Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

The 20 Best Tropical Islands in the World

An empty beach on a sunny day in the picturesque Maldives
Updated: 2/18/2019 | February 19, 2019

Tropical islands.

As soon as I think of travel, it’s not long before 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 thinking of tropical islands is far-flung corners of the world. Lounging with a good book, drinking from coconuts, soaking up the rays. Does it get any better than that?

Tropical islands are that peaceful escape where the days drift by, the problems of the world melt away, and time slows down.

They are a sanctuary.

I spent a month living on an island in Thailand and it remains one of the best months of my entire life.

I’m an avid beach lover. The sun and I get along quite well and there’s nothing I’d rather do than live on a tropical island someday.

Having grown up in Boston and spent many years living in New York City, one of the main purposes of my travels is to avoid winter.

Give me a beach and I am a happy man.

I’ve been to many of the best tropical islands in the world (and there are so many of them). After over a decade of travel and countless hours staring out into the ocean, I’ve done the “hard” research so you don’t have to! If you’re looking for a tropical island to go on your next vacation, here are a list of my favorites!

Table of Contents

  1. The Seychelles
  2. The Maldives
  3. Ko Lipe
  4. Bali and the Gili Islands
  5. Fiji
  6. Tahiti
  7. Big Island Hawaii
  8. The Cook Islands
  9. Curaçao
  10. The Perhentian Islands
  11. Bermuda
  12. Barbados
  13. Isla de Providencia (Old Providence)
  14. The San Blas Islands
  15. The Canary Islands
  16. Naxos
  17. The Whitsunday Islands
  18. The Galapágos Islands
  19. Saint Lucia
  20. The Azores

The Best Tropical Islands in the World

1. The Seychelles

Beautiful clear water in the Seychelles
Located off the east coast of Africa, 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 would be it. Perfect beaches, perfect water, tons of islands to choose from, and all the seclusion you could want. Seychelles are my dream and should be yours, too.

This group of 115 islands offers everything a beach lover could ask for. Sadly, these islands are pretty expensive, but I guess there is a price to pay for paradise. The best time to visit is during the cool season from May to September when it rains less.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE SEYCHELLES

  • There are 115 islands that make up the Seychelles with a total population of under 100,000 people.
  • The Seychelles was once a pirate hideout and legend says there is still unfound treasure buried somewher eon the island!
  • Thanks to government conservation efforts, the Seychelles is a diving paradise.

To start planning your trip, read my robust guide to the Seychelles!

2. The Maldives

A colorful sunset at at dock on the beach in the Maldives
Located in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is a chain of 1,000 islands (200 are inhabited, and 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.

These little coral islands are surrounded by excellent diving, snorkeling, and white sand beaches, and are filled with friendly locals. Private resorts litter the islands, and a vacation here is also very pricey. Luckily, Bangkok Airways offers cheap flights to and from Thailand. 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.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE MALDIVES

  • The Maldives is made up of 26 atolls and over 1,100 coral islands.
  • It’s the lowest and flatest nation in the world.
  • The capital Malé is one of the most densely populated cities in the world.

To start planning your trip, read my robust guide to travel in the Maldives!

3. Ko Lipe

Green hills and an empty beach in Ko Lipe, Thailand
Located in southern Thailand, this semi-off-the-map island is one of my favorites and the month I spent here remains one of my most fond memories. Here on Ko Lipe, the super-friendly locals bring in the daily catch for amazing seafood, as the island’s water is teeming with life. Accommodation is still basic, and most places turn off the electricity around midnight.

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.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT KO LIPE

  • You can walk from one end of the island to the other in under an hour.
  • There are no cars (and few roads) on the island.
  • There are less than 1,000 full-time local residents on the island.

To start planning your trip, read my robust guide to Ko Lipe travel!

4. Bali and the Gili Islands

Boats floating in the clear waters of Bali
This tourist mecca is voted one of the best islands in the world year after year. There’s enough room on Bali for everyone, the surfing is great, the food amazing, it’s dirt cheap, the parties are great, the locals are some of the friendliest in the world, there’s a volcano to climb, and there are temples to see. Clearly, Bali has it all.

But Indonesia has more than just Bali. The nearby Gili Islands 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.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT BALI AND THE GILI ISLANDS

  • Thanks to the volcanoes that call the region home, Bali is home to both white and black sand beaches.
  • 80% of Bali’s economy relies on tourism.
  • Fresh water is rare in the Gili Islands, leading some hotels and guesthouses to provide salt-water showers.

