The Caribbean may be best known for shimmering blue waters and sugar-white sands, but there’s much more to this diverse region than meets the eye. With over 7,000 islands and islets, there are plenty of hidden gems to discover…and one of the best ways to do so is on a cruise.
Touring the Caribbean offers something for everyone. You can set sail to popular Caribbean countries, like Barbados, Jamaica and St. Lucia, as well as quieter, lesser-known destinations for new perspectives and a deeper, richer understanding of Caribbean culture.
With that said, we’ve rounded up eight hidden Caribbean gems you can visit on a cruise holiday.
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Note: It’s always worth checking the latest FCDO travel advice on GOV.UK before planning your trip.
1. Bonaire
Just off the coast of Venezuela lies Bonaire. Part of the Dutch Caribbean, this island is often overlooked in favour of its larger neighbours, Aruba and Curaçao – but that’s precisely what makes it such a hidden gem. Home to staggering natural beauty and pristine waters, it’s a pioneer of ecotourism
If you’d like to swim, dive or snorkel, the gin-clear waters of Bonaire Marine Park teem with colourful marine life, while, on land, you can spot flamingos and iguanas. There’s plenty of culture and history, too: you can explore Rincón, the oldest town on the island, admire the vibrant capital Kralendijk and visit the tiny 19th-century slave huts. Or, if you feel like relaxing, just kick back on one of the many blissful beaches.
2. Bequia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
The beautiful, volcanic islands of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) remain largely undiscovered – and even the busier spots don’t feel too overcrowded. But of all the SVG islands, none is more perfect, or off the beaten track, than Bequia (pronounced ‘Beck-way’). Bequia had no electricity until the 1960s (and no roads until the 1980s!) and, refreshingly, life still ticks by at a snail’s pace today.
Here, beaches are blissfully deserted. Often, even on the popular Princess Margaret Beach, there’s barely a soul around. Then, for a change of pace, you can visit the vibrant capital of Kingstown in St. Vincent, which offers easy access to Bequia. Hop on a catamaran and take a shore excursion to this tropical hideaway, swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing to your heart’s content. Or enjoy a ferry ride to Port Elizabeth, Bequia’s pretty capital.
3. Guadeloupe
Consisting of more than a dozen sun-kissed islands – of which six are inhabited – Guadeloupe is one of the most diverse places in the Caribbean. Home to jungle-swathed mountains, sultry rainforests, thermal springs and pristine beaches, there’s something for everyone. Plus, Guadeloupe is particularly known for its excellent cuisine, which is a mouthwatering mix of Creole, French, and African influences.
Nature lovers won’t want to miss the Jacques Cousteau Underwater Reserve, where you can swim, snorkel, dive, and spot creatures including seahorses, dolphins, and turtles. Or head to Domaine de Valombreuse botanical gardens to be immersed in a tropical wonderland.
4. Nevis
The warm and welcoming dual-island nation of St. Kitts and Nevis has long been a popular Caribbean cruise destination. But, because it’s bigger, most tourists only visit St. Kitts. Nevis, the main island’s leisurely little sister, is known for unspoiled beaches, grand mountains, rich history and mellow culture. Not for nothing is it known as ‘the Queen of the Caribbean’.
Several cruise ships dock in St. Kitts, giving you the option to explore this forested island or hop on a shore excursion to visit its smaller neighbour. Perhaps you’d like to travel via water taxi to Nevis to explore at your leisure, whether that’s hiking around the slumbering volcano, soaking up the sun on the beach, or discovering the lively capital, Charlestown.
5. Dominica
If you’re looking to marvel at the majesty of nature or feel like an intrepid explorer as you trek past moon-like landscapes, few Caribbean countries can compete with Dominica. A haven for ecotourists, Dominica’s boiling lake, rainforest-wrapped volcanoes, cascading waterfalls and colourful coral reefs make it perfect for adventure lovers.
There’s so much to see that it can be tricky to know where to start. Discover the charming capital of Roseau, with its elegant French colonial buildings and dazzling botanical gardens; admire the magical Jaco Falls; or swim in the enchanting Emerald Pool, in UNESCO-listed Morne Trois Pitons National Park. You can even visit the last surviving community of Carib Indians, the original inhabitants of the Caribbean.
6. Sint Maarten/St. Martin
One of the most interesting islands in the Caribbean is Sint Maarten – or St. Martin. Half French and half Dutch, this unique two-nation island has two distinct personalities. The French side is quieter and more laid-back, while the Dutch side is known for its food scene, shops, and opportunities for adventure – as well as the world-famous, eye-wateringly low aeroplane landing approach at Maho Beach.
The bustling Dutch capital is a joy to explore, and you can have fun getting lost in the labyrinth of narrow streets called steegjes. Philipsburg Marketplace is a great place to pick up souvenirs and, after, you can sip rum punch as you admire the view over Great Bay Beach. Or, for a taste of France, head to the French capital Marigot, where you can browse chic boutiques and relax along the pretty café-lined waterfront.
7. Tobago
While its big sister, Trinidad, buzzes with energy and activity all night long, tiny Tobago is laid-back even by Caribbean standards. Although only 26 miles by nine, this island has incredible diversity, boasting shady rainforests, volcanic hills, aquamarine bays, fabulous dive sites, and magnificent nature reserves and bird sanctuaries. If you’re looking for a Robinson Crusoe experience, you’ll find that here.
There’s plenty for history buffs, too. Despite its small size, Tobago has a surprisingly large number of old forts, including the impressive Fort King George, built in the 1770s, which is now a museum. The capital, Scarborough, is a great place for a stroll – or a dance if you’re feeling energetic. Swaying to local calypso music while sipping a refreshing rum punch is a wonderful way to get a feel for this idyllic island.
8. Roatán, Honduras
Just off the north coast of Honduras, in Central America, lie the beautiful Bay Islands. Roatán is the largest island. It’s long, thin and set upon an astonishingly diverse coral reef, making the entire coastline a diving and snorkelling paradise. There are also picture-perfect beaches, shady mangrove-lined waterways, beautiful botanical gardens and, at the heart of the island, rolling pine-forested mountains.
You can appreciate Roatán’s natural beauty by visiting the Arboretum Botanical Gardens and the Roatán Butterfly Gardens. Or why not take a cruise around Dixon Cove, passing two of the island’s biggest shipwrecks? Culture enthusiasts can enjoy exploring quaint seaside villages, browsing authentic Central American arts and crafts and learning about the local Garifuna people.
Final thoughts…
On a Caribbean cruise, you can experience the best of both worlds, ticking off big-hitters like Barbados, Jamaica and the Bahamas, while also visiting smaller, lesser-known islands and countries.
The Caribbean is one of the world’s most popular bucket-list destinations, and exploring on a cruise means you can see much more than you would on a land-based holiday. When in port, you can get to know the Caribbean’s most beautiful and diverse islands. Soak up the inimitable culture, savour the mouthwatering cuisine, uncover the fascinating history and make the most of being in one of the most breathtakingly beautiful parts of the world.
For more inspiration, you might like our articles: 11 off-the-beaten-track cruise destinations or 10 spectacular things to see and do on an Alaskan cruise. Or, explore thousands of travel deals using the button below.
Have you ever visited the Caribbean? If so, do you have any hidden gem recommendations that aren’t on this list? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
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