terylee

Message: My husband & I (late 40s) are celebrating our 5th anniversary next February - we want snorkeling, clear water, a small cottage, and maybe a nice dinner or 2 out. We rented a little cottage on St. John for our honeymoon and loved going snorkeling at different beaches in the jeep and we like hiking. Should we try someplace different? We're considering BVI, Turks & Caicos or Anguilla, what do you suggest? Thanks for any advice.

Sunnyboy

For the best beaches go to Anguilla but know that snorkeling is just average and interesting hiking is non-existent. For the best snorkeling as well a fine beaches (but not as good as on Anguilla) and hiking go to the BVI's (Virgin Gorda is my favorite). Forget the T&C, other than the 10 mile beach on Grace Bay it doesn't compare to the other locations.

JMM

Having been to BVI and T&C, when it comes to clear water and snorkeling they are comparable. The 12 kilometre long beach at Grace Bay surpasses any in the BVI (except it has no shade). Good,easy snorkeling at the White House/Coral Garden reef; superlative snorkeling at Smith's Reef and the barrier reef. No cruise ships at Provo. Plenty of cruise ships in the BVI (lots of cruisers come over from Tortola to VG). The Baths on VG are wonderful and in general the BVI are more scenic. Not much hiking on Provo (T&C) except at the end of Malcolm Roads (lovely coves and a natural bridge). I have not been to Anguilla so I cannot comment about it. I suspect you would probably enjoy any of them.

mnag

I have been to BVI and Anguilla. Anguilla has beautiful beaches and the water is very calm (pool like). We stayed at Sonnesta and loved the hotel, service etc. The restaurants are also first class in Anguilla though a bit pricey but the food is well worth it. The BVI is beautiful and hilly (lots of hiking). We stayed on Tortolla and did day trips to Virgin gorda (the baths) and Jost Van Dyke (white bay - amazing beach). I would recommend both trips if you go to BVI. In summary two very different islands. If you want to relax on the best beaches go to Anguilla. If you want a little more adventure go to BVI. Sorry can't comment on Turks and Caisos.

SusanLynne

We've been to all three, specifically Anguilla, Turks & Caicos and Anegada, northernmost of the BVI's. Each has its own highlights. You will not find on Anguilla the mega resorts that are now on T&C. Anguilla has a wide array of restaurant choices, and I think its beaches are more plentiful than T&C. But, as Sunnyboy noted, the snorkeling is average. If I may throw a couple of other options out: Cat Island, Bahamas. Unbelievable snorkeling and a number of cottages available for rent. Or there is a house on the Hawks Nest Resort & Marina property that is beautifully situated on a point, very secluded and tastefully appointed. Another of our favorites is Anegada. We found the snorkeling at Flash of Beauty, Cow Wreck and Loblolly to be some of the best we have ever experienced. Both of those islands, however, the "hiking" is relatively non-existent, except Cat Island is home to the highest point of the Bahamas. Just do a lot of research and ask a lot of questions and you will find that ideal locale! Good luck!

elle77

My husband and I have been to both T&C and Anguilla. They are similar in that they are dry, flat, scrubby islands. As mentioned by other posters Anguilla has beautiful beaches. Shoal Bay on Anguilla takes your breath away. However, Grace Bay on T&C is also incredible. We had a couple days on Grace Bay where the sea was so calm that the water was like a swimming pool. If you like to snorkel Anguilla does not offer a lot of options. We did snorkel at Shoal Bay but the water was rough the days we were there.
T&C has some good snorkeling in front of the Coral Gardens Hotel. And there are a lot of boat trips offered although we did not do any of these. We saw turtles, two barracuda, a few rays and tons of fish snorkeling right in front of the Coral Gardens hotel. We stayed at The Sands resort on T&C and it is an easy 20-25 minute walk down the beach to the Coral Gardens. We had a car and it was about a 5 minute drive.
We liked both islands a lot. We probably liked T&C a little better as we did not feel we spent as much time driving around to get to other beaches-with Grace Bay right in front of you, what else do you need!? Also, we went to a casino at the Allegro Hotel one night and that was kind of fun.
Good luck with your research. Let me know if you have other questions!

Maureen

We vacationed in Tortola last December and would definitely go back.
We stayed at the Sugar Mill Hotel located on the North shore of Tortola with award winning cuisine offered in their restaurant. No children on property when we were there and the plantation suite was quiet and spacious with very nice decorating touches. The views were incredible from the Sugar Mill as well as when driving around the island.
We also toured the Villas at Fort Recovery located closer to the Sopers Hole Marina (northwest Tortola) and it was a lovely resort with tropical grounds and very nice suites all with T.V's. For the most privacy rent a penthouse suite end unit. A boat will take you over to Normann Island for snorkeling from the small pier at Fort Recovery. No restaurant on site but they will direct you to good restaurants close by and a cook can come to your suite and prepare dinner for you. At their website you can read about their packages.
You will need to rent a jeep to drive around the island. We liked Cane Garden Bay and Smugglers Cove (although this is an adventure to drive to).
We took a water taxi to Jost Van Dyke-- a small slice of heavenly beach--go to White Beach.
Sebastians nearby at Apple Bay (surfers beach) has very good bands playing caribbean music on Sundays starting at 4:30 I believe. The Limin Times pamphlet by the front desk lists entertainment for the particular week.