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

The Caribbean’s Best Paradises For Getting Away From The Crowds
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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 region is usually on top of many people’s travel lists because of its always-just-right weather, delicious food, laid-back atmosphere and breathtaking beaches.

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.

Incredible but small islands can have inspiring national parks and unspoiled areas that tourists are used to in many of the more popular territories of the Caribbean.

Luckily for some, sun-soaked, off the beaten path paradises are still an option. Beat the crowds and see the best of an island before it becomes a hotspot.

The Bahamas and Aruba are some of the most famous islands that attract thousands of visitors every month, but lesser-known gems there, and other small island-countries, are just as spectacular.

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Scrub Island, British Virgin Islands

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.

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Isla Mujeres, Mexico

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.

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Caye Caulker, Belize

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.

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Sampson Cay and Exuma Cays, Bahamas

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.

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Barbuda

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.

Before You Go

The Best Beaches In America, According To Dr. Beach
Beachwalker Park Kiawah Island, South Carolina(01 of10)
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"This is a nature-lovers coast so visitors should pack their canoes and kayaks to paddle through the tidal inlets," says Dr. Beach. "It is also fun to walk or bicycle down to Captain Sam’s Inlet to see thousands of birds. The water is not clear here, but it is clean and provides fantastic seafood for low-country cooking. There is concern about the proposal to build 50 houses and a steel revetment on the sand spit in terms of its impact on animal life and visitor access." (credit:Robert Kirk via Getty Images)
Caladesi Island State Park, Florida(02 of10)
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"Caladesi is reached by pedestrian ferry boat, private boats or a long walk north from Clearwater Beach -- the inlet is closed so Caladesi is no longer a true island, but still a great getaway," Dr. Beach says. "The white beach composed of crystalline quartz sand which is soft and cushy at the water’s edge, inviting one to take a dip in the sparkling clear waters. There are boardwalk trails, but my favorite is the kayak and canoe trails through the mangroves to see the large blue herons and other birds that frequent this wonderful natural area." (credit:JafafaHots via Getty Images)
Coopers Beach, Southampton, New York(03 of10)
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Dr. Beach says, "Coopers Beach is located on the south shore of Long Island, New York, shielded from the cold Labrador currents, in the beautiful village of Southampton. As the first 'Gold Coast' in the country, Coopers Beach is hundreds of yards wide, made of grainy white quartz sand. The beach is backed by large sand dunes covered by American beach grass interspersed with large and extravagant mansions. Some of the best beach access in the Hamptons exists on Coopers Beach, and a snack bar serving lunch and drinks can be found here as well." (credit:Monica Murphy via Getty Images)
Coronado Beach, San Diego, California(04 of10)
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“Coronado Beach is the toast of Southern California; it is a veritable oasis by the sea, measuring hundreds of yards wide,” says Dr. Beach. “With its lush subtropical vegetation, unique Mediterranean climate, and fine sparkling sand, beach-goers flock to this beach for great ship-watching and the summer’s warm and mild surf. The local landmark, Hotel del Coronado, was built over a hundred years ago, offering spectacular architecture and Old World elegance. Kings, sheiks, actors, and actresses have stayed at Hotel del Coronado, where food and drinks are served on the beach, and the hotel provides a great location for celebrities.” (credit:Dr. Beach)
Grayton Beach State Park, Florida(05 of10)
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Dr. Beach says, "This beach boasts of its sugar-white sand and emerald green water where development has been restrained so big sand dunes still dominate the landscape. At the same time, all the amenities of great restaurants and accommodations are close by in the old town of Grayton Beach or Seaside. Many people choose to camp in this wonderful state park that also features tidal lakes and freshwater ponds. Former Governor Bob Graham told me that this was his favorite beach." (credit:Steven Greaves via Getty Images)
Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts(06 of10)
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"Coast Guard Beach, accessible by bicycle or shuttle bus from the Salt Pond Visitor’s Center, was formed where a sand spit attached to the glacial cliffs," says Dr. Beach. "The sand is fairly coarse so the beach slopes steeply into the water. The picturesque old Coast Guard station still sits atop the glacial bluffs, allowing for a spectacular view down upon the Nauset Spit barrier system and bay. During the summer, beach-goers take quick, refreshing dips in the ocean as water temperatures only reach 60-70 degrees." (credit:Kim Grant via Getty Images)
Ocracoke Lifeguard Beach, North Carolina(07 of10)
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"Ocracoke, once the home of Blackbeard the pirate, is still a special place—it is my favorite getaway beach," Dr. Beach adds. "Here you will find some of the wildest beaches in the country. Big surf dominates in late summer so families with children may want to come earlier in the year. Don’t come here expecting to play golf or stay at the Ritz; the main pursuits are swimming, shelling and enjoying a walk through the old cementery on a foggy night. This island can still be reached by a free state ferry." (credit:alex grichenko via Getty Images)
Kapalua Bay, Hawaiian island of Maui(08 of10)
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"Kapalua is a perfect beach for swimming and snorkeling in the clear, azure waters that are protected by two headlands formed long ago by lava flows into the sea," says Dr. Beach. "This beautiful crescent-shaped, white sand beach is bounded by these rocky anchors where good restaurants can be found. The fine coral sand beach slopes gradually into the deeper water where the rocky bottom is punctuated with corals that attract vividly-colored tropical fish. You can buy fish food and rent snorkeling gear at the concession hut on the north end of the beach." (credit:Ann Cecil via Getty Images)
Siesta Beach, Sarasota, Florida(09 of10)
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"With some of the finest, whitest sand in the world, this beach attracts sand collectors from all over," adds Dr. Beach. "Siesta Beach has clear, warm waters ideal for swimming. The beach is hundreds of yards wide in the shape of a crescent, due to anchoring of onshore rocks to the south. This beach is great for volleyball and other types of recreational fitness." (credit:Pola Damonte via Getty Images via Getty Images)
Hanauma Bay, Hawaiian island of Oahu(10 of10)
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Dr. Beach adds, "This idyllic, crescent-shaped coral sand beach that has formed in this ocean-breached volcano is stunning in every respect. Hanauma Bay provides the best snorkeling in Hawaii in safe, [calm] water. Thousands of tropical fish await your visit in shallow water and close to shore. Come early as the parking lot fills up quickly." (credit:Basic Elements Photography via Getty Images)

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