Dreamy beaches, smooth warm waters, lush surroundings, and never-ending sunshine are just a few of the main components of the ideal tropical getaway. But every place has its own seductive charms. Some people are stunning in their own right. Others add cultural attractions to the mix, including fascinating architecture, customs, and delectable cuisine. Some peaceful islands seem to transport you back in time, while others offer eco-adventures and natural areas abundant with animals.
Divers throng healthy coral reefs, and surfers look for the ideal wave. It just takes a little searching to get the ideal fit. This list of popular tropical holiday destinations includes some of the most stunning islands in the world, from Asia to Australia, the US to the Caribbean. If you're looking for an over-the-water house in Bora Bora or a bamboo hut on a Bali beach, you'll also find suggestions for fun activities and tropical destinations for all budgets.
Create the holiday of your dreams using our list of the top tropical getaways.
1. Maldives
The 26 natural atolls of the Maldives, spread over the Indian Ocean southwest of India and Sri Lanka, radiate a beauty that is almost otherworldly. This is mostly because of the brilliant blue waters that surround them. Water makes up 99 percent of the Maldives, so if diving into the warm, clear ocean is one of your top priorities for the ideal tropical getaway, this is the spot to do it. Ironically, it also poses a threat to engulf the low-lying island nation's coastline.
Although Male is the country's capital, most tourists bypass Male and travel directly to one of the far-flung atolls, where they find opulent hotels and snow-white beaches framed by azure waters. The Maldives are a top surfing destination, and the diving and snorkelling are of the highest calibre. The North and South Male Atolls are home to the most well-liked surfing areas.
Big-game fishing and swimming with manta rays and whale sharks are two other well-liked activities in the Maldives. The Maldives is also a good location for a cruise trip due to its emphasis on water and abundance of islands.
2. Tahiti's Bora Bora
The epitome of a South Pacific paradise is Bora Bora. This verdant island in French Polynesia is surrounded by an azure lagoon and climbs to a high emerald peak. The beaches are lined with clusters of coconut palms, and opulent bungalows rise above the pristine seas, some of which have glass floor panels that allow you to see the vibrant sea below.
While Bora Bora excels in terms of its natural beauty, it also checks the cultural appeal box. The gourmet food exhibits a strong French influence, and French is the national language. It is simple to understand why many travellers rank costly Bora Bora as a top honeymoon location when you consider the abundance of enjoyable water activities, kayak excursions to tiny motu (islands), scenic hiking paths, and adventures like shark dives. It's one of the top tropical holiday destinations for couples and the ultimate, once-in-a-lifetime location for a tropical getaway.
3. Mexico's Riviera Maya
Are you looking for the most affordable tropical getaways? The Riviera Maya (Mayan Riviera) in Mexico is a fantastic option if you're searching for stunning beaches, culture, and zesty cuisine all wrapped up with a cheap price tag. The resort areas of Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and the island of Cozumel are all included in the Mayan Riviera, which is located on the tip of the Yucatán peninsula along the Caribbean coast.
There are plenty of large, crowded, all-inclusive resorts fronting the expansive, picture-perfect beaches, but you are not required to stay there. Yoga retreats and intimate boutique hotels are also options.
Popular activities in the Riviera Maya include diving, snorkelling, and fishing in the crystal-clear waters, swimming with stingrays and dolphins, and exploring the spectacular ancient ruins of Chichén Itzá, which are only a few hours' drive from the resort area.
4. The Cook Islands' Aitutaki
The Cook Islands' Aitutaki, which has strong ties to New Zealand, is a popular choice for secret castaways. Aitutaki checks all the boxes for the ideal exotic tropical vacation, including a brilliant aqua lagoon, verdant peaks, magnificent beaches teeming with palms, and some of the friendliest locals in the South Pacific.
The largest of the Cook Islands, Rarotonga, serves as the major entry point for tourists, but Aitutaki, which is 45 minutes away by plane, is the crown gem in an archipelago of 15 gorgeous tropical isles. The Cook Islands are a popular destination for swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, and fishing. The island provides a glimpse into the laid-back village life, which comes to a complete stop on Sundays for church services.
The lagoon is surrounded by more than 20 motu (small islands). On its southeast corner, the tiny island of Tapuaetai (also known as One Foot Island) is a well-liked Cook Islands day trip that offers stunning views of the lagoon.
Choose an opulent over-the-water house if you really want to treat yourself. From here, you may paddle to your own personal motu, set up camp beneath a palm tree, and spend the day living like Robinson Crusoe.