To start planning your trip, read my robust travel guide to Bali!

5. Fiji

A remote island surrounded by blue water in Fiji
Though this country has some 322 islands, 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 is heard, visions of beaches and tropical ocean dance in people’s head. There’s a good reason for that – because this place is one of the best places to go in the world, and with so many islands, you’re bound to find one you like.

It’s a popular destination with young people and honeymooners, with something for everyone. Most young people head to the Yasawa Island group. The temperature remains mostly constant through the year, with cyclones occurring between November and January.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT FIJI

  • There are 333 islands in Fiji, but less than half are inhabited.
  • 1,500 different species of sea life call the waters around Fiji home.
  • There are 28 airports in Fiji, but only 4 have paved runways.

To start planning your trip, read my robust travel guide to Fiji!

6. Tahiti

A vivid sunset on the beautiful island of Tahiti
You know those pictures you always see of tropical bungalows in the water? That’s Tahiti. The name has long been synonymous with tropical paradise. One of the biggest honeymoon destinations in the world, Tahiti offers pure paradise and a lot of romance. Here you can relax in the sun, scuba dive, enjoy fine seafood, and take a morning dip right from your bungalow.

The island is expensive and caters to a more affluent tourist crowd. The weather is tropical all year round and very humid, though May to October sees cooler temperatures.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT TAHITI

  • Tahiti is made up of 118 atolls and islands.
  • Hawaii sees more tourists in a single day than Tahiti will see in an entire year!
  • The first over-water bungalows in the world were built in Tahiti.

To start planning your trip, read my robust travel guide to Tahiti!

7. Big Island Hawaii

A massive waterfall in the jungles of Hawaii
Hawaii’s biggest island has everything you could ever want to do and more. But what separates it from the other islands is Volcano National Park. Explore volcanoes, climb through old lava tubes, and watch as new lava oozes into the ocean. Then there are all the waterfalls on the island, too. Big Island has it all. I mean it’s Hawaii — how could you go wrong?!

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!

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT BIG ISLAND

  • Big Island is home to the world’s most active volcano (Kilauea).
  • Hawaii is the only state in the United States that grows coffee.
  • The majority of the world’s macadamia nuts are grown on Big Island

To start planning your trip, read my robust travel guide to Hawaii!

8. The Cook Islands

A small tree-covered island in the Cook Islands
Another South Pacific island group (see a pattern here?), the Cook Islands are pretty far off the map. OK, not too far, but they are considerably less visited than some of their neighbors. These tiny islands are named after James Cook, the intrepid man who discovered them. With few amenities, this is the best place to find your inner castaway and escape modern life. The islands see similar weather to the rest of the area, with temperatures hot and humid all year round.

INTERESTING FACTS THE COOKE ISLANDS

  • The Cook Islands is composed of 15 islands spread out over 1.8 million square kilometers.
  • Cook Islanders are granted citizenship to New Zealand (though New Zealand citizens are not given citizenship to the Cook Islands).
  • Maoris originate from the Cook Islands, and it was they who first discovered and settled New Zealand.

To start planning your trip, read my robust guide to the Cook Islands!

9. Curaçao

A secluded beach with white sand in Curacao
Located in the Caribbean Sea, this Dutch-owned island is perfect. Voted one of the best in the Caribbean, Curacao is like being in tropical Holland. The town is built in the Dutch style, but the surrounding areas are all tropical. 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.

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 – it’s below the hurricane belt!

INTERESTING FACTS CURACAO

  • Curaçao is a constituent of the Netherlands.
  • Iguana is a popular meal, usually in soups or stews.
  • Prostitution in Curaçao is legal for foreign women (as long as they get a temporary permit).

To start planning your trip, check out my robust guide to Curacao!

10. The Perhentian Islands

An empty beach in the Perhentian Islands
Located on the eastern coast of Malaysia, the Perhentians consist of two islands. Both are stunningly covered with a lot of palm trees, wide beaches, and crystal blue water. 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. A strong monsoon season limits when to go to between March and October. During the other times, it’s best to head to Thailand, where the weather is nicer.

INTERESTING FACTS THE PERHENTIAN ISLANDS

  • Perhentian means “stopping point” in Malay, as the island was a regular waypoint for seafarers in the past.
  • The Perhentian Islands are made up of 2 inhabitated islands and 5 uninhabited islands.
  • The Perhentian Islands are consistently featured on lists of the worlds best beaches.

