15 Tropical Islands for a Warm-Weather Vacation

There’s something about spending a week on a tropical island that makes everything better. Mornings start with coffee on a porch overlooking the water, afternoons drift by with excursions on the sea, and evenings end with dinner on the beach.

Being on an island forces you to step out of your normal routine. No traffic, no errands, no constant noise. Just beaches to wander, salt water to float in, and little restaurants that always seem to have the best food when you’re sun-tired and hungry.

Some places are better for couples who want peace and quiet, others have room for kids to run wild, but all of them offer that same reset button feeling.

The Azores

The Azores are a cluster of nine islands set in the middle of the North Atlantic, about 900 miles off the coast of Portugal. Each island has its own personality, but together they’re known for volcanic craters, hot springs, and green hills that drop straight into the ocean.

Black-sand beaches line much of the coast, and you’ll also find rugged cliffs, natural lava rock pools, and scenic lakes like Lagoa das Sete Cidades, which fills a volcanic caldera.

With average temperatures hovering in the mid-60s year-round, you can go on waterfall hikes, go deep-sea fishing, take a sailing trip, or visit a natural swimming hole warmed by geothermal heat.

The islands are one of the best places in Europe for whale and dolphin watching, especially between April and October when migratory species pass through. Towns like Ponta Delgada and Angra do Heroísmo mix cobblestone streets, whitewashed churches, and 16th-century fortresses that tell the story of the islands’ seafaring history.

Aruba

Aruba is a small Dutch Caribbean island just 15 miles off the coast of Venezuela, famous for its year-round sunshine and desert-meets-ocean scenery.

Its coastline is home to some of the Caribbean’s most photographed spots, like Eagle Beach for its white sand and iconic fofoti trees.

Venture inland and you’ll find Arikok National Park, which covers nearly 20% of the island with cacti-studded hills and rugged trails perfect for offroad adventures.

Aruba also has a lively shopping scene with Oranjestad’s colorful Dutch colonial buildings with duty-free shops, boutiques, and open-air markets selling everything from aloe vera products to locally made art.

Beachside grills serve fresh snapper and mahi-mahi, while restaurants offer Dutch, Caribbean, and South American flavors.

Fiji

Fiji is a South Pacific archipelago of more than 300 islands. The main islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, are where most visitors start, with palm-fringed resorts, markets, and cultural sites like the Sri Siva Subramaniya temple in Nadi.

But Fiji’s appeal goes far beyond its postcard-perfect coastline. The islands are home to some of the best diving and snorkeling in the world. The Great Astrolabe Reef and the soft coral capital of Taveuni draw divers from across the globe, with the chance to see manta rays, reef sharks, and schools of neon-colored fish.

Inland, you can hike through rainforests to hidden waterfalls, hike the Sigatoka Sand Dunes, or take a longboat ride up the Navua River to visit remote villages.

Fijian culture is a big part of the experience. Vacationers are typically welcomed with a traditional kava ceremony and invited to share a meal of lovo, food cooked in an underground oven.

Bali

Bali is one of Indonesia’s most famous islands, sitting between Java and Lombok in the Indian Ocean. Known as the “Island of the Gods,” it’s a place where volcanic mountains tower over lush rice terraces and intricate temples seem to appear around every corner.

The coastline offers wide sandy stretches like in Seminyak and Nusa Dua, dramatic cliffs in Uluwatu, and world-class surf breaks at Canggu and Padang Padang.

Beyond beaches, Bali’s culture is just as much of a draw. Daily offerings, temple festivals, and traditional dance performances are woven into everyday life, giving visitors a glimpse of its spiritual rhythm.

Hike to Mount Batur, dive Amed’s coral gardens, explore art markets in Ubud, or spend an afternoon visiting rice paddies.

The Bahamas

The Bahamas is a chain of islands and cays stretching across the Atlantic, just a short flight from Florida. It’s a popular spot for cruises and quick getaways.

Nassau and Paradise Island are the most popular starting points, with large resorts, casinos, and nightlife, while Grand Bahama Island offers quieter beaches and national parks with mangroves and underwater caves.

Adventure lovers often head to the Out Islands, like Exuma with its famous swimming pigs, Andros for world-class bonefishing and blue hole diving, Eleuthera for pink-sand beaches, and Harbour Island for its pastel-colored cottages.

Vacationers to the Bahamas can snorkel coral reefs, scuba dive shipwrecks, try windsurfing or kiteboarding, or charter a boat to find a secluded cay for the day.

Barbados

Barbados is a small but vibrant island in the eastern Caribbean, known for its calm Caribbean waters on the west coast and rugged Atlantic surf on the east.

The island’s beaches are a major draw like the turquoise waters of Carlisle Bay and Paynes Bay to the dramatic waves at Bathsheba, a favorite spot for surfers.