5. Hawaii's Kauai
Kaua'i, sometimes known as the Garden Isle, is a tropical paradise. Nature enthusiasts from all over the world are drawn to the lush rainforests, waterfalls, and breathtaking green coastline peaks. The island, a lava-sculpted natural marvel, has a more relaxed atmosphere than its well-known sister islands, Maui and Oahu.
Despite being one of the rainiest areas on Earth, Kauai has a variety of microclimates, with the area near popular Poipu generally being drier.
Ready for a major trip in 2020? Here are the top 20 destinations...where would you most like to go?
— Kathy Schille (@KathySchille) February 8, 2020
941-586-2080
RE/MAX Tropical Sands https://t.co/gBfE2wQzJk pic.twitter.com/xEn8zyzQis
There are vibrant coral reefs underwater where turtles and tropical fish can be found. On land, you can enjoy golden beaches, cliff-top views of Hanalei Bay's cloud-covered landscape, hikes along the stunning Napali Coast's velvety peaks, and explorations of the 10-mile-long, deep-jungle Waimea Canyon. Some top Kauai attractions include tropical gardens, waterfalls, adorable coastal towns, and spectacular surf breaks.
Be prepared to share the beach with napping monk seals; nature is in charge here, and that's a large part of the island's appeal.
6. Fiji's Mamanuca Islands
The Mamanuca Islands in Fiji are ideal if you're dreaming of a picture-perfect South Seas paradise covered in sunshine. This picture-perfect chain of roughly 20 islands, which is only a short boat journey from the gateway town of Nadi, is well-known for its sparkling palm-lined beaches, pristine waters, and vibrant coral reefs.
When you first see these lush islands, it is simple to understand why the Tom Hanks film Cast Away and the reality television series Survivor were filmed there. The perfect Fiji island for you depends depend on your travel preferences, hobbies, and budget.
Around a mile away from Tavarua Island Resort is Cloudbreak, one of the world's best surf breaks, although you can also get to this renowned spot from neighbouring island resorts.
Families with young children wishing to unwind will discover plenty of family-friendly resorts in Fiji since the people here genuinely enjoy kids.
7. The Seychelles
In need of some nature? Your first choice for tropical islands to visit should be the Seychelles. More than half of these 115 emerald gems' land area is protected, and they are home to UNESCO-listed nature reserves, thriving coral reefs, and stunning boulder-rimmed beaches.
Choosing which tropical island to visit in the Seychelles presents the only challenge. Visitors from abroad arrive by air in Mahé. The international airport, the cruise ship port, and the stunning Morne Seychellois National Park are all located in Victoria, the country's capital.
On Praslin Island, you may explore the Vallée de Mai, a rare enormous coco de mer fruit palm forest that is listed by UNESCO. And if you love the beach, you'll adore laid-back La Digue, which is where some of the Seychelles' most stunning beaches are located. You'll have enough of locations to fulfil your tropical desires if you add a scattering of gorgeous offshore islands.
The best activities in the Seychelles centre around the ocean in addition to exploring the lush jungles and natural reserves. You can enjoy the beaches, explore the reefs by diving or snorkelling, sail, and surf the waves. Moreover, fishing is superb in this area, particularly on Alphonse Island and Farquhar Atoll.
8. St. Barts, a Caribbean island
French-influenced St. Barts should be at the top of your list if you enjoy the glitzy jet-setter culture, opulent estates, and lovely beaches. Yet everything has a cost.
The cost of lodging and meals is higher than in other locations because of the steady influx of mega-moguls and movie stars, especially during the summer. In exchange, you'll get stunning white beaches bordered by lush mountains, first-rate dining and shopping options, and a level of cultural sophistication that is lacking in many other tropical locations.
As everywhere else, low season has fantastic offers. Additionally, while every beach is open to the public, you may sulk away in a private villa or upscale hotel and live like a celebrity for less. Snorkeling, diving, kitesurfing, kayaking, fishing, surfing, and sailing are among the favourite activities in St. Barts, in addition to lazing on the beaches, shopping, and indulging in scrumptious continental fare.
Saline Beach, Gouverneur Beach, and Lorient are the best beaches, while Gustavia's red-roofed capital is one of the most charming cities in the Caribbean.
9. The Bahamas' Abaco Islands
The stunning Abacos in the Bahamas provide some of the best sailing and boating waters in the world, located just over 300 kilometres east of Florida. These serene islands in the Atlantic, sometimes known as the Out Islands or the Family Islands, appear to be on another planet from the crowded tourist destinations in nearby Florida. You can find peaceful beaches with pine trees lining them, thriving coral reefs, and sleepy fishing communities where golf carts and boats are the primary modes of transportation.