To start planning your trip, check out my robust travel guide to the Perhentian Islands!

11. Bermuda

Overlooking the beautiful coastline of Bermuda
Bermuda is one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Sadly, it’s also very expensive! Home to banks, tax-avoiding businesses, and the rich and powerful have jacked up prices here so the resorts tend to cater to an upscale crowd. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit!

While you will need a respectable budget, if you give Bermuda a chance you’ll find an island home to some of the most beautiful beaches in all of North America and the Caribbean. The locals are incredibly friendly people and you can find some world-class food here too. To keep you busy, there is tons of snorkeling, some caves to explore, lots of hiking, and tons more!

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT BERMUDA

  • Bermuda is a self-governing British overseas territory.
  • There were no inhabitants on the islands until the 17th century when a shipwreck led to Europeans colonizing the island.
  • Bermuda is the shipwreck capital of the world.

To start planning your trip, check out my robust travel guide to Bermuda!

12. Barbados

A turtle swimming in the clear waters of Barbados
Barbados is a vibrant island with a great nightlight. Bridgetown 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! Like 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.

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.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT BARBADOS

  • The Portugese were probably the first Europeans to visit the island, though no one knows for certain.
  • Rihanna was born here.
  • Many stores offer tax-free shopping if you bring your passport.

To start planning your trip, check out my robust travel guide to the Caribbean!

13. Isla de Providencia (Old Providence)

The small island near Crab Cay in Providencia, Colombia
Located between Costa Rica and Jamaica, Providencia is actually part of Colombia. Isla de Providencia is made up of two smaller islands: Providencia and Santa Catalina. The two islands combined only cover a total of 22 square kilometers.

Unlike its luxurious Caribbean neighbors, here you’ll only find more budget-friendly hotels and guesthouses. Everything needs to come by ship or airplane, so it’s not super cheap. However, since no non-natives can own property there is no influx of overdevelopment, keeping the island simple but beautiful. For a more rustic, non-touristy getaway, this might be the island for you!

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT ISLA DE PROVIDENCIA

  • The island was once the site of an English Puritan colony.
  • The Pirate Henry Morgan use the islands as a base, and rumor has it that there is still buried treasure somewhere on the island.
  • There is a sizeable Rastafari population on the island.

To start planning your trip, check out my robust travel guide to Colombia!

14. The San Blas Islands

A small boat off the coast of the San Blas Islands in Panama
Panama is an underrated destination in Central America, including the San Blas Islands. This is a popular spot for sailing and boat tours, though there are also some resorts in case you’re looking for a more luxurious stay. Generally, the islands are quite rustic and make for a great off-the-grid island getaway. There are tons of beautiful spots for good sailing, diving, and snorkeling.

You can also book sailing expeditions here if you’re looking to get off the islands and out onto the water. A 4-5 day cruise will cost around 425 USD per person.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE SAN BLAS ISLANDS

  • The San Blas Islands are made up of over 365 islands.
  • The local indigenous people are called the Kuna, who mainly reside on 49 of the San Blas Islands.
  • Rising sea levels will mkae most of the islands uninhabitable by the end of the century.

To start planning your trip, check out my robust travel guide to Panama!

15. The Canary Islands

A pair of flippers in the white sand of the Canary Islands in Spain
Located just off the coast of Western Sahara in Africa, the Canary Islands are actually a Spanish archipelago and therefore owned by Spain. There are 7 main islands in the Canaries, with each offering something different for the intrepid traveler looking to kick back and enjoy island life. Tenerife is the largest of the islands and has a bit of everything, including one of the largest Carnival festivals in the world each February.

For beaches, head to Fuerteventura to soak up some rays. And for some hiking, make your way to Gran Canaria. It has some incredible and diverse landscapes. But no matter which island in the Canaries you choose, you’ll get to enjoy one of the best tropical islands in the world.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE CANARY ISLANDS

  • The Canaries have 2 official capital cities: Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
  • The Canary Islands is one of the best places to see the endangered Loggerhead Turtle.
  • The islands are home to a local form of wrestling called “Lucha Canaria.”

To start planning your trip, check out my robust travel guide to Spain!

