![\"A](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2024\/bestislands.JPG\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
I’m a beach guy. When I think of paradise, my mind drifts to white sand beaches, azure blue water, and palm trees in tropical locales. When most people think of paradise, chances are they’re also<\/em> thinking of tropical islands in far-flung corners of the world. Lounging with a good book<\/a>, drinking from coconuts, soaking up the rays.<\/p>\n Tropical islands are that peaceful escape where the days drift by, the problems of the world melt away, and time slows down.<\/p>\n They are a sanctuary.<\/p>\n I spent a month living on an island in Thailand<\/a> and it remains one of the best months of my entire life.<\/p>\n Having grown up in Boston<\/a> and spent many years living in New York City<\/a>, one of the main purposes of my travels<\/a> is to avoid winter. I seek the sun.<\/p>\n I’ve been to many of the best tropical islands in the world (and there are sooooo<\/em> many). After over fifteen years of travel<\/a> and countless hours staring out into the ocean, I’ve done the “hard” research of visiting lots of islands to find the best islands in the world!<\/p>\n In this post, I’ll give you my favorite and best islands to visit in your travels!<\/p>\n Here’s a quick overview of the islands in case you’re looking for something specific (and don’t want to read the whole article):<\/p>\n With a quick overview out of the way, here’s my list of the best tropical islands in the world \u2014 no matter your budget, travel style, or interests! Just click on the island below to jump to that section!<\/p>\n This group of 115 islands offers everything a beach lover could ask for. It\u2019s an amazing place to visit for its diverse marine life and it has several nature preserves and marine parks, two of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Sadly, these islands are pretty expensive \u2014 though it is possible to visit on a budget<\/a> if you plan ahead. The best time to visit is during the cool season from May to September when it rains less.<\/p>\n MOST POPULAR ACTIVITIES:<\/strong><\/p>\n BEST PLACE TO STAY IN THE SEYCHELLES<\/strong>: Jeanny’s Apartments<\/a> – A beachfront three-star hotel on Grand’Anse Praslin with free breakfast, free parking, and lovely staff.<\/p>\n To start planning your trip, read my budget travel guide to the Seychelles!<\/a><\/em><\/strong> These little coral islands are surrounded by excellent diving, snorkeling, and idyllic white-sand beaches, and are filled with friendly locals. Private resorts litter the islands, and a vacation here is also very pricey, as the Maldives is one of the most sought-after luxury destinations in the world. <\/p>\n Luckily, you can at least get here cheaply, as Thai Air Asia offers cheap flights to and from Thailand<\/a> (you can find round-trip flights for around $300 USD!).<\/p>\n The best time to go to the Maldives is from November to May when the weather is cool and dry. June through October sees wetter and hotter weather due to the monsoon season.<\/p>\n MOST POPULAR ACTIVITIES<\/strong><\/p>\n BEST PLACE TO STAY IN THE MALDIVES<\/strong>: Endheri Sunset Dhangethi<\/a> (Dhangethi) – A budget-friendly hotel near the beach that includes free bikes for use and basic amenities like flatscreen TVs and AC.<\/p>\n To start planning your trip, read my budget travel guide to the Maldives!<\/a><\/em><\/strong> Located in southern Thailand<\/a>, this semi-off-the-map island is one of my favorites and the month I spent here remains one of my fondest memories<\/a>.<\/p>\n Here on Ko Lipe<\/a>, the super-friendly locals bring in the daily catch for amazing seafood, as the island’s waters are teeming with life. Accommodation is still basic, though more and more places now offer electricity 24\/7. I expect development will slowly erode this paradise, however, so visit soon!<\/p>\n Close to this island is a little island that provides excellent snorkeling opportunities. You may even spot a few reef sharks. Bathtub-warm water and fine sand beaches kept me here for over three weeks. It will do the same for you. Visit between November and March for the best weather and the fewest people. May through October sees a harsh monsoon season that shuts the island down. The best way to get there is by boat from Pak Bara<\/a>.<\/p>\n MOST POPULAR ACTIVITIES<\/strong><\/p>\n BEST PLACE TO STAY IN KO LIPE<\/strong>: The Chic Lipe<\/a> – A boutique hostel with a restaurant on-site that’s just a short walk to Walking Street and Sunrise Beach.<\/p>\n To start planning your trip, read my budget travel guide to Ko Lipe!<\/a><\/em><\/strong> But Indonesia<\/a> has more than just Bali. The nearby Gili Islands<\/a> are another incredible island getaway. Both destinations make for a more active tropical vacation and the weather remains pretty constant all year round (though April to October sees slightly drier weather). Both Bali and the Gili Islands are close enough that you should be able to visit them both on your trip to really get the most out of this idyllic corner of the world.