The Best Unknown Islands to Discover in the Caribbean and Beyond

For many travelers, a Caribbean vacation means visiting renowned spots like Jamaica or The Bahamas. While these destinations offer beautiful beaches and rich cultures, some lesser-known Caribbean islands can further broaden your experiences. You don’t have to do the hard work of looking for untouched beaches or incredible historical sites; I’ve got your back right here. With more than 7,000 islands in the Caribbean alone, dozens of which you can visit on a Royal Caribbean cruise, where should you start, you wonder? Here are my top picks for the best unknown islands in the Caribbean and beyond.

Key Takeaways

●  Secret islands are remote, lesser-known destinations that offer travelers authentic experiences, unspoiled nature and peaceful escapes away from crowded tourist spots.

●  The beauty of quiet Caribbean islands lies in their blend of turquoise waters, warm culture and opportunities for relaxation without the bustle of large resorts or cruise ports.

●  Experience the Caribbean's diverse offerings, from thrilling adventures like the tallest waterslide and stingray encounters to laid-back luxury at private beach clubs, overwater cabanas and freshwater pools.

●  Explore six distinct island destinations: CocoCay, Barbados, Grand Cayman, St. Lucia, the British Virgin Islands and St. Kitts and Nevis — each offering unique cultural, historical and natural wonders.

●  Underrated Caribbean islands include Bequia, Culebra and Saba, with stunning beaches, vibrant local life and a true sense of discovery.

●  Beyond the Caribbean, hidden gems like the Azores, Raja Ampat and Scotland’s Isle of Skye deliver extraordinary scenery and adventure for cruisers seeking something different.

●  Find the perfect cruise for your next adventure on an unknown island.

What Are “Unknown Islands”?

Unknown islands are the hidden gems of the sea: remote, less-traveled destinations that offer authentic beauty and tranquility far from the crowds. These islands often lack the commercial bustle of major tourist hubs, making them perfect for travelers seeking peace, pristine nature and cultural discovery. Unknown island escapes are often those tucked away in the Caribbean, the Pacific or the Mediterranean, offering secret spots that promise unique adventures.

From secluded beaches to local culinary delights, Caribbean islands to visit include Bequia, Culebra and Saba. Each holds the key to untouched landscapes and vibrant characters (both human and inanimate) that transform an ordinary cruise into a truly unforgettable journey. Learn more below.

1. Perfect Day At Cococay

Royal Caribbean islands don’t get better than a paradise you can only visit with one of the world’s leading cruise brands. This private island destination has so many things to do, whether you’re looking for thrills, kicking back or simply chilling. Perfect Day at CocoCay is a prime location for thrill seekers who want to conquer the tallest waterslide in the Caribbean, Daredevil’s Peak or soar up to 450 feet above the island in the helium balloon, Up, Up and Away.

If you prefer to vacation at a more laid-back speed, grab a drink at the swim-up bar and then relax and soak up the sun at the largest freshwater pool in The Bahamas. Looking for a luxury experience? The new, private Coco Beach Club offers exclusive, floating cabanas complete with your own slide, overwater hammock and cabana attendant for the VIP treatment. Not to mention access to an infinity pool with in-pool lounge chairs.

2. Barbados

If you fell in love with the rich island culture of The Bahamas, you should also visit Barbados. Perhaps one of the biggest things Barbados has in common with its Caribbean cousin is calypso music or its derivative soca. During the carnival-like Crop Over festival from June to early August (which originally celebrated the end of the sugar cane harvest), you can hear these island rhythms dancing off steel drums throughout the capital of Bridgetown.

Barbados once was the world’s largest producer of sugar cane, and with that came a famous rum-production industry. A tour of Mount Gay distillery, established in 1703, will walk you through the distilling, aging and blending process that goes into making the spirit. At the end, you’ll get the chance to sample and appreciate all that hard work with a tasting.

Like any Caribbean island, Barbados has its share of alluring beaches you can explore. There’s the protected cove of Pebbles Beach just south of Bridgetown, or the aptly named Paradise Beach, lined with palm trees reaching out over toward the crystal-clear waters.

3. Grand Cayman

If you loved snorkeling in the Virgin Islands, you can take it to the next level on this island. Grand Cayman boasts one of the most unique underwater experiences in the entire Caribbean: Stingray City Barrier Reef. The only way to travel there is by boat. When you arrive, you jump in and get up close to majestic, undulating Southern Stingrays, which can grow to nearly 5 feet wide, as they congregate on the sandbar.

