For remote islands with few crowds and idyllic scenery, consider St. Vincent and the Grenadines. This island nation in the Caribbean is known for its peaceful shores, beautiful gardens and stunning lookout points. Stroll along exotic black-sand beaches or prepare yourself for the once-in-a-lifetime adventures such as snorkeling with turtles and hiking up to a volcano summit.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines was put on the map as a tourist destination after filming for the Pirates of the Caribbean series took place on the island. Traditionally, the island is known for its thriving agriculture, specifically banana production. Stop by a food market to buy the locally grown bananas, which will have been harvested from plantations before ending up at the outdoor stalls.

Plan a visit to the country’s capital, Kingstown to tour its cobblestone streets on foot. Find authentic crafts and cuisine at Kingstown Market.

Appreciate the island’s natural beauty with a hike to Dark View Falls or a few hours of relaxation on Mount Wynne Beach. For a thrilling adventure, tour guides will take you up to the summit of the La Soufriere Volcano. From the top, marvel at the breathtaking views across the island.

Take a trip to Union Island, part of the Grenadines island chain, to laze on quiet sandy beaches and go scuba diving through coral reefs. Visit the Tobago Cays Marine Park to snorkel with turtles in their natural habitat. For a remote tropical retreat, take a boat to the tiny island of Mayreau, known for its pristine and undeveloped coastline.

For such a small group of islands, St. Vincent and the Grenadines is still well-connected by air. Fly into the main airport on St. Vincent, Argyle International Airport, from a variety of connection points including surrounding island nations as well as the U.S., Canada and Europe. Once on the island, use the Grenadines four regional airports to help you travel to and from St. Vincent. 

For a Caribbean vacation without crowds, head for tranquil St. Vincent and the Grenadines.