The 15 Best Island Vacations In The Whole Entire World

Imagine yourself kiteboarding and windsurfing or exploring ancient caves. Swim in a mighty waterfall even though the only way to get to it is by hiking through a bamboo forest, which is an adventure in itself. Island getaways offer action-packed opportunities for an exotic and exhilarating vacation.

If you're looking for a mixture of adventure and tranquility you have found your destination. Palawan is full of amazing landscapes, gorgeous beaches, and a vast marine life. If you travel to the Philippines, you must go on a 5-day expedition to fully explore the amazing island, especially if you are with your significant other. Palawan is one of the last unsettled places in the South Pacific, which makes it all the more exotic.

The pristine sand beaches, lush jungle-like rain forests and massive green cloud-covered mountains, offers one of the most beautiful places to go on vacation in Hawaii. The island is home to the breathtaking Hali'i Falls, where you can actually swim. You can only get to the multifaceted waterfall by hiking through a bamboo forest, which is an adventure in itself.

The volcanic island set amid the Aegean Sea is famous for distinct architecture and sunsets that will blow you away. You've likely seen pictures of the striking white buildings overlooking the sea—Santorini is no travel secret, but it's still well worth the trip. Check out the black sand beaches of Perissa, the historic hilltop village of Oia and the incredible wineries in the area.

For people living in Western Europe, who don't want to travel for too long to escape their hectic daily lives, this Spanish island is an ideal destination. The turquoise-blue seas, clandestine glittering coves, soft golden sands, plush green vegetation, rising rocky mountains, and charming stone villages make Mallorca a place immersed in history with a very rich culture. Adventures include boating trips, snorkeling, biking, sailing, cliff diving and many more.

The only living thing that can be seen from outer space, The Great Barrier Reef, is set off Australia's east coast and sprawls out over 133,000 square miles. It is larger than the Great Wall of China. The lavishness of the reef's marine life makes for breathtaking views. Bright blue waters and white sand beaches are the norm for Australia's Whitsunday Islands. The area is made up of 74 individual islands that TripAdvisor describes as "mini paradises."

Explore the Conch Bar Caves National Park where brave souls conquer 15 miles of stalactites and stalagmites. Spelunkers navigate through colonies of five different species of bats, white owls, and a limestone jungle. Salt Cay is one of the best places in the world for snorkeling adventures. You can see dolphins and even migrating humpback whales in the winter. The water is pristine, and has some of the best reefs in the region. Also available in the area are catamaran sailing, horseback riding, parasailing, and SNUBA excursions.

Bali, which is often called the Island of the Gods, attracts adventurous travelers with its seashores, mountains, and volcanoes. Begin your day early by cycling to Mt. Baur, then ascending to the top for a sunrise experience. From here, climb aboard an elephant for a jaunt into the jungle where you break for lunch. Tackle six miles of 33 class II and III rapids past rainforests, gorges, and rice paddies. Try kayaking, jungle trekking, paragliding, horseback riding, and sea walking.

Drawing in travelers with breathtaking coastal views, lively ports and a thriving nightlife, the Dalmatian Coast was a well-kept secret not long ago. Once a low key getaway for those in-the-know, it is now a top summer travel hotspot. Sailing and yachting is top-notch, the nightlife is buzzing and the coastline is among the best in Europe. Top locations include Brela town and Cove Vrulja, River Cetina and Velebit mountain.

You should consider going there if your ultimate goal is to soak up sun and stay outdoors for as long as you can. Zip-lining through forests is a favorite adventure there. The nightlife is fairly quiet during the week, but the bars and clubs totally transform into hot night spots on the weekends. Anse Chastanet is a must-see Caribbean dive site. With more than 150 different fish species on the reef, it is a favorite, especially for photographers. The whole area is vested into an award winning marine reserve (SMMA) to protect the unspoiled beauty of St. Lucia's coral reefs.

Waiheke is a true paradise of stunning wineries, olive orchards, and stunning coasts. The island is also a place a lot of artists go for inspiration. Go on EcoZip adventures, walk and cycle tours, and jet ski excursions. Waiheke is voted as "Auckland's best day out." There is accommodation to suit all budgets and preferences.

This beautiful tropical island nation is best known for its exceptional beaches and topnotch diving. The water is so clear that many hotels have built overwater bungalows to accommodate guests. The mesmerizing island is best known for the "sea of stars," a place you should add seeing to your bucket list. At first glance, the water looks like a mirror, reflecting the glittering stars from the dark sky. 

Known world-wide for breathtaking sunsets, five-star resorts, iconic cottages, and lavish floating villas with glass floors, Bora Bora is more than just honeymoon hotspot. The island encircled by a lagoon and barrier reef, with two peaks formed by volcanic activity, has a lot to offer outdoor adventurers. Water sports are especially popular. The island is a hotspot for sharks. Snorkeling trips to see lemon sharks are very popular.

This collection of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean off East Africa has become a prime location for newlyweds because of stunning beaches and nice weather. The more adventurous travelers will enjoy the jungle, walks along the coastline, boat excursions, glass-bottom boating, as well as diving and snorkeling. Guided nature tours are offered for explorers to see some of the rarest species of flora and fauna on the planet. The Seychelles is also one of the best places to try Creole cuisine.

Cook Islands are often called the secret of the Pacific. Tourists go there for fresh pure air to wade into the cool, calm, blue lagoons, and to explore the untouched charm of the 15 stunning islands. They lie halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii, spread like fragrant petals floating across the ocean. Go on eco cycle tours or quad bike adventure tours, try mountain trekking, and party like a local on the Raro Pub Crawl Party Bus.

Thailand's Ko Phi Phi Islands became objects of international wanderlust in 2000, when the Leonardo Di Caprio movie "The Beach" was filmed on the untouched shores of Ko Phi Phi Leh. You can lounge all day and wade in the tranquil turquoise waters or climb the steep limestone cliffs rising from the sand on neighboring Ko Phi Phi Don. The islands are also a world-class scuba diving destination.