There’s something magical about island-hopping. Maybe it’s the mix of isolation and discovery, or the way each new shoreline feels like the start of a story. While most people think of island-hopping as a series of boat rides or puddle-jumper flights, combining both — with a scenic drive tucked in the middle — adds a whole new dimension of adventure. It’s travel reimagined, and I recently experienced it firsthand.
Starting in the Sky: The Aerial Perspective
Our journey began with a short regional flight — one of those charming propeller planes that cruise low and slow, giving you sweeping views of the coastlines and glittering sea. As we left the mainland behind, clusters of emerald islands popped into view, floating in deep blue. Flying into a small island airstrip instantly sets the tone: remote, relaxed, and ready for exploration.
Air travel has the perk of efficiency. Within an hour, we’d landed on Island #1, still sipping coffee from the airport café. From the air, everything seems tiny and tranquil, but the moment your feet hit the ground, the island energy wraps around you — sun on your face, salt in the air, and time slowing down.
Grounded Adventure: The Scenic Drive
After a couple of days enjoying the island’s beaches, cafes, and coastal hikes, we boarded a local ferry to a nearby, larger island that allowed for car rentals. This was our opportunity to explore inland — and wow, did the scenery change.
Driving on an island gives you control and flexibility. We wound our way along cliffside roads with panoramic ocean views, passed through sleepy fishing villages with boats drying in the sun, and pulled over frequently for impromptu swims in hidden coves.
There’s something deeply satisfying about taking the wheel in a place so different from home. You’re not just visiting — you’re navigating, discovering, choosing your path. A scenic drive between island ports gave us time to reflect, breathe, and fall into the rhythm of the destination.
The Sea Route: Sailing Between Worlds
Eventually, it was time to continue our island-hop — this time by sea. We rented a small sailboat with a local skipper who doubled as a storyteller. Gliding across the water from one island to another is a slow, sensory-rich experience. The wind in the sails, the occasional splash from dolphins trailing us, and the feel of the sunburned deck under your feet — it’s pure immersion.
Unlike flying, sailing connects you with the journey itself. You feel the distance between places and watch the land shift slowly on the horizon. We anchored in turquoise bays only reachable by boat and snorkeled in coral gardens with no one else in sight.
The pace is different, and so is the mindset. Sailing requires patience and cooperation — with the crew, with the weather, and with time itself.
Why All Three Modes Matter
What made this island-hopping adventure unique wasn’t just the destinations — it was how we got there. Flying gave us a bird’s eye view and quick access. Driving let us explore the heart of the islands at our own pace. And sailing let us experience the sea as a road, not a barrier.
Each mode offered a different perspective. Each asked something different of us — attention, adaptability, and appreciation.
By the end, I didn’t just feel like I’d traveled across islands. I felt like I had connected with them — from above, through, and around. The combination made the trip unforgettable.
Tips for Your Own Multi-Modal Island Adventure
- Pack light – You’ll be hopping in and out of planes, cars, and boats. A backpack or small duffel works best.
- Be flexible with timing – Especially with boats and regional flights, delays can happen.
- Rent locally – Cars, scooters, or boats rented on-island support the local economy and come with great insider advice.
- Embrace the journey – The transfers, the transitions, the waiting — they’re all part of the story.
So next time you’re dreaming of an island escape, consider doing it by plane, boat, and road. The journey between the islands might just be the highlight of the trip.