Grand Cayman is also the perfect place to live out your inner secret agent. Scuba dive in underwater shipwrecks, trek across the vibrant ocean floor in a Sea TREK helmet or scope out the depths in an Atlantis submarine (perfect for spotting turtles, colorful star coral and otherworldly big barrel sea sponges).

If you’re looking for adventures out of the water (or, more accurately, above it), you can fly over the island on a helicopter tour of Seven Mile Beach and the capital of George Town.

4. St. Lucia

One of the southern and eastern Caribbean islands, St. Lucia is certainly worth a visit. It’s most famous for The Pitons, one of the best natural sights in the Caribbean. These twin volcanic spires make up the iconic picture of the island and tower more than 2,400 feet. Travelers can see them by boat tours through Pitons Bay, or explore their fascinating geology. This wild adventure includes hot springs and fumaroles (openings in the ground emitting steam and gas), accessible by hiking the mountains themselves.

Of course, there’s more to explore after these famous peaks. In town, you can hit the shops with steep deals on luxury goods at the Spanish-style complex of Pointe Seraphine. There are other views from St. Lucia to take in, too, like the picturesque houses and sailboats dotting the capital of Castries (which is also home to the cruise port).

5. British Virgin Islands

Many travelers may be more familiar with St. Croix and St. Thomas of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Want to know a little secret? Their British neighbors have equally friendly locals, tropical cuisine and marvelous nature.

On Virgin Gorda, you can visit one of the most famous caves of the Caribbean, The Baths, said to have inspired Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Treasure Island.” This group of unusually shaped granite boulders creates large spaces you can walk, swim and wade through, including “The Cathedral” with its steeple-like pointed ceiling.

When you head to the larger Tortola, you can dive a shipwreck, hit the beach via a 4X4 or take a panoramic ride up the interior mountains for sweeping views of other islands like St. Thomas and St. John.

6. St. Kitts And Nevis

If you love exploring the abundant nature and old estates of the likes of Jamaica, you’ll want to visit this dual-island nation’s breathtaking beaches, abundant rainforests, numerous mountains and historical structures.

In the smallest country in the Western Hemisphere, it’s only a short ride from the capital, Basseterre, to the base of Mount Liamuiga volcano, the tallest peak on the island. From there, you can hike through lush rainforest with hanging vines and vervet monkeys into the cloud forests. You’ll then reach a shallow crater lake and an incredible lookout at 3,000 feet, where you can see all the way to St. Maarten.

If you prefer digging into naval history, don’t miss Brimstone Hill Fortress, a well-preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cannons were first used at this strategic location in 1690 by the French, battling the British. This highly sought-after hill would pass between these countries numerous times, gaining artillery, ramparts and prestige throughout battles and raids lasting into the 19th century. History buffs can explore the fort’s history as well as the colonial architecture of the Fairview Great House.

Unknown Islands Beyond the Caribbean

Even when you’ve visited the least touristy Caribbean islands, you may want to explore a destination that’s altogether different. Consider these islands beyond the Caribbean for once-in-a-lifetime adventures, dramatic scenery and cultural encounters that feel worlds away from the familiar tropical vibe.

From the remote reaches of the Pacific to the icy beauty of northern Europe, these lesser-known cruise stops redefine what it means to escape the ordinary:

●  The Azores, Portugal: A volcanic archipelago with lush green landscapes, crater lakes and whale-watching adventures.

●  Raja Ampat, Indonesia: A diver’s paradise filled with coral reefs, rare marine life and crystal-clear lagoons.

●  Socotra Island, Yemen: Known for its otherworldly dragon’s blood trees and surreal desert-meets-ocean scenery.

●  The Loyalty Islands, New Caledonia: Remote South Pacific isles with rich Kanak culture, pristine reefs and blissful serenity.

●  The Westfjords, Iceland: Far from the busier ports, this wild and windswept region offers cascading waterfalls, rich birdlife and sheer coastal drama.

●  Skye, Scotland: A rugged, mystical island offering dramatic cliffs, castles and wild coastal beauty.

Take a Cruise to an Unknown Island This Year

Cruising to unknown islands transforms travel into a journey of exploration, offering unforgettable encounters with pristine nature and local culture far from the mainstream. Visit lesser-known islands for the most rewarding ways to experience the world’s oceans. These hidden gems offer a refreshing escape from crowded ports, blending adventure, serenity and authentic culture in equal measure.

You could keep it in the Caribbean or discover the volcanic wonders of distant archipelagos. No matter what you choose this year, dare to cruise to an unknown island to rediscover travel at its purest. Step off the beaten path, meet local communities and let nature’s untouched beauty inspire you.

Chart a different course. Browse Caribbean cruise itineraries that take you to the best unknown islands.