The deepest point of the Atlantic Ocean is the Puerto Rico Trench.

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Stretching from the southern reaches of Svalbard down past the tip of Tierra del Fuego, the titanic Atlantic Ocean is the second-largest body of water on earth—and this massive expanse of seawater is home to some truly incredible destinations scattered all throughout its borders. Islands abound throughout the Atlantic, offering a diverse array of natural features and climate zones to explore. Whether you’re hoping to trek through underground caverns, snorkel with friendly dolphins, or just kick back on the beach with a glass of rum in hand, these islands are certain to offer a truly memorable experience.

Terceira

There are nine major islands within the Azores, with São Miguel serving as its most populous.

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The Azores archipelago is renowned for its spectacular natural beauty, and the island of Terceira is no exception, offering scenic cliffside vista points, lush laurel forests, and lengthy hiking trails for visitors to explore. The island’s interior is a particularly fascinating region to visit thanks to its high concentration of volcanic caves, with the Algar do Carvão and Gruta do Natal serving as two essential destinations for first-time visitors. Though Terceira’s natural features are a major draw for tourism, don’t leave the island without paying a visit to Angra do Heroísmo, a charming seaside city and UNESCO World Heritage Site that was settled in 1478.

São Nicolau

Cabo Verde was uninhabited until the arrival of Portuguese colonists in the 1500s.

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Located roughly 350 miles west of Senegal, the Atlantic archipelago of Cabo Verde is home to pristine beaches, towering mountains, and endemic wildlife, all of which can be seen firsthand on a trip to São Nicolau. Far less developed than neighboring islands like Santiago and Sal, this underrated gem of the Atlantic offers ample opportunity for both ecotourism and outdoor adventure. Using the coastal city of Tarrafal de São Nicolau as a base, visitors can head north to find spectacular mountain vistas and endemic plants across Parque Natural Monte Gordo, or make the journey west to Carberinho, a stunning seaside expanse of eroded rock face.

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Saint Pierre

Saint Pierre is a popular destination for whale watching during spring.

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While the small archipelago of Saint Pierre and Miquelon lies just 12 miles off the coast of Newfoundland, this island chain belongs to a nation more than 2,350 miles away, with the region’s citizens holding French passports and voting in French elections. In spite of its small size, the southeastern island of Saint Pierre is a particularly fascinating summer destination, equipped with a wealth of museums, restaurants, and natural attractions to explore. Visitors are welcome to book a guided Architecture and Heritage tour for a little insight into the history of Saint Pierre’s downtown, while the island’s remote Anse à Dinand is a popular hiking destination, offering picturesque coastal views and possible marine wildlife sightings.

Barbados

The Nidhe Israel Synagogue in Bridgetown, Barbados was first built in 1654, making it one of the ... [+] oldest synagogues in the Western Hemisphere.

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Barbados is certainly a Caribbean island when it comes to culture and geopolitics, but this sovereign nation actually lies entirely outside of the Caribbean Sea, making it an Atlantic island by geographic standards—and a particularly idyllic one at that. In terms of natural beauty, Barbados is a treasure trove both above and below sea level, offering stunning destinations like the surfing paradise of Bathsheba as well as Harrison’s Cave, a sprawling underground cavern that’s composed entirely of coral limestone. Rum lovers take note—this molasses-derived spirit has played a major role in Bajan culture for centuries, with the island’s Mount Gay Rum distillery in operation since 1703.

Fernando de Noronha

Fernando de Noronha is administered by the Brazilian state of Pernambuco.

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Brazil may not be home to many islands, but what the country lacks in quantity it certainly makes up for in natural beauty—and Fernando de Noronha stands out as the shining example. Ecotourism opportunities abound across the island, with the Noronha elaenia and Noronha vireo serving as two endemic avian species for visiting birders, while the island’s wealth of picturesque beaches offer incredible opportunity for snorkeling and diving. Fernando de Noronha’s high marine biodiversity earned it a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list back in 2001, with spinner dolphins, hawksbill sea turtles, and moray eels all calling the surrounding waters home.