The Caribbean's Best Paradises For Getting Away From The Crowds

Tourism in the Caribbean is thriving because there are always going to be many people in the U.S. or northern Europe who would like to escape the cold weather and urban chaos in a serene tropical getaway. The more popular a place is, the more crowded and commercialized it becomes. This is often a deal-breaker for international tourists who want an adventurous and authentic experience. As a result, they flock to an off the beaten path destination, which will inevitably grow in popularity as the word gets out.

Relaxation, wellness and watersport activities are endless.  Go on a private helicopter tour of the British Virgin Islands' 60 islands.  Spend your evening enjoying dinner surrounded by the cool Caribbean breeze upon the stern private yacht.  Most of the island is uninhabited, which means you can explore its beauty undisturbed.

At five miles long and a half-mile wide, Isla Mujeres is best seen by foot or bike, and there is no shortage of bike rentals on the island. Divers can certainly find their element in the crystal clear turquoise waters; home to the mysterious Cave of the Sleeping Sharks, where deadly sharks display nonaggressive behavior and MUSA, the world's largest underwater museum consisting of 460 statues. Go on off-shore snorkeling, diving trips, and night dives.

You should visit Caulker if you want to escape the winter without breaking the bank. You can get to meet almost everyone in pretty much no time. People go to either island for snorkeling and diving. If you are looking for a Caribbean island where the atmosphere is laid-back 24/7, crowds are not a problem, and the views are still amazing everywhere, Caye Caulker is a good choice.

The Exumas are an archipelago of 365 cays and islands, beginning just 35 miles southeast of Nassau. The Exuma Cays, one of its three major areas, act as a playground for the rich and famous. Sampson Cay is an absolute gem of an island, with 130 acres in the central Exuma Cays. The magnificent views, beautiful white sand beaches and a natural harbor are worth the trip.

Escape the crowded Antigua and come to its 62-square miles sister. Honeymooners like it because it's very secluded. The 17-Mile Beach is one of the most gorgeous in the Caribbean. Anywhere you turn you see splendid nature of powdery sand beach and pristine water. Visit the Frigate Bird Sanctuary and the Darby Cave, an incredible sinkhole with ancient cave drawings.

Arikok National Park takes up almost 20 percent of the island and includes desert-like terrain in addition to gorgeous coastal views. There are trails and they do four-wheel drive tours. Leave the crowded beaches behind and go on a journey to explore unique geological, cultural and historical sites. Witness the park's rich wildlife, and explore the caves, sand dunes and limestone cliffs.

The Caribbean island in the Lesser Antilles chain is a special municipality of the Netherlands. Make sure you visit in the winter. It has been hit by more major storms since 1851 than any other place on Earth. The small rocky island just south of St. Maarten does not get a lot of visitors each year. It offers world-class scuba diving opportunities. The waters are part of the Saba National Marine Park, which means they are protected and untouched. On land, you can gamble, hike, climb and bike around the island to explore its serenity.

Go to Cayman Brac if you want to experience the authentic side of the Cayman Islands. Go to the breathtaking 140 feet bluff, the "Brac"– rough and fascinating 14 square miles area that provides thrill-seekers and nature lovers a chance to see some of the islands' most dramatic scenery, exotic flora and fauna. Explore the limestone caves and sinkholes high above water. Enjoy lush green forests, home to over 200 species of birds.

The Isle of Youth (Isla de la Juventud) is a marine reserve with caves, drop-offs and wrecks.  See what made Ernest Hemingway spend so much time there. The marine life and scenery are incredible. Scuba divers will appreciate the patch reefs and walls. You won't find a lot of people and lavish parties at night there.

This Caribbean island is also known as Isla Nena or Little Girl Island. The glowing Mosquito Bay is a vision of bizarre beauty. Thanks to a bioluminescent microorganism, the water is a cool electric blue, looking somewhat like a fantastical sci-fi lagoon, according to Trip Advisor. Go kayaking or get on a boat and glide along the neon waters. Snorkelers love the clean and undeveloped beaches.

The Citadelle Henry Christophe, or simply the Citadelle, is a large mountaintop fortress in northern Haiti. Depicted on local currency, stamps and postcards, this amazing structure has become the symbol of Haiti's power and independence. It is also the largest citadel in the Americas.

A peaceful yachting anchorage, a dream for scuba divers, a paradise for beachcombers, and a film location for Pirates of the Caribbean, the Tobago Cays is one of the world's most awe -inspiring island destinations. The park is home to coral reefs, sea turtle nesting sites and feeding areas, and small systems of mangroves. The marine portion surrounds five uninhabited cays, the populated island of Mayreau, and three islets.

You shouldn't try swimming in The Boiling Lake, but the Caribbean island nation offers a lot more adventures. There are several active volcanoes that affect the reef. Underwater geothermal springs vent gasses in the form of thousands of warm bubbles giving snorkelers the feeling of swimming through a giant glass of, literally, Champagne, according to ChampagneReef.com. You can expect to see a myriad of sea life including sponges, lobster, parrot fish and a resident population of Hawksbill turtles. There are also many wellness and yoga resorts you can stay in. 

Scuba diving is a popular activity in the Caribbean so if you want to escape the crowds and still have a blast, consider Bonaire. Most of the 6,672-acre park is water. There is a no-anchoring policy – the nearly 60 species of coral underneath are some of the most unspoiled in the world. With about 90 dive sites, the variety and scenery are unmatched in the region.

People looking for peace and tranquility during their beach vacation come here. Visit soon before the word gets out; Bayahibe is already becoming more popular. Go on a boat tour to nearby locations, scuba dive, soak in breathtaking sights from the beach, and visit the the neighboring areas and cities. Visit Saona Island for a mesmerizing experience and go snorkeling to explore the shallow waters, catching a glimpse of the magnificent flora and fauna.