Beyond the sand, you can explore Harrison’s Cave with its underground streams and stalactites, wander through lush botanical gardens like Hunte’s Gardens, or tour historic sugarcane plantations.

Bajans, as the locals call themselves, are famously warm and welcoming, and the culture consists of African, British, and Caribbean influences.

Vacationers often time their trips with Crop Over, the island’s summer festival filled with music, dancing, and colorful costumes. And no trip is complete without trying the island’s famous flying fish and sipping a glass of Mount Gay Rum, which has been produced there since the 1700s.

Bora Bora

Bora Bora, part of French Polynesia’s Society Islands, is one of the world’s most iconic tropical destinations. Its lagoon glows with shades of blue so bright they look unreal, and the island’s backdrop is dominated by Mount Otemanu, the jagged remains of an extinct volcano.

Vacationers often stay in overwater bungalows above the lagoon, where they can jump straight into the water for a morning swim.

While Bora Bora is known for luxury, there’s plenty to do beyond the resort. You can snorkel or dive coral gardens filled with reef sharks and manta rays, take a lagoon tour by outrigger canoe, or circle the island on a guided 4×4 safari to visit World War II gun sites and ancient Polynesian marae (temples).

Hikers can tackle trails up Mount Pahia for views of the others islands, and for a slower pace, the island has pearl farms, art galleries, and waterfront cafés where you can watch the sunset over the lagoon.

Cook Islands

If you’re looking for a truly unique vacation destination, the Cook Islands are definitely worth considering. This remote archipelago, located in the Pacific Ocean, boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, from beaches to beautiful rainforests.

And because it’s so isolated, you’ll find that the pace of life here is much slower than what you’re used to. Whether you’re looking to relax and rejuvenate or to explore and adventure, the Cook Islands are sure to please. 

Curaçao

If you’re looking for a sunny getaway, Curaçao is the perfect place to escape. Curaçao is a small island in the Caribbean, just off the coast of Venezuela. The island is known for its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and Dutch colonial architecture.

You can snorkel and dive in crystal-clear waters, hike through gorgeous forests, or simply relax on the beach with a good book. With its friendly locals and laid-back atmosphere, Curaçao is the perfect place to unwind and soak up some sunshine. 

Maldives

The Maldives is a premiere destination for those seeking a luxurious and relaxing vacation. Located in the Indian Ocean, it is well known for its blue waters, sandy beaches, and coral reefs. The Maldives is made up of more than 1,000 small tropical islands, each with its unique character.

You can enjoy snorkeling, diving, fishing, and exploring the local culture. Many resorts are located on the islands, offering a wide range of amenities and activities. Whether you’re snorkeling with turtles or simply taking in the breathtaking views, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience in this paradise.

Maui, Hawaii

Maui is the second-largest Hawaiian Island and is a popular destination for travelers worldwide. Maui is home to beautiful beaches and rainforests.

One of the most popular things to do in Maui is to drive along the road to Hana. This scenic route takes you through some of the island’s most stunning scenery, including waterfalls, rainforests, and coastal cliffs.

Another popular activity on Maui is exploring the Haleakala Crater. This volcanic crater is one of the largest in the world and offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure, Maui awaits you. 

Seychelles

Seychelles is a group of tropical islands in the Indian Ocean off the coast of East Africa. It is known for its stunning beaches, jungles, and crystal-clear waters. You can enjoy snorkeling and diving, boating and fishing, hiking, and bird watching.

Seychelles is also home to various unique plant and animal life, including giant tortoises, Aldabra tortoises, and Coco de Mer palms. With its tropical climate, Seychelles is a year-round destination for beach and nature lovers.

The Whitsunday Islands

The Whitsunday Islands are a popular vacation destination for Australians and international visitors. Located off the coast of Queensland, they offer a stunning natural landscape, sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a warm climate.

You can enjoy various activities, including swimming, snorkeling, sailing, and windsurfing. Numerous hiking trails wind through the island’s rainforests and provide panoramic ocean views. 

Turks and Caicos Islands

Turks and Caicos Islands is a perfect place to spend your vacation if you want a relaxing time away from everyday life. Just lying on one of the many beautiful beaches, with the sun shining down on you, is enough to make all your worries vanish.

If you are feeling a bit more active, plenty of things keep you occupied, from snorkeling and diving in crystal-clear waters to windsurfing and kiteboarding. And when you need a break from the sun, you can explore some of the island’s many caves or walk through the rainforest. 

Zanzibar

Zanzibar is a group of tropical islands off the coast of Tanzania and is a popular tourist destination in East Africa. The islands offer a perfect mix of relaxation and exploration, with sandy beaches, clear waters, and plenty of opportunities to learn about the local culture.

You can go snorkeling or diving to see the incredible marine life, on safari to see elephants and other wildlife, or relax on the beach and soak up the sun. There are also many historical sites to explore, such as Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.