Deciding which islands to visit can be an overwhelming task, which is why it’s best to pre-plan your journey. Visiting the best Island hopping destinations means you’ll enjoy soft sandy beaches and turquoise waters. Plus, wouldn’t you like to escape all the hustle and bustle and soak up some island bliss?
A mini guide on how to find the best Island hopping destinations
What can be better than enjoying your time on a tropical island? The obvious answer is nothing, absolutely nothing! An island holiday means ultimate bliss; it is an adventure coupled with maximum relaxation.
An island hopping tour means you can enjoy everything mentioned earlier and spend time in some of the most beautiful parts of the world. However, the only difference is you’ll be jumping from one stunning Island to the next rather than confining yourself to one location.
This kind of holiday isn’t the usual one you’re used to. Most likely, you’ll have to travel longer, frequently be on the go and immerse in outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, scuba-diving, or sailing across glittering turquoise oceans.
Of course, with a holiday at one of the best island hopping destinations, you’re bound to have a trip of a lifetime that can be quite rewarding. And on an island holiday like this, you’re sure to see spectacular sights, gain new experiences and make treasured memories. Take your pick from the best island hopping destinations and go on an adventure like non-other!
Where can I find the best Island hopping destinations?
Well, literally and figuratively, the world is your oyster when it comes to finding the best island hopping destinations.
Places such as Greece, the Caribbean, the Canary Islands, the Philippines, and Thailand are popular for island hopping.
These stunning islands are famous for their diverse landscapes and exquisite natural beauty. And, they guarantee plenty of sun, sea, and oodles of fun.
How to plan your island hopping adventure?
Wondering how to plan and make the most of your island-hopping trip? Read on some of our tips for going on your very own Island hopping adventure.
✔ Pick the perfect route
You can’t always “plan” for those on-the-go moments; they just happen. However, you’ll need to check off a few key preparations, such as choosing the ideal route. Since many of these destinations are part of a daisy chain of islands, you can easily map out your route to your own liking.
✔ Plan activities and accommodation ahead of time
There are plenty of factors to consider when choosing your route. You should list out the best places to stay, available outdoor activities, places you want to visit, and the must-dos on each Island. Once you have that out of the way, next, you need to plan how you’ll get from one location to the other. The rest will follow naturally, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
✔ Watch the weather
Weather is a key component when choosing the best island hopping destinations. When it comes to weather, some islands can be unpredictable. So, try to plan your arrival times to account for sudden weather changes and other delays.
✔ Embrace the time on the islands
Embracing the time on each Island will help you enjoy the Island’s true potential. Take in the spirit of each location with a more relaxed demeanour. This will allow you to get most of every island destination you hope to visit.
Island hopping in Greece
If you’re looking to take in the glorious beauty and sun-drenched shores of the ocean, a Greek island hopping adventure will be the ideal pick. Island hopping in Greece has been tried and tested to give you the advantage of choosing the perfect route. This way, it is easier for you can make the best out of your Greek Island hopping holiday!
➜ The best time to visit
Between April and May or September and mid-October is an ideal time to visit
➜ The best spots for Island hopping in Greece
1. Mykonos
Mykonos is a famous island with stunning beaches, luxury resorts, whitewashed houses, and top-class beach parties; it has all that Greece represents. So, if you’re looking for the best place to start Island hopping in Greece, Mykonos is the place to be.
2. Paros Island
Paros is a large, quiet, and secluded Island surrounded by lush nature and stunningly beautiful, diverse landscapes. It’s the type of place you dream about when on an amazing tour of Island hopping in Greece!
3. Naxos Island
Considered one of the best places for Island hopping in Greece, Naxos, is a charming island known for its striking beauty and soft sandy beaches. This warm sunny Island is an absolute must-visit!
4. Ios Island
Yet again, like most Greek Island hopping adventures, Ios is all about soft sandy beaches, cobblestone streets, and insanely beautiful sunsets. However, this Island is also known as the Greek party island due to its wild beach parties!
5. Santorini Island
As you and I both know, Santorini is a major tourist hub that is one of the most beautiful places in the world and is a must on your Greek island-hopping itinerary! To be honest, there’s no place like Santorini. Plus, your trip to Greece wouldn’t be complete without hopping onto this Island!
Now that we’ve got the best Island hopping destinations in Greece let’s take a look at the top destinations for Island hopping in the Caribbean.
Island hopping in the Caribbean
Have you dreamt of going Island hopping in the Caribbean? Well, it’s time you make that dream a reality and enjoy the golden sandy beaches and outdoor activities, amazing food, and the famously laid-back vibes of the Caribbean Islands. This is the perfect base for a carefree holiday in the Caribbean, the best island hopping destinations in the world!
