Why explore offbeat Caribbean islands for your next 7-day getaway? A melting pot of cultures
Published by Hector Dean,
The Caribbean which is made up of as many as 26 nations is where leisure vacationers and thrill seekers will feel quite at home. With a unique spread of islands to explore, beaches to sunbathe on, verdant jungle to uncover and aromatic cuisine to tuck into, the Caribbean is an adventure that is best had should you choose to include a handful of its off-the-beaten-path island escapes such as those penned down below.

Carriacou - Image via Flickr
The value of spending time on a remote portion of the Caribbean
As one of the most traversed parts of the world, the Caribbean islands, especially its popular getaways can appear overrun and crowded to the first-time visitor. This can be extremely overwhelming to stomach and adjust to if you aren’t the type of traveller who gravitates towards throngs of people, at least at the very outset of your holiday. This is where heading off to islands and nations that are least visited will be a wise move and a step in the right direction. Not only would you have unspoiled nature to surround yourself with and wake up to but you will not have to bother with having to jostle towards a favourite part of an island.
Jot down the word ‘Tobago’
Paling in comparison to its more touristy twin island of Trinidad, Tobago beckons those eager to embrace and enjoy a far more leisurely pace to their Caribbean holiday where time certainly will stand still. While being picturesque and easy-going, Tobago sure does put on a show for vacationers who long for an equal balance of sightseeing and laidback living. For instance, you may choose to while away the hours in the fanciest of swimwear on beaches such as Store Bay Beach or Black Rock Beach or opt for a hike through Main Ridge Forest Reserve where you can look forward to exploring well-preserved rainforests and wildlife.
Dive into a world of wonders at Carriacou
Labelled the ‘Isle of Reefs’ and that too for justifiable reason on the back of there being numerous coral reefs to come into contact with, Grenada’s Carriacou Island is a rare gem you should not be missing out on. Boasting well over 30 dive sites to check out that would pique the interests of both the amateur and experienced diver, Carriacou Island which ranks as the 2nd largest of its kind in Grenada is a magnet for the adventure-savvy traveller. Aside from the water sporting facilities that include snorkelling and kayaking, Carriacou’s beaches are perfect havens to unwind on, especially come evening where hues of orange and red break out across its skies and scenes of sailboats & coconut palm trees will easily fill your gaze.
Spare more than a thought for Nevis
Part of St. Kitts and Nevis, the charming island paradise of Newis, although small in size more than compensates for its diminutive nature in terms of what intrepid vacationers can expect. Known for presenting peaceful holiday retreats, whether you wish to spend time on a beach or learn of the island’s rich heritage, Nevis is a treasure-trove that can be unearthed at one’s own time and pace. For example, you may go for a romantic walk with your better half at Lovers Beach or watch the kids frolic along the glorious stretches of Pinney’s Beach. Once done, beeline for Botanic Garden of Nevis before calling by the History Museum of Nevis for one memorable take on an island’s identity and beginnings. Where you are harbouring thoughts of a vacation to this part of the world, then it will be mandatory to sort out a visa for Caribbean islands after which you may look at booking your flight with interCaribbean Airways.
Schedule a visit to Barbuda
Often overshadowed by its sister island of Antigua, Barbuda is characterised by pink sand beaches, turquoise seas and one-of-a-kind caves well worth heading to. In terms of things to do, you could start off at Frigate Bird Sanctuary and spot an incredible mix of birds before focussing your attention on the Indian Cave located within the boundaries of Two Foot Bay National Park. Comprising three chambers, your adventurous soul will be thrilled to find out that the Indian cave houses a bat chamber and Arawak petroglyphs. Finish off on a high by discovering the oldest tower in the Caribbean – Martello Tower that was constructed by the British during the 1800s.