The Caribbean Islands offer the perfect escape route from adverse winter. With the increased masses seeking to have a taste of the Caribbean sun, these places can get a bit crowded sometimes.

The biggest mistake most vacationers make is going to popular sites like the Bahamas, which are always crowded. The secret to beating crowds is selecting places that are less frequented. After all, it is an adventure, and visiting new places should be the priority.

Here are the least crowded Caribbean islands to visit.

9 Antigua

Antigua has for the longest time fronted itself as the leading leeward island of the Caribbean. What people fail to recognize is that it being popular does always amount to overcrowding. With 365 sandy beaches spread across the island, there is enough space for everyone to explore without feeling that their privacy is being breached. Apart from the vast beach area, Antigua is also a divers’ den, thanks to its magnificent reefs.

Related: 9 Of The Cheapest Islands You Can Visit In The Caribbean Now

8 Bonaire

Bonaire is another significant mention on the list of less crowded islands. The tiny nature of the island means most vacationers will shun it away for having very little to explore. But truth be told, these vacationers are always wrong. Bonaire has more than what the average vacationer would have asked for. With over sixty dive sites, 400 caves, and windsurfing spots, there is a lot to do out there.

7 St. Lucia

There’s no way this tropical paradise is missing from the list of less crowded Caribbean destinations. Unlike other less frequented islands, St. Lucia has a population of close to 200,000 people, but this doesn’t make it overcrowded. The island has a vast area to accommodate everyone with the beachfront left undeveloped for adventurous activities. This island offers more than just a beach experience. It has hiking trails where vacationers can stretch their legs while still enjoying beautiful sunsets from the island’s volcanic peaks.

Related: The 10 Best Caribbean Islands, Ranked By Their Beaches

6 Grenada

Also known as Spice Island, Grenada is a West Indies tourist destination that has maintained a low profile for the longest time. The island is popular for its unreal white sandy beaches that have remained unaltered because of the low traffic in the area. Until 2017, not much was known to the public about this island until direct flights from New York were introduced. Since then, the area has been a bee hive of activities while still not being too crowded. The island’s pristine blue waters are always a vibe.

5 Cayman Islands

Deep in the Western Caribbean Sea is a British territory whose popularity among vacationers has risen in recent days. From luxury beach resorts to shopping villages, this island is mostly frequented by tourists looking for a luxurious vacation. With many people shying away from this site because of the high costs, others are left to enjoy an undercrowded environment, all to themselves. From wildlife and seabirds to deep-sea fishing excursions, there is more than what the average vacationer would ask for.

4 Statia

Popularly known as Saint Eustatius, Statia is among the few standing Caribbean islands that have maintained their natural appeal. The secret to the island’s glowing state is its low traffic. Human beings have made it a habit to destroy and deplete natural resources over time, something that this island has been immune to. Vacationers who have the privilege to visit here are treated to some epic ocean scenes. Diving deep into corals and seagrass is a whole new experience.

3 Elbow Cay

Caribbean Island vacations have never got this better. With the Elbow Cay, vacationers have a treat of their lifetime on a less crowded island. Measuring approximately 4.5 miles long, this island can be small on paper, but matters of the ground are different. With a population of close to 500 people, the island has left most of its land bare for adventure. This Caribbean destination has enough accommodation that cuts across all social classes. The island’s underwater sea park is a must-visit for tourists. For tourists who want to learn scuba diving or snorkeling, this is the right place.

2 Barbados

In the list of less crowded islands is Barbados. From its incredible nightlife and culture to the fascinating beaches, Barbados is among the hidden treasures of the Caribbean. Vacationers that push forward toward the capital have even more on their plate to explore. Island vacations don’t need to be confined to beaches alone. Historical sites too can serve the purpose. But for those whose interests are in water activities alone, Barbados is known to produce ideal tides for sea surfing.

1 Bird Island

Seated off the Belize Coast is Bird Island, a private island whose low traffic is a huge turn-on. This destination isn’t that big, but its reduced size doesn’t make it any lesser. If anything, the fact that most people shun it automatically makes it less crowded. As its name suggests, it is home to many species of birds. Also, it is a good place to kayak and try out other water activities.