Island hopping provides the chance to discover breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultures across the world. Set out on your island-hopping adventure today and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Pack your swimsuit, sunscreen and camera, and discover the stunning tropical destinations! From beautiful beaches framed by towering limestone cliffs to vibrant coral reefs, these island archipelagos have something to offer every traveler.
The Seychelles
Whoever invented the term “paradise” must have had Seychelles in mind as their inspiration; an archipelago of 115 islands floating serenely in the Indian Ocean off Africa’s east coast known for its stunning beaches and vibrant ecosystem. Real-life adventurers can explore lush jungles, hike to breathtaking viewpoints, and spot rare wildlife species here.
The Seychelles offers some of the world’s best island hopping. Mahe, Praslin and La Digue boast beautiful white sand beaches, tropical forests and vibrant coral reefs – you could easily spend a full day exploring each island!
At minimum, it is advised that visitors spend at least four or five days exploring Seychelles and relaxing on its beautiful beaches, diving sites and hammocks.
The outer Seychelles islands are true paradise, in that few of these far-flung gems are inhabited and many more don’t surpass sand spit size. Of those that are, many host a diverse assortment of birds, reptiles and fish as well as one of the largest populations of Aldabra Giant Tortoises which live for 200+ years!
The Philippines
Travelers visiting South East Asia for its beaches often overlook Philippines as an intriguing hidden gem, featuring steep limestone cliffs encasing stunning white sand beaches with waters that teem with brightly hued fish. In El Nido alone you can hop between beaches and coves that rival those found at more luxurious resorts.
Siargao draws surfers due to its shallow waters and perfect beaches, but it also serves as one of the Philippines’ finest spots for island hopping. By conducting research you may even be able to find uninhabited islets where only you will share space.
Coron is an eco-friendly island paradise offering fantastic snorkeling and swimming with sea turtles while staying in accommodations that match its stunning natural landscapes. Its remote coves and reefs host various sea creatures such as manta rays for you to discover on your own or with an experienced guide.
At Alaminos’ Hundred Islands, you’ll discover an oasis where water is pure, islands are unspoiled, and sunsets offer breathtaking vistas. As only four islands have been developed for tourism purposes, so that you can fully take in its stunning sights without running into too many tourists!
The Galapagos Islands
Charles Darwin used this incredible archipelago off Ecuador’s coast as inspiration for his Theory of Evolution, now recognized by UNESCO as a double World Heritage Site encompassing both land and sea areas, to develop his Theory. Home to iguanas, exotic birds, giant tortoises and sea lions–among many other forms of wildlife–it boasts rich biodiversity including marine iguanas.
There are various ways to experience the Galapagos Islands, from taking a cruise or island-hopping on land. Island-hopping offers more flexibility as you can travel freely between 19 islands; however, this does limit your beach visits.
On islands, travelers should exercise extreme caution, as theft may be more prevalent due to unfamiliarity with tourists. Most crimes committed against visitors involve minor offenses like pickpocketing and bag-lifting that should be monitored carefully.
To avoid this scenario, make sure you bring a lock for your luggage and store valuables at either your hotel or guide’s office. Also keep in mind that the Galapagos Islands lie very near to the equator; therefore it is always advisable to wear a hat and use sunscreen when in direct sunlight. In terms of wildlife viewing, two meters is generally considered as safe distance; it would not be wise to touch or feed wild animals as these are wild species!
The Caribbean
Start playing calypso music and set sail for The Caribbean – its idyllic beaches and sparkling waters await. Norwegian offers various itineraries that showcase this legendary region’s beautiful destinations.
Discover the tropical paradise of Bora Bora, where day treks among basalt spires covered by bottle-green rainforests and snorkeling encounters with graceful manta rays await you. Additionally, New Caledonia’s tiny islands provide an idyllic island escape with coralline beaches and sleepy villages; on Great Inagua alone 80,000 flamingos gather on Lake that matches your cocktail color while an interior landscape of shrubland holds 140 species of local and migratory birds on Lifou alone!
Cabo San Lucas offers an idyllic and peaceful island retreat where couples can stroll romantic Lover’s Beach or admire stunning sunsets on Land’s End. Meanwhile, Turks and Caicos is an idyllic yacht-fringed oasis where you may run into celebrities such as Rachel Weisz and Daniel Craig at Guana Cay or Sir Richard Branson on Necker Island.