These islands were founded by British Loyalists, and you can see this heritage in the adorable and vibrant colonial homes that line the winding alleyways.
Elbow Cay, on Great Abaco, with its well-known candy-striped lighthouse, charming three-mile-long Green Turtle Cay, which feels like stepping back in time to the old Bahamas, and Treasure Cay, on Great Abaco, with its ravishing white-sand beach and waters in technicolour turquoise are some of the best places to go for a low-key vacation. Other well-known islands are Guana Cay, Walker's Cay, and Man "O' War Cay.
Fishing, diving, snorkelling, relaxing, and mingling with the locals are some of the most popular activities in the Bahamas, and with miles of immaculate beaches, it's simple to discover your own private spot of soft, white sand.
10. Belize's Ambergris Caye
Ambergris Caye, the largest of Belize's 200 cayes, is located off the point of the Yucatán Peninsula and is one of the country's most visited destinations. Due to the abundant turtle grass flats on its Caribbean beaches, swimming is often preferable to fishing; however, the gorgeous Hol Chan Marine Reserve more than makes up for this with world-class diving and snorkelling less than half a mile from shore.
The Belize Barrier Reef System, the second-largest barrier reef in the world after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, includes this underwater marvel. Divers frequently visit Shark Ray Alley to get up close and personal with stingrays and nurse sharks. Also, many anglers come here to hunt for bonefish on the flats and to try their luck catching permit, tarpon, snook, and barracuda.
The hamlet of San Pedro, where golf carts rule the streets and hip eateries serve up fresh seafood and Mexican-inspired fare, adds to the island's attractiveness. Spanish is widely spoken on the island, which has a strong Mexican impact due to the proximity of Mexico to its northern region.
11. Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic, which is located on the eastern coast of the island of Hispaniola, is a favourite destination for tourists on a tight budget. But this well-liked vacation spot is much more than just beautiful beaches and all-inclusive hotels.
n addition to having a rich history and culture, the Dominican Republic, or "DR," is home to some of the Caribbean's most diversified eco-systems, including sweltering rainforests, arid deserts, mangrove swamps, coral reefs, savanna, and towering green peaks.
You'll find a world of activities if you travel beyond of the popular tourist areas of Puerto Plata, Punta Cana, and La Romana, where all-inclusive resorts are grouped along picture-perfect stretches of palm-fringed beach. The Samaná Peninsula offers a variety of activities, including climbing the tallest mountains in the Caribbean, whitewater rafting on the Ro Yaque del Norte, hiking to waterfalls through humid jungle, mountain biking through pine woods along alpine roads, and discovering uninhabited beaches. Furthermore notable are the cultural attractions.
Santo Domingo, the nation's capital, is home to attractive colonial architecture and a rich history, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are lots of options to dive, swim, surf, and snorkel if all you want to do is relax on a gorgeous beach.
12. Bali, Indonesia,
Bali entices those looking for a tropical getaway with a spiritual component with its mythical allure. Some of Bali's features are the serene, kind people, incense-filled temples, and the rice fields shining in the late golden sun. The best part is that this is a great place to go if you want to take a cheap tropical holiday because both food and lodging are reasonably priced.
Base yourself in bustling Kuta or Seminyak, where you'll also find great surf beaches, if you're looking for a dynamic beach scene with lots of stores and restaurants. Family-friendly Sanur and the island's emerald heart are found in Ubud, which is located in the lush hills far from the bustle of the shore.
Bali is renowned for its reasonably priced spa services as well. Here, you may treat yourself without worrying about the price.
Lombok, a nearby volcanic island that has undergone less development than its famed sister island, is also a well-liked travel destination.
13. Australia's Port Douglas
For nature enthusiasts who love adventure, Port Douglas is a great place to visit. This affluent town in Queensland, about an hour's drive north of Cairns, has transformed from its modest beginnings as a snooty fishing community into a well-liked tropical tourist destination and a practical starting point for reef cruises and wilderness safaris.
The Great Barrier Reef, which offers excellent diving and snorkelling opportunities, and the Daintree Rainforest, which is a part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Site and descends to the reef-flecked waters of Cape Tribulation, are also close by.
The town's lush streets are bordered by mango and palm trees as well as a collection of posh stores, coffee cafes, and art galleries. Four Mile Beach, a blond crescent of sand bordered by a jungle, is one of Port Douglas' most notable characteristics, nonetheless. During the marine stinger season (November through June), swimming is prohibited here, however strolling is always a preferred activity.
