Moneycontrol PRO
HomeTravel8 Offbeat Islands Around the World You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

8 Offbeat Islands Around the World You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

Discover eight extraordinary, little-known islands—from Indonesia’s Kei archipelago and Yemen’s surreal Socotra to Kiribati’s dense Vostok and remote South Atlantic sanctuaries—that promise pure, offbeat exploration.

August 26, 2025 / 11:29 IST
8 Offbeat Islands Around the World You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

Escape the usual and uncover islands that feel like whispers of paradise, far from tourist crowds.

1. Kei Islands (Indonesia)
A remote Indonesian archipelago of over 70 islands, the Kei Islands offer sugar-white beaches, crystal-clear waters, and under-the-radar snorkelling. Expect rustic stays, minimal crowds, and glimpses of local life.

2. Jicaro Island (Nicaragua)
A private sliver in Lake Nicaragua, dotted with seven adobe casitas shaded by jungle canopy. It’s a tranquil retreat with kayaking, wildlife, and volcano views—no mass tourism in sight.

3. Côn Đảo Islands (Vietnam)
Once infamous as a prison, this small chain has transformed into a serene haven. Côn Sơn, the only inhabited island, combines pristine beaches, rich marine life, and poignant history in one quiet setting.

4. Îles du Salut (French Guiana)
Shrouded in legend, these jungle-fringed isles were part of a notorious penal colony. Today, they lure a few brave explorers with palm groves, bird calls, and eerie ruins across shark-guarded waters.

5. Socotra (Yemen)
Alien landscapes of umbrella-like Dragon’s Blood trees and flora found nowhere else make Socotra feel mythic. Isolation has preserved a world unlike any other—raw, rugged, and fascinating.

6. Inaccessible Island (South Atlantic)
True to its name, this volcanic island is largely unreachable—only a few days a year. It teems with penguins and is home to Earth’s tiniest flightless bird. A vestige of pure wilderness.

7. Vostok Island (Kiribati)
A coral-covered, uninhabited dot in the Pacific—with dense Pisonia forests so thick they appear black from above. Wildlife and remoteness make it both mysterious and nearly untouched.

8. Maskelyne Islands (Vanuatu)
A chain of low-lying isles off Vanuatu’s coast, these islands offer snorkelers pristine reefs and divers lush marine habitats. Sparse infrastructure ensures you'll share the beauty mostly with fish and locals.

These eight islands are gateways to solitude, untold stories, and landscapes that feel untouched by time. Whether you dream of canoeing volcano-fringed lakes or hiking to a hidden coral forest, adventure awaits.

Nivritti Khatri
first published: Aug 26, 2025 11:29 am

Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!

Subscribe to Tech Newsletters

  • On Saturdays

    Find the best of Al News in one place, specially curated for you every weekend.

  • Daily-Weekdays

    Stay on top of the latest tech trends and biggest startup news.

Advisory Alert: It has come to our attention that certain individuals are representing themselves as affiliates of Moneycontrol and soliciting funds on the false promise of assured returns on their investments. We wish to reiterate that Moneycontrol does not solicit funds from investors and neither does it promise any assured returns. In case you are approached by anyone making such claims, please write to us at grievanceofficer@nw18.com or call on 02268882347