➜ The best time to visit
Between December to May, However, stay away from June to November as it is the official hurricane season
➜ The best spots for Island hopping in the Caribbean
1. Bahamas
The Bahamas is a playground for those who are in need of a dose of sun. This stunning chain of islands is the perfect place for Island hopping in the Caribbean. The Island is rich with an incredible range of gorgeous beaches, reefs filled with marine life, lush jungles, and more.
2. Barbados
Famed for its picture-perfect white sand beaches, striking turquoise waters, pumping nightlife, marine life, a laid-back atmosphere, fresh seafood, and rum punch Barbados is a special place for Island hopping in the Caribbean.
3. Cuba
Not the typical spot for Island hopping in the Caribbean, but Cuba is an amazing place that is vibrant, warm, and addictive; it’s a wonderful colonial hub that has been trapped in a time warp. Here, you’ll find natural beauty around every corner. And it is well worth a visit.
4. Jamaica
Reggae beats and chilled vibes that’s what can be found from every nook and corner of Jamaica! But if you want to discover Jamaica beyond the tourist resorts, this would be the ideal spot for Island hopping in the Caribbean.
5. Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia is a mountainous island nation with spectacular volcanic beaches, reef-diving sites, luxury resorts, fishing villages, and a lush rainforest that is perfect for outdoor lovers.
Next on our list of the best Island hopping destinations are the top spots for Island hopping in Hawaii.
Island hopping in Hawaii
You don’t need a special introduction to Hawaii. It is a wonderful place that is on the bucket list of many travellers. The Hawaiian Islands are a series of close-knit islands, each Island incredibly different from the other, making island hopping in Hawaii absolutely worth it. Although it’s easy to get from one Island to the other, it’s quite time-consuming. So, make sure you have extra time and extra travel days.
➜ Best time to visit
Between April and May or August and October. January is rainy but an excellent time for whale watching
➜ The best spots for Island hopping in Hawaii
1. Big Island
The Big Island, just like the name implies, is the largest Hawaiian Island. It is so diverse in terms of climate and landscape. Know for its beautiful nature, and fun activities which are almost impossible to fit everything in your holiday, but worth a visit.
2. Oahu
Oahu has some of the most beautiful places in Hawaii. With lush, green mountains and golden, sandy beaches, gorgeous tropical jungles, and hidden waterfalls. Oahu has the most activities, attractions, and adventures, which makes it the best place for Island hopping in Hawaii.
3. Maui
Maui is a lovers’ paradise, as it is one of the top honeymoon destinations in the world. This magical place offers a lifetime’s worth of awesome experiences, jaw-dropping vistas, and the best spot for Island hopping in Hawaii.
4. Lanai
If you want to experience remote luxury, Lanai is the best place to be. Just like Maui, it is heaven for couples. An ideal escape from touristy destinations, Lanai island is the best place to experience authentic island living.
5. Kauai
Dubbed “the Garden Island,” Kauai is definitely the most beautiful Island in Hawaii for its gorgeous beaches, coastline, emerald valleys, and mountain spires. Experience more than just dramatic beauty with a tour of Island hopping in Hawaii.
Our list of the best Island hopping destinations follows with the best Island hopping in Thailand
Island hopping in Thailand
There are countless options and seamless itineraries when it comes to Island hopping in Thailand, as the island nation boasts over 300 islands! It is a great way to explore the gorgeous islands in Thailand and create unforgettable memories spent on each Island. Whether to find beauty and serenity, relax on the pristine beaches, take in the culture, or party all night, Thailand offers you more than just one slice of paradise!
➜ The best time to visit
Between January and April
➜ The best spots for Island hopping in Thailand
1. Ko Phi Phi
Ko Phi Phi is a chain of six small islands in the Andaman sea. It is a popular destination for Island hopping in Thailand. This stunningly beautiful spot with picture-perfect beaches, thickets, and rugged cliffs will seduce you.
2. Raya Islands (Koh Racha)
The Raya islands are best widely famous for their remarkable diving and snorkelling destinations. Indeed, this eye-catching destination is the perfect place to spend your time and fall in love with its hidden beauty!
3. Phang Nga Bay
Known as the hub of limestone islands, Phang Nga Bay is the go-to destination to have a relaxing time, cruising around the stunning limestone cliffs while Island hopping in Thailand.
BONUS
Now that we’ve got that information out of the way let’s take a look at some of the other spots of the best Island hopping destinations.
- The Balearic islands, Spain
- The Maldives
- The Philippines
- Sri Lanka
- Croatia
- Italy and France
- Seychelles
- Zanzibar, Tanzania
- Mozambique
So, there you go, those are some of the best island hopping destinations in the world. If you’ve taken a liking to one of these destinations, all you’ve got to do is get in touch with us, and we’ll help you plan the most amazing trip you’ve ever been on.
Oh, and by the way, if you have any recommendations for other ideas for the best island hopping destinations, let us know in the comments below!