<\/p>\n MOST POPULAR ACTIVITIES<\/strong><\/p>\n BEST PLACE TO STAY IN BALI AND THE GILI ISLANDS<\/strong>: Tribal Bali<\/a> (Canggu) – A fun coworking space and hostel with an on-site bar, infinity pool, pool table, and super chill vibe.<\/p>\n To start planning your trip, read my budget travel guide to Bali!<\/a><\/em><\/strong> It’s a popular destination with young people and honeymooners, with something for everyone on offer \u2014 diving, sailing, snorkeling, whale watching, peaceful luxury, and much more! Most young people and budget travelers head to the Yasawa Islands<\/a>, known for their inexpensive accommodation, cheap transportation, and late-night parties. The temperature remains mostly constant throughout the year, with cyclones occurring between November and January.<\/p>\n MOST POPULAR ACTIVITIES<\/strong><\/p>\n BEST PLACE TO STAY IN FIJI<\/strong>: The Beachouse<\/a> (Coral Coast) – A family owned resort located in a sheltered sandy lagoon, with private bungalows as well as dorm rooms available. Includes free breakfast and free kayak rentals.<\/p>\n To start planning your trip, read my budget travel guide to Fiji!<\/a><\/em><\/strong> One of the biggest honeymoon destinations in the world, Tahiti offers pure paradise and a lot of romance. Its very name has long been synonymous with tropical paradise. Here you can relax in the sun, scuba dive, enjoy fine seafood, and take a morning dip right from your bungalow.<\/p>\n The island is expensive and caters to a more affluent tourist crowd, though there are still ways to visit on something of a budget. Try to visit the Museum of Tahiti and the Islands to get an insight into Polynesia culture. Le March\u00e9 Papeete (the public market) is the place to try local cuisine and pick up souvenirs. The weather is tropical all year round and very humid, though May to October sees cooler temperatures.<\/p>\n MOST POPULAR ACTIVITIES<\/strong><\/p>\n BEST PLACE TO STAY IN TAHITI<\/strong>: Manomano Lodge<\/a> – A cozy beachfront lodge with free Wi-Fi, a shared outdoor lounge and garden, and a fully-equipped kitchen.<\/p>\n To start planning your trip, read my budget travel guide to Tahiti!<\/a><\/em><\/strong> Then there are all the waterfalls on the island, great snorkeling and diving, and the lush wilderness of the Waipi\u2019o Valley, once home to Hawaiian kings. Big Island has it all. I mean it’s Hawaii<\/a> \u2014 how could you go wrong?!<\/p>\n The wet season is from October to March, though the weather is cooler during these months. However, despite being located near each other, weather conditions on each island can vary greatly, so you never know what to expect!<\/p>\n MOST POPULAR ACTIVITIES<\/strong><\/p>\n BEST PLACE TO STAY IN HAWAII<\/strong>: My Hawaii Hostel<\/a> – This hostel is close to everything you’ll need and offers free parking, free Wi-Fi, a fully equipped kitchen, and has a chill indoor\/outdoor common area to lounge in.<\/p>\n To start planning your trip, read my budget travel guide to Hawaii!<\/a><\/em><\/strong> With few amenities, this is the best place to find your inner castaway and escape modern life. Rarotonga is the largest and most visited island, however, I suggest you visit a few other islands if you make it out this way. Once you leave the main island, you\u2019ll have miles of beaches and their crystal clear waters (perfect for snorkeling, diving, swimming, and sea kayaking) virtually to yourself! <\/p>\n The islands see similar weather to the rest of the area, with temperatures hot and humid all year round.<\/p>\n MOST POPULAR ACTIVITIES<\/strong><\/p>\n BEST PLACE TO STAY IN THE COOK ISLANDS<\/strong>: Ranginuis Retreat<\/a> – Located on the scenic Ootu Beach, this hotel includes free airport transports, free kayak rentals, and an outdoor swimming pool.<\/p>\n To start planning your trip, read my budget travel guide to the Cook Islands!<\/a><\/em><\/strong> As the largest and most populated of the Netherlands Antilles, Cura\u00e7ao has the most going on and the most \u201csocial life.\u201d It\u2019s the hippest island in the chain and the most visited by younger travelers, so hit the beaches, lay in the sun, and party the night away. This may not be Gilligan’s Island, but what it lacks in privacy, it makes up for in romance and fun.<\/p>\n The weather is pretty stable here year-round. It’s always hot and usually sunny. If it rains, it’s between November and January. And don’t worry about hurricanes \u2013 it’s below the hurricane belt!<\/p>\n MOST POPULAR ACTIVITIES<\/strong><\/p>\n BEST PLACE TO STAY IN CURA\u00c7AO<\/strong>: First Hostel Cura\u00e7ao<\/a> – Located in a former ice cream factory in Willemstad, this hostel boasts an outdoor pool, dive shop, relaxing terrace, and air-conditioning.<\/p>\n To start planning your trip, check out my budget travel guide to Cura\u00e7ao!