Underrated Tourist Destinations To Visit In The Caribbean

A grouping of islands named for the sea where they reside, the Caribbean has long pulled in travelers for its combination of sugar-sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, lazy and slowly rustling palms, and the promise of ceaseless sun. It's a formula that is a runaway success, as the Caribbean welcomed more than 28 million visitors in 2022. That figure includes Caribbean islands, some coastal areas of Mexico, and bits of Central and South America. And yet, despite the obvious appeal and popularity of the entire region, a few choice destinations tend to stick out and pull in the vast majority of visitors. 

Everyone knows about Cancún, with its grand range of beaches, and the all-inclusive resorts of Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. The resort strips of Montego Bay in Jamaica and Grace Bay in Turks & Caicos are hardly the realm of pioneers and will continue to draw droves of vacationers. However, these aren't the only options. For those in search of little-known gems and off-the-radar spots worthy of discovery, the Caribbean holds a trove of choices. And best of all, you won't have to sacrifice the most attractive parts — sun, sea, sand — when visiting under-the-radar Caribbean beaches and islands.

Regular visitors to the Caribbean need no introduction to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. This scattering of islands is one of the most hypnotic destinations anywhere in the Caribbean, with mesmerizing shades of blue-ringed islands, small and large. For boaties, the island country is akin to the Holy Grail of Caribbean sailing, a never-ending tableau of clear water, hidden coves, deserted beaches, and scenery to make the heart melt. There are 32 islands and cays in total that make up this nation. Covered in blankets of greenery, the islands are often hilly, and some are part of a protected marine park. Nine of the isles support human populations, and of these, perhaps Bequia is the ultimate chilled getaway. 

It's a short ferry ride from Kingstown, on the main island of St. Vincent, to Bequia, but its atmosphere feels worlds apart. The island is tiny, with 7 square miles of woods, hills, plains, and cliffs, and home to a population of around 5,000 residents. Life here plays out at a slow, easy-going pace, and pretty soon, you'll find yourself striking up conversations with the people you meet, such is the warm welcome that the islanders offer. Sugar production was a key industry here for years, though today the island is more famous for its annual Easter regatta. But you can visit any time of the year to enjoy showstopper Princess Margaret Beach, named for the late British royal who swam in these waters in 1960 while on her honeymoon.

A country comprised of three islands, Grenada is a destination blessed with abundant nature, with finely forested interiors and troves of local spices, including fabulous nutmeg. Cocoa also grows here and is showcased in stunning effect by the Grenada Chocolate Company, which makes some of the most delicious, delicately nuanced dark chocolate anywhere in the Western Hemisphere. If you're lucky, you might be able to arrange a tour of the facility. Carriacou, one of Grenada's islands, is a less-known beach destination in the Caribbean, but such anonymity is a boon for travelers who make the effort to come here. 

Carriacou, whose name translates to "land surrounded by reefs" (known as Karry-a-cou in the language of the Kalinago Indians), is a beautifully relaxed place, devoid of glitzy resorts, and, as its name suggests, home to some great snorkeling and diving. By ferry, you can reach Carriacou from the main island of Grenada in two hours on average, and in about 20 minutes by plane. It's small enough that exploring isn't hard, as the total area of Carriacou is only 13 square miles. While the laid-back atmosphere is one of the main reasons to visit the hilly island, those in search of some colorful fun and culture can also find it. During the annual Carnival, the pre-Lent festival that is a staple of many Caribbean nations, Carriacou hosts its own unique celebration — Shakespeare Mas — where costumed revelers pretend to fight each other while reciting lines from the bard's play "Julius Caesar."

Part of Puerto Rico, but east of its main island, Culebra is a dream destination for nature lovers, with fabulous snorkeling and pristine coastal ecosystems. The beaches here, not surprisingly, are fantastic, with perhaps Flamenco Beach as the most famous string of sand, gleaming white in the sun. The green hills behind the shore accentuate the brilliance of the sand's color even more. The gorgeous turquoise and emerald waters out front are also great selling points. What makes Flamenco Beach even more remarkable are the old tanks on its shores. Covered in rust and graffiti, the tanks are remnants of the U.S. Navy's exercises on the island. It's an eye-catching sight — and also makes for great Instagram posts. 

