When most of us start dreaming of escaping to an idyllic island paradise, our minds immediately play the hits. Maybe you’re picturing the legendary sands of Jamaica’s Seven Mile Beach, or an all-inclusive on the white sands of Mexico.Perhaps you’re craving an overwater bungalow in Tahiti, or the laid-back quirks of Key West. Each is perfect in its way, but they also often come with the byproducts of being so damned popular: crowded restaurants, busy waterfronts, bodyshot-entranced spring breakers, and more.
Central America is often overlooked as a tropical vacation destination, and that’s a shame. Yes, you might need to forgo a direct flight to get there (not always!) and hop on water taxis, ferries, or rickety puddle jumpers to get to your final destination, but the journey is part of the adventure—and the rewards are many when you arrive at some of the coolest and most unusual islands in Central America.
You’ll find world-class scuba diving and the wildest of wildlife, laid-back stretches of sand, eco-tourism, and even posh all-inclusive resorts. So get your passport ready, pack a swimsuit, and prepare for your choice of dreamy lounge spot, adventure-ready jungle, or lively beach town. Trust us—you’ll be glad you made the trip.
Bocas del Toro, Panama
This group of Caribbean islands on the northeast coast of Panama is a playground for adventure seekers. There are four main islands: Colón, home to most of the action in Bocas, with a small town that has an airport, hotels, shops, and restaurants; Solarte, a jungle escape with luxe rentals and hotels; Cristóbal, where you’ll find a few secluded high-end resorts; and Bastimentos, the spot to visit for the area’s best beaches, surfer-chic hotels, and beach bars. You can hire water taxis to take you to any of the islands, or join an organized tour to spot sea turtles and dolphins. The variety of accommodations in this area is surprisingly diverse, from affordable eco-hostels to $1,000-a-night luxury suites, with tons of cool rentals in between.
To get to the main town of Bocas del Toro on Colón Island, you’ll either need to hop on a puddle jumper from Panama City or take the ferry from nearby Almirante. You can also visit by cruise ship if you’d prefer; Bocas del Toro is one of the stops on Hurtigruten’s expedition to the Caribbean and Central America.
Calala Island, Nicaragua
Ever wanted to escape to your own private island? This tiny island in Nicaragua is home to just one hotel—and available for a full buyout for you and several of your best friends. With just four beachfront casitas, the deluxe accommodations here make this a seriously private escape. The hotel bills itself as ultra all-inclusive, meaning everything from the formal tasting menu and craft cocktails to snorkeling excursions and airport transfers are included in the price. It’s the perfect place to relax in style as you let your real-world worries melt into the sand.