Choosing between 3 islands with 8-year olds

Old Mar 31st, 2016, 11:34 AM
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Choosing between 3 islands with 8-year olds

Hello,
I am going to be taking my 8 year olds (boy and girl) to an island in the second week of June. It will likely just be myself (their father) so while I love a good adventure, I also need to keep in mind that it isn't as easy to do with just myself. That said - I don't want to just sit on a beach every single day.

I'll be flying out of New York most likely, as the flights out of Philly are far less convenient.

With that in mind, the three I have in mind are:

- Turks and Caicos
- St. Martin (French side, likely near Anse Marcel)
- Anguilla

- Don't want super touristy
- Want good beaches with calm waters
- Good snorkeling a plus but not deal breaker since its their first time
- Decent restaurants that are reasonably casual
- Somewhat different culture than the US (will not be staying at resorts)
- Safe

Which do people recommend? The budgets that I've seen are all OK regarding flights and lodging, but would be interested to hear differences on things like food and activities, if there is a big difference.

Thanks! I've tried many searches here but haven't gotten exactly what I've been looking for
bretabaker is offline  
Old Mar 31st, 2016, 12:16 PM
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Look at my tr in at martin.
Not been in other islands you mention.
Whathello is offline  
Old Mar 31st, 2016, 12:46 PM
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Thank you very much for pointing me there - looks like you had a fantastic trip! That is a pretty great experience, so definitely a big plus for SM
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Old Mar 31st, 2016, 01:15 PM
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There's only a limited amount of snorkeling on Anguilla but the island has 35 incredible white sand beaches (many with very calm waters that are perfect for children) and over 80 different restaurants. The island never gets very crowded so it won't be "super touristy". Only downside is you can't fly there non-stop from the US - you have to either fly to San Juan and catch an island hopper to Anguilla or fly into St. Martin and take ferry, water taxi or island hopper flight to Anguilla. Very safe island.

You can reach Providenciales where 95% of the resorts, condos and rental properties are located in the Turks & Caicos non-stop from some NY area airports. There's some decent but limited walk-in snorkeling from the island's beaches and some very good to excellent snorkeling at sites accessible by boat. The water on Grace Bay is usually very calm, perfect for youngsters to swim. the island has a good variety of restaurants. The island gets more visitors (especially families) than Anguilla but it's nowhere near as crowded as St. Martin. Very safe island.

Which brings us to St. Martin - easy to reach from some NYC area airports, hundreds of restaurants but it's a very crowded island - it has a population of 75,000 crammed into 33 sq. miles. Add in tourists and you have the potential for wall to wall people. By contrast Anguilla has only 15,000 people and Providenciales has 23,000 people yet both have about the same land area as St. Martin. Island has some petty crime issues.

Now, not to confuse you but if you want a quieter island with lots of very good to excellent walk-in snorkeling look at St. John in the USVI's. Easy to get to - fly into St. Thomas then take a short ferry to St. John. 2/3's of the island is a National Park so there are hiking trail and plenty of areas to explore. Dozens of light golden sand beaches lapped by gin clear calm waters. A good variety of restaurants for your dining pleasure. Very safe island.

Hope this helps.
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Old Mar 31st, 2016, 01:27 PM
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Thanks- though is the french side as crowded as the dutch?
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Old Mar 31st, 2016, 01:54 PM
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Both sides are "crowded" - and traffic getting around can be heavy, especially at the normal rush hours and just prior to cruise ship departure times.
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Old Apr 2nd, 2016, 02:57 AM
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Based on the energy of the island and the variety of things to do and restaurants that meet your description in order of excitement:

1. St Martin

Con:

Though it can be tiresome to navigate rush hour traffic in the morning and evening there is also a traffic back further if a cruise ship is leaving around these times.

Touristy.

The upside:

It is a small island so driving at any other time of the day can be an easy excursion around the island in a short time.


2. Turks & Caicos
For its snorkelling especially

3. Anguilla
For its beaches especially.
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Old Apr 2nd, 2016, 06:47 AM
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French side is much les crowded than Dutch side.
No infrastructure on French side.
No big airport no port no cruise no big resort. Margot tends to be crowded at rush hour.

Don't know if I pointed out that our smallest was 6 at time of trip.

Have fun !
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Old Apr 3rd, 2016, 12:09 PM
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You could go to Anguilla and day trip to St Martin/Maarten, the kids may like the short ride on the public ferry.
Junior Fleming has a glass bottom boat, great knowledge of good snorkeling, and is excellent with kids. There is also a mini golf
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Old Apr 4th, 2016, 05:56 AM
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I think based on your requirements Turks would be the best fit of the three. Although the culture bit may be lacking. St martin for more culture but then you said not touristy. You may also want to consider Grand Cayman. 7 mile beach is great. Turtle farm, sting ray city, botanical gardens and snorkeling to keep the kids busy.
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