15 Most Beautiful Tropical Islands To Visit

Tropical islands are peaceful escapes where the days go by, the problems of the world dissolve, and time slows down. What could be better than relaxing with a good book, drinking coconut on romantic sandy beaches, clear turquoise blue waters, or colorful coral reefs?

Check out the list of the top 15 most beautiful tropical islands in the world below and plan your dreamlike vacation!

Seychelles

Seychelles is depicted as a paradise on earth with 115 unique tropical islands in the deep blue of the western Indian Ocean. The island nation of Seychelles has UNESCO heritage sites, such as the coral reefs of Aldabra and Vallée de Mai, also known as the Garden of Eden.

Among them, Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue are the most famous tropical vacation spots with sparkling beaches and a range of restaurants, cafés, bars, and casinos in the heart of little Victoria. Boating, scuba diving, fishing, and relaxation are the main activities for travelers.

Seychelles is also famous for its palm-fringed silver sands, secluded coves bordered by granite boulders, misty, forested peaks, and coral reefs that stretch out into the warm ocean.

Along with idyllic days under the tropical sun, velvet nights under the starry southern sky, and fascinating Creole culture, Seychelles tourism beckon visitors to a paradise.

Bahamas, French Polynesia

This exceptional natural beauty is spread among over 700 tropical islands and bays. It has attracted celebrities who value its seclusion while enjoying life through the luxury yacht lifestyle and resorts.

The Bahamas’ tumultuous history has left behind powerful stories and dramatic landmarks scattered across the islands.

You should also take your time to explore and find some hidden treasures behind famous landmarks. Fort Charlotte, Queen’s Stairs, and Cloisters are all in Nassau, nestled among museums and galleries for a cultural day trip.

The islands have plenty of coastal trails that are ideal for exploring by bike or on foot. Swimmers, snorkelers, and watersports enthusiasts will enjoy great views below clear seawater. Don’t forget to visit the coral reefs and spot rays, turtles, and dolphins, along with thousands of colorful fish that will make for a great freshly caught lunch.

Maldives

Maldives, an island nation located near the equator in South Asia, South-Southwest India, is always a dream of many people when thinking of exotic travel.

From above, the Maldives looks like pearls hidden under the cobalt blue waters of the shallow waters of the warm Indian Ocean. 

With 1,192 atolls concentrated into 26 island groups and about 200 inhabited islands, Maldives has world-famous luxury resorts with bungalows on the cliffs and colorful coral reefs.

For many consecutive years, this tropical island has always been ranked as one of the most romantic honeymoon destinations and the most expensive tourist destination in the world. 

You should not miss these appealing activities when visiting the Maldives: watching the glowing beach, scuba diving to see corals, visiting the Male capital, and swimming with dolphins/whales.

Bora Bora

Surely you have heard of a small tropical island in the south Pacific Ocean with fine white sand, blue lagoons, and beautiful coral reefs turquoise, right? That’s Bora Bora – the island represents an eternal beauty in France.

Just over 39 square kilometers, the island is surrounded by a saltwater lagoon and a barrier of reefs. This beautiful island is endowed by nature with many gorgeous beaches, fine white sand, and clear blue water. You’ll also find tropical green valleys with poetic coastlines and volcanic peaks hidden in blue clouds.

Bora Bora is famous for its high-class tourist services, offering unique overwater bungalows – where you can relax on the large terraces or enjoy spa treatments and infinity pools.

Don’t forget to experience Bora Bora’s “source of life” by participating in water activities. From snorkeling to fishing and windsurfing, you can get to know and play with gentle giant rays or even swim with sharks (sharks here are friendly, don’t worry).

Hawaii 

Like a hot, mysterious, and amiable American girl, this place has 132 large and small tropical islands in the center of the Pacific Ocean.

Hawaii has a cool climate all year round, a wide range of pristine beaches, and countless volcanoes that also erupt lava. It is the filming location of many famous movies such as Pearl Harbor, Jurassic Park, and 50 First Dates.

Catching travelers’ eyes are bays that stand out against the blue sky, white clouds, waterfalls, mountains, and lawns satisfying fans who love sunbathing in the summer. 

Visiting Hawaii, you must go to the volcano national park at least once. It’s one of the world heritages of UNESCO! Climbing up to the observatory, you can witness firsthand the giant vents left by the volcano and the remnants of lava or the caves formed about 500 years ago.

Hawaiian culture is also a highlight for visitors. People greet with “aloha,” the friendliest greeting in the world. You will undoubtedly enjoy folk dances from beautiful dancers winding to Hula – the soul of the Hawaiian people.

Read related: Guide to living in Hawaii.

The Galapágos Islands 

A set of wonderful, quiet, pristine ecosystems is the essence of the Galapagos Islands. This archipelago has more than 60 tropical islands and beautiful flora and fauna. 

Traveling to the Galapagos Islands is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You will be surrounded by amazing reef beaches with breathtaking views and many endangered species gathered in one place.

Biodiversity, scenic beauty, and natural history are all in the Galapagos and make this remote archipelago off the coast of Ecuador a magical destination.

Have your camera ready to capture exotic creatures but be careful not to use a camera flash. Although there are designated paths, animals can still pass or sometimes stop along the trail.

Martinique, France

This tropical destination is a French region in the middle of the Caribbean Sea. This island is blessed with undulating terrain, vast plains, and a long coastline.

When arriving here, Columbus was mesmerized by the landscape and called it the most beautiful destination in the world.

Many visitors are as surprised as Columbus. The gentle wildness of the island of Martinique will make you bewildered. The coconut palms sway in the wind, and the golden sunshine is everywhere. The sea far away used to be crowded with merchant ships and pirates chasing each other.

