mistysky81

Hello all,
I could use some advice from people who have been to a few or most Caribbean Islands and can help me make an informed decision on which island to go to for our honeymoon. First off, we are getting married on St. John for our wedding and will be there from November 3-10. We LOVE St.John and have been going there every year for the past 5 years. After the wedding some friends and us will be heading to Jost Van Dyke for 5 days. From there my future husband and I will jet off to another island for a week for our official honeymoon. We already have purchased our tickets to St.Thomas/St. John, but have not booked a ticket back yet, do to indecision on which island or islands we should go to. Too many beautiful islands to pick from! Initially we were thinking about St. Lucia but looking over many reviews, this island seems to be at the lower end of most top 10 Caribbean island reviews for some reason...We love to snorkel (probably what we will be doing most days) and like islands that have the same appeal as St.John with its many smaller secluded beaches, and laid back ambiance. Long sweeping beaches can be nice but sometimes can be a bit boring and are not as important as overall scenic beauty. We could possibly island hop for 1/2 of the trip to another island which we were originally thinking, but got deferred by our wedding planner who said we would be trying to pack too much in.
On a side note:
Not exactly what we were looking for but, we did get advice from a family member who lived in St. John who said that Isla Mujers, Mexico is so amazing that she and her husband do not even miss St. John and is the only place they go to now. I know this is not in the Caribbean but if it blows away any other island there, we would consider it instead. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

eastenderusvi

Have you checked on connections from St Thomas onward? You will probably have to fly back to Miami or take LIAT. Have you thought about a crewed yacht to see the rest of the BVI? There is good snorkeling in Virgin Gorda, Anegada, several of the other cays...

RoamsAround

eastendusvi is right - there are only a few islands that you can easily fly to (non-stop) from St. Thomas. They are probably: San Juan, Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Dominica, St. Martin, Antigua, Nevis, St. Croix and St. Barths. All others will require a connecting flight either through San Juan, St. Martin, Antigua or flying back to Miami. Flights to the islands mention may not go everyday and you may find airfares will be on the high side. Unfortunately "island hopping" in the Caribbean is not always easy or inexpensive.

Start researching the islands mentioned to see if they offer the vibe you are seeking.

mistysky81

Thanks for your replies. I have looked into this for months and LIAT or other puddle jumpers, will get us to just about anywhere we would like to go. My general question is, out of all the islands that people in the Fodors community have been to, which Caribbean island would you recommend and why?

mistysky81

Also I did look into a crewed yacht but my fiancé would rather not go that route (it would be sooo fun though!).

mnag

smaller secluded beaches, and laid back ambiance...I think Virgin Gorda would meet those requirements. Super quaint, good snorkelling and laid back. Anguilla is more upscale, gorgeous beaches, fantastic (and exp) restaurants, no snorkelling and the island is not scenic. Also worth checking out is Great Guana Cay.

mnag

Sorry that should be Guana island in the BVI (not Great Guana Cay in the bahamas)

DAVENPORT1

If you are considering Mexico as an alternative and really want the best snorkeling destination, take a peek at Roatan, Honduras. I have snorkeled in almost all of the caribbean islands and nothing comes close to the snorkeling adventures that I have had in Roatan.

Roatan is a very picturesque island that is not Americanized. Beaches are beautiful and not crowded and the people and feel is very laid back.

mjb4auburn

Isla Mujeres is a really good option to look into and is in the Mexican Caribbean. You mentioned your family recommendation and I would second that. High Season is typically Dec 15-April 15 so your dates of early November are a good time in terms of things are a bit more quiet and less expensive rates. It is the end of hurricane season, but the island is positioned well for that also. Cancun is just a 17 minute ferry ride away. If I can answer any questions for you, I'm happy to!

SissyM1949

St. Barts would be my choice. As was mentioned, you can get island-hopping flights from anywhere and SB is no exception. Great small hotels and MANY villas to choose from. Check out St. Barths Properties and Wimco for rental ideas. The island is magically IMO and is like no other - I've been to many. Only 10 minutes from St. Maarten.

suze

Isla Mujeres is in fact in the Caribbean (Sea). I think it is a bit more casual than what it seems you are seeking.