The Caribbean is not a new destination collectively, but, surprisingly, many of its islands still fly under the radar. Here are ten lesser-known and lesser-visited islands to check out.

This five-square mile island is obviously volcanic, rising out of the ocean with its high sea cliffs and nearly 3,000-foot summit. The landscape itself is charming enough to warrant a visit, with two small towns-Windwardside and The Bottom-offering a look into local life on such a small island. That said, the underwater world is what will really dazzle on Saba, offering divers and snorkelers some of the Caribbean's best sea life and coral reefs.

St. Eustatius is also known for its beautiful underwater world, but it piles on a bit of old-world history. In the 18th century, it was one of the busiest ports of commerce between Europe and the Americas. Like Saba, it has big changes in elevation, offering overland explorers (like hikers) a plethora of opportunities.

Grenada is an independent Caribbean country in the West Indies, having gained its independence in 1974. It was invaded by the United States in the 1980s, a move that was widely criticized internationally. So, there's some intriguing history there. Today, Grenada is known as "spice island" for its collection of crops, like nutmeg and cinnamon, and its beaches and diving.

You don't have to be an expert on the Caribbean to have heard of Montserrat. It suffered a volcanic eruption in the 1990s that changed the entire face of the island-the capital had to be abandoned, and the population was forced to seek higher ground. But things today are getting better. Geothermal energy has become an industry there, and visitors today come to explore its volcanic terrain.

Another island with an active volcano is St. Vincent, the largest island in the Grenadine chain. It is famous for its large percentage of black-sand beaches (thanks to the volcanic activity), as well as its tropical, rainforest-covered hillsides. It gained its independence from Britain in 1979.

What makes Trinidad so interesting is that it does not depend on tourism the way other Caribbean Islands do-energy production, including oil and natural gas, remains its number one industry. This is good news for travelers, who are treated to an authentic, Latin-America-esque culture. Check out the nightlife in Port of Spain, the bake and shark sandwiches on Maracas Beach, and the La Brea tar pits.

Grand Cayman gets all the attention, and meanwhile, its sister islands, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac, fly under the radar. The latter is a diver's paradise, still very much undeveloped with mostly small, dive-oriented hotels along its shores. You can see endangered birds at the Brac Parrot Reserve, and the landscape is known for its long seacliff that runs the length of the island, known as The Bluff.

Curacao is located in the ABC chain just north of South America. Because of its position and history, it contains a mix of four cultures-Dutch, Caribbean, Latin America, and African-and this fact makes it a remarkable island to visit. Don't miss the charming, colorful streets of Willemstad, the pickup truck safaris in Christoffel National Park, or a bowl of iguana soup at the local market, the Plasa Bieu.

Guadeloupe's two main islands look like a butterfly, separated by bridges and a swamp. Go hunt for waterfalls in the rainforest of the Parc National de la Guadeloupe, and visit the outer islands for a less-developed, old-world Caribbean feel. A territory of France, French is the main language spoken in the islands, and you can also see the influence in its cuisine and culture.

If you want nature, head to Dominica, where natural wonders await. Boiling Lake, Ti Tou Gorge, and Morne Trois Pitons National Park are just a few of the highlights, with many waterfalls and lakes to explore. The island is short on beaches, so don't come to lay around. Here, it's all about exploring the natural landscapes, both on land and underwater.