10 Hidden Caribbean Islands That Still Feel Untouched by Tourism

Have you ever dreamed of escaping to a Caribbean island that still feels like a secret? Not just somewhere quiet—but a place where the beaches are still mostly footprints-free, and locals welcome you like an old friend rather than a tourist. While most travelers flock to the same crowded spots, there are still a few islands that remain untouched, offering a rare kind of peace. I’ve pulled together 10 of the most quietly stunning islands in the Caribbean that still feel like your own private slice of paradise.

1. Anegada, British Virgin Islands

Can you picture a Caribbean island that is completely flat and made of coral? Welcome to Anegada. Unlike its mountainous neighbors in the British Virgin Islands, this atoll barely rises from the sea, creating a landscape of endless, deserted beaches. You’ll feel like you’ve reached the edge of the world as you explore the miles of pristine white sand. If you’re a seafood lover, the local lobster is legendary. You could spend your days kitesurfing on the turquoise flats or simply finding a stretch of beach to call your own.

2. Vieques, Puerto Rico

How can you find truly wild and empty beaches just a short trip from a major hub? Fly or ferry to Vieques, off the coast of Puerto Rico. Much of the island was a U.S. Navy base, and today it’s a vast national wildlife refuge. This means you’ll discover dozens of remote, undeveloped beaches with pristine sand and turquoise water. If you seek natural wonders, the magic of the world’s brightest bioluminescent bay is an unforgettable experience. You could spend your days exploring rugged tracks to find your own secluded cove.

3. Providencia, Colombia

Ever wished to find a Caribbean island that feels completely off the map? Journey to the remote Colombian island of Providencia. Located closer to Nicaragua than its own country, this island is part of the UNESCO Seaflower Biosphere Reserve. You’ll be welcomed by a unique English-speaking Creole culture and a landscape untouched by mass development. If you want pristine reefs, the diving here is among the best-preserved in the Caribbean. You could truly disconnect here, enjoying the slow rhythms of an island that time seems to have forgotten.

4. Culebra, Puerto Rico

Although technically part of the U.S., Culebra feels like another world entirely. Flamenco Beach is the headliner—often ranked among the world’s best—but the rest of the island is refreshingly simple. No high-rise hotels, just low-key beach houses and food trucks serving up Puerto Rican classics. Sea turtles nest in the protected coves, and snorkelers often spot rays gliding by in the clear waters. Culebra rewards those who take things slow. Rent a golf cart, pack light, and let the warm breezes reset your pace.

5. Isla Holbox, Mexico (Caribbean Coast)

Though it’s gaining more attention, Isla Holbox still feels like a whispered secret. Just off Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, this sandy island has no paved roads—only golf carts and bikes. The Caribbean here merges with the Gulf, creating shallow waters where flamingos wade and whale sharks glide past each summer. Holbox isn’t about luxury; it’s about watching sunsets barefoot, sipping fresh juice from a street stand, and swinging in a beachside hammock. The island’s colors—sun-faded pastels and deep blue tides—linger with you long after you leave.

6. Dominica

Don’t confuse Dominica with the Dominican Republic—this island is its own world of misty mountains, black sand beaches, and rainforest waterfalls. Known as “The Nature Island,” Dominica doesn’t have sprawling resorts or massive crowds. What it does have are warm sulfur springs, wild parrots overhead, and trails that lead to volcanic lakes. You’ll likely meet more hikers than honeymooners. It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down and connect with something ancient. Each turn feels untouched, like you’re the first to find it.

7. Cat Island, The Bahamas

How can you find an Out Island in The Bahamas that truly feels off the grid? It’s the long, slender Cat Island. This is not the place for glitzy resorts; it’s a haven of authenticity and natural wonder. You can walk for miles on its namesake pink-sand beach without seeing another soul. The island is rich in local music and folklore, offering a deep cultural experience. You could climb Mount Alvernia, the highest point in The Bahamas, and visit the small hermitage at its peak for breathtaking, uninterrupted views.

8. Carriacou, Grenada

Carriacou is often skipped by travelers heading to Grenada, and that’s exactly why it still feels so peaceful. Known as the “isle of reefs,” it’s a quiet paradise where fishing boats outnumber jet skis. There are no big resorts here—just family-run inns, local rum shops, and beaches that feel like they belong to you alone. Villagers greet you by name after just one visit. And with waters so calm and clear, you’ll want to snorkel until sunset. It’s understated, yes—but that’s where it’s magic lives.

9. Saba, Dutch Caribbean

Saba is one of those places that’s hard to reach—and worth every step. Known as the “Unspoiled Queen,” this volcanic island rises steeply from the sea, with cloud-tipped peaks and dramatic hiking trails. There are no beaches, but divers come for the pristine underwater landscapes just offshore. The town of Windwardside is tiny, with red-roofed cottages and cafes that feel like someone’s living room. Locals value quiet, nature, and community over cruise ships or nightlife. Saba reminds you that remote isn’t a flaw—it’s a feature.

10. Little Cayman, Cayman Islands

Where is a place where nature truly has the right of way? It’s on tranquil Little Cayman. With a population of under 200 people, the island’s serene atmosphere is its greatest treasure. You’ll find that rock iguanas are more common than cars here. If you are a diver, the legendary Bloody Bay Wall Marine Park will leave you speechless with its dramatic underwater drop-offs and vibrant marine life. You could spend your days cycling the quiet roads or kayaking to your own private islet, soaking in the profound quiet.