10 Best Unexpected Tropical Vacation Destinations

With stunning beaches, Bocas del Toro province in northeast Panama captures the hearts and minds of many travelers. Yet when it comes to tropical vacations, Panama often doesn’t spring to mind, making Bocas del Toro feel like a treasure on the Caribbean Sea.

Lush rainforest meets glassy turquoise water, with a consistent temperature of about 79°F. The incredible diversity of coral and marine life makes it a popular spot for divers and snorkeling enthusiasts, while the wave breaks attract surfers. Afro-Caribbean culture shines along the streets of Isla Colón, where restaurants and cafes offer mouthwatering dishes and the indigenous Naso Tjër Di community provides a different perspective on the land, sea, and life in the archipelago.

Whether you prefer the lively streets of Colón or a secluded private beach, you can enjoy the tropical wonders of Panama.

Best for: Vibrant culture, cuisine, adventure

Learn more: Panama Vacations

The Gili Islands in Indonesia are all white sand, coconut palms and crystalline water, paradises that surpass expectations of what tropical means.

Near the coast of Lombok and often reached on a day trip from Bali, the Gili Islands are mostly car-free and colorful. Most visitors travel by bike or on foot, adding to a quiet ambiance enhanced by the sea breeze and swaying trees. Culturally, the island encourages a barefoot lifestyle, with most businesses urging visitors to remove their shoes before entering, reminding of the nearby soft sands and lapping waters.

From luxurious pools, quiet shorelines, snorkeling with lionfish and sea turtles to panoramic views from atop a hill 200 feet above sea level, the Gili Islands are gaining awareness, but remain unexpected tropical paradises.

Best for: Active exploration, island hopping, marine life

To Brazilians, Fernando de Noronha is a paradise consisting of 20 volcanic islands. To many outside of Brazil however, the region, bathed in the calm warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean, is little known and overlooked for more famous destinations in the country.

The archipelago is a majestic combination of green- and blue-flecked waters, golden sands, and granite monoliths, attracting divers and snorkelers to its sea turtles, porpoises, and colorful tropical fish.

With 21 islands resembling lily pads in how they spread across the water, there are experiences for every kind of traveler, with relaxing beach-side resorts, adventures on dune buggies, and opportunities to sample local flavors while overlooking the ocean.

Best for: Marine biodiversity, seclusion, spinner dolphins

Learn more: Brazil Tours & Vacations

Cambodia is not the first country you may think of when considering a tropical paradise, but the islands sprawling away from the southern coastline into the Gulf of Thailand and South China Sea reveal stunning getaways.

Much less infrastructure around Koh Rong means fewer crowds around the clear blue waters, coral reefs, hidden sands, luxury villas, and beachfront bungalows. Street food stalls, upscale restaurants, and private pools add to an ambiance punctuated by historic temples and villages.

With access to tranquility and adventure, you can embrace the charms and beauty of Koh Rong.

Best for: Snorkeling, diving, peaceful ambiance

Learn more: Cambodia Tours & Vacations

When you think tropical, Portugal is unlikely to spring to mind, but Pico is the second-largest of the Azores islands and one of the most beautiful in a region considered the Hawaii of Europe. It offers gorgeous beaches, endless adventure, and relaxation.

Visit natural pools, look for passing whales, and hike along scenic trails. Only 15,000 people reside full-time on the “old-world” island, whose cuisine showcases Portuguese tradition with tropical flair.

Best for: European ambiance, active adventures, cuisine

Learn more: Azores Islands Vacation Packages

La Digue is a small island that promises big things, delivering every time. Pedestrian-only walkways make it easy, fun, and quiet to get around, and the tropical ambiance spreads from paradisiacal beaches to restaurants with stunning views of the clear water.

The archipelago sits in the Indian Ocean, nearly 500 miles from the closest country. Even as the most well-known of the 115 islands that create the Seychelles, La Digue feels like an undiscovered treasure where locals protect it and the endangered Seychelles black paradise flycatcher.

Bicycles are the main source of transportation for locals and visitors, providing a quiet ambiance in which to enjoy the powdery white sands and refreshing water.

Best for: Seclusion, luxury, exotic wildlife, unspoiled scenery

Learn more: Seychelles Vacations & Tours

Nestled between the Palomino and San Salvador rivers, and protected by the nearby Caribbean city of Cartagena, Palomino is a charming town with everything you could ever want from a tropical paradise.

With access to jungles, beaches, and snowcapped mountains, you could lounge on a lazy river or bask on the golden sand of an empty shoreline, wander the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta with a guide in search of monkeys, toucans, and parrots, or sample seafood prepared with local flavors.

Whether you prefer a view of the snow-capped peak of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta or a picaresque sunset panorama, Palomino is a surprising place in which to embrace tropical bliss.

Best for: Hiking, river excursions, relaxed pace

Learn more: Colombia Vacations & Tours

There is no question that Fiji is a tropical paradise, but the island of Taveuni offers unexpected luxury away from popular resort areas.

The fourth-largest island in the archipelago, it has gained a reputation as the “Garden Island” for its effortless natural beauty that includes lush rainforest, cascading waterfalls, and coral reefs, as well as sustaining some of the best scuba-diving sites in the world. The Lavena Coastal Walk offers breathtaking views of the undulating shoreline and the Tavoro Waterfalls fill Bouma National Heritage Park with the sound of water cascading into pools.

From villages to rock pools, mountain peaks to sea farms revealing shimmering pearls, Taveuni is an island hidden beneath the popularity of its neighbors, but with something to offer every type of traveler.

Best for: Traditional villages, local culture, wildlife, waterfalls

Learn more: Fiji Vacation Packages & Tours

Con Dao is an archipelago of 16 islands, the largest of which is Con Son. Near-empty beaches with golden sands and tropical inland jungle contrast the charm of the French colonial architecture of the town that faces the waterfront. Wide footpaths lead to parks and long stretches of white-sand coastline, where few hotels overlook the calm, clear cyan waters.

Outside of town, the population quickly disappears into scattered rural villages that are home to temples with exceptional views of karsts, nearby islands, and rock formations.

Cultural history remains an important part of Con Dao’s reputation, juxtaposing the gorgeous landscape. French-built prisons speak to the horrors of colonization and imperial power, while keeping the important spirit of the Vietnamese resistance at the forefront.

Best for: Remote ambiance, unique landscapes, cultural center, island hopping

Learn more: Vietnam Tours & Vacations

Technically, the Bay of Islands in New Zealand is subtropical, but it is an unforgettable place for beach lovers, water sports enthusiasts, and those who love discovering new destinations. The 144 islands spread from Cape Brett to the Purerua Peninsula nearly three hours north of Auckland.

The combination of small towns and heritage monuments creates an epic area to explore, whether by swimming, sailing, kayaking, or walking along the edges of the rolling green landscape.

As the original birthplace of European colonization in New Zealand, uncover history at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, wander the lively boutiques and restaurants in Paihia, or cycle along the coastal paths outside of the charming town of Russell, before reaching ancient protected forests.

Best for: Marine life, birdlife, cultural heritage, active exploration

Learn more: New Zealand Tours & Vacations

From the quiet white-sand shores of Fernando de Noronha to the secluded coastline of La Digue, each unexpected tropical destination has something for everyone. Relax, hike, search for waterfalls, or dive into the crystalline waters to enjoy experiences tailored to your travel preferences.

Whether looking for an exciting adventure in Costa Rica or interested in blending ancient history and natural beauty in Sri Lanka, discover more inspiration for your trip with our Tropical vacations and tours.