The Caribbean is a great place for sun, sea, sand and surf.

Some of the world's best beaches are made up of blue and turquoise waters. It's a good place to be. 30 million people a year head to the Caribbean for a break, because they don't have to worry.

The Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas are some of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean, but it's not the only place with less tourists and more animals. If you want the beauty without the bustle, here's where to go.

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1. Kamalame Cay, the Bahamas

It's the best for a private island vacation.

There are some things that are worthwhile waiting for. You can get to Nassau by hopping on a commuter flight, taking a cab to the dock and board a water taxi that will take you to a private island in the Bahamas. The resort is close to the world's third- largest barrier reef with acres of coconut palm groves and vegetation that compete with the bluest sea for what is most awesome.

If you want to get away from it all, this may be it. There are bungalows, villas, cottages, and beach houses all over the place. It's mostly you and Mother Nature on the white sand roads, with just enough people to have a little atmosphere. Fishing, kayaking, tennis, and cycling are some of the activities that are included. If you are in chill mode, you can watch a movie at the alfresco cinema, climb in a hammock on the beach or go to the over water spa. The Great House restaurant serves crowd-pleasers like the coconut green vegetable curry and Asian barbecue spare ribs.

If you want to see the highest concentration of blue holes in the world, you should return to Andros. The Blue Hole in Blue Holes National Park is one of the most popular ones. Go through the pine forest and jump from the platform into the water. The Androsia Batik Factory is a place where you can learn about batik-making and try it out.

A lush green coastline with a small village of houses
Bluefields is a chilled out spot on Jamaica's south coast © dimarik / Getty Images

2. Bluefields, Jamaica

For solitude, it's the best.

It's likely that Jamaica, Montego Bay and Negril come to mind. Bluefields is on the south coast and is a great place to go. Along this hilly stretch of coast, you're more likely to hear the cicadas' concert than anything loud and late.

The Bluefields Organic Fruit Farm is a great place to learn about organic farming and Jamaican agriculture. If you want to go back to your hotel or the beach, you have to decide which island treat you want.

There is a monument in a yard off the main road that pays tribute to Peter Tosh, who was born in the area. One of the original Wailers, Tosh, is very close to Bob Marley. At Bluefields Beach Park, at the weekends, families will be picnicking and the Reggae music will be playing.

Negril is an hour away if you want to liven things up a bit. Rick's Cafe is a place where you can dance and watch people jump into the sea.

3. South Caicos, Turks and Caicos

It's the best way to find your Zen.

South Caicos is a great place to visit if you want to see a Caribbean gem. Take a flight from Providenciales to South Caicos. Wild donkeys and salt flats with pink Flamingos are not bars or mega resorts.

Let nature take care of you. There are two beaches with the possibility of dolphin and whale watching. You can get a glimpse of local life in old town Cockburn when you visit Iguana Island and the aquarium. Triple J's is a barbecue restaurant that is open on the weekends. There is a friendly place where the music is playing. Peas and rice are included along with jerk pork, chicken, ribs, grilled lobster and fish.

You can take an excursion to Long Cay, a protected area full of birds and animals. Long Cay has a lot of Rock Iguanas. Kiteboarders will have a lot of reasons to be excited about kiteboarding in South Caicos.

It's a good idea to spend a day in Providenciales. The MRVL Spa at the Ritz-Carlton is one of the newest hot spots.

Scuba divers in full gear head down stairs towards a beach for a shore dive
Bonaire has nearly 90 dive sites to experience © Orietta Gaspari / Getty Images

4. Bonaire

For diving, it's the best.

One of the ABC islands doesn't get the attention of the other two. Divers know that this part of the Dutch Caribbean is home to nearly 90 dive sites, coral reefs, and sea caves. There are iguanas, parrots, and other animals on the island and you can see them at Gotomeer.

There are many things to do at Washington-Slagbaai National Park, from hiking to the tallest peak at Mt Brandaris to cliff jumping into turquoise waters. Kayaks and windsurf through mangrove thickets. There are wild goats and donkeys on the golf course. You can find everything from a food truck on the beach to fine dining in Sebastian's when you're hungry.

5. Nevis, St Kitts and Nevis

It's the best for Hikers.

One of the Caribbean's best kept secrets is the island of Nevis. The small nation of St Kitts and Nevis has a volcano, mountains, and a peak that's more than 3000 feet high. There are donkeys, goats, and green vervet monkeys on the beach. A less intense hike to rainforest waterfalls can be taken if you want to.

Tropical plants from around the world can be found at the Botanical Gardens of Nevis. Beaches, trails, and villages are included in the rides at the Nevis equestrian centre. Barracuda, sailfish, and blue marlin are abundant in these parts.

You can enjoy magnificent sea views, cascading ponds, and lush gardens at the Golden Rock Inn, which is 300m above sea level. The Museum of Nevis History is located in the Georgian style building where Alexander Hamilton was born and raised.

The Four Seasons Resort on Pinney's Beach is a great place to stay. You can watch the sunset at the resort's mango restaurant. The Hermitage is located at the foot of a mountain.

You can hike Mt Liamuiga volcano on the sister island of St Kitts.

A woman stands on a board walk that cuts through a dense rainforest landscape
Hire a guide to get the best out of your time in Dominica © David Madison / Getty Images

6. Dominica

It's best for people who love nature.

Dominica is a unique island in the Caribbean. Loggerhead turtles, whales, hot springs, boiling lakes, mountains, waterfalls, and black sand beaches make up the nature island of the Caribbean.

Trafalgar Falls is located in Morne Trois Pitons National park. One of the volcanos in Dominica is Morne Trois Pitons. You can kayak and snorkel in the marine reserve. Jungle Bay is a retreat on nearly 20 acres of land. You can get a Jungle Bay Massage at the Bamboo Spa.

If you want to plan, have the concierge connect you with a local guide. Dominica has a lot of nooks andTrademarkias you can't find on your own.

7. Tobago

It's the best for bird watchers.

Trinidad is well-loved for its carnival, but its sister island of Tobago is not as well-known. It's a must for bird watchers. One of the highest densities of bird species in the world can be found in Trinidad. The Main Ridge Forest Reserve is the oldest protected forest in the western hemisphere.

The birthplace of the steel pan drum is a great place to listen to great music. You can enjoy the sounds of the street party at the Sunday school in Buccoo. If you have a sweet tooth, you might want to take a tour of the cocoa estate. You can either jump into Argyle Falls, the highest waterfall on the island, or go for a walk on the beaches.

8. Canouan, St Vincent and the Grenadines

It's best for people who love turtles.

People are outnumbered by tortoises. The Sandy Lane Yacht Club is located on the 3.5 mile island in StVincent and the Grenadines. There are good fly-fishing and kitesurfing available here, as well as being surrounded by the Caribbean's largest coral reef. You may feel like you are in a private island sanctuary with just 26 suites and 13 villas on the 1200-acre estate that is on Godahl Beach. Relax in the spa or play a round of golf. Hike up the mountain and snorkel in lagoons. It makes for more fun.

There is a six-seat resort jet that can be booked as a shared or private charter from several airports.

The article was last updated about 16 hours ago.