<\/a><\/em><\/strong> There’s not much to do here, and visitors typically lay on the beach all day, resting from last night’s drinking. It’s the perfect place to put up a hammock; the Malay word Perhentian roughly translates to \u201cstopping point\u201d \u2014 an appropriate name considering most travelers who visit here end up staying longer than anticipated. The islands are also great for divers and snorkelers, as the reefs and crystalline waters are home to a wide variety of coral, sea turtles, sharks, and colorful fish. <\/p>\n A strong monsoon season limits when to go (visit between March and October). During the other times, it’s best to head to Thailand, where the weather is nicer.<\/p>\n MOST POPULAR ACTIVITIES<\/strong><\/p>\n BEST PLACE TO STAY IN THE PERHENTIAN ISLANDS<\/strong>: Senja Bay Resort<\/a> – Just one minute from the beach, this budget resort offers both fan-cooled and air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, and an on-site restaurant.<\/p>\n To start planning your trip, check out my budget travel guide to the Perhentian Islands!<\/a><\/em><\/strong> While you will need a respectable budget, if you give Bermuda a chance you\u2019ll find an island home to some of the most beautiful beaches in all of North America and the Caribbean (my favorites are Church Bay, Elbow Beach, and Chaplin Bay). The locals are incredibly friendly and you can find some world-class food here too. There’s tons to keep you busy, with caves to explore, lots of hiking, and world-class snorkeling and diving (Bermuda is known as the shipwreck capital of the world; there are over 300 shipwrecks here).<\/p>\n MOST POPULAR ACTIVITIES<\/strong><\/p>\n BEST PLACE TO STAY IN BERMUDA<\/strong>: Blue Horizons Guest House<\/a> – A cozy three-star guesthouse with a homey vibe and helpful staff that’s close to the beach.<\/p>\n To start planning your trip, check out my budget travel guide to Bermuda!<\/a><\/em><\/strong> Like in Bermuda, you’ll find amazing beaches and caving here. You’ll also find some world-class surfing. The food here is amazing, and you’ll be able to enjoy expensive, delicious meals alongside cheap local food.<\/p>\n While there is plenty of luxury to be found here, you can also visit on a moderate budget making this one of the more affordable islands in the Caribbean<\/a>.<\/p>\n MOST POPULAR ACTIVITIES<\/strong><\/p>\n BEST PLACE TO STAY IN BARBADOS<\/strong>: Monteray Family Hotel<\/a> – Located a quick 2 minute walk from the white-sand Dover Beach, this two-star property includes fully equipped kitchenettes, private terraces, and air-conditioning. There’s a pool on site too.<\/p>\n\n\nThe Best Tropical Islands For…<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nBest Tropical Island for Diving<\/div>\nThe Galap\u00e1gos Islands<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nBest Tropical Island for Budget Travelers<\/div>\nThe Azores<\/a> or Ko Lipe<\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nBest Tropical Island for Luxury<\/div>\nThe Seychelles<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nBest Tropical Island for Nightlife\/Partying<\/div>\nBali<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nBest Tropical Island for Honeymooners<\/div>\nFiji<\/a> or Tahiti<\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nBest Tropical Island for Relaxing<\/div>\nNaxos<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nBest Tropical Island for Surfing<\/div>\nBarbados<\/a> or Bali<\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nBest Tropical Island for Hiking<\/div>\nBig Island Hawaii<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n <\/p>\n1. The Seychelles<\/h3>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2023\/seychellestropicalislands.jpeg\")
\nLocated over 2,000 kilometers (1,242 miles) off the east coast of Kenya, these islands are pure paradise. If anywhere in the world would convince me to give it all up and live in a beach hut, Seychelles<\/a> would be it. Perfect beaches, perfect water, tons of islands to choose from, and all the seclusion you could want (many of the islands are uninhabited). Seychelles is my dream and should be yours, too.<\/p>\n\n
\n <\/p>\n2. The Maldives<\/h3>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2024\/bestislands2.jpg\")
\nLocated in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives<\/a> is a chain of 1,000 islands (200 are inhabited, but only 5 have any substantial population). The country is actually just a series of coral atolls that are barely above sea level. During the 2004 tsunami, many of these islands were completely washed away. The government has built flood barriers to help lessen the impact of any future tsunamis though it’s going to be one of the first nations to feel the pressure of climate change.<\/p>\n\n
\n <\/p>\n3. Ko Lipe<\/h3>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2024\/bestislands3.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\n
\n <\/p>\n4. Bali and the Gili Islands<\/h3>\n
