Caribbean beaches and islands: 6 must-visit spots for 2027, per travel experts

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• What travel experts are flagging for 2027
• Bequia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines — a sailor’s sanctuary
• BBC Beach (Morne Rouge), Grenada — the local favorite
• Montserrat — volcanic landscapes and raw scenery
• Bocas del Toro, Panama — biodiversity meets Caribbean charm
• Cat Island, The Bahamas — pink sand and solitude
• Marie-Galante, Guadeloupe — the French Caribbean byway
• How to prioritize these escapes for 2027 trips

Travel editors and guidebooks are already naming the hotspots to watch in 2027, and the Caribbean is full of underrated shores waiting to be explored. From volcanic black sand to soft pink beaches, this region offers a mix of untouched nature and small-town charm. Below are six islands and beaches that should be on your radar for next year.

What travel experts are flagging for 2027

Lonely Planet recently published its Best in Travel 2027 list. Their picks highlight fresh corners of Latin America and the Caribbean. Notably, they recommend Montserrat and Panama’s Bocas del Toro as must-see coastal destinations. I travel the tropics regularly and built on those suggestions to create this targeted list of beaches and islands you can still find relatively undiscovered.

Bequia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines — a sailor’s sanctuary

Bequia is a short ferry hop from St. Vincent and has long been beloved by yacht crews. The pace here is slow, the bays are safe, and the island feels intimate.

• Why go: It has a reputation for safety and calm waters. Violent crime is almost nonexistent.
• Main lure: The Belmont Walkway hugs the coast and links small beaches to waterside rum bars.
• Best season: Dry months for clear visibility if you plan to dive.

Editor tip: Shallow reef dives off Admiralty Bay are clear and teeming with life. For lunch, stop at Jack’s Bar at the end of Belmont Walkway and try the fried conch.

BBC Beach (Morne Rouge), Grenada — the local favorite

Grand Anse draws crowds, but BBC Beach sits in a gentle cove just a bay over. It is sheltered, calm, and lined with small bars and homes.

• The scene: A horseshoe cove with calm, pool-like water. Ideal for swimming and low-key afternoons.
• What to do: Walk the sand, sip a Carib beer at La Plywood, and watch sailboats at sunset.
• Why it stands out: No mega-hotels dominate the shoreline. The vibe stays authentic.

Editor tip: Ask at La Plywood for fish tacos if they have them. Bring a 35mm camera at sunset for golden-hour shots you’ll love.

Montserrat — volcanic landscapes and raw scenery

Nicknamed the “Emerald Isle of the Caribbean,” Montserrat blends dramatic geology with quiet communities. The Soufrière Hills eruption in the 1990s reshaped the island.

• The feel: Rugged, protected, and slower than most tourist islands.
• Top experience: Hike rainforest trails, explore black-sand beaches, and take a boat tour to view the buried city of Plymouth from a safe distance.
• Who will love it: Hikers, nature photographers, and travelers seeking a less commercial island.

Editor tip: For the Jack Boy Hill trail, wear trail shoes with aggressive grip. Trails get slick from humidity and rain.

Bocas del Toro, Panama — biodiversity meets Caribbean charm

Bocas del Toro pairs Caribbean waters with Central American wildlife. It has long been a backpacker hub and is moving toward eco-friendly, boutique stays.

• The atmosphere: Boat-based travel and a relaxed island rhythm. Water taxis are the norm.
• Must-see spots: Isla Colón for sloth spotting and Starfish Beach for shallow, starfish-studded water.
• Travel smart: Book early-morning trips to cays to avoid crowds and capture calm seas.

Editor tip: Skip crowded catamaran booze cruises. Negotiate directly with a local panga captain for an early trip to the Zapatilla Cays. Use a heavy-duty dry bag for electronics.

Cat Island, The Bahamas — pink sand and solitude

Cat Island represents the rising interest in the Out Islands. It is remote, quiet, and showing visitors what an authentic Bahamian island feels like.

• Local color: No cruise ships and almost no traffic lights. The island is sparsely populated and peaceful.
• Signature beach: Greenwood Beach offers about eight miles of pale pink sand. You may have it nearly to yourself.
• Other draws: Hike to Mount Alvernia and visit the tiny stone Hermitage at sunrise.

Editor tip: Climb Mount Alvernia at dawn. Bring water and enjoy the hush over the ocean from the stone terrace.

Marie-Galante, Guadeloupe — the French Caribbean byway

Marie-Galante feels rural and French. If you want EU standards with Caribbean weather and a relaxed pace, this island fits the bill.

• Why travelers come: Sugar cane fields, windmills, and wide open coastal roads perfect for scootering.
• Top beach: Plage de la Feuillère remains largely untouched and wide open for long walks.
• Local tip: Try a Ti’ Punch and sample the island’s Rhum Agricole after exploring the ruins.

Editor tip: Rent a scooter to see Habitation Murat near sunset. The late light on the 19th-century mill is ideal for photos.

How to prioritize these escapes for 2027 trips

Many of these spots are still small-scale and not overrun by resorts. That window of relative solitude will narrow as demand grows.

• Book early: Flights and family-run guesthouses fill first for quiet islands.
• Pack for variety: Bring reef-friendly sunscreen, a dry bag, and sturdy shoes.
• Respect local life: These communities value privacy and low-impact tourism.