12 Secret Spots in the Caribbean Only Locals Know About 2024

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The Caribbean is home to picture-perfect tourist spots, some highly commercialized and some remaining as hidden gems.

As much as we like to chase landmarks and capture snaps for our Instagrams, we all know that calm and tranquil exploration comes from visiting unpopular gems not overrun by tourism activities.

Looking for secret destinations in the Caribbean to explore? Read on as we go through scenic spots that offer fantastic exploration opportunities but have managed to stay as locals’ best-kept secrets.

From unspoiled beaches to unpursued hiking trails, these destinations ensure you enjoy some of the best the Caribbean offers, but in a slowed-down, laid-back pace and atmosphere.

The Caves, Negril, Jamaica

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Negril is home to some of Jamaica’s most sought-after attractions, such as Seven Miles Beach and Rick’s Cafe. When visiting, tourists typically focus on these and forget other gems like the Caves.

The Caves offer stunning natural scenery with rugged cliffs, hidden sea caves, and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Whether looking for picture-perfect scenery or active exploration opportunities, the Caves is a gem you must discover when visiting Jamaica.

The caves offer fantastic opportunities for cliff jumping, sea cave exploration, snorkeling, swimming in secluded pools, and watching sunsets. If you are an advanced sea cave diver, you do not want to miss the exhilarating experience that the Throne Room Cave offers.

Sandy Island, Anguilla

When exploring Sandy Island, you will find vibrant coral reefs, powdery white sands, and turquoise waters. This uninhabited island is only accessible by boat from Anguilla. With no inhabitants and frequent tourists, Sandy Island is a small slice of untouched paradise.

You can take photos of postcard-worthy beaches, lounge in pristine sands, or snorkel in clear waters with thriving marine life.

With its remote location, Sandy Island is perfect for beach picnics, peaceful retreats, or romantic getaways.

Some noteworthy highlights of Sandy Island include the picturesque Rendezvous Bay, Meads Bay Pond, and Maundays Bay.

Playa Palmera Beach, Saona Island, Dominican Republic

Saona Island is one of the Dominican Republic’s best-kept secrets. It is home to picture-perfect and undestroyed beaches that let tourists get a feel of a tropical paradise. One of the best yet underrated beaches on the island is Playa Palmera.

Playa Palmera is a perfect place for a peaceful retreat, with its white sands, palm trees, expansive shoreline, and turquoise waters.

You can go beachcombing, have a photoshoot, or go snorkeling and swimming; the exploration opportunities on Playa Palmera are diverse.

Champagne Reef, Dominica

Champagne Reef is a hidden gem all underwater explorers need to discover. It is an especially enchanting destination for snorkelers and divers. This reef is characterized by volcanic vents on the seafloor, which release bubbles into the water’s surface.

Skip the famous dive sites in the Caribbean and try Champagne Reef. In addition to the mesmerizing volcanic activity, you will be treated to amazing views of vibrant coral gardens, colorful fish, and other marine creatures.

You can access Champagne Reef from Champagne Beach, a black sand beach worth exploring.

Saba Rock, British Virgin Islands

Saba Rock is located in Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands and is known for its laid-back atmosphere, stunning scenery, and legendary beach bar. With these features, Saba Rock offers a unique blend of natural beauty and Caribbean hospitality, making it a favorite among sailors, yachters, and travelers seeking a tranquil escape.

Despite its small size, Saba Rock offers numerous outdoor adventure opportunities. You can unwind in a hammock beneath swaying palm trees, enjoy picturesque views of the North Sound, or enjoy tropical cocktails and local beers at Saba Rock Beach Bar.

With its calm waters, Saba Rock is also an excellent destination for watersports like snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and kiteboarding.

Klein Bonaire, Bonaire

Located just off the coast of Bonaire in the Dutch Caribbean, Klein Bonaire is a pristine and uninhabited island known for its stunning beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life. As you would have expected, being uninhabited makes it a perfect destination for nature lovers, snorkelers, and divers seeking to explore the underwater wonders of the Caribbean Sea.

