Top 21 Seriously Underrated Tropical Vacation Destinations To Visit Right Now
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Are you hoping to holiday somewhere tropical yet want to avoid the crowds? The great news is there are hidden gems all over the globe! Pick one of these dozen hot destinations to feel like you’re entering uncharted territory.
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Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

The volcanic archipelago of Fernando de Noronha, off Brazil’s northeast coast, is an ecologist’s paradise. Head here, and you can experience wild beaches, a national marine park rich in underwater life, and excellent scuba diving and snorkeling.
Read also: Cheap Warm Destinations in March
The Cook Islands

Compared with Fiji and Tahiti, the Cook Islands are a hidden gem of the South Pacific Ocean. Whether you want to venture into the jungle, unwind on a paradisiacal beach, or devour your body weight in fresh seafood, the 15 islands will never disappoint. Thanks to direct flights from LA, it’s not too difficult or expensive to get here, either.
Read also: Tips For Last-Minute Holidays
Mayreau, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

A tropical paradise hidden in plain sight is what you can expect from this Caribbean highlight. It’s under half a square mile in size and the smallest inhabited Grenadines island. Get there by boat, and you’ll be rewarded with pretty beaches, photogenic bays, and a network of hiking trails.
Read also: Cheap Warm Destinations in the World in April
Palawan, the Philippines

The Philippines already offers relatively undiscovered tourist territory compared to other Southeast Asian hotspots like Thailand and Indonesia. But head to Palawan to enjoy the perfect peace of the country’s least populated area. Those making the effort will be rewarded with clear, azure waters backed by limestone cliffs, native wildlife, colorful fish, and more.
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Read also: Top Tropical Destinations
Koh Rong, Cambodia

If you find Thailand’s ‘Kohs’ a little too crowded for your taste, try Koh Rong in Cambodia. The island is characterized by bone-white sands, swaying palms, and warm, azure waters. The local food scene and hiking trails are reasons to visit, as well as the incomparable coastline.
Read also: Phuket with Kids
Pemba Island, Tanzania

Zanzibar in Tanzania is known for its spices, so you can expect clove-scented air when visiting Pemba Island off the East African coast. The Pemba Channel divides the island from Tanzania and is awash with colorful underwater life and coral reefs. Historic forts and rolling green hills are also seen here.
Read also: Warm February Destinations
Vanuatu

Located north of New Caledonia, Vanuatu was once known as the New Hebrides. The Vanuatu archipelago comprises around 80 little islands. A warm welcome from the locals, incredible underwater life, gorgeous resorts, and glorious, unspoiled landscapes are just some of the reasons to add this to your bucket list.
Read also: Underrated Destinations in the Mediterranean
The Andaman Islands

Head to the Bay of Bengal to reach this tropical Indian archipelago. Some of the 300 or so islands are off-limits. Those you can visit offer superb diving and snorkeling, beautiful white sand beaches, and various vegetation, including rainforests and mangroves. The Andaman Islands are the more peaceful, adventurous alternative to the luxurious Maldives.
Read also: Cheap Warm Destinations in October
Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica

Costa Rica is pinned firmly on the tourist map when it comes to unparalleled wildlife and lush landscapes. While the Nicoya Peninsula is just as biologically diverse and breathtakingly beautiful as anywhere else, it’s also more tranquil than other coastal parts. Expect to find stunning surf beaches, sea turtles, and thriving wellness facilities.
Read also: Paradise Islands
Gili Islands, Indonesia

The Gili Islands lie off the northwest coast of Lombok and have been a backpacker favorite for a few decades now. Join those heading to idyllic Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno, and you can explore coral reefs, shipwrecks, and beaches backed by swaying palms. With speed boat services from Bali now operating and hot new resorts popping up, get here before mainstream tourist hordes do.
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Read also: Bali with Kids
Palomino, Colombia

Like the Gili Islands of Indonesia, Palomino in Colombia is something of a hotspot among independent travelers. This compact town on the Caribbean coast offers relaxing beaches, river tubing, surfing, and extreme sports. Visitors can also enjoy hiking the trails or exploring the local arts scene.
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Bocas del Toro Province, Panama

The Panama province of Bocas Del Toro offers a plethora of delightful islands to discover. Snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking, surfing, and sailing are all deservedly popular here. You can also see rare tropical birds, shop for crafts, or explore attractive Bocas Town.
Read also: Top Tropical Beaches in May
Eagle Beach, Aruba

Eagle Beach in Aruba is a Caribbean beach that doesn’t get the love it deserves. Tucked on the island’s west coast, this stretch of powdery white sand is framed by iconic divi-divi trees. The crystal-clear waters here are calm and inviting and it’s less crowded than nearby Palm Beach.
Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos

Grace Bay, on Providenciales in Turks and Caicos, is the kind of place that makes you wonder why it’s not on every travel list. This three-mile stretch of pristine beach has top-notch snorkeling and low-key luxury resorts.
El Yunque National Forest, Puerto Rico

El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico is a lush, underrated gem that swaps sandy shores for rainforest magic. Just a short drive from San Juan, this tropical wonderland dazzles with waterfalls like La Mina, where you can cool off in fresh pools after a hike.
Small Lagoon, El Nido, Philippines

Small Lagoon in El Nido, Palawan, is a hidden treasure that feels like a secret worth shouting about. Tucked between towering limestone cliffs, this lagoon is great for kayaking or swimming. No resorts, no crowds, just you and the sea.
Rosario Islands, Cartagena, Colombia

The Rosario Islands, a short boat ride from Cartagena, are a Caribbean tropical escape with Colombian flair. This cluster of islets surrounds a national park with coral reefs and beaches like Playa Blanca with soft white sands.
Pigeon Point, Tobago

Pigeon Point on Tobago’s southwest coast is a postcard-perfect spot that flies under the radar. Its palm-fringed beach and blue waters make it instantly iconic, yet it’s rarely overrun. Swim, snorkel, or sip a rum punch from a nearby shack. The vibe is laid-back and local.
Maracas Bay, Trinidad

Maracas Bay, on Trinidad’s north coast, is a rugged beauty that doesn’t get the spotlight it deserves. Framed by steep, green hills, this crescent beach hums with local life. Fishermen haul nets and vendors fry bake and shark, a popular street food. It is a short drive from Port of Spain.
Flamenco Beach, Culebra, Puerto Rico

Flamenco Beach on Culebra, a tiny island off Puerto Rico, is a stunner that somehow stays off the mainstream map. Its white sand curves around a bay of turquoise waters, shallow enough for wading and with tons of fish for snorkeling. A rusting tank adds a quirky touch while wild horses roam nearby. You can reach it by ferry or plane.
Washington Slagbaai National Park, Bonaire

Washington Slagbaai National Park on Bonaire is an underrated gem. It covers the island’s northern tip and has rocky trails and hidden coves. Flamingos strut through salt flats, and the landscape feels surreal. It’s a short drive from Kralendijk but feels like a world apart.
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