There’s nothing more relaxing than escaping to some faraway islands surrounded by pristine tropical foliage and white sandy coasts bathed in deep turquoise waters. These exotic destinations will transport you to paradise, where you do nothing but relax under the sunshine and marvel at the wondrous natural landscapes.
From Seychelles to the Galapagos Islands, Fiji, and beyond, here are the best exotic islands to inspire your next great vacation.
The best exotic islands to visit next
Seychelles
Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands lying along the Indian Ocean. Each island reveals a stretch of powder-white sand surrounded by lush tropical jungle and lapped by deep turquoise waters. Its most famous beach, Anse Source d’Argent, features distinct granite boulders and is one of the most photographed beaches in the world. In fact, it appeared in some Hollywood movies like Crusoe and Castaway. Since it’s a famous beach, it can get crowded, especially during the peak season. Schedule your visit early in the morning or late afternoon when the day-trippers have already left.
If you’re here to snorkel, your best bet is Anse Lazio on Praslin, the second largest island in Seychelles. You’ll find a coral-rich wonderland at the eastern end of this beautiful beach. Meanwhile, Beau Vallon, a bay on Mahé Island, is also a haven for snorkelers and divers due to its beautiful coral reefs and crystal-clear waters.
The beaches in the south of Mahé Island will come alive during the weekend, with both visitors and locals partying and street vendors selling traditional Creole cuisines.
Galapagos Islands
Nothing can beat the Galapagos Islands when it comes to wildlife adventures. The volcanic archipelago lies along the Pacific Ocean and shelters a wide variety of animal species, most of which you will not find anywhere else. It’s a must-visit for nature lovers, where you get to explore stunning locations and encounter incredible creatures.
Going on a cruise is the usual way to explore the Galapagos Islands, with a wide variety of options, from passenger cruise ships to private luxury yachts. Your excursion will include island explorations, along with water activities like kayaking and snorkeling.
Cruising around the Galapagos Islands is a wonderful way to explore the wildlife, taking you to celebrated shores and reaching remote corners that won’t be possible on land-based trips. But if you are more comfortable with land-based expeditions then you will have plenty of options, some of which will include a visit to charming towns like Puerto Ayora on Isa Santa Cruz. It’s home to several great restaurants, shops, and an excellent selection of accommodation
Fiji
Fiji is a gorgeous collection of islands in the South Pacific that’s not only a destination for honeymooners. It’s also an ideal destination for a family of adventurers or anyone looking to relax and be pampered.
Fiji is everyone’s idea of a tropical paradise with its long miles of stunning white sand beaches and colorful coral reefs. This exotic island features rugged interiors with remote villages, beautiful rainforests, and bustling multicultural cities with thriving markets. Its two main islands, Vanua Levu and Viti Levu are home to incredible restaurants and shops. The Yasawa and Mamanuca are other island groups worth checking out, both popular with tourists. Meanwhile, the remote islands of Lau do not have enough tourist facilities, but its spectacular limestone islands and bays are sure to captivate any curious traveler.
Fiji’s position in the upscale travel market is changing, making it more accessible even for budget travelers. Although all-inclusive resorts are abundant, there are now many cheaper options.
Hawaiian Islands
Hawaii is home to six different islands, each having its own unique charm. With so many beautiful things to see and exciting activities to do on each island, deciding which one to visit can be tricky.
Come to Oahu if you are looking for some beach action in a big city. Its most famous beach, Waikiki Beach, is a hot spot for water sports activities. The island is also renowned for its excellent shopping and dining options and vibrant nightlife. Kauai, also known as the “Garden Isle”, is more suitable for those who love nature. With its lush forests and beautiful botanical gardens, this exotic island is a haven for nature lovers, with plenty of stunning Kauai villa rentals near the rainforest. Meanwhile, Maui offers a little bit of everything – beautiful beaches, scenic hikes, and excellent golf courses.
The Big Island is the largest of all Hawaiian Islands and home to Hawaii’s only active volcano. With its incredibly diverse landscapes, from beautiful rainforests to black sand beaches and molten lava rivers, the Big Island is a land of wonder and excitement.
Cook Islands
The Cook Islands is a blissful archipelago consisting of fifteen islands lying in the Pacific Ocean. It has long been a popular destination for travelers seeking relaxation, with its crystal clear waters and incredibly diverse marine life. The archipelago is also famous for its strong connection to Polynesian culture, making it an ideal destination for culture enthusiasts.
Lying halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand, the Cook Islands is one of the most rustic and authentic destinations in the South Pacific. The Aitutaki, a spellbinding lagoon, is definitely one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world. Surrounded by sand islets and a ring of corals, the lagoon offers some of the best snorkeling spots in the archipelago. If you are up for thrilling adventures, dive along the drop-off to swim alongside manta rays and sharks.
The Cook Islands is also home to beautiful rainforests. In Rarotonga, the largest island in the archipelago, you will find lush rainforests and volcanic peaks that are truly worth a trek, with no snakes or dangerous animals to be aware of. The island is surrounded by stunning lagoons, beaches, and coral reefs, and your hike can take you to deserted beaches where you will feel like a castaway on an island. Kayaking is also a favorite activity here, where you get to explore the coastline and admire the stunning island views from afar.
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