Grand Turk’s popularity is skyrocketing, but these breathtaking destinations are still under the radar.
Grand Turk used to feel like a secret—now it’s packed with cruise passengers, selfie sticks, and sky-high resort prices. The island’s recent tourism boom has changed the vibe, turning what was once a quiet Caribbean escape into a hotspot filled with crowds. For travelers looking for peaceful beaches, authentic culture, and a little breathing room, it might be time to explore elsewhere.
The good news? The Caribbean and beyond are filled with breathtaking islands that offer the same dreamy white sands and crystal-clear waters, minus the overwhelming crowds. Some are hidden gems, still undiscovered by mass tourism, while others are just underrated alternatives waiting to be explored. If you’re craving that perfect island escape without the hassle of packed beaches and tourist traps, it’s time to set your sights on something better.
1. Skip the crowds and soak up the untouched beauty of Anegada, British Virgin Islands.
If you’re searching for that perfect Caribbean island where life moves at a slower pace, Anegada is calling your name. Unlike its bustling neighbors, this flat, coral-formed island in the British Virgin Islands has stayed blissfully under the radar. Instead of cruise ship crowds and mega-resorts, you’ll find quiet, empty beaches, shallow turquoise waters, and some of the best lobster you’ll ever eat, says Matt Weidert writing for Yacht Warriors. Anegada’s famous Loblolly Bay and Cow Wreck Beach are the kinds of places where you can walk for miles without seeing another soul.
Snorkeling here is unreal, thanks to the massive Horseshoe Reef, home to vibrant marine life and shipwrecks frozen in time. If your idea of paradise includes fresh seafood, endless sunshine, and the feeling of having an island all to yourself, Anegada is your spot.
2. If you love Grand Turk’s beaches, you’ll fall for Bequia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Bequia is everything you want in a Caribbean island—soft sandy beaches, laid-back charm, and friendly locals—but without the crowds and overpriced resorts. The second-largest island in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Bequia has a relaxed, old-school Caribbean vibe where you can sip rum punches on the beach, watch fishermen bring in their daily catch, and explore charming little villages.
Princess Margaret Beach is the star of the show, with its crystal-clear water and peaceful atmosphere, say writers at Yacht Charter Fleet, but if you prefer something even quieter, Lower Bay Beach is just as stunning. This is the kind of place where you can kick off your shoes, forget about schedules, and let the island set the pace. Once you visit, you’ll wonder why Bequia isn’t on everyone’s bucket list—then be glad it isn’t.
3. The white-sand beaches of Barbuda will make you forget Grand Turk ever existed.
Barbuda is the kind of island you dream about when you picture a perfect tropical escape. With barely any development, miles of untouched pink-tinged beaches, and a wild, untamed beauty, it feels like stepping back in time to the Caribbean before mass tourism. The beaches here are almost always empty, and the famous 17-Mile Beach is so pristine it looks like it was made for postcards, suggests Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson in an article she originally wrote for National Geographic.
You won’t find chain hotels or high-rise resorts—just small, family-run guesthouses and eco-friendly lodges that let you fully unplug. If you love nature, the Frigate Bird Sanctuary is a must-visit, home to one of the largest colonies of these fascinating birds in the world. For a true escape from modern chaos, Barbuda offers a kind of peace that’s getting harder and harder to find.
4. If snorkeling and diving are your thing, Curaçao beats Grand Turk any day.
Grand Turk might have beautiful waters, but Curaçao takes underwater adventures to a whole new level. According to writers at Dive Curaçao, this Dutch Caribbean island is a diver’s paradise, packed with colorful coral reefs, dramatic drop-offs, and even an underwater shipwreck just off the coast. If snorkeling is more your speed, spots like Playa Lagun and Tugboat Beach will blow your mind.
But Curaçao isn’t just about the water—the island itself is vibrant and full of culture, with pastel-colored colonial buildings in Willemstad, incredible local cuisine, and a fun, easygoing atmosphere. The beaches here are some of the best in the Caribbean, with hidden coves and clear waters that feel almost too perfect to be real. If you want a mix of adventure, culture, and jaw-dropping beauty, Curaçao should be at the top of your list.
5. Swap the tourist traps for the secluded charm of Little Cayman, Cayman Islands.
If Grand Turk’s crowds are getting to you, Little Cayman offers the ultimate escape. This tiny island, home to just over 200 people, feels like a well-kept secret that only a lucky few have discovered. The beaches are quiet, the water is crystal clear, and the snorkeling and diving are some of the best in the Caribbean.
Bloody Bay Marine Park is a dream for divers, with vibrant coral walls and an abundance of marine life. The island has no big resorts, no traffic lights, and no stress—just endless relaxation, where you can bike around the entire island in a day or find a completely empty beach to call your own. If your idea of paradise is a place where time slows down and nature takes center stage, Little Cayman is waiting for you.
