Introduction to Canouan

In the shape of a half-circle, Canouan rises from its sandy beaches to the 240m-high (787-ft.) peak of Mount Royal in the north, where you'll find unspoiled forests of white cedar. Twenty-three kilometers (14 miles) south of St. Vincent and 32km (20 miles) north of Grenada, Canouan has a population of fewer than 2,000 people, many of whom fish for a living and live in Retreat Village, the island's only village.

Only 6x2km (3 3/4x1 1/4 miles), Canouan is surrounded by long ribbons of absolutely gorgeous powdery white-sand beaches and blue lagoons. The surrounding coral reefs teem with life, making for great diving. As for snorkeling, it's the best this side of the Maldives.