Flamenco, and other beaches nearby, are part of a nature reserve, all but guaranteeing excellent snorkeling at the reefs that sit just offshore. Coupled with mangroves and plenty of seagrasses, the reefs support a thriving marine population of angelfish, stingray, remora, and more. About one-fifth of the island is protected under the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge, and in addition to safeguarding the habitat for nesting turtles, this area is home to thousands of native and migratory birds. For the truly adventurous, a boat ride around some of Culebra's small islands is a joy for the ages, and U.S. citizens don't require a passport to visit Puerto Rico.

Few islands in the Caribbean have as many all-inclusive resorts as the Dominican Republic, with Punta Cana as a real magnet for this convenient type of hotel model. But even the best all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana aren't for everyone, as these accommodations are places that guests rarely leave. With virtually everything on-site and much of it rolled into the price of the room, why would they? However, these guests risk being detached from the culture, ambiance, sights, and sounds of the destination itself. For travelers who want to experience a more realistic side of this Spanish-speaking country, Las Galeras, a sleepy village on the Samaná peninsula, is just the ticket. 

Sandwiched between two lushly forested promontories, the village is perhaps the antithesis of the commercial tourism found only a few hours' drive away. Come here, and you will only find a few places that offer lodging, similar finite choices for places to eat, and only a few services geared toward tourists (though there is a diving school). However, that is the beauty of Las Galeras. But this doesn't mean it's a boring destination; quite the contrary. For starters, beaches like Playa Rincón and Playa Madama are truly world-class, with soft sand and silky seas. There are also great opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, ATV jungle excursions, surfing, and astounding diving.

In the north of Barbados, Speightstown is a town rich in history and the second-largest spot on the island after Bridgetown, the country's capital. Speightstown dates back more than 350 years, named for a rich businessman who commanded large parcels of land here centuries ago. It started as a busy port, linking trade in the Caribbean with the West England town of Bristol, and at one time, the Barbadian town was known as Little Bristol. Over time, fortifications were also built to safeguard the port and protect the island from invaders. Although there aren't remnants of these structures, Speightstown still boasts plenty of historic buildings.

Arlington House was built in 1750, a former private home, and showcases the type of architectural style that later found its way to Charleston, South Carolina, when Barbadians moved there to set up plantations. Today, Arlington House is a museum that traces the town's history. It also features a sailing simulator and a Stede Bonnet exhibit. (Bonnet was known as the Gentleman Pirate whose exploits were used to comic effect in the TV show "Our Flag Means Death"). Elsewhere, visitors can visit St. Peter's Parish Church, a historic Georgian-style church, explore lively fruit and vegetable markets, sample local rum, and try the national dish,cou-cou with flying fish (a fish stew served with polenta).

Certain beaches are beautiful in their own right, with no hidden appeal than the obvious, while others seem to possess a special layer — a quality that makes them almost cinematic in their splendor. In the latter category, you can think of Anse Source d'Argent in the Seychelles or Sarakiniko Beach on the Greek island of Milos. To that list, you should also add The Baths National Park on the southwestern tip of Virgin Gorda of the British Virgin Islands. Here, a scattering of mammoth granite boulders, some more than 30 feet across, make the turquoise seas and white sand seem even more stunning. Sometimes rock pools form in between the boulders, which fill with sea life waiting to be explored. You can also explore the waters beyond the beach, which are great for leisurely swims and languid snorkel jaunts. 

Virgin Gorda is the third largest of the British Virgin Islands, and it owes its name to Christopher Columbus, who imagined the island's contours as a woman in repose. Visitors will find plenty more to see on Virgin Gorda than a bunch of big rocks. You can crisscross the terrain hiking through nature refuges, or explore historic settlement sites of African, Indian, and Spanish populations who once lived here.