The Wildlife Habitat, the Flames of the Forest Native Culture, and the Rainforest Dining Experience are some of the top tourist destinations in Port Douglas. Popular activities include fishing excursions and northward treks over the Cape York Peninsula's untamed terrain.
The greatest time to go is during the winter season, which lasts from May through September and is marked by milder temperatures and drier conditions.
14. Thailand's Andaman Coast
The magnificent islands of the Andaman Sea are easily accessible from the Andaman Coast. One of the most breathtaking seascapes on the globe is created by these lush limestone peaks rising from blue waters.
The Phi Phi Islands, which comprise Ko Phi Phi Don and its several resorts as well as Ko Phi Phi Leh, where the Leonardo DiCaprio film The Beach was shot, are among the more well-known islands. These islands are part of the well-known Phuket Day Trip circuit, but if you travel further, you can still find your own own little corner of paradise. More than a hundred of these emerald gems, including the well-known James Bond Island, may be found in Phang Nga Bay.
Krabi or Phuket, Thailand's largest island, are popular locations to utilise as a base for experiencing all this natural beauty. At Khao Sok National Park, where you may interact with elephants among the jungle-covered peaks, the breathtaking beauty extends inland.
Homestays from inexpensive seaside bamboo shacks to opulent villa-style resorts built on sea cliffs are all options for lodging, but even the most luxurious resorts are typically more reasonably priced here than in other tropical locations.
If you want to experience unique culture, hot cuisine, and gorgeous surroundings on a tight budget, this is a terrific option. The southwest monsoon, which typically affects the coast from the end of May until the middle of October, should be avoided.
15. Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula
The Nicoya Peninsula on Costa Rica's Pacific coast is a popular destination for eco-tourists and surfers. This is a well-liked destination for surfers and environment lovers due to its lengthy beaches and beautiful barrel breaks.
A popular tourist location is Tamarindo. The town is the most developed on the peninsula and Playa Tamarindo offers excellent surfing for surfers of all skill levels in addition to a variety of dining options and lodging options. It draws a diverse range of fun-loving travellers, surfers, families, and relaxed expats. In the vicinity of Tamarindo, Playa Grande, one of the most significant leatherback turtle breeding beaches in Costa Rica, offers opportunities for snorkelling, diving, horseback riding, ziplining, and turtle watching from October through March.
At the southwest corner of the peninsula, in upscale Santa Teresa in Mal Pais, there are also yoga retreats, organic restaurants, and boutique hideaways.
Other noteworthy destinations on the Nicoya Peninsula include the stunning Nosara, which is surrounded by a dense forest, Montezuma, and serene Samara, one of the less developed cities on the peninsula.
One of Costa Rica's main tourist destinations, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, is not far from these coastal towns and safeguards one of the last untouched areas of cloud forest on the continent.
16. Florida Keys, USA
The Florida Keys, which are home to the only coral reef in the United States, provide a fun tropical fix, superb fishing, and a few lovely palm-lined beaches. The Keys are coral islands located more than 110 miles south of Miami and are connected by causeways so that you can drive between them on the Overseas Highway, which runs from Key Largo to Key West.
The Florida Keys' top attractions are both natural and cultural. Great diving and snorkelling may be found at the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary off Key Largo, while some of the nicest beaches can be found at Bahia Honda State Park. Key West is a must-see destination as well. Its laissez-faire attitude contrasts beautifully with the vibrant Caribbean-style villas and extensive Hemingway legacy. One of the most well-liked activities to do in Key West is to visit the United States' southernmost point.
Although while the Florida Cays aren't necessarily one of the best places to go on a beach vacation in the United States, you'll still find lovely lengths of shore that are largely man-made, many of which have well-known beach resorts with palm-studded grounds and views of the blue water.
Want to go fishing? With tarpon, bonefish, and permit to catch, Islamorada bills itself as the "sportfishing centre of the world." Marathon is also a great place to cast a line. Every year, prestigious fishing competitions are held in the nearby waters. Also, it is the location of some lovely resorts.
Try some conch, a sort of sea snail, while you're here, along with the renowned key lime pie.
17. Sri Lanka
Every kind of tropical traveller will find something in Sri Lanka. Among the various experiences you may expect to have in this alluring nation are surf breaks, culture, history, nature, scrumptious international food, and more than eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Sri Lanka is the perfect addition to your list of inexpensive tropical vacations, especially when you consider its reasonable pricing.