16. Naxos

People swimming in the clear waters of Naxos, Greece
While most people head to Santorini or Mykonos, beat the crowd and head to Naxos. It’s just as stunning and picturesque, but without the crowds. Home to charming villages and pristine villages, Naxos will satisfy your desire to enjoy that serene Mediterranean life.

Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, head out for a hike, enjoy some water sports, or learn about history, Naxos will be able to keep you entertained as you enjoy your little slice of Greek heaven away from the tourist mob.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT NAXOS

  • Naxos is the biggest of the Cycladic Islands, a group of islands in the Aegean Sea.
  • According to Greek Mythology, Zeur grew up in Naxos.
  • Naxos was once nammed Callipolis, which translates to “The Best City.”

To start planning your trip, check out my robust travel guide to Greece!

17. The Whitsunday Islands

Overlooking the beautiful waters of the Whitsunday Islands in Australia
Located in Australia, the Whitsunday Islands are a gorgeous collection of islands off the central coast of Queensland. A majority of the islands are designated national parks and actually form part of the Great Barrier Reef.

Naturally, there are some amazing coral reefs for snorkeling and diving and pristine beaches (my favorite is Whitehaven Beach). Upon arrival, you’ll instantly see why this is one of the best tropical islands in the world — and why over half a million people visit a year. One of the most popular way to see the islands is via a multi-day sailing tour (which is what I did when I visited). It was an amazing experience — especially diving! Prices start around 450 AUD for multi-day sailing tours.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE WHITSHUNDAY ISLANDS

  • 70% of the Whitsunday Islands par of a national park.
  • Captain Cook was the first European to visit (in 1770) however the area was inhabited by aboriginals as far back as 8,000 years ago.
  • Whitehaven beach is consistently rated as the best beach in all of Australia.

To start planning your trip, check out my robust travel guide to the Whitsunday Islands!

18. The Galápagos Islands

A bright lizard standing on the rocks in the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador
There are few destinations that top bucket lists like the Galápagos Islands. The opportunities to see incredible wildlife here are practically unrivaled. Located 1,000km off the coast of Ecuador, this is not only one of the most popular destinations in the country but one of the most sought-after destinations in the world.

Unfortunately, this is a very fragile ecosystem and it’s being drastically affected by the changing climate. Visit here while you can!

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS

  • The Galápagos Islands are the only place in the Northern Hemisphere where you cans see penguins in the wild.
  • The Galápagos tortoise has an average lifespan of over 100 years.
  • 97% of the islands is a national park.

To start planning your trip, check out my robust travel guide to Ecuador!

19. Saint Lucia

Beautiful blue water and a massive green hill in Saint Lucia
This stunning island is often considered one of the most romantic places in the world. With incredible, lush surroundings and white sand beaches that stretch for miles, it’s no wonder that this tropical island is considered a paradise on earth.

St. Lucia is home to tons of incredible wildlife to be seen and the island also boasts some world-class diving. Whether you’re looking for a lazy escape or an active holiday, St. Lucia will be able to keep you entertained!

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT SAINT LUCIA

  • Due to its proximity to volcanoes, Saint Lucia is home to black sand beaches.
  • Saint Lucia is the world’s only country named after a woman
  • The first inhabitants of St. Lucia were Arawak Indians, who were eventually forced off the island.

To start planning your trip, check out my robust travel guide to St. Lucia!

20. The Azores

the rolling hills of the Azores in Portugal
While technically a subtropical island, the Azores make for a great getaway if you’re looking for something beyond the standard resort getaway. The islands boast tons of hiking and beautiful nature. Rent a car and explore the winding roads of the main island, São Miguel Island, taking it secluded beaches and picturesque waterfalls. Best of all, it’s close to both Europe and North America and makes for a great stopover point if you’re traveling between the two.

INTERESTING FACTS THE AZORES

  • The Azores is made up of 9 islands that are home to around 250,000 people.
  • Mount Pico is the highest point in the Azores as well as all of the Portuguese mainland.
  • São Miguel is the only place in the world where pineapples are grown in greenhouses.

To start planning your trip, check out my robust travel guide to Portugal!

***

This is by no means a comprehensive list of all the best tropical islands in the world. There are countless other islands worthy of attention and it would take multiple lifetimes to visit them all (though I’d be happy to try!).

That being said, I think these are some of the best tropical islands in the world. Each one of these is a veritable paradise in its own right. You’ll be hard pressed to find more beautiful surroundings than some of these islands.

