Discover 25 Exceptional Island Destinations to Explore in 2025

Discovering Underrated Island Destinations: A Journey Beyond Luxury Escapes

For travellers seeking unique and authentic experiences, there are several underrated island destinations that offer more than the typical luxury escapes. Here are five such islands that cater to nature, culture, and seclusion enthusiasts.

1. Saba, Caribbean Known as the "Unspoiled Queen," Saba is a small Dutch island with a population of just over 1,400. This tiny paradise boasts no beaches, no large cruise ships, and only 124 rooms in total, making it exceptionally uncrowded and exclusive. Saba emphasizes ecotourism with solar power and rainwater reliance. The island features world-class scuba diving with abundant marine life and hiking Mount Scenery, a volcano peak, along a single scenic road connecting small villages.

2. The San Blas Islands, Panama Comprised of 378 mostly uninhabited islands controlled by the Guna indigenous people, the San Blas Islands offer rustic, simple accommodations like huts and hammocks. This destination is ideal for sailing, snorkelling, diving, and multi-day island hopping adventures off the grid, with low tourist impact and vibrant native culture.

3. Niue A remote South Pacific island near Samoa, Niue is little-known and lightly visited. It offers pristine snorkelling, diving, whale watching, cave exploration, and quiet beaches. Access is limited with just two weekly flights from Auckland, preserving its off-the-beaten-track appeal.

4. Kiribati An isolated island nation with unique cultural traditions centered on family and music, Kiribati features spectacular landscapes and opportunities for village exploration, bird watching, and cultural immersion away from mass tourism.

5. Dominica – Secret Bay Dominica, "Nature Island" of the Caribbean, has abundant rivers, volcanic features, waterfalls, and both black and white sand beaches. Secret Bay in Dominica offers secluded luxury with villas and private plunge pools while allowing visitors to truly disconnect in a stunning natural environment.

These islands provide experiences focused on nature, culture, and seclusion rather than common luxury resort activities or crowds. They cater to travellers seeking immersive, authentic, and unique adventures beyond typical luxury escapes.

In addition to these destinations, there are several other islands worth mentioning:

Sri Lanka, known as the 'Pearl of the Indian Ocean', is famous for its tea-shrouded hilltop villages, ocean-calling coastlines, and wildlife, including elephant migrations and whale spotting. Its UNESCO attractions include the ancient citadel of Sigiriya and the cave paintings in Dambulla, as well as the Buddha tooth relic in Kandy.
Socotra, Yemen, is a remote and isolated archipelago known for its unique and fragile ecosystem, including many endemic species of flora and fauna.
The Falkland Islands offer a solitary, isolated, and remote escape without the need for an expedition ship. They house over 500,000 pairs of breeding penguins across numerous unique islands.
Sado Island, Japan, was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status in July 2024 and is a time capsule with traditions ruling supreme, temples dotting the interior, and a rugged coastline far from the capital's urban sprawl. The Taiko Center on Sado Island is home to the world-acclaimed historical drumming practice.
Emirates will start regular flights to Madagascar in 2025, providing easier access to this island known for its iconic lemurs, vivid panther chameleons, and towering, ethereal baobab trees, and it is believed around 90% of the island's wildlife is endemic species that aren't found anywhere on the planet.
Raja Ampat, Indonesia, is known for its coral reefs, marine biodiversity, and diving opportunities. It is considered one of the world's richest marine habitats.
Wadjemup (Rottnest Island), Australia, is known for its Quokka, a small marsupial that is friendly to humans.
Mauritius is known for its pristine sands around Grand Baie and Tamarin Bay, but there are also many other things to do, such as hiking in the mountains, visiting Bois Cheri Tea Factory, and exploring Grand Bassin, a sacred lake lined with Hindu statues.
Iceland is known for its jaw-dropping scenery, including glaciers, ice caves, and thermal hot springs. It is a destination for lovers of the great outdoors and oversized adventures.

These islands offer a diverse range of experiences, from the unique ecosystems of Socotra to the rich history of Sicily, making them perfect choices for travellers seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures.

In addition to the previously mentioned islands, Socotra, Yemen, is an understated destination known for its unique and fragile ecosystem, hosting a variety of endemic plant and animal species that can't be found anywhere else in the world.
Environmentally-conscious travellers will be drawn to Iceland, where dramatic landscapes of glaciers, ice caves, and thermal springs await, offering an off-the-beaten-path adventure in the realm of science and environmental-science.