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World-famous for its turquoise seas, paradisaical islands where white sands run along the ocean for miles on end, and incredible weather, the Caribbean is the number one destination for many Americans when they crave a little sunny getaway.
There are just two small ‘buts’ that you’re probably familiar with if you’ve ever vacationed in Cancun, Tulum, Punta Cana, and the like:
When you’re at a public beach packed with your fellow tourists and holidaying local families, it doesn’t exactly give deserted island vibes, and if it’s exclusivity you seek, be prepared to pay upwards of $600-a-night on a luxurious all-inclusive.
But hey, there’s always a middle ground: these 4 Caribbean islands may be unheard-of, but they boast equally beautiful scenery, smaller crowds, and on top of that, cheaper prices:
Caye Caulker, Belize
Lying off the coast of Belize, a tiny Central American country just south of Mexico, Caye Caulker is an unspoiled Eden most beach bums and Instagrammers have failed to discover.
For starters, its landmass is cut through by a winding canal called Split, and on both sides, you’ll find stretches of virgin-white sands and lush nature: the southern half is home to the only settlement, Caye Caulker Village, whereas the north is densely forested and home to diverse wildlife.
The village has brightly-painted wooden houses, colored in coral, lime, and sunshine-yellow tones, and it’s peppered with family-run eateries: for fresh ceviche and Belize’s signature barbecue mango, add Reina’s to your list.
For the water babies out there, you can swim with sharks and sting rays at the Shark Ray Alley, or if you’re an experienced diver, snorkel around the iconic Great Blue Hole.
This is a sinkhole in the middle of the ocean surrounded by the turquoise waters.
The best part is, for Caribbean standards, Caye Caulker is definitely on the cheaper end, with entire-bungalow stays for 2 adults costing $143-a-night, and takeout food averaging $3-7 (meals are slightly pricier, costing around $33 in mid-range restaurants).
Little Corn Island, Nicaragua
Nicaragua is best known for its towering volcanoes and thriving rainforest, but something most visitors fail to acknowledge is that it, too, has a coast on the Caribbean, and countless small islands yet to be ruined by the masses.
One of those is Little Corn Island, some 43.5 miles from the mainland, and a car-free community of 7,747 people offering jungle trails, pristine beaches, and bays filled with translucent waters.
For many, it is a reminiscent of the Caribbean’s undeveloped past, before the big brands and resorts cornered local communities, and though getting there is no easy feat, involving at least 2 flights, and a small boat transfer, the final destination couldn’t be more rewarding.
Think of Otto Beach, an idyllic patch of beach with multicolored seas, the Tarpon Channel, where you can spot hammerhead sharks, or a tranquil Cocal Beach, with the typical white sands and crystalline waters, except none of Punta Cana’s crowds.
You won’t find larger-than-life resorts here—in fact, there is a single 5-star property in the vicinity—but rather rustic guesthouses and bungalows right on the beachfront, with double rooms (with shared bathrooms) costing as cheap as $12.
Food is just as inexpensive: a full lobster meal at the budget-friendly Rosa’s Restaurant will run you up a mere $8-10, while less elaborate seafood platters are an even more economical $5.
Roatán, Honduras
Who would have known these oftentimes-overlooked Central American countries would have this much to offer?
Up next, we’re taking a look at Roatán, the trendiest and offbeat nonetheless island off the Honduras coast: at 40 miles long and 5 miles wide (at its widest point), it has no shortage of amazing sights and natural wonders.
The main town, Coxen Hole, is where most of the action is centered, and where you’ll find a plethora of hotels and street markets, but in order to truly bask in the island’s tropical charm, you need to go further out to places like West Bay Beach:
Bordering the Mesoamerican Reef, it is a highly sought-after spot for snorkeling, due to the various fish species and sea turtles that congregate there, as well as a swimming site.
If you’re taking a day trip out, it should definitely be scuba diving in the Reef, the second-largest in the world: picture shipwrecks, underwater ridges, and if you’re lucky to cross their path, whale sharks.
For a comfortable-enough stay that won’t break the bank, we recommend you look at Victoria’s Beach House:
It is set on the waterfront and equipped with an open-air bath ($45-a-night for 2 adults), and when you’re craving street food, La Placita boasts a number of food stalls serving baleadas (flour tortillas filled with beans and cheese) for around $1-2.
For casual dining in Roatán, we love the Typical Buffet (that’s what it’s called), on the aptly-named Coconut Tree Plaza, where a wide range of seafood and local delicacies are served, with prices ranging from $5-10.
Vinicius Costa
Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.
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