But don’t take my word for it. Book a trip and experience a slice of paradise for yourself!

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the largest inventory. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and that will save you time and money too!

Photo Credit: 12, 14

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

Related Posts

  1. One of the many small, picturesque islands in the Yasawa Group in Fiji How to Backpack the Yasawa Islands
  2. classic shot of the white and blue buildings of Santorini in Greece How to Explore the Greek Islands
  3. a silhouetted beach in the British Virgin Islands My 16 Favorite Things to Do in the Virgin Islands

  4. Gorgeous pics. And if you do ever want to come here, let me know. I’m sure I can manage to find ways of making it cheaper than the usual high prices.
    And if I find Jim Morrison, we can always blackmail him by threatening to divulge his whereabouts. I don’t mind sharing the cash 🙂

    • yah me too, i’m more of a mountain lover myself, and that’s pretty odd being from hawaii, but i will always have a deep affection for islands, they have a way of molding themselves into your identity. these pictures were beautiful.

  9. It’s always amazes me that we (americans) forget how amazing, and, most importantly, ACCESSIBLE, Hawaii is! No currency exchange, and Americans gain a few hours when they arrive. Perfect short (or long) trip destination!

      • Hawaii is VERY expensive for a the common american, who cannot afford to hop a plane and splurge…not all americans are rich..in fact, very few!

        • You can save a lot of money on package deals and if you avoid the expensive resorts. Travel is not all 5 star luxury holidays.

        • I’m a Maui native and it is not that expensive! You just need to do it the smart way, avoid tourist traps and ABC stores, stop at Costco to stock up on supplies before you reach your hotel. Many of the best things Hawaii has to offer are free: beaches, sunsets, hikes, snorkeling, walking the streets of small beach towns. Condos are also way cheaper than hotels and they are usually beachfront.

  10. Beaches have always fascinated me..Im not a swimmer but I can lose myself looking at the waves ..Been to Bali but not to the others

  11. Awesome pictures, Matt. Been to a few of those myself. Absolutely loved Koh Lipe, but nothing I’ve seen tops the Bandas in Indo. So far anyways…

  12. I too love the beach. I am definitely going to refer to this list when it is time for my fiance and I to plan our honeymoon.

  13. @quickroute: I’ve never been but I have heard it is nice.

    @wanderus: I second that!

    @Boris: Where is Bandas?

    • No one mentioned the Greek Isles… Many many islands to choose from and all are just as tropical as the next!… and i might say they are for the most part very remote…Take Ios closer to the Turkey coast line then Greece or Italy. Some of these islands are a straight 9 hour boat ride south of Greece and with not airports, its very nice.

      • You said not to mention the greed islands ,but you did. yes they are nice, but i will take Bali

    • Culebra Island is beautiful. I just got back to Canada from Puerto Rico. I was there for a month. I loved Culebra so much I went back twice. On my second trip I spent two nights camping at Playa Flamenco. I paid $20 USD per night for a sweet little camping spot (section E). I saw turtles, amazing, colourful fish and met some wonderful people. The snorkelling was okay in terms of being able to see under water but the reefs are not healthy. There was plenty of coconut to pick to drink the water inside and eat the meat. I found passion fruit, mangoes (not ripe), almonds (not ripe) and another really weird looking fruit I don’t know the name of. While I didn’t enjoy the main island of Puerto Rico as much as I’d hoped, I would go back to Culebra if the opportunity ever arose. I made some friends (Perri and Hector–owners) at a little place in town called, “Aqui Me Quedo” who I will never forget their kindness and hospitality.

      • you do know ¨aqui me quedo¨ means, I stay here… 😉 hope you come back soon! and if you come to the main Island get out of the Capital, and come to enjoy others areas as well, like Rincon, Isabela or Cabo Rojo!

  18. It’s so hard to rate tropical islands. After doing research for our beaches of the world series, I couldn’t pick my favorite. Most places have good food near the beach, at street vendors and the like, so I’d probably pick based on food instead of beauty. 🙂

  19. Nice to see the Pacific getting the attention it deserves! Non of this Caribbean-centrism I see so often.

    Not that there’s anything wrong with the Caribbean; just that accessibility doesn’t score many points in my book.

  25. Matt, in a past post you responded to Boris asking him where the Bandas are. Just thought I’d give you an update if you haven’t already found them…they are a very well kept secret and hard to get to but the truth is, if it were any more convenient to reach the islands, they would be overrun with tourists.

