10 islands to explore unfamiliar

10 islands to explore unfamiliar

1. Palau

Palau, a small nation of Micronesia, more like a string of large green mushrooms as an archipelago. In any case it evoked their Rock Islands, a group of over 200 islands lush limestone, interspersed with azure waters and fringed with white sand. The place is conveniently discovered by kayak, but if you're tired of paddling, you can always throw you into the water to let you float on top of one of the most beautiful underwater scenery in the world (according to Jacques Cousteau ...). And for an even more singular moment, go snorkeling in the Jellyfish Lake, where millions of these gelatinous creatures - who lost their stinging power - are engaged in a magnificent aquatic ballet.

Palau International Airport on the island of Babeldaob, is served from Taipei (4:55), Guam (1 hour 45) and Manila (2:35).

2. Tonga

Tonga is not a classic tropical paradise. Certainly, its 170 islands are scattered in a dream on the intense blue of the South Pacific. Sparkling sand beaches are dotted with palms and swim in waters that invite irresistibly to check it. But it is also the last kingdom in this region of the world, where globalization has not quite leveled Polynesian traditions: people still weave mats, wear tupenu (sarongs) and chat while sipping kava (traditional drink made from macerated roots). The islands of Ha'apai is distinguished by its deserted beaches and beautiful snorkeling spots; that of Niuas is even more wonderful and secluded. Vava'u is preferred by humpback whales. Each year they come to breed in its waters, to the delight of visitors.

Humpback whales migrate to Tonga in early July about the end of October; the get up close requires strict rules.

3. Sao Tome and Principe

Located in the center of the world but not in the middle of the road traveler, the islands of Sao Tome and Principe, all close to the equator, form the smallest state, and perhaps the least known of Africa. Owned a chain of extinct volcanoes, they hide in the Gulf of Guinea, west of Gabon - why so few tourists unearth. Those who do are yet amply rewarded: miles of beaches that only tread the fishermen, a hinterland of rainforest covered spot a peak of 2,024 m which can make the climb, turtles and humpback whales frequenting their waters, hotels built in the homes of decrepit colonial plantations crossed a gentle breeze ...

The dry season is from June to September, the wet season from October to May; the humpback whales between July and October.

4. Trinité-and-Tobago

Thousands of birds, steelband orchestras, street food, multiculturalism, rainforest and carnival furious ... This Trinidad. It is the spirit of the Caribbean in all its most exhilarating, authentic, with this peculiarity that the island has barely a few nice stretches of sand instead of real beaches. Here it is not lounging in paradise but rather to live it. In addition, the island of Tobago fills this gap perfectly. The western part has almost pristine shores fringed with palm trees, where tourism remains discreet. In the east, up to lush flora, forests populated alligators and other animals, and a coastline with hidden coves where you feel like shipwrecked.

The dry season is from December to May, the rainy season from June to November. The islands are outside the hurricane belt - which nevertheless affect them from time to time.

5. Cook islands

Captain Cook would be proud. The archipelago of 15 islands named after the explorer, which includes some of the most beautiful postcard paradise of the South Pacific, are strikingly beautiful - impossible to remain unmoved by the cerulean blue of the lagoon of Aitutaki. Lost in the middle of an ocean of 165 million km2, not far from the French Polynesia, they could not be more distant. Warning: those who manage to reach them for walks in the jungle, kayaking to a private atoll, or lazy, have a hard time to leave.

Air New Zealand offers direct weekly flight from Los Angeles. From French Polynesia, there are one or two flights a week depending on the season with Air Tahiti and Air Rarotonga (2h30 flight).

6. Papua New Guinea

The spectacular, steamy and wild landscapes of Papua New Guinea are home to over 190 species of mammals, 650 species of birds, 160 varieties of frogs, and they speak 820 languages. This is simply one of the wildest places, the richest in biodiversity and the most unique in the world. Some ethnic groups live in the Highlands (Papua Wigmen Tari). Do not ignore the coast as far as the reef slopes at dizzying plunge just meters from beautiful beaches depths. Dive sites and snorkeling among the most extraordinary ...

The few roads are in poor condition, transportation is a challenge. Domestic flights and organized tours are the easiest solution. Check the security at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before leaving.

7. Cape Verde

A former Portuguese colony, near the West African and Latin ambiance evoking Brazil, the islands of Cape Verde are unclassifiable. Also difficult to locate on a map, as it is located some 500 km off the coast of Senegal, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Ten in number, they range from striped island of lava Fogo Santo Antao and lush valleys. But the best beaches are those of Boa Vista, an almost entirely sandy island similar to that of the Sahara dunes undulate inside, while a beautiful white sand stretches to the horizon on the windy shores, which attract surfers, windsurfers and kitesufeurs.

Boa Vista is an important nesting site for loggerhead turtles; the best time to see them is from June to September.

8. Grenade

It might just come in this lovely "spice island" of the Caribbean, take up residence in Grand Anse (with a range of 3 km) and let live: the sand is fine, the beach bars are animated, restaurants well stocked with fish, seafood and ice nutmeg. It would be a shame, because the mountainous interior of the island of Wind reserve amount of pools and waterfalls where cool, and the coast of numerous creeks and coves ideal for swimming and snorkeling in peace. To the north, the island of Carriacou, which is reached by ferry, is even more isolated. Its pristine beaches are accessible only by hiking or sailing. African culture, including music - percussion and rhythms of calypso ennivrants - is still very abundant.

Up to three daily flights between Grenada and Carriacou; the ferry takes 1 hour 30 minimum.

9. Curious and Aldabra, Seychelles

No "list of the most beautiful beaches in the world" omits the Seychelles. This archipelago of 115 islands scattered in the Indian Ocean has it all: abundant coral and fish in crystal clear waters; a deliciously soft sand underfoot; wild and lush hinterland; even coconut sea and famous coco de mer are attractive ... The three main islands (Praslin, La Digue and Mahe) are perfectly beautiful. Yet the curious island and its giant tortoises, is perhaps even more, not to mention the coral atoll of Aldabra. Uninhabited, it is the home of the largest population of giant tortoises in the world, but also the green turtles, sharks, coconut crabs and many other species.

The Seychelles International Airport is 8 miles south of Victoria on Mahé. Ferries run regularly between Praslin, La Digue and Mahe.

10. Saint Vincent and Grenadines

Calculate your budget well, choose a boat. These are the keys to discover this beautiful chain of islands located in the southeast Caribbean. If you have deep pockets, go private yacht in the beautiful vast green to beautiful St. Vincent Grenadines, small in size, big in charm. Those who do not have the means to make a nabob of hops by ferry. Join people with luggage and poultry ranging from St. Vincent in lively waterfront Bequia, Canouan of fine sand, the rugged Union Island and Mayreau languid; there, the Tobago Cays deserts (where have failed one Jack Sparrow) are emerging nicely to the east.