Hidden-Gem Hideaways | The Best Isles You ' ve Never Heard Of
Frigate bird
Barbuda , Antigua and Barbuda Everyone knows Antigua , but its full name is actually “ Antigua and Barbuda ;” Barbuda is the often-forgotten other half . Their loss being dropped from the conversational name is your gain , as this island offers everything you could hope from its twin ( with less of a crowd ): Pink-sand beaches as soft as a pillow , scenic sailings around the coastline , subterranean caves and historic ruins and coral reefs that all beget goosebumps and awe . If there ’ s one can ’ t-miss of Barbuda , it ’ s the Frigate Bird Sanctuary . Located in the heart of Codrington Lagoon National Park and only accessible via boat tour , the Frigate Bird Sanctuary is one of the world ’ s largest colonies of frigate birds . They ’ re lovable weirdos . Snow-white as chicks yet jetblack as adults , the males sport a crimson throat pouch that they can inflate to a comical proportion . There are a couple thousand roosting among the scrubby mangroves — it ’ s hard not to become a birder while traversing it .
Caye Caulker , Belize Just a short 4-mile ferry ride from Belize is Caye Caulker , “ island vibes ” made manifest . This slice of land ( it ’ s only a mile across and 5 miles long ) is seriously chill — the primary mode of transportation is golf cart or bicycle . The streets are sand . Reggae flows through the town in constant harmony with the sea breeze . The island ’ s motto ? “ Go slow .” Scuba divers , snorkelers , windsurfers , anglers and aspiring beach bums will all find paradise in this former-fishingtown-turned-beach-party . The nearby Belize barrier reef is a prime spot for diving , while fishers can either charter a small boat or post up on the shore for some world-class fly fishing . You can bring whatever you catch to any bar or restaurant , and they ’ ll cook it for you !
Caye Caulker , Belize
You ’ ll quickly learn the beating heart of the Caye Caulker ’ s social scene is the Split — a 20-foot channel splitting the isle in two . Visitors and locals alike congregate on its sandy shores to soak up the sun , sip a strong drink and take refreshing dips in the cool , blue water . The Split encapsulates the paradox of paradise : With so many possibilities , the best choice is often kicking back and doing ( almost ) nothing . The ideal way to experience any of the islands above ( or a tiny island you found yourself ) is to have a resort on a major island serve as your home base , and then visit these islands as unforgettable daytrips . That ’ s where our agents enter the picture — they can help you find that base ( perhaps an all-inclusive resort ?), plan your daytrips and more . Exclusive perks and personal recommendations are just a phone call away .
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