Top Ten Tropical Islands
Top Ten Tropical Islands to Visit
Since the next few months have been dubbed our tropical adventures, we thought we would give everyone a little teaser of what is yet to come on Ordinary Traveler. We won’t be traveling to all of these tropical islands in 2012, but they are all places we hope to visit very soon!
Cayo Coco
Cayo Coco is an island in Cuba that boasts a massive coral reef which attracts divers from around the world. In addition to being a diver’s paradise, Cayo Coco was named one of the top 20 beaches in the world and is perfect for lazy days on pristine beaches and swimming in calm, translucent water.
Bora Bora
Bora Bora is nicknamed “the romantic island” and from viewing photos of this tropical island, I can see why. With perfect white sand beaches, overwater bungalows and emerald-colored ocean water, it’s a true paradise.
Fiji
Fiji is a must visit for many surfers, including us. Of course, Fiji is known for more than its perfectly peeling waves and warm water. Our friends visited during their honeymoon and said it was the perfect spot for a romantic getaway. The smaller islands with nothing to do but sip drinks by the gorgeous ocean were their favorite spots.
You may be surprised to hear that it is possible to visit Fiji on a budget. There is a pretty strong backpacking scene on these islands and it’s not too hard to find places that offer affordable accommodation.
The Bahamas
Ever since I was a child, I have longed to visit the islands of the Bahamas. Nassau is one of the more well-known islands, but certainly not the only island to visit. With 30 inhabited islands, there are plenty of spots to choose from.
Turks and Caicos
Turks and Caicos consists of two groups of tropical islands in the West Indies. These islands are still under the radar for most travelers, but being situated just 90 minutes away from Miami, it’s only a hop, skip and a jump for United States East Coasters.
Maldive Islands
The Maldives is located in the Indian Ocean and is the smallest Asian country in both population and size. What this country lacks in size, it makes up for in beauty with some of the most gorgeous dive sites and beaches in the world. The government follows a “one island, one resort” policy and limits the height of the resorts to be equal or lesser than the tallest tree.
Seychelles Islands
The Seychelles are a group of 115 tropical islands which lie in the enchanting Indian Ocean, just east of mainland Africa and northeast of the island of Madagascar. The climate here is always warm, with temperatures rarely dropping below 75 degrees or rising above 90 degrees – making it a perfect year-round destination.
Maui – Hawaii
We have been to Maui three times and going on our fourth visit in November. That’s how much we love it here. What is not to love? The hang loose island vibe is contagious and leaves you feeling recharged even after just a short visit. If you have time, make sure you venture all the way to the Seven Sacred Pools on the Road to Hana and don’t miss a stop at Red Sand Beach!
Bali – Indonesia
Bali will always hold a special place in my heart no matter how well known it becomes. Some of my favorite beaches are now changed forever as a result of the movie Eat Pray Love, but that won’t stop me from visiting again. It’s a destination where you will find welcoming locals, breathtaking beaches and, of course, epic surf.
Fernando de Noronha – Brazil
Fernando de Noronha is a tropical island in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Brazil. Noronha formed as a result of volcanic activity and initially the island was used as a prison for convicted Brazilians. The number of people allowed on the island at any one time is strictly limited to 420 people, so plan your trip early!
Have you been to any of these islands?
Photo credits from top: andreskrey, Tahiti Tourisme, Daku Resort, Bahamas Tourism, Turks and Caicos Tourism, nattu, travelourplanet, Courtney Nash, stefanedberg
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