ISLAND HOPPING
Island hopping: Chase beaches, boats and adventure
From sailing between remote islands to slow travel across tropical gems, island hopping lets you experience more of the world.
Featured island hopping trips
Handpicked experiences worth checking out
Explore the world one island at a time
Why settle for just one island when you can discover several? Island hopping lets you experience different landscapes, beaches and cultures in a single trip. One day you could be snorkelling in crystal-clear waters, the next exploring a local village or hiking through tropical forests. It's the perfect way to combine adventure, relaxation and new experiences without having to choose just one destination.
From the iconic islands of Southeast Asia to remote Pacific paradises, island hopping gives you the freedom to explore more and experience the incredible variety each destination has to offer.
Snorkelling in Indonesia
Chilling on the beach
Paddleboarding in Maldives
Island in Maldives
Island hopping in Indonesia
Relaxing in a hammock
Island hopping around Coron in the Philippines
Snorkelling around Coron in the Philippines
Diver and a bull shark in Fiji
Hiking in Fiji
Tripmates group trip in Indonesia
Need help planning your island hopping trip?
Our travel experts can help you refine your ideas, pick the right destinations and plan your trip from start to finish.
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Island hopping - your way
There are different ways to experience island hopping, depending on how you like to travel and where you want to go.
A liveaboard is perfect if you want to maximise your time at sea. You'll sleep onboard and wake up somewhere new each day, often stopping at small islands, remote beaches and some of the world's best diving and snorkelling spots. On a liveaboard, sailing isn't just a way of getting around, it's part of the adventure.
Another option is to spend a few nights, or even a week, on each island before moving on. Destinations like Thailand and Indonesia are perfect for this slower style of island hopping.
Whether you're looking for non-stop adventure or a more relaxed island escape, there's an island hopping adventure waiting for you.
Koh Tao in Thailand
Divers and a starry pufferfish in Gili, Indonesia
Enjoying a fresh coconut in Thailand
Cliffs around El Nido in the Philippines
Stay on a liveaboard for lots of time at sea
Group trip in Koh Tao, Thailand
Ulun Danu Temple in Bali, Indonesia
Mount Bromo in Java, Indonesia
Diving in the Philippines
Island hopping around El Nido in the Philippines
Frequently asked questions
Island hopping means travelling between several islands during one trip instead of staying in just one place. It's a great way to experience different beaches, cultures and activities. You can either join a liveaboard, where you stay on a boat and visit new islands every day, or spend a few days – or even a week – on each island before moving on.
The best destination depends on what you are looking for. Thailand is great for first-time island hoppers, Indonesia offers incredible variety, the Philippines has some of the world’s most beautiful coastlines, and Fiji is ideal for a more remote tropical adventure. There are plenty of other options as well, so feel free to reach out to our travel experts if you need help planning your island hopping adventure.
A good island hopping trip can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks, or even months, depending on the kind of adventure you're looking for and where you're going.
Yes, island hopping can be a great option for solo travellers. Many island hopping routes are popular with backpackers, and joining a group trip makes it easy to meet other travellers while exploring new places. You can also go island hopping independently, for example with a ferry pass.
Pack light and focus on essentials: swimwear, comfortable clothes, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle and a dry bag. A smaller backpack is often easier than a large suitcase when moving between islands. You might also want to bring a book, a deck of cards or something else to keep you entertained when you're chilling on the beach or on the deck of your liveaboard.
The price depends on various factors, including your destination, the length of your trip and the way you choose to island hop. If you're simply travelling between popular islands in Southeast Asia, it's generally quite affordable, while liveaboards in more remote areas are typically a bit more expensive.
Dreaming of an island hopping adventure? We can help you plan a trip that matches your budget, travel style and dream destinations.
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Best destinations for island hopping
Some destinations are simply made for island hopping, offering hundreds of islands, easy transport connections and unforgettable scenery. These are some of our top picks, but there are plenty of other options to explore.
Thailand is a classic choice, with a mix of lively islands, quiet beaches and incredible snorkelling spots. Explore islands like Koh Tao, Koh Phangan and Koh Phi Phi while enjoying fantastic food and a laid-back backpacker atmosphere.
Indonesia offers endless island adventures, from the volcanic landscapes of Bali and Lombok to the turquoise waters of the Gili Islands and Komodo National Park. It's ideal for both liveaboard trips and longer stays on the islands you dream of visiting – or a combination of the two.
The Philippines is perfect for travellers looking for dramatic coastlines, hidden lagoons and some of the world's clearest waters, as well as vibrant cities and fascinating culture. Palawan, Coron and Siargao are just a few of the highlights. It's another destination that's perfect for both liveaboards and a slower style of island hopping.
Fiji is an amazing choice if you're looking for a more remote island experience. With paradise-like beaches, vibrant coral reefs and welcoming local communities spread across more than 300 islands, Fiji is the perfect setting for a tropical escape.
Have another destination in mind for your island hopping adventure? Get in touch with one of our travel experts, and we'll help you plan the perfect trip.
Blue Lagoon Beach in Fiji
Island hopping in Indonesia
Komodo dragon
Delicious food in Thailand
Sunset in Indonesia
Coron Island in the Philippines
Sunset in Fiji
Relaxing in Thailand
Pulau Padar Island in Indonesia
Koh Phangan in the Philippines
You should go island hopping if you...
...love exploring beyond one destination
Island hopping lets you experience multiple islands, landscapes and cultures in one unforgettable journey.
...you love life by the sea
Island hopping is perfect if you like sailing, swimming, diving, snorkelling and beach time.
...you want adventure and relaxation
Island hopping is usually a mix of outdoor adventures, local experiences and slow beach days - perfect if you want a bit of everything.
