Getting the Most out of Your Island Vacation: 5 Tips for Exploring Beyond the Beach

Lounging by the sea is lovely, but don’t miss out on scuba diving in Boracay, cooking lessons in Jamaica, or tasting life as a local.

Cayo Cangrejo, Colombia. Guillermo Bresciano/Unsplash

It was a scene straight out of a technicolor-bright dream or “The Blue Lagoon.” This place was paradise.

As I stretched out on a beach chair, book in hand, this graceful tropical spot stimulated multiple senses. The sound of placid waves lapping on the sand while gentle breezes shook the palms above. A warm sun beamed down on my skin, mixed with sea salt carried forward on the winds. And of course, the smell of a fresh-caught fish lunch wafted over from the grill.

A very nice day, to say the least. But if you’re like me, it won’t take too long to ask: What’s next? For many, lounging on the beach is the perfect escape for a day, or maybe two. But soon enough, you’re more than ready for more.

Having visited dozens of islands around the world, I’ve found that sunny destinations often reward those with the curiosity to explore. From Tahiti and Tonga to Bali and the Bahamas, in the middle of the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, and Southern Oceans, there’s always something fascinating to discover. That is, for those with the will to leave their lounger for a few hours. Here are five tips to get the most out of your next tropical vacation.

Get on the Water

On an island, this is the purest way to experience things. After all, long before anyone landed here in an airplane, both locals and explorers navigated and approached by boat. In many cases, you’ll see the layers of history lining the coast clearest from onboard a vessel.

It doesn’t have to be fancy. Once, I had several days in Cancún, but after a couple of days on that seemingly endless sand, I was a little bored. So I hopped on the catamaran that skimmed north of the glassy hotel towers to the earthier Isla Mujeres.

Along the way, a man in a mariachi suit serenaded those of us seated up on the top deck with Mexican ballads. On shore, I explored both the cobblestone village and Playa Norte. I didn’t have time for the ecological preserve—I’ll need to save that for my next trip to the Yucatán. It was a surprisingly fun and enriching day.

Take a Swim

This may seem obvious when you’re staying on the coast. But a lot of people don’t get far beyond dipping their toes in the water. And so many islands are lined with stacks of coral that are absolutely bursting with sea life, perfect for a snorkel trip that will enable encounters with clouds of colorful fish and so much more.

And you might want to take it a step further, like I did in Boracay. This small island in the central Philippines is one of the most magnificent paradises in Southeast Asia. It’s busy, with a beach that’s filled with sunbathers all through the day and tuk-tuks taking you to pedestrian streets that light up at night.

Staying for the better part of the week, I decided to get my scuba license—a decision I’ve never regretted. Really, it’s an introduction to an undersea world, from the pool to open-water dives where I met sharks and rays and green and hawksbill turtles. So much better than just a day at the beach.

Seek Culture

When people think of the Society Islands (which include Tahiti and Bora Bora), they mostly see the picture-postcard views: jagged, lush, extinct volcanoes towering over seas so blue they challenge the imagination.

But what I’ll always remember most is an afternoon with an indigenous Polynesian guide on the less-visited island of Raiatea. We traveled inland on a small river aboard a wooden boat, listening to his commentary on everything from the natural splendor of the surrounding rainforest to the significance of his tattoos. We were even regaled by time-honored legends and the lilting sound of the man’s bamboo flute.

This is just one example—no matter where you travel, you can learn something from the local residents.

Leave the Beach

Many people choose beach vacations because their lives are busy and stressful, and all they want to do is take it easy. I get it. There’s truly nothing wrong with that. But even the smallest steps can be rewarding.

Take a stroll to see what’s down there, at the end of the strip of sand. By walking a couple of blocks from your resort, you might find a good story to take home and tell your friends.

Find Culinary Delights (and Experiences)

Just eating and drinking can unlock so many secrets. Cooking can do way more. Culture, history, personal stories, and the personality of a place are all reflected in what, and how, people eat.

Across the Caribbean, I’ve heard the narratives of fisher and farmer families in open-air markets. In a Jamaican cooking lesson, I learned about generations of recipes—and those who created them. On a Trinidad tour, I heard about the ingredients that arrived on the trade winds. A fish fry in Barbados was an opportunity to swap stories.

I tasted the best because I ventured out. And yes, I ended up feeling very satisfied by a little delicious island exploration.

Three Practical Tips

Be ready for island time. The pace offshore can often be slower than in the city. Rather than getting frustrated or rushing, just leave enough time so you can relax and enjoy everything. Good things, as they say, come to those who wait—and this is especially true on islands.

Prepare to be disconnected, especially in the remotest places. While satellite internet is transforming the whole world, you’ll still find corners where communication links are slow or nonexistent.

Anticipate delays and disruption. After all, archipelagos don’t often facilitate ease when it comes to transportation. Keep in mind that boats will rarely get you there as quickly as roads.