The aquamarine waters and golden sand beaches of tropical islands offer the perfect escape for anyone looking to relax and recuperate. Along with being a beautiful sight to see, they are full of opportunities for adventure.
Whether you choose to trek along emerald cliffs with the sound of the waves crashing below or snorkel amongst some of the most unique sea creatures in the world, a visit to one of these little slices of paradise is sure to stay with you forever.
We’ve put together a list of the top tropical destinations to visit to help you plan the most unforgettable trip possible.
The Bahamas
For anyone seeking to sample a real-life tropical paradise, look no further than the Bahamas. Renowned for its sought-after shorelines, you are sure to be blown away by this archipelago’s pristine golden sand and crystal-clear waters.
While beautiful, these waters are not just a pretty sight. The North Atlantic Ocean is something of a marine utopia, with residents including sea horses, angel fish, sea turtles and stingrays.
With so much to see, embrace the opportunity to get up close and personal with all of the amazing creatures that call these waters their home by grabbing a snorkel and embarking on an underwater adventure.
With so many breathtaking beaches in the Bahamas, choosing which one to visit first can prove difficult. For anyone looking to go the whole hog (quite literally) and enjoy one of the most unique experiences on offer, head to Pig Beach on the uninhabited island of Big Major Cay.
Not actually native to the land, the reasoning behind the presence of the pigs is something of a mystery. Some say they were brought over by groups of sailors who were intending to make them for their tea, while another suggestion is that they came in search of refuge after getting caught in a shipwreck.
Either way, swimming alongside these pigs in this little patch of paradise is a truly sensational experience. Another iconic coastline in the Bahamas is Pink Sands Beach. As you might have guessed, its rosy hue is to be thanked for its esteemed reputation.
Located on Harbour Island, the gorgeous pink coast sprawls the entire length of the island’s eastern side. The contrast between the angelic turquoise waters and soft salmon shores makes the most stunning sight and a prime photo opportunity.
Sampling Bahama Mama, the classic cocktail of the region is an absolute must for any holidaymaker in the Bahamas. A delicious concoction of coconut rum, grenadine, pineapple juice, rum and orange juice, it makes the perfect refreshing beverage to keep you cool during your time on this picturesque archipelago.
Mexico
Delivering breathtaking coastlines, a tropical climate and a fantastic food scene, Mexico truly does have it all. Starting from the basics, there is an abundance of incredible rental villas in Mexico that make the perfect bases for your tropical adventure.
After finding a place to rest your head, you can begin by exploring all of the sights that the coastline has to offer. If you’re looking to bask in the sun by awe-inspiring shorelines, hit up Isla Espíritu Santo, an island in the Gulf of California and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Upon arriving on the island you will be instantly blown away by the dramatic contrast between the island’s iridescent blue waters and sweeping desert landscape. And the excitement doesn’t stop there. Isla Espíritu Santo is home to a colony of sea lions that have become incredibly popular with those visiting the island.
Spend your day swimming alongside these playful creatures before enjoying a tasty picnic by the shore. Dishing out a wonderful taste of peace and serenity, Isla Espíritu Santo makes the perfect escape for anyone looking to leave the worries of day-to-day life behind in favour of tropical paradise.
Alternatively, for those craving a bit more buzz, Playa del Carmen and Cancun boast vibrant party scenes. With lively nightlife and stunning shorelines, these destinations are hard to beat for those wanting to relax in tranquil surroundings before getting the party going when the sun goes down.
Kauai
While Hawaiian Islands are a natural choice for anyone looking to go on a tropical getaway, the island of Kauai offers something particularly special. Shedding a light on the archipelago’s raw, non-touristy side, you will be able to enjoy breathtakingly gorgeous beaches without the crowds that are found on some of the other islands.
You will find that the beaches here are secluded and peaceful, allowing you to enjoy your tropical getaway in utmost serenity. Poipu Beach and Hanalei Bay are two of the most sought-after on the island. Both of these make fantastic places to go snorkelling, swimming or simply lie down and rest as the waves lap against your toes.
Kauai’s wild landscapes of rugged cliffs, lava deserts and bamboo forests make it something of a dreamworld for the nature-lovers amongst us. A fantastic hiking destination, be sure to check out Kalalau Trail by the iconic Napali Coast during your stay.
The demanding walk will take you along hanging valleys, craggy cliffs and mountain streams before leading you to the most extraordinary view over the coastline in a wonderful display of nature at its finest.
For those looking to check out the underwater scene on the island, head to Tunnels Beach along the North Shore. Here you will find a bustling coral reef rich in fascinating sea creatures including trumpet fish and moray eels.
Barbados
An idyllic island dropped amidst the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, Barbados is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. There is so much to discover here, with fascinating architecture, spectacular shorelines and luxurious villas at your fingertips.
Boasting at least sixty beaches and seventy miles of angelic white sand, you will never find yourself too far from a beach in this little paradise. For those dreaming of picture-perfect coastlines, the beaches on the western side are the ones for you.
Anyone looking to take a walk on the wild side should visit the rugged shorelines of the eastern coast that are renowned for their wild beauty. On the other hand, the southern coast is blessed with the most consistent breaks which are perfect for those looking to go surfing.
Another popular attraction in Barbados is Harrison’s Cave, a 1.5-mile-long web of coral craves lying 160 feet below the earth. Weave around stalagmites, stalactites and waterfalls in a wonderful experience exploring this enchanting site.
Animal Flower Cave is another fascinating rock formation to visit. Found at the northern tip of the island, wander around this underground utopia before being treated to a sensational view over the azure waters of the Caribbean Ocean
Mauritius
What Mauritius lacks in size is more than made up for in its outstanding natural beauty. Dropped amidst the Indian Ocean, the island is an unspoilt oasis of contrasting landscapes, including breathtaking beaches and verdant rainforests.
In terms of coastline, one of the most popular beaches on the island is Flic-en-Flac. Located on the western coast, it has maintained much of the wild, unspoilt charm of its origins as a quiet fishing village.
Picture flawless white sand and transparent waters, where you can park up, relax on the shoreline and take in some rays. There are also plenty of water sports available in this area, including jet skiing, snorkelling, kayaking and scuba diving.
After working up an appetite, you can pop to the nearby restaurants, vendors and bars before returning to your peace and serenity. On top of its marvelous coastline, Mauritius is a fantastic place to go hiking.
Be sure to pack your walking boots and explore Black River Gorges National Park. A fascinating landscape of forestry and gorges, you will quickly find that the area is rich in wildlife, cascading waterfalls and sublime adventures.
Image by Kathy VanDeventer from Pixabay