There is nothing like a tropical small island vacation to make it officially feel like a vacay.
Small islands and their slower pace of life, always seem to pack so much and leave you planning on your return to an island where mangoes, coconuts and fresh fish is the way of life. If the feel of sand on your feet, sea salt in the air and small island living is what you’re searching for, then this is a list to inspire your next trip.
1. St Vincent and The Grenadines
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Not only are you fortunate enough to spend your vacation sprawling across some of the most delightful white sand beaches that the Caribbean has to offer, but you’re also sure to enjoy the untroubled nature that beautifies these islands.
As precious underwater as it is on land, Black travelers can scuba dive and snorkel in The Grenadines and enjoy the numerous hiking trails in St Vincent. See for yourself, together St Vincent & The Grenadines form a combination worth adding to the ever-growing travel list.
2. Caye Caulker
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Caye Caulker has been a favorite destination for Black travel for the longest. We feature this tiny caye on the list because the colorful, Belizean island has something truly special to offer that is hard to place. Delicious Caribbean food, small but vibrant community and an island you can bike or walk around in under an hour, there is no better place to ‘go slow’, as the local motto goes.
3. San Pedro
Belize had to make the list twice with San Pedro, Caye Caulker’s neighboring, bigger island. San Pedro, unlike Caye Caulker, does have cars and luxury resorts, so this is certainly a spot for luxury Black travel – island edition. Take note, no trip to San Pedro is complete without a trip to Secret Beach.
4. Turks and Caicos
Turks and Caicos has a well-earned reputation as a gem in the Caribbean for Black travel. Visiting TCI means guaranteed and daily dose of tranquility and many shades of deep blue. This is a top island tropical vacation spot for a reason.
5. Bocas del Toro
Now these are some islands to add to the list for tropical Panamanian getaway trips. Whether you’re visiting Isla Colón, Cayo Zapatilla or Isla Bastimentos – the islands that make up Bocas del Toro are hard to not fall for. Chilling with a fresh coconut, admiring the crystal clear water and the starfish in Playa Estrella on Isla Colón is about as tropical as it gets, right?
6. Roatán, Bay Islands of Honduras
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Here is an island to offer you sun, sand and adventure in Honduras. The island of Roatán has a strong Caribbean vibe with a small community that you’ll surely grow to love. The growing tourism industry makes it a more than attractive option for Black travelers looking for a less touristic island vacation.
7. Galápagos Islands
The Galápagos Islands are simply a dream birthed out of a volcanic archipelago off Ecuador’s mainland, at least for travelers looking to experience a remarkable range of activities and landscapes. This is a destination filled with opportunities to get to know cultural and historical aspects of the culture while enjoying the pristine beaches too. Ecuador’s tropical islands are located in the Pacific Ocean.
8. Seychelles
The world’s only granite islands in mid-ocean, Seychelles is truly a unique tropical African destination. Based in East Africa, Seychelles is one of the world’s smallest countries and is made up of two main island groups.
The island of Mahé, where the capital Victoria is located, features some of Africa’s most world-class and noteworthy beaches.
9. São Tomé and Principe
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An archipelago located in the Gulf of Guinea, São Tomé and Principe is a perfect tropical destination, often forgotten about on most travel itineraries though memorable once making the journey.
These remote African islands are about 100 miles apart but are alive with wildlife, untouched scenery and impressive biodiversity.
10. Itaparica island
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Now, we couldn’t complete this list without adding Brazil, a favorite location for Black travelers looking to indulge in Black culture in South America. Itaparica island is located in the state of Bahía, near Salvador, a location known for its African presence, and is the perfect place to soak up the sun to the sound of Samba or even Axé.