    They are located north of Australia and east of Bali and offer stunning tropical scenery, a remarkable history, friendly villages, and some of the globe’s most pristine, biologically diverse coral reefs. The only way to reach them is to island-hop the Indonesian archipelago by small planes, ferry services, or eco-friendly cruises for serious divers but it is more than worth the trouble.

    Happy travels!

  27. I saw Fiji and loved it! And I already knew I wanted to see the Cook Islands and Tahiti, but these pictures just wanna make me leave with the next plane 🙂 Thanks for sharing Matt! BTW, amazing photos!!!

  30. dear people

    my Name is Julie. for those of view who have never visited tahiti you are seriously missing out. its beautiful and wild and the people are so nice and the weather is great. we got to eat a giant freshly caught tuna and had a big cook out wih tahitian dancers who tell a story about their islands and history. if your looking for paradise tahiti is it do not forget the passports though. you go out and watch the golden sun dance on the water as you watch it set for the night as it gently washes away the stress of busy cities that we live in. i can’t wait to go back what an adventure yahoo!

  31. dear matt,
    your expriance and information are wonderful.I hate winter too . this is dream for me to live in a tropical island for ever and some times Ithink about it for hours.good for you to be there most of the time.
    I live in Iran ! have you ever been in Iran? Have you ever visited Kish island in persian golf (one of the largest coral reef area in the world and amazing marine life)????
    I would like to know your idea.

  34. Your picture of Tahiti is actually Bora Bora.

    I’m more interested in a list of the best values, aka cheapest paradises.

  36. whoo hoo – I have 7 of your top 10 — with Maldives being high on my list for the future!

    Another one to consider adding is Ouvea in the Loyalty Islands of New Caledonia. Incredible – about 25km of beach with hardly a soul on it! Shame it rained most of the time I was there ….but it is really incredible.

  38. Hey! Love the website! 🙂 🙂 🙂 Awesome! I just love all of the islands on here! It is so hard to choose just one! 🙁 I better go now.
    -Darla 😉

  41. In Ecuador Montanita, La Playa Escondida and La Isla de La Plata (the poor man’s Galapagos are really great beaches to visit. They are beautiful and rustic, but not too touristy like other destinations that claim to be “undiscovered.”

  42. Great to see the Maldives on the list! 🙂 I’m a beach freak myself and love islands! Thanks for sharing.

    Gimme a holler if you are coming over to the Maldives 🙂

  43. totally agree on curacao. hands down, the most beautiful beach i have ever visited is playa kenepa. unequivocally the best!

  44. closing my eyes and imagining spending endless days on these beaches soaking up the sun and swimming in those beautiful waters. thanks for sharing love! 😉

  45. I really want to go to Seychelles. I read about Seychelles before, and I believe that I found out that there are no flights from North America to the islands. I would probably have to get to England and go from there.

  47. Great post, Matt! So far I have been in Bali only from this list, I will put the rest in my places to go list. I’ve been checking around your blog for a while, and your blog is great!

  48. I’ve been to all of these places, even the ones you guys mentioned!!! There all very warm *hot*, beautiful, sunny, calm *most of the time* places. I guess you could say… I’m rich!!!

  53. Hi!

    My girlfriend and I am looking for the perfect place to start a Hostel.
    Can you guys recommend an island with steady weather and a steady flow of backpackers all year round?

    It needs to be “cheap”, but not so cheap that we cant make money if you understand.
    We never wanted to get rich, but to make enough to get by just fine.

    It is good potential in this article here, but it does not tell the backpacker flow.

    Best regards from an native Island man from cold Norway…

  54. These pictures are fabulous! The best! and the water is so blue! Love Costa Rica, but you’ll find more places where the mountains meet the ocean or the jungle meets the ocean rather than these types of beach above. WOW absolutely great to see these amazing places!

  56. All these pictures and stories are just amazing. We have returned from 2 weeks on Sanibel Island, Florida and I was totally captured by the shells. Amazing. Where else can we go where I can lose myself collecting great shells please anyone???

  57. I am moving to Bali next month. I am currently on another Indo Island, less popular and not really paradise but has some pretty destinations (Batam Island). I must say I am so interested in visiting the other places well but if you are visiting Bali it is definitely a romantic experience. It’s the perfect place for a honeymoon and the best part is… it’s cheap! The most expensive thing will probably be the airfare unless you reside in South East Asia.

