explored. Kauai is most known for its beaches and lush rainforest, but what most don’t know is that there’s a massive canyon running through the island. Most call it the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” since the red rocks look like the real thing. Hollywood has already discovered this gem: Its served as the backdrop for many movies, including Jurassic Park, King Kong and many more.

Go Slow on Belize’s Cay Caulker | Photo by James Willamor | Flickr CC

Caye Caulker, Belize
Just south of Mexico’s popular Yucatan Peninsula is the country of Belize with its massive reef and scattering of islands. While pretty much all of Belize has yet to gain major tourist attention, one island, Caye Caulker, has managed to stay well under the radar. This laid back island has a certain energy that you can’t help but fall for. There are no cars—instead there are beach bikes and plenty of signs reminding you of the island’s motto: “Go Slow!”

Enjoy the peaceful nature around the San Juan Islands in Washington | Photo by Jacob McGinnis – Flicker CC

San Juan Islands, Washington
Tucked between Washington State and Vancouver Island are the beautiful San Juan Islands. This archipelago is a nature lover’s paradise. Every vista seems to be full of postcard-worthy Pacific Northwest landscapes and abundant wildlife. The most popular past time in the archipelago is whale watching. Here, chances are good you’ll spot one during the peak season of May through September.

Paradise in remote Panama | Photo by GettingStamped.com

San Blas Islands, Panama
This cluster of islands between Panama and Colombia are the kind you wouldn’t mind getting shipwrecked on! Here, 365 small sandy islands poke out of the calm electric blue waters of the Caribbean Sea, with nary a tourist in sight. On the San Blas Islands you’ll encounter the occasional passing ship headed to either Panama City or Colombia, and you might run into the native Kuna Indian people who call the islands home, but that’s abut it. Accommodations are rather basic, but small guesthouses run by locals have started to spring up. Note: these islands aren’t for everyone; they’re so far under the radar that you’re lucky to have electricity and wifi.

Come stare into the aqua colored waters of Hvar, Croatia. | Photo by GettingStamped.com

Hvar, Croatia
In the southern end of the Dalmatian chain of islands is the stunning Croatian island of Hvar. Judging by pictures you’d think it would be somewhere tropical like the Caribbean rather than the Adriatic Sea. The white limestone sands surrounding the island and crystal clear water make Hvar look as if it belongs elsewhere in the world. On shore, the wonders continue where you’ll find centuries-old buildings made from the same white limestone. While most visitors stop in Dubrovnik, Hvar is not as mainstream and much less crowded.

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Next time you’re in New York, check out Fire Island, so close to the city but worlds away. | Photo by vishwaant avk – Flickr CC

Fire Island, New York
There’s a thin strip of land in front of Long Island in New York that you might totally overlook if not looking closely at a map. While it’s a hugely popular summer escape for New Yorkers, Fire Island is a protected National Shoreline which keeps it from being overdeveloped and keeps it under the radar for those outside the metro area. You too, can escape from New York with a visit to this enchanting sliver of soil that offers a bit of green space and some sand to put between your toes.

Grab your beach towel and head to Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas. | Photo by GettingStamped.com

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas
There’s only one way onto this island. This private piece of paradise is only available when sailing aboard an Eastern Caribbean cruise, including  several offered by Carnival. With some of the softest sand and ultra clear water, Half Moon Cay is the picture perfect beach dreams are made of. Even when boats dock here it doesn’t feel overcrowded, and most visitors don’t venture past the first set of chairs leaving nearly a mile of empty white sand.

Traditional huts of the nomadic sea gypsies of Wakatobi | Photo by GettingStamped.com

Wakatobi, Indonesia
It doesn’t get too much more off radar than Wakatobi. Located in a cluster of islands often referred to as the Forgotten Islands of Indonesia, it’s one of the few places left on earth where you can see local families of sea gypsies living as they have here for centuries. Not to mention the diving is often regarded as some of the best in the world around this part of the country.

Come check out the out-of-this-world views in Coron Palawan, Philippines. | Photo by GettingStamped.com

Coron, Philippines
This under-the-radar island featuring epic of views is on the Filipino island of Coron. Located in the far southwest corner of the Philippines, Coron is home to some of the most surreal island scenery in the world. Tall limestone cliffs sharply jut out of the multicolor tropical waters—it’s like nothing you’ve ever seen before. The Coron islands aren’t widely known outside of the Philippines, unlike nearby El Nido whose popularity has soared over the past few years. Come see this natural wonder, before the rest of the world finds out about it!

Tagged: Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, New York