CARIBBEAN'S MOST WANTED

5 Caribbean Islands to Discover Now

Ready to expand your horizons? Last month we guided you to the ten most visited islands in the Caribbean. This month, we help you chart a new path to paradise with our handy guide to the lesser-known gems.

December 2011/January 2012 issue | Subscribe to the magazine

Social butterflies and sun-worshippers flock to Curaçao, the largest and most cosmopolitan of the Dutch-allied ABC Islands (along with Aruba and Bonaire).

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Curaçao also has some of the region's best weather—it lies outside the storm-prone Hurricane Belt.
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A secluded cove in Curaçao.
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Adventure junkies and solitude-seekers love Dominica for its dramatic, rain-forest-cloaked peaks, bubbling volcanic lakes, and excellent diving.
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A 115-mile-long hiking trail leads from one end of Dominica to the other. Along the way, you'll encounter waterfalls such as this one.
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The only drawback to a vacation in Dominica? No direct flights from the U.S.
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Grenada has every tropical flavor: mountains, forests, and waterfalls; black- and white-sand beaches; laid-back, affordable guesthouses; and bucolic villages that haven't been tarnished by tourism.
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Colorful boats float in a bay on Grenada.
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Palm trees dot a beach on Grenada.
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Thrill-seekers will appreciate Montserrat (that volcano's still technically active).
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A beach at sunset on Montserrat.
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A view over the deep blue waters off the coast of Montserrat. The area is known for empty beaches, lush hiking trails, and robust marine life.
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St. Kitts attracts history buffs and animal-lovers (vervet monkeys hang around some beaches).
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Cockleshell Bay at St.Kitts in the Caribbean
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Long in the shadow of pricier Nevis, St. Kitts is home to a thriving west Indian culture and remarkably preserved architecture.
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