    Many of these beautiful islands and tropical getaways are affordable! Hawaii is actually a bit too expensive for a long time stay. Beautiful it is… beyond my budget unfortunately.

  58. Nice list Matt, I’m an island lover too, sun, crystal water, palm trees, you just can’t get that where I’m from in the UK!

  62. What about Australia though? It’s surrounded by water and considered as an island or even continent and others say “Island Continent”
    Australia is an Amazing and Beautiful Place and i’ve proud to be Aussie!
    Who here would classify oz as an Island?

  64. I think it depends on where you live when it comes to expensive holidays, and what sort of accomodation you want. I’m from London and went to the Maldives in oct 2010 2 wks all Inc, £1150. Which was a bargin as previous years I been to Spain spending over £100 day on food and drink etc. I went to the addu atoll on the island of gan which is the most southern chain of islands. The hotel was everything I could have dreamed of, it wasn’t posh or extravergant but who cares when ya in the Maldives. Another great reason to go to the addu atoll is that when the British were there they built bridges and causeways connecting the south and west islands which means u can get on a bike and go and meet the locals, they were so friendly and I recomend the addu atoll to anyone !!!!!

  65. wow these are very good pic i would like to find the location and whts good season to visit to this island my location is in chicago bt i couldnt find the address would u plz any who read my msg email me the information regarding location,season and hot to get to this beautiful island i will be so glad hope to get to me back with respond

  66. Great list Matt! Indeed, there obviously there are some spots on this globe I have to visit. Can confirm the Maldives though. Has changed over time, but then again, the first time they were still “exploring” their “tourist economy” potential. Been there twice now and although definitely more crowded still holds its appeal. Be prepared for culture shock though. If you return to the “civilised world” you will wonder about the rest of the grubby world and catch yourself day dreaming regularly. 😉

  69. Exuma Bahamas has been my favorite tropical island so far. It is amazingly beautiful, off the beaten path, relaxing (doesn’t have much of a night life), and friendly people. I visited for the first time in August 2010 and went right back two months later in October. Plan on going back this summer as well.

  71. I’ve actually love the fact that you mentioned those beautiful places here and I agree with you a lot. I am also a beach lover and really like to explore different beaches. It’s pretty amazing that each country has its own story and their natural resources says it all. Thank you.

  72. love all the places…. Kho Tao, Thailand… world class diving… I want to travel by June and July…
    any suggestion… (affordable places)… get your weak dollars worth… thanks GT

  74. I was wondering…how much would a 7 nights vacation cost for 3 adults and 2 children? I was thinking Seychelles! This place looks amazing!

    • THOUSANDS UPON THOUSANDS! It is not a cheap destination. You might want to consider a package family tour. You could probably save some money that way.

  75. And Mauritius???where is Mauritius??..I’ve been to Mtius last year..and I can tell u it was like paradise!!

  76. hey Matt! nice website, i’ve been interested in Curacao for a while, plus its the best deal price wise from NJ. any specific hotel that are not super expensive?

    thanks!

  77. Matt-
    Which of these great locations would you recommend for a family with teenagers who like to dive and surf? We have been to Hawaii, Costa Rica and Tahiti. We are looking for a safe, yet different, cultural experience with exotic plants, fish and animals. We would prefer to stay in one villa, as opposed to multiple rooms in a hotel. We don’t mind if it is far away from Southern California. I realize this may be painful financially.
    Thanks.

  78. I cannot believe you missed Sri Lanka dude! I was recently there, for example type in “Nilaveli, Sri Lanka” you will see what i mean!

  80. Wowzers! Tahiti is beautiful! The sunset just completes the picture along with tahiti’s beautiful scenery! All of these destinations are extremely beautiful but my choice out of all of them would definitely be tahiti! I love tahiti because you get your own little hut to stay in! The huts are placed on top of the the bay of water and it would be so beautiful to wake up in the morning to an ocean right beside you! You’d look down and all you would see is ocean! Its so amazing how gorgeous things are! Tahiti will definitely be on my wish list of places to go in the future. Just need a little more money!

  82. Hi 🙂

    Have just discovered your blog today and love it! I am a student from NZ and want to travel to somewhere fantastic next year for a few weeks to get away from the hussle and bussle of study and work. Originally thought Thailand would be fantastic, and I see you agree with me here so great! But I also did not realise Bali was also so cheap. For a first trip overseas for a poor student (apart from Aus), where would you recommend? Bali or Thailand?

