aphankins

Looking for an island where we can snorkel and enjoy crystal clear calm waters. Have been to Cap Juluca, Anguilla. Which is the absolute best. But too far. Turks and Caicos last year. Also, want a short flight from memphis or atlanta. Can only stay a few days.

Regards, Antonia

beachdreams3

Well, you have already been to my two favorites. In an effort to try someplace new, but with similarities to Provo and Anguilla, I went to Grand Cayman. It (at least on Seven Mile Beach) is a little more crowded/developed than Turks & Caicos (Provo, Grace Bay Beach), and the beaches/water color were not quite as nice IMO. Most people think it the snorkeling/diving there is good too.

Another place on my list is St. John (USVI). I'm not sure about the connections from ATL or Memphis, but for me, the travel time there is kind of long for a short trip (the flight(s)from the DC area to St. Thomas seem to have bad connections, and then you need to take a ferry to St. John).

It is not an island suggestion, but I found some very nice beaches in Mexico (fly into Cancun) and travel down the Caribbean coast to Maroma Beach, or continue further to Akumel or Tulum. I didn't snorkel, but I believe there are some good places for it around Akumel.

To avoid crowds and get lower prices, I usually travel mid - late April or early - mid May (obviously avoid Easter week and Memorial Day weekend).

Melissast21

I would have said Anguilla but you have checked that off your list
Most people dont think of mexico as relaxing, crystal clear beaches but I would recommend Mexico also near Tulum they have some very low key resorts with gorgeous beaches I would look on trip adviser. Mexico always has great prices especially from your located.
There are also some smaller islands in the Bahamas and even the Florida Keys all have crystal clear water and few crowds depending on the island.
Hope this helps

TPAYT

You've been to 2 of our 3 favorites, TCI and Anguilla, the 3rd being St. Bart's ( but hard to get to). My suggestion is St. John. It's 2/3 National Park with fabulous snorkeling and beaches. Caneel Bay would fit the bill.

For a short trip you might consider Secret Harbor Resort on the east end of St. Thomas. The snorkeling right from shore is some of the best. The restaurant is very good and there are many restaurants closeby. We really liked it there. Our only complaint was that the pool was up at the top of a hill---a long walk from the beach.

Gleece

I would also recommend St. John, particularly if you go in May rather than April. The first half of April is still high season, so the crowds start thinning after that. The beaches are great and so is the snorkelling.

St. John is also an easy trip from Atlanta. Delta has direct flights from Atlanta to St. Thomas. Then it's just a short ferry ride over to St. John.