Island Learning Adventures

Island Tours for Seniors

There’s nothing like enjoying a little island time where the pace is slow, and your body is relaxed. At Road Scholar, we have educational island adventure tours perfect for anyone’s interests, whether you’re looking to go snorkeling or on slow-paced walking tours. 

Our island tours for seniors can bring you all across the globe, from the crystal clear waters of Puerto Rico to volcanic beaches in the Caribbean and historic lighthouses off the coast of New England. Ready to enjoy some of the simple things in life? Browse our collection of the best islands for senior trips below.

Best Island Vacations for Seniors

Islands bring out the best in everyone. With close-knit communities, local cuisine, and plenty of adventure, island vacations have a lot to offer. Take a look at our roundup of the best island vacations for seniors below:

• Galápagos Islands: Located off the coast of South America are the coveted Galápagos Islands. These islands are one of the world’s most renowned icons due to their incredibly rare wildlife that can’t be found anywhere else. Known for Charles Darwin’s study of evolution, you can spot marine iguanas, Galápagos giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, and flightless cormorants from a safe distance.
• Hawaii: One of the best islands for senior trips is Hawaii. With seven larger islands in this archipelago, you can tour the Pearl Harbor Memorial Museum on Oahu, relax on the beach in Maui, and explore Volcano National Park on the Big Island of Hawaii. Explore Hawaii and the Pacific Coast with Road Scholar today.
• Cuba: Because Road Scholar has authorized travel to Cuba, you can discover the rich history and culture this island has to offer. You can take field trips to Las Terrazas, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, tour tobacco farms, and enjoy mouthwatering meals at local paladares.
• Greece: Greece is home to many islands off its coast that are suitable for seniors, such as Mykonos, Delos, Paros, Crete, and Santorini. You can learn about ancient Minoan civilizations, explore archaeological sites, and get a better understanding of Greek culture by visiting quaint fishing villages and their traditional way of life.
• Scotland: With some of Europe’s oldest monuments, Scotland is a premier island vacation for seniors. Here, you can discover ancient roots while taking in the breathtaking landscapes of its coast. From meeting Gaelic-speaking natives to unpacking the legends and stories that shape the traditions of its original settlers, an island vacation to Scotland is a must.
• Mackinac Island: Island tours to Mackinac Island, located in Lake Huron between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas, bring pristine beauty and adventure. On our guided island tours to Mackinac Island, you will be able to learn about the island’s history, including its ban on motor vehicles and the historic architecture of Victorian-era buildings. One of the top attractions is the Grand Hotel, a historic resort with the world’s longest porch, perfect for taking in the lake views and natural beauty that features bluffs, rock formations, and beautiful landscapes.
• Jekyll Island: Off the southeastern coast of Georgia, you will find Jekyll Island, known for its history as a winter retreat for the rich and famous, such as the Vanderbilts, Rockefellers, and Morgans. Our island travel tours to Jekyll Island allow you to discover gems like the Jekyll Island Club Hotel, an iconic establishment that provides glimpses into the island’s luxurious past, as well as days spent on the island’s 10 miles of shorelines, where you can explore tidal marshes or simply relax.

These are just some of the many island adventure tours you can enjoy through Road Scholar. Whether you’re interested in a winter getaway to the tropical waters of Bermuda or a cultural adventure to islands off of Italy, Road Scholar has you covered.

Preparing for Your Island Adventure

Our island adventure tours are some of our most popular group travel programs — and for good reason. On any of our island tours, you can enjoy watching wildlife, quality time on the beach, and learn about your destination’s rich history. If you’re ready for some rest and relaxation paired with days full of adventure and discovery, review our tips for preparing for your next island adventure below:

• Organize your belongings: One of your first responsibilities is to make sure you pack proper clothing and essentials for your trip. Each island tour brings you to unique destinations with their unique weather patterns. Many of our island adventure tours bring you to warmer climates, so packing lightweight, breathable clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, and a hat for sun protection is recommended. Packing essentials, such as personal hygiene products, first aid supplies like bandaids, and any necessary medications is also important.
• Gather essential travel documents: Depending on your island tour, you may need travel documents like a valid passport and any required visas. It’s also a best practice to make photocopies of important documents like your itinerary, passport, driver’s license, and travel insurance.
• Learn local etiquette: One of the top benefits of our island tours is immersing yourself in new cultures with local traditions. Taking time to familiarize yourself with local etiquette can help ensure you show respect for each island’s culture.
• Weather changes: As you get closer to your guided island tour, keep an eye on the weather forecast to ensure you pack accordingly. Be prepared for sudden changes in weather, especially in tropical regions where afternoon showers or thunderstorms are common.
• Itinerary: With Road Scholar, you can have peace of mind knowing all of the logistics of your island travel tour are taken care of, as our team will arrange transportation and secure accommodations in advance to ensure desirable proximity to attractions and amenities. However, take time to familiarize yourself with the itinerary of your chosen island tour to familiarize yourself with what to expect.

Island Adventure Tours With Road Scholar

At Road Scholar, our island tours for seniors are second to none. Led by regional experts, you will join a diverse cohort of lifelong learners and enjoy spirited conversations while discovering some of the world’s most famous islands. To prepare, review our travel tips for seniors and browse our collection of the best islands for senior trips to find a program for you.