6. If you want stunning beaches without the cruise ships, Isla Holbox, Mexico is the answer.
Mexico has no shortage of beautiful islands, but Isla Holbox remains one of its best-kept secrets. Located off the Yucatán Peninsula, this car-free island is a slice of paradise where soft white sand meets shallow, crystal-clear water. Unlike Grand Turk, which is seeing a flood of visitors, Isla Holbox still feels wonderfully untouched, with colorful murals, sandy streets, and a relaxed bohemian vibe. The real magic happens in the water—between June and September, you can swim with gentle whale sharks, an experience you’ll never forget.
Sunsets here are some of the best in the world, best enjoyed from a beachside hammock with a margarita in hand. If you’re looking for that perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and culture, Isla Holbox has everything you need.
7. Roatán, Honduras offers the same turquoise waters as Grand Turk—without the cruise ship chaos.
Grand Turk’s beaches may be stunning, but Roatán takes Caribbean beauty to another level. This Honduran island is home to some of the clearest waters in the region, vibrant coral reefs, and a laid-back vibe that makes it hard to leave. West Bay Beach is a slice of paradise, perfect for swimming and snorkeling right off the shore, while hidden coves offer peaceful escapes far from the crowds. The island also boasts some of the best diving in the world, thanks to its location along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Beyond the beaches, you can explore lush jungles, visit a sloth sanctuary, or enjoy fresh seafood at beachside shacks. While more travelers are discovering Roatán, it still maintains an authentic, low-key charm that’s hard to find in busier Caribbean destinations.
8. São Tomé and Príncipe is an untouched island paradise that most travelers have never heard of.
Tucked away off the west coast of Africa, São Tomé and Príncipe feels like a secret the world hasn’t fully discovered yet. These volcanic islands are a dream for nature lovers, offering black sand beaches, emerald-green forests, and dramatic cliffs that plunge into the ocean. Príncipe, the smaller of the two islands, is a UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve, meaning its beauty remains unspoiled by mass tourism. Eco-lodges blend seamlessly into the jungle, providing an experience that feels remote yet luxurious. The islands are also home to some of the world’s best chocolate, thanks to their rich cacao-growing history. Instead of all-inclusive resorts and crowded tourist hubs, São Tomé and Príncipe deliver a wild, raw beauty that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a lost world.
9. The Exumas, Bahamas are proof that you don’t need to fight crowds for crystal-clear waters.
The Bahamas may be a popular destination, but the Exumas feel worlds away from the tourist-packed resorts of Nassau. This chain of 365 islands and cays is pure magic, offering some of the bluest waters on the planet and beaches so pristine they barely seem real. You can swim with pigs at Big Major Cay, snorkel in Thunderball Grotto (a James Bond filming location), or simply relax on sandbars where the only footprints are your own. Unlike Grand Turk, which is becoming increasingly crowded, the Exumas provide plenty of space to roam, explore, and disconnect. Private islands, hidden beaches, and an easygoing atmosphere make this the perfect place to experience the Caribbean without the typical tourist chaos.
10. Dominica’s wild landscapes make it feel like the last untouched Caribbean island.
Most Caribbean destinations revolve around beaches, but Dominica offers something entirely different—untamed nature, towering waterfalls, and steaming hot springs. Known as the “Nature Island,” it’s one of the few places in the region where you can hike through dense rainforests in the morning and snorkel in volcanic-heated waters by afternoon. Boiling Lake, a bubbling geothermal wonder, is worth the trek for adventurous travelers, while Trafalgar Falls offers an easier but equally stunning reward. Champagne Reef, named for the natural bubbles rising from the ocean floor, is an unforgettable snorkeling spot. Unlike Grand Turk, where tourism is booming, Dominica still feels like a hidden gem. Travelers who make the effort to visit often find themselves wondering why more people don’t know about it.
11. La Digue, Seychelles is an island so breathtaking it looks straight out of a dream.
Few places on Earth can rival the jaw-dropping beauty of La Digue. This tiny island in the Seychelles is home to Anse Source d’Argent, a beach so surreal it’s often ranked among the most beautiful in the world. Massive granite boulders rise from powdery white sand, creating a landscape that feels almost too perfect to be real. The island moves at a slow, blissful pace, with bicycles as the main mode of transportation and small, family-run guesthouses replacing massive resorts. Creole cuisine, turquoise waters, and palm-fringed beaches make every moment here feel like paradise. While Grand Turk’s growing popularity is making it harder to find quiet spots, La Digue remains one of those rare destinations where time seems to stand still, and every view is postcard-worthy.
12. Grenada’s spice-scented air and secret beaches make it one of the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets.
Nicknamed the “Spice Island,” Grenada is a feast for the senses. The scent of nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves drifts through the air as you wander through bustling markets and colorful towns. While many travelers stick to Grand Turk’s well-known beaches, Grenada offers a mix of hidden coves, jungle-covered mountains, and one of the most underrated shorelines in the Caribbean. Grand Anse Beach is the star, with its soft white sand and calm waters, but places like Morne Rouge Beach and Levera Beach remain blissfully uncrowded. Beyond the sand, you can chase waterfalls, snorkel in an underwater sculpture park, or hike through a lush rainforest filled with monkeys and exotic birds. Grenada delivers the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and culture—without the overwhelming crowds of more touristy islands.