    Thanks,

    Jes

  83. you are right,, the writer has never been to philippines,, to see some boracay in there,, boracay deadly island,,,,, at the same time he has neve been in zanzibar to see the true perfect life,, deadly island zanzibar,,, he forgor theetwo,,, zanzibar in tanzania and boracay in philippines…….. deadly islands

    • aww, too much negativity there dude. did you here about the recent bombing in bangkok? omg, it’s dangerous everywhere. you should just stay in the US where it’s safe year round. omg, remeber 9/11? omg!

  85. I think in Vietnam there are many tropical islands very nice such as : Phu Quoc Islands, Con Dao islands, many islands in Halong Bay.

  88. Ciao Matt, Cook Islands are just amazing. Koh Lipe, in the last 2 years have developed a lot of resorts but is still beautiful 🙂

  90. Which tropical island would you say is best to live? NOT as rich life, just a simple live! I saw the bahamas in the movie “into the blue” it seemed really good!

  92. Hi everyone.Went back home (seychelles)for 7 weeks,it was amazing!Just the island way of life(no stress),the weather,the families,creole food especially the fresh fish and of course the beautiful beaches with amazing sceneries.You need to get off the main road sometimes to see the secluded beaches,Some beaches can be seen while driving.My favourite is ANSE ROYALE where i grew up,ANSE PARNEL,PETITE ANSE,ANSE COPRA,ANSE TAKAMAKA,L’INTENDANCE,AND OF COURSE PORT LAUNAY.I also went on PRASLIN AND LA DIGUE ISLAND(WOW)it blew me away.I left seychelles at 17,missed so much,one thing for sure i will be back(hopefully for good one day)THANK YOU

  93. Glad to see you mentioned the Cook Islands – my husband and I went to Rarotonga for a week in 2008 and fell in love with it – can’t wait to someday bring our kids back there – they would love it, too! Very few people have actually heard of the Cooks, or know where they are, and while I like the “secrecy” of it, I wish more people would visit! Currently there are only 1-2 flights/week from the US – makes planning trips there a bit tougher!We only took a day trip to Aitutaki because of time, but it was probably the most beautiful place I’ve ever been. Glad to see you agree!

  94. Im here in Vermont and love it here but want more and Im antsy to move in the future. I dont know where to start, but I do know I want a tropical place warm year round. I guess I need a break from this cold weather. I own and operate an herbal shop for I am a Holistic Practitioner , Master Herbalist, Nutritional consultant and much more. Iam looking to relocate my business and myself with my 2 boys!!! Anyone have any locations that I may visit that might be a new future location with a high call for my type of work please oh please let me know. Namaste! Cold here in Vermont!!!!

  95. Try to look for The Datai Resort in Langkawi, Malaysia. Those who really love nature and rainforest then you should not miss it…! The resort is just place in the middle of a forest. Very interesting.. ^_^

  97. hey matt!

    Tell you what! We have a not-so-hidden secret here in the philippines called Coron, Palawan.. Aside from Boracay, you should definitely add it to your list.

    Search the web for Coron if you want to know what I’m talking about. Twitt me if you wanna swing by so I can take you there. Cool site man!

    phil

  98. I’m planning my honeymoon in Sep and was sad to know that the Caribbean islands and some of the asian tropical places such as Philippines will be under hurrican season. Your post totally cheered me up since there are so many other wonderful exotic places to choose from!

    Hopefully I can find a perfect place without burning a whole in my wallet!

  99. Went to Fiji for my honeymoon and i don’t think that trip can be topped. We wanted seclusion, privacy and romance and thats what we got. Our bure was 20 feet from the beach where we could relax and maybe see 1 or two people all day. It was incredible. The resort was called Matangi island resort. Great staff, great food…. It’s as close to perfect as you can get.

  100. I’m sorry but in there somewhere there has to be BERMUDA!! I have been to halve of these places and Bermuda is definitely in the mix I would put it number 3 or 4 you have to go the people are amazing. Guess what the colour of the sand is….. PINK! You have to go or at least put it on the list.

  101. TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS HAS THE BEST BEACHES I EVER SEEN POWER WHITE SUGARY SOFT SAND THE WATER IS SO BEAUTIFUL & CRYSTAL CLEAR