![\"a](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2024\/bestislands4.JPG\")
\nThis tourist mecca is voted one of the best islands in the world year after year. The surfing is great, the food amazing, it’s dirt cheap, the parties are fantastic, the locals are some of the friendliest in the world, there’s a volcano to climb, and there are temples to see. Clearly, Bali<\/a> has it all.<\/p>\n\n
\n <\/p>\n5. Fiji<\/h3>\n
![\"White](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2024\/bestislands5.JPG\")
\nLocated in the South Pacific Ocean, this country has some 322 islands, though less than a third are inhabited. Most of the action happens in the western islands, but no matter where you go, this is heaven. Any time the name Fiji<\/a> is heard, visions of postcard-perfect beaches and tropical ocean dance in people’s head. There’s a good reason for that \u2014 because this place is one of the most incredible destinations in the world. And with so many islands to offer, you’re bound to find one you like.<\/p>\n\n
\n <\/p>\n6. Tahiti<\/h3>\n
![\"Thatched](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2023\/frenchpolynesiatropical.jpg\")
\nYou know those pictures you always see of tropical bungalows in the water? That’s Tahiti, the largest island in French Polynesia<\/a>, an island nation composed of 118 islands spread over 6,400 square kilometers (2,471 square miles) of ocean. It\u2019s a massive, remote region offering soaring volcanic peaks, rugged cliffs, and emerald lagoons, providing some of the South Pacific\u2019s most spectacular scenery.<\/p>\n\n
\n <\/p>\n7. Big Island Hawaii<\/h3>\n
![\"Steaming](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2023\/bigislandtropical.jpg\")
\nLocated over 4,000 kilometers (2,500 miles) off the west coast of mainland USA, Hawaii’s biggest island has everything you could ever want to do and more. But what separates it from the other islands is Hawai\u2019i Volcanoes National Park. Two of the world’s largest and most active volcanoes are located within the park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve in recognition of its unique natural value. Here, you can explore volcanoes, climb through old lava tubes, and watch as new lava oozes into the ocean.<\/p>\n\n
\n <\/p>\n8. The Cook Islands<\/h3>\n
![\"Person](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2023\/cookislands.jpg\")
\nAnother South Pacific island group (see a pattern here?), the Cook Islands<\/a> are pretty far off the map and are considerably less-visited than some of their neighbors. Consisting of 15 islands scattered over an area stretching almost 2 million square kilometers (756,000 square miles) in the Pacific Ocean, these tiny islands are named after James Cook, the intrepid explorer who “discovered” them (the islands had been inhabited by indigenous Polynesians since 1000 CE).<\/p>\n\n
\n <\/p>\n9. Cura\u00e7ao<\/h3>\n
![\"Brightly](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2024\/bestislands9.JPG\")
\nLocated in the Caribbean Sea, this Dutch-owned island is perfect. Voted one of the best in the Caribbean, Cura\u00e7ao<\/a> is like being in tropical Holland. The island\u2019s capital, Willemstad, is a bustling city with brightly colored Dutch architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage listed Old Town.<\/p>\n\n
\n <\/p>\n10. The Perhentian Islands<\/h3>\n
![\"Colorful](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2023\/perhentianislands.jpg\")
\nLocated on the eastern coast of Malaysia<\/a>, the Perhentians<\/a> consist of two main islands, Perhentian Kecil (\u201cLesser Perhentian\u201d) and Perhentian Besar (\u201cGreater Perhentian\u201d). Both are covered in palm trees and are home to wide beaches and crystal blue water. Despite being the smaller island, Kecil is the busier of the group, offering cheaper accommodation and more things to do. Besar has more resorts and caters to families, honeymooners, and upscale travelers.<\/p>\n\n
\n <\/p>\n11. Bermuda<\/h3>\n
![\"Nomadic](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2024\/bestislands11.jpg\")
\nGreat Britain’s oldest colony, Bermuda<\/a> is one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Sadly, it\u2019s also very expensive! Home to banks and tax-avoiding businesses, the rich and powerful have jacked up prices here so the resorts tend to cater to an upscale crowd. But that doesn\u2019t mean you shouldn’t visit!<\/p>\n\n
\n <\/p>\n12. Barbados<\/h3>\n
![\"Bright](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2023\/bridgetownbarbados.jpg\")
\nBarbados is a vibrant island that is part of the West Indies, an island region straddling both the North Atlantic and the Caribbean. The island’s culture is a mix of West African, Portuguese, Creole, and British cultures. Bridgetown, the capital and largest city, is one of the nightlife capitals of the area, so if you’re looking to stay up until the wee hours then this might be the island for you!<\/p>\n\n