tropicfan1

We have stayed at Iberostar in Rivera Maya but TCI beaches look beautiful. My daughter will be 22 and we don't want anything so ritzy we are uncomfortable. Beaches resort looked like first choice, until reviews revealed it can be overcrowded with kids. We like the all inclusive idea, but are open to suggestions. Main points are a beautiful, quiet beach and possibilty of seeing dolphins. We were going to Bahamas, but didn't like any of the resorts except for Sandals and it is couples only.

blamona

Since you want AI check out Veranda Resort.

Dolphins are wild there, once in a blue moon we do see JoJo the unofficial mascot. He sometimes hangs out at the Club Med pier.

In January we boater next to a school of dolphins that stayed with us a while. But I must say, in most of my trips I don't see them.

Giant red starfish? Yes. Occasional barracuda, yes. Stingrays, lately yes. Turtles, pretty good chance.

tropicfan1

We will plan on going sometime in Spring 2013. My daughter is a big Rick O'Berry supporter, but loves dolphins. I really want her to have the opportunity to see them in the wild. Does anyone think we have a better chance of seeing them in the Bahamas? TCI seems close enough that it wouldn't make a difference, but we have never been to either and I am doing tons of research! Thanks for all your help!

virginia

from ehow: ..." head for the town of Bimini, Bahamas, and meet up with the Bahamian Marine Mammal Rescue and Research Group. This group will take you out into the open ocean, where you will be free to dive, swim and interact with real dolphins in the wild. These aren't trained animals that are taught to kiss you on the cheek for a photo opportunity. These are wild animals, born free and living free. Many would say that this is the ultimate dolphin swimming experience. "

or http://www.wilddolphins.com/home.html

http://www.biminibayresort.com/ or http://www.biggameclubbimini.com/index.htm
neither are all inclusive, so you would have to give that up to get the dolphin experience, but bimini is very small so should be easy to get to dining off resort.

maybe you could plan a few days on bimini & then head to another island for ai stay - small hope lodge, cape santa maria beach resort or stella maris, club med columbus isle?

tarpontony75

Others can give better Turks dolphin advice than me. We have Disney's Discovery Cove just 45 minutes from our home.

We're leaving soon for a week's vacation in Turks, staying at Le Vele Resort. It seems like what you described, with the beautiful, quiet beach, and not too ritzy. Le Vele looked very nice when we saw the hotel last January, and TC Reservations recommended it to us. I'll write a report when we return.

tropicfan1

I look forward to your trip report. I always check out all the trip reports when I research a vacation. Let me know if you see dolphins!!