Do not just explore Bonaire’s mainland and call it a trip. Go ahead and discover the undestroyed beauty of Klein Bonaire, which offers tranquil getaways and adventure-filled escapades.

Besides, Klein Bonaire is part of the protected Bonaire National Marine Park, which ensures that marine life remains protected. Snorkelers and divers get unparalleled opportunities to encounter tropical fish, sea turtles, and eagle rays.

Klein Bonaire is also a gem for birdwatchers, home to species like brown pelicans, frigatebirds, and terns.

The Sisserou Parrot Sanctuary, Dominica

Nestled in the lush rainforests of Dominica Island, The Sisserou Parrot Sanctuary is an opportunity to see one of the rarest parrots in the world: the endangered Sisserou parrot, which is also the national bird of Dominica.

Visit the sanctuary to observe the birds in their natural habitat and learn about conservation efforts. The sanctuary is remotely located, making it a haven for nature lovers seeking a quieter and more intimate wildlife experience.

You can take guided birdwatching tours or explore the sanctuary’s hiking trails, which offer opportunities to encounter other wildlife species, such as agoutis, iguanas, and various other bird species.

La Sagesse Nature Center, Grenada

La Sagesse Nature Centre is Grenada’s gem, hidden amidst lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and a protected mangrove estuary. This nature haven allows visitors to immerse themselves in the island’s natural beauty and biodiversity as an opportunity to rejuvenate from the rushed life.

This would be an ideal spot if you want a laid-back atmosphere to unwind and reconnect with Mother Nature.

You can engage in a range of activities, including birdwatching, beachcombing, kayaking, or hiking.

If you are into birdwatching, you may be lucky to spot species like herons, egrets, kingfishers, and the colorful scarlet ibis.

Petit Tabac, Tobago Cays, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Petit Tabac is a small, uninhabited island that was featured in Pirates of the Caribbean. It is known for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. Its remote location and picture-perfect scenery have made it a favorite among sailors, yachters, and travelers seeking a tranquil escape from the crowds.

Whether you are snorkeling, diving, beachcombing, or relaxing, Petit Tabac’s ambiance and beauty are what every island-life lover would like to experience on vacation.

You may also want to explore the island’s hiking trails, which offer opportunities to spot seabirds and iguanas.

Pigeon Island National Landmark, Saint Lucia

Pigeon Island National Landmark in Saint Lucia is a historic and natural treasure, offering visitors a unique blend of cultural heritage, stunning scenery, and outdoor adventure. This iconic landmark is located on a picturesque peninsula on the northern coast of Saint Lucia, overlooking the Caribbean Sea and offering panoramic views of the island’s lush landscapes.

Visiting Pigeon Island is a great idea for a tourist looking for an all-around trip. You can immerse yourself in centuries-old ruins, learn some history, relax on secluded beaches, pursue scenic hiking trails, and take cultural tours.

Half Moon Bay, Antigua

Half Moon Bay is a neighborhood in Antigua characterized by dramatic cliffs, secluded beaches with white sands, and crystal-clear turquoise waters.

Half Moon Bay is home to some of Antigua’s most beautiful beaches, which offer opportunities to swim in calm waters, unwind on pristine sands, and soak up the sun while enjoying views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Half Moon Bay is also known for its stunning sunset views. The bay’s west-facing orientation offers views of the sun sinking into the horizon, painting the sky in orange, pink, and purple hues. You can use this opportunity to capture sunset snaps, unwind in tranquility, or have a romantic moment with your partner.

Anse Couleuvre, Martinique

Tucked away in Martinique’s northern coastline, Anse Couleuvre is a secluded black sand beach bordered by lush rainforests and dramatic cliffs. Its remote location and verdant nature make it a perfect relaxation spot for travelers seeking natural beauty.

Visit Anse Couleuvre and enjoy unobstructed views of the Caribbean Sea, swim in pristine waters, or explore the nearby colorful coral reefs.

Anse Couleuvre is also a starting point for the hiking trail to Grand-Rivière, a picturesque fishing village at the northern tip of Martinique. The scenic trail winds through dense rainforests, offering panoramic coastline views and opportunities to spot native flora and fauna.