Is lying on a white, palm-lined beach your image of paradise in a tropical setting? The beaches of Sri Lanka won't let you down. On a trip with a serious surfer? The appeal of top-notch surf breaks extends to surfers of all skill levels, from novice to expert. Also, you can snorkel and dive around coral reefs and fish-rich wrecks if you prefer to explore the ocean below.
On land, nature is a major lure. Join a safari in Sri Lanka to explore the country's dense woods in search of leopards, sloth bears, water buffalo, elephants, and an amazing variety of bird species. Or take a tour of the nation's numerous cultural gems. The interesting 2,000-year history of Sri Lanka is illuminated by ancient ruin sites, revered temples, mosques, and colonial forts. Visit Colombo, the country's capital, and the National Museum for a general overview.
The world-famous tea estates are another one of Sri Lanka's top tourist destinations. Don't pass up the opportunity to partake in a tea tasting up in the cold, mist-covered highlands to get a different perspective on this tropical hotspot.
18. Zanzibar
Tanzania's Zanzibar archipelago, which is rich in culture, is a well-liked post-safari island getaway. Due to its strategic location on spice trade routes, this group of picturesque, coral-fringed islands off the coast of Tanzania, north of Dar es Salaam, has long served as a crossroads for cultures. You may see, feel, and taste the diverse impacts that Africa, Arabia, India, and Europe have had on Zanzibar when you are there.
The archipelago is anchored by Zanzibar Island, also known as Unguja. Due to its stunning beaches and Stone Town's historic district, which is classified by UNESCO, this is the most well-liked spot to stay. See the island's historic landmarks on foot as you meander through the maze of cobblestone alleyways, taking in the striking architecture, the bazaar's abundance of spices, and the elaborately carved doors that have made the island famous.
A classic Tanzanian pleasure is unwinding on one of Zanzibar's lovely beaches. Dhows glide gracefully across turquoise waters bordered by snow-white beaches, and diving and snorkelling are great among the coral reefs of the islands, particularly off the island of Pemba.
Want to see some wildlife? Visit Cheetah's Rock to schedule a close-up animal encounter, or visit Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park to look for colobus monkeys. Moreover, dolphin cruises off the coast are available.
Looking for further activities in Zanzibar? Visit a spice farm or stay in an eco-bungalow at Chumbe Island Coral Park with no footprint.
19. Mauritius
Mauritius, an idyllic island nation off the coast of Madagascar, is referred to as the "jewel of the Indian Ocean." The island has stunning volcanic landscapes, and the silky-sand beaches are lined with opulent resorts with spas and golf courses.
Beaches rank highly. Most visitors plan a trip to Iles aux Cerf to laze around in the picture-perfect lagoon, but Le Morne beach, Flic en Flac, and Pereybere are standouts. Aquatic sports are among the top things to do in Mauritius because of the island's alluring blue ocean. Swimming or snorkelling along the stunning beaches, diving the vibrant coral reefs off the island's west coast, kitesurfing, sailing, or scheduling a deep-sea fishing expedition are all options.
Also well-known in Mauritius are the numerous endemic plant and animal species that live there (most famously the dodo, which became extinct in the 17th century). The Chamarel Waterfall hike, the UNESCO-listed Morne Brabant climb, and bird watching on the island are some of the best outdoor activities.
Also, the cuisine of Mauritius will tempt your taste buds if you're hungry. It exhibits the island's cosmopolitan roots with influences from India, Africa, China, and France.
With so many enjoyable things to see and do, it's no surprise that Mauritius is on the list of well-liked tropical honeymoon destinations.
20. Colombia
A land of stark contrasts, Colombia. A lover of the outdoors will adore Colombia's various landscapes, which range from scorched deserts and the steamy Amazon to snow-dusted Andes peaks. For an adventurous tropical vacation, you can hike up a mountain, go on a safari through the rainforest, or go surfing. You can also choose to unwind by the stunning coast. Following years of war, this dynamic nation is moving past its horrific history and establishing itself as a top adventure travel destination.
Do not give up if you enjoy going to the beach. Since Colombia is the only country in South America to have coastlines on both the Caribbean and Pacific, you may choose from a variety of stunning beaches. If you want to go snorkelling and enjoy powdered sand and blue water, visit the Caribbean shore. The finest breaks are found along the Pacific Coast if surfing is more your style.
The options for culture are equally varied. There are so many worthwhile locations to see in Colombia, whether you're a history or a foodie. See captivating historical cities like Cartagena, learn about Colombia's past at the museums in Medellin, take a tour and sample coffee at a plantation, browse the shops in Bogota, or hike to the pre-Columbian remains of Ciudad Perdida (the Lost City). Colombia checks all the boxes for those looking for a unique tropical destination.