cactushugger

I've been to Costa Rica four times. Will I be disappointed with the birds and wildlife on the islands?

bellaboo

From what I've gathered good islands for nature are:
Dominica
Trinidad & Tobago
St Vincent

bellaboo

I've been to Costa Rica 4x as well and still enjoy The Caribbean but I definately prefer the lush,mountainous islands over the flatter, arid ones with better beaches.

We just returned from Old Providence Island Colombia, fantastic!

WannabeinaMontserrat

Dominica, Puerto Rico come to mind. For hiking, try Saba & Montserrat.

cactushugger

Thanks everyone! Now, can you tell me how the prices compare? We don't want fancy resorts - just basic, clean lodgings.

bajangirl

You don't say what time of year you want to travel, however, the islands are generally much cheaper out of season, ie from mid April to mid December.

RoamsAround

It's hard to "compare prices" as the islands mentioned offer a wide variety of accomodations and dining opportunities. Generally speaking they are all going to be within the same ball park for similar quality accomodations. remember that most islands have hotels resorts in a variety of price ranges so finding something in your particular budget range (whatever that may be) should be difficult as long as you set reasonable goals. Don't expect Ritz Carlton amemities for Motel 6 prices.

bellaboo

I'd look into Dominica....

It's even called the "nature" island!!

bellaboo

http://l.yimg.com/www.flickr.com/images/spaceball.gif

bellaboo

Shoot!
didn't work.....

bellaboo

K, well....go on "Flickr" and type "Dominica" into the search, you'll be amazed!

Also the only remaining Caribs in all of the Caribbean live here.

Barbara1

nobody mentioned St. Lucia?
IMHO, it may be even prettier than Dominica.

prizren

We just returned from St. Lucia and loved the area around Soufriere, especially because of the nature. We rented an old plantation house in the rain forest, but only about 10 minutes' drive from Jalousie's beach, which we used daily. The price for the house was most reasonable. The house is very close to the pitons, and there are many nature experiences (hiking, bathing under waterfalls, etc.}in the area. We found the local people to be the friendliest we have met anywhere in the Caribbean.

vinceygirl

www.svgtourism.com
www.insandoutssvg.com
www.caribbeantravelforums.com
www.bequiatourism.com
Tranquillity Hotel Apts, Indian Bay St. Vincent Grenadines. Reasonably priced, clean, basic accommodations beautiful view, nicest owner and staff. Have been staying with Lucelle since 1992.

sumi

"I've been to Costa Rica four times. Will I be disappointed with the birds and wildlife on the islands?"

I lived in the Caribbean for almost a decade and just got back from my first trip to CR and I have to say that our stay on the Osa Peninsula was amazing. I doubt that any Caribbean island is going to match that in terms of wildlife but that's not to say that it has to be "disappointing."

I'd recommend Dominica, St.Lucia and the Dominican Republic. For St. Lucia and the DR, just avoid the big AI tourist areas. If you do a little research, you'll be surprised at how much DR has to offer and it's still an inexpensive destination.