Tourism is one of the Caribbean Islands’ major economic sectors, with an average of 25 million visitors and it is often described as, “the most tourism-dependent region in the world”.
If you’re planning a winter vacation, here are 10 lesser-known Caribbean islands to consider.
Here are the 10 Least Visited Caribbean Islands
Grenada | © Josefine Granding Larsson/Flickr
Grenada
Grenada offers a lifestyle so pure and authentic that you feel instantly renewed with treasures adorned by corals and unspoilt landscapes undiscovered by crowds in the Caribbean Islands.
Grenada produces many amazing products. Rum, Chocolate, Honey, Jams and Jellies, Spices, Clothing, and Art. Many are award-winning. Don’t forget to support the local economy when you are visiting the island and buy local goodies to bring back home.
Bonaire | © Donal Boyle/Flickr
Bonaire
Bonaire was part of the Netherlands Antilles until the country’s dissolution in 2010, when the island became a special municipality. Bonaire offers a pristine underwater environment with access to locations for shore and boat diving, snorkeling, watersports and much more and it has a variety of resorts, boutique hotels, villas and other accommodations to suit every taste and budget.
Bonaire has a long history of nature preservation, and always seeks to find the delicate balance between environmental protection and growth. The Flamingo, protected on Bonaire, is the island’s signature bird. Bonaire is one of the only Flamingo breeding sites in the Southern Caribbean Islands.
Saint Kitts & Nevis | © Don Kelloway/Flickr
Saint Kitts & Nevis
Saint Kitts is the larger of the two islands that make up the small Caribbean island nation of Saint Kitts and Nevis. The national language is English, although often spoken with a heavy regional lilt.
What is really remarkable on St-Kitts and Nevis is the natural aspect. Many tropical birds which one rarely finds elsewhere are present in great concentration in nature and there are also the famous monkeys.
The mountains of St. Kitts make for some wonderful hiking in the tropical rain forest environment. It is highly recommended that anyone unfamiliar with the island go on a guided tour, as most of the trails are not well marked.
Dominica | © Bart/Flickr
Dominica
Dominica is known as the nature island of the Caribbean. Dense forest and woodland cover 59 per cent of the land area, with subtropical vegetation and orchids in the valleys. The island will attract you with its lush rainforests, towering mountains, rushing rivers, welcoming waterfalls, and volcanic wonders—everything you need to rejuvenate your mind and body.
The island has a wide range of bird species, including the brilliant Dominica parrot, or Sisserou, which is depicted on the national flag, various species of doves and the mountain whistler.
Anguilla | © heidi.lauren/Flickr
Anguilla
Anguilla has everything you need from Caribbean islands for your perfect vacation – beautiful white sand beaches, turquoise waters, scenic bays, gentle breezes and palm trees.
There are some stunning coral reefs just outside the coast, which make it a fine destination for scuba diving or snorkeling. You can enjoy many other activities such as hiking, Art Gallery Tours, horseback riding, tennis, golf at Play-A-Round Mini-Golf Park and Temenos Golf Club, Spa and Wellness, Glass-bottom boat, swimming, fishing, Anguilla Summer Festival
Saint Vincent & The Grenadines | © David Stanley/Flickr
Saint Vincent & The Grenadines
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines lies to the west of Barbados, south of Saint Lucia and north of Grenada. The tourism sector has considerable potential for development.
With its collection of 32 islands, there is a wide array of activities to offer for everyone and plenty of room to create unforgettable memories on your trip. Only 8 of the islands are inhabited.
St. Barts | © David Stanley/Flickr
Saint Barthelemy (St. Barts)
Saint Barth is a small, volcanic island located in the northwest Caribbean Sea and it is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean. The marine reserve was founded in 1999 and it covers more than 1,000 hectares of protected and vulnerable habitats, bays and islands.
The coastal areas abound with beaches and many of these have offshore reefs, mostly in shallow waters and are clearly visible. St. Bart’s gets more than 300 sunny days per year, on average and with as many as 22 public beaches it’s the perfect vacation destination.
Sint Eustatius | © David Kirsch/Flickr
Sint Eustatius (Statia)
Statia is a very small island, and it’s very laid back and quiet. The island has an area of 21 square kilometres and population recorded as 3,543 inhabitants.
Statia was at one point the most important port in the New World. You can find some large iguanas, an abundance of goats, cows, and chickens, visit the botanical gardens or hike The Quill, the island’s dormant volcano.
The island is famous for its underwater life, where you can go diving or snorkeling.
Saba | © Carmen Eckard/Flickr
Saba
Formerly part of the Netherlands Antilles, in 2010 Saba became part of a special municipality of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, along with the islands of St. Eustatius and Bonaire.
Saba is a paradise for the scuba enthusiast with one of the best diving spots in the world. Saba is an unspoiled relaxing island in the Dutch Antilles, with lush flora and vegetation, with tropical rain forests where one can find orchids, mahogonies, palms, mango, orange, and many other fruit trees.
With a population with about 2,010 inhabitants, as of 2017, and a population density of 150 inhabitants per square kilometer it is the smallest territory or sovereign state by a permanent population in the Americas.
Montserrat | © David Stanley/Flickr
Montserrat
Montserrat is one of 14 UK Overseas Territories, governed by a locally elected Premier and Parliament. Montserrat, like many isolated islands, is home to rare, endemic plant and animal species. It was declared a natural park in 1987 to protect the massif, the geological characteristics of which make it unique in the world.
Montserrat prides itself on being one of the safest, hassle-free islands in the Caribbean.
Read some of our posts to learn more about other Caribbean islands and travel destinations.