This area also attracts travelers with rumors of helping them become taller. The average height here is over 1,8m. Rumor has it that visitors who come here will grow a few centimeters after a few years, so the island is called “dwarf’s paradise.”

San Blas Islands, Panama

If you are looking for an escape to a distant paradise, visiting the San Blas Islands in Panama is the trip for you.

This island reserve features 365 unspoiled tropical islands with white sand beaches. Each island is owned by a different Indian Kuna aboriginal tribe, also known as the Guna Yala.

There is no wifi or internet here, so it’s a perfect destination for the ultimate tech detox. You can spend the day resting on the beach and drinking coconut.

There’s no shortage of adventure in the San Blas Islands. Exploration opportunities include canoeing from island to island, fishing, and snorkeling in crystal clear waters. You can also opt for kayaking and canoeing on the open water and get to other islands if you’re hitting the road.

Turks and Caicos Islands

With beautiful tropical weather and beaches, many people never run out of things to do while in Turks and Caicos.

Turks and Caicos are widely known for their world-class beaches, such as Grace Bay Beach and  Providenciales. These beaches have some of the softest, whitest and clearest sands and turquoise waters, making them the perfect destination for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. 

Smith Reef in Provo is one of the region’s most popular diving sites thanks to its diverse, colorful marine life. If you want a different atmosphere, you can explore the black coral reef and Black Forest sea cliffs or kayak on the azure waters of the Chalk Sound lagoon.

Visiting the Caicos Conch Farm and bird sanctuary on the unspoiled French Cay are also unique ways to interact with wildlife.

Barbados

On this lush West Indian tropical island in the Caribbean, there is always an atmosphere of romance and adventure. To the west, you will find waters that are calm and suitable for swimming. To the east, there were great waves crashing against the shore.

No matter where you stay, you can enjoy turquoise waters, soft sandy beaches, rafting excursions, and delectable tropical island food.

Barbados is the promised land for history, culture, and food lovers. Bajan cuisine is a blend of African, Indian, Irish, and British influences. You should attend the three-hour Bajan walking food tour, where classic dishes include: Fish cakes, chicken Bajan soup, and Cou-cou (including cornmeal and okra) on display. 

Bali and the Gili Islands, Indonesia

It’s impossible not to mention the tropical island of Bali and Gili when visiting Indonesia. With unspoiled beauty, Bali is always the best tropical destination for a vacation.

It attracts tourists with its sacred ancient Hindu temples, immense green terraced fields, blue beaches, traditional villages, and unique cuisine. 

Tourism in the Gili Islands is less intense than in Bali. In return, this marks the wild and peaceful beauty of the Gili Islands. The nature here is stunning, and the people are gentle. The prices are also softer than on the big islands. 

This is truly a tourist paradise for those who want to escape the world. Participating in scuba diving to see antiques, checking in at the beautiful swings, horseback riding on the sea, and partying on the ship are must-do.

Fiji

Fiji is called the most beautiful archipelago in the Pacific region. If you want new experiences and the best photos, quickly plan a tropical trip to Fiji!

Fiji is a chain of hundreds of volcanic islands and atolls in the South Pacific Ocean. Most islands are uninhabited, providing hundreds of miles of pristine natural scenery.

You can roam through canyons and rainforests, swim among soft coral reefs that attract tropical fish and relax on deserted beaches. The area is also full of interesting history, culture, and city life.

Aruba

The distinctive Caribbean island of Aruba is a paradise of sun and sea with fine sands. Time seems to stand still here as you leisurely enjoy a tropical drink or gently stretch yourself in the water; only parrot fish are always in a hurry. 

Try lying in a hammock in the shade—the perfect tropical spot for a nap—and let the gentle turquoise waves soothe your soul. Also, the pale façade of landscapes and shops in Oranjestad add to the joyful atmosphere of the capital city.

In addition to the beautiful weather all year round, Aruba is also famous as the flamingo island because many flamingos live here. You can see them walking on the beach, standing still watching the sunset, or sometimes even confidently approaching tourists if they give them food.

Aruba Flamingo Island is also a virtual living paradise thanks to the sunlight that covers the island, reflecting the sparkling sea surface and contributing to the characteristic pink color of the flamingos.

Cook Islands

Cook Island could be your perfect getaway if you’ve been daydreaming about Robinson Crusoe. This archipelago can’t be too remote or more beautiful—an archipelago of perfect beaches, forests, and coral lagoons. Each of the 15 islands seems more spectacular than the last.

With tropical forests, coral-rimmed beaches, crystal clear and turquoise lagoons, and dramatic alpine landscapes, nature is perhaps the striking feature. Immerse yourself in the warm waters, sunbathe on the fine white sand, conquer the charming mountains and watch migrating whales swim by.

Most travelers go to Rarotonga. The main island in the archipelago is the only one with an international airport. Stop here for a few days to enjoy all the attractions on the island. 

Perhentian Islands, Malaysia

Based in the northeast of Malaysia, this tropical spot is divided into two large and small islands, Palau Perhentian Besar and Palau Perhentian Kecil.

If the big island is home to many luxury resorts, the small island is suitable for travelers who love backpacking. It’s because there are many motels with affordable prices and party bars on this island.

Visitors love visiting Perhentian to immerse themselves in the cool and fresh water and sunbathe on the picturesque white sand beach. You can also experience diving trips to explore the exciting ocean.

Next, let’s head to the forest! With a rich and diverse ecosystem, they are very convenient for camping and sightseeing. The exciting thing is that you will see the beaches through the small tree-lined trails again.

Above is our list of the top 15 most beautiful tropical islands in the world. Wish you have a happy holiday with your loved ones on one of these breathtaking islands.