Escape To This Quiet Caribbean Island With Picturesque Beaches And Snorkeling

For many, reaching the tranquil waters of the Caribbean Sea is the ultimate "get away from it all" experience. But the Caribbean and its many attractions are becoming increasingly popular, meaning finding a true escape along the sandy shores of its blue waters is becoming more challenging. Yet there is still hope, namely on the island of Mayreau, the smallest inhabited island in the Grenadines.

What makes Mayreau so unique is that it is largely undeveloped. Visitors won't see the large high-rise complexes and condominiums that seem to pop up along the shores of other Caribbean beaches. In fact, the island is home to only one small village with a population of about 300 inhabitants. The residents of the village take the natural beauty of their island seriously, and its natural preservation is of the utmost importance. Visitors can enjoy picturesque beaches and sweeping views of the nearby Tobago Cays, whether they stay for a week or spend just one day.

The island is also popular among snorkelers and divers. Its protected waters give explorers of all experience levels a chance to take a peek under the waves at the thriving tropical ecosystem that lies below. Divers can also get incredible views of the British gunship Puruni, which sits under 40 feet of water and has rested on the sea floor for more than 100 years.

The natural terrain of Mayreau makes it an exceptional location for vacationers looking to explore its white beaches. Its position near several offshore reef systems on its windward coast keeps the beaches protected from the rougher seas. The island's highest point, Tamarind Hill, reaches 280 feet and gives visitors sweeping views of the Caribbean coastline. 

While you may not be able to swim with wild pigs like at one picturesque Caribbean beach, the beaches of Mayreau offer inviting, calm waters, especially on its leeward coast. Here, waters are even calmer thanks to lighter wind conditions on its western side. Saline Bay, specifically, is a popular location to swim, thanks to its incredibly peaceful waters. Windward Careenage is the island's northernmost beach. Windward Mayreau is a resort with 15 bungalows and access to both Salt Whistle Bay and Tobago Cays Marine Park.

Tobago Cays Marine Park encompasses a sand-bottomed lagoon, uninhabited islands, and beaches, and visitors can arrive by water taxi or yacht. Visitors can explore white sandy beaches, see mangroves, and visit Petit Tabac, an isolated beach used in the film "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl." Both the park and Mayreau are remote and accessible only by boat. There are no airstrips on the island of Mayreau. For a beach getaway closer to home, consider Florida's Space Coast, where pristine beaches can pass for the Caribbean.

The Caribbean waters surrounding Mayreau are full of tropical life that draws snorkelers and divers alike. Mayreau Gardens, just off the island's east coast, is a popular snorkeling and diving site. Here, a coral reef feeds a lively marine ecosystem in crystal blue waters, and divers can pair this excursion with views of the Puruni shipwreck nearby.

Several diving and snorkeling charters visit Mayreau's waters and provide easy access to the island's more popular areas. Those who decide to stay at one of the island's few resorts can also explore the world beneath the waves. Before visiting, check with your accommodation or charter operator about snorkeling equipment, or bring your own. 

Argyle International Airport (SVD) is an international gateway to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Direct flights to SVD are available from New York's JFK, Miami, and Toronto. Mayreau is a tropical destination, and vacationers are encouraged to pay attention to tropical weather threats during the June–November hurricane season. Since Mayreau is only accessible by boat, charters and ferries are the most common ways for visitors to reach its shores. Visitors can arrange charters to Mayreau from the nearby islands of Union and Canouan. Extra planning and fares can make for pricey travel, and many may instead opt for more budget-friendly island getaways that aren't in the Caribbean.