Maldives

This archipelago in the Indian Ocean is a popular destination for the wealthy. A vacation here is expensive. The Maldives are known for the concept of a resort island, where an entire atoll is occupied by a single hotel with all necessary infrastructure. Some travelers prefer such islands and hire boats to visit nearby sights. The Maldivian archipelago consists of over a thousand coral islands, many of which are uninhabited. One of the largest is home to Malé, the capital of the Maldives. There, you can explore the country’s religious history by visiting the local mosque, built in the 17th century from coral bricks. The walls of the Friday Mosque are adorned with intricate carvings, and the interior is stunning. The Maldives are also one of the world’s top diving destinations. Divers in the Indian Ocean can admire vibrant coral reefs or encounter whale sharks. These spotted giants are harmless to humans, unlike most other shark species.

Hawaiian Islands

Located in the central Pacific Ocean, the Hawaiian Islands make up the 50th state of the USA. The archipelago includes around 20 volcanic and coral islands. Every stretch of coastline features clean sandy beaches, though not all are white. Some are black volcanic and others are even green. The green sand, found at Papakolea Beach on the Big Island, gets its unique hue from olivine, a volcanic mineral also known as Hawaiian diamond, which creates a mesmerizing play of color. Hawaii is also considered the birthplace of surfing, which dates back to the 18th century. The best surfing spots are off the coast of Oahu, the archipelago’s third-largest island, where waves are high but the wind is mild. Diving is another popular activity, offering views of vibrant coral reefs and frozen lava flows. The islands are also home to a national park that includes Mauna Loa, the world’s largest active volcano at 4,169 meters, and Kilauea Volcano.

Seychelles

This archipelago appears almost hidden in the Indian Ocean, located east of Africa. Thanks to its tropical climate, it enjoys nearly perfect weather year-round, with average temperatures around 28°C. A vacation in the Seychelles is not cheap, but budget-friendly cafés and public transport are available. The archipelago includes 115 islands, most of which are uninhabited. The most popular and tourist-friendly islands are Mahé, La Digue, St. Anne Island, Silhouette, and Praslin. These islands are lush with greenery and untouched nature. You can also encounter giant tortoises. Bird Island is home to Esmeralda, the heaviest and oldest tortoise in the world, weighing over 300 kg and estimated to be 200 years old. Exotic wildlife continues on Bird Island, where nearly a million bird species reside, including Seychelles blue pigeons and one of the world’s largest colonies of sooty terns. On Praslin Island, you can explore the Vallée de Mai nature reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where rare birds like the fruit pigeon and the black parrot live. The forest is also home to the coco de mer palm, a national symbol of Seychelles.

Tahiti

The largest island of French Polynesia, Tahiti, is located in the South Pacific Ocean. It consists of two unequal parts connected by a narrow strip of land about two kilometers wide. As a tropical island, it remains hot year-round, although heavy rains fall from mid-autumn to mid-spring. The island’s symbol is the extinct volcano Mount Orohena, which stands at 2,241 meters. Lava flows are visible on its slopes. Tahiti’s volcanic origins are also evident in its black sand beaches, such as Punaauia. However, there are white beaches as well. The coastal lagoons are a diver’s paradise, though even simple snorkeling reveals breathtaking sights. Rays drift lazily among colorful fish, and reef sharks ranging from 1.5 to 2 meters in length can be spotted. During summer, this area also hosts migrating humpback whales, which sometimes come close to the shore.

Dominica

Closing the list of the world’s most magnificent islands is Dominica, known as the "Nature Island" of the Caribbean. It is filled with tropical rainforests, roaring waterfalls, and emerald waters. Visitors can explore Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the famous Boiling Lake, a flooded volcanic crater heated from below by molten magma. Tourists can also swim in ice-cold canyons. Dominica is home to 170 vivid bird species, including the endemic sisserou parrot. Another natural wonder is the Champagne Reef, where tiny bubbles rise from active underwater fumaroles due to volcanic gases. The waters around Dominica are also inhabited by a natural population of sperm whales, just one of over 20 species of whales and dolphins found here, offering a rare opportunity to swim alongside these extraordinary creatures.