Could someone compare the British Virgin Islands and Cayman Islands? I'm looking for someone who has been to both. We've only been to Cayman Islands. Thanks for any help and comparisons! (cost, beaches, snorkeling, accomodations, etc.)<BR>

There is no comparison. BVI is lush, green, mountainous, not over run with fast food restaurants and traffic. The pace is more laid back. There are deserted beaches on Virgin gorda that are out of this world. It isn't as expensive as GC either, but then again I don't think any island is as expensive as GC.<BR><BR>You don't have the fancy shops you do in GC, there aren't tons of off shore banks....LOL<BR><BR>I prefer Virgin Gorda to the other BVI's. Have been to Tortola three times, twice on a cruise and once to stay for a week and was not impressed. Jost Van Dyke was interesting, but I don't know if I could stay there for days on end. A lot of the smaller islands had excellent snorkeling. Salt Island, Peter, Norman, Cooper etc. We did all the small ones in a sail boat. Excellent way to visit them.

Thanks for the info! Do you have any suggestions on places to stay for a family of 5 on Virgin Gorda? We stayed at 2BR condo's on Grand Cayman. Are the British Virgin Islands (Virgin Gorda in particular) as "safe" as Grand Cayman? That's one of the reasons we like Grand Cayman, that and the great snorkling. <BR><BR>I'm glad to hear the prices aren't as high as Grand Cayman! Thanks again!

I always felt very safe there. We'd rent a car and drive all over and never worried. As to where to stay, I can't say, I slept on a boat....try scubamom.com, she has a lot on the BVI's.

Anon -- these people are misleading you! After Grand Cayman you will surely be diaappointed by the BVI. They do NOT have the same standard of living as Grand Cayman by a long shot! If it were me, I would NEVER take my family there!!

Jeff, please do us Cayman fans a favor and don't try to argue against the ones who steer people away from the Caymans. It’s a good thing if people believe it’s overrun with fast food places, traffic, etc. The prices there are purposely high to keep it from attracting too many people, especially the wrong types. Although it’s normal to want to counter all the garbage that’s being spread, think of it like protecting your favorite fishing hole.

I've been to Virgin Gorda and just returned from Grand Cayman.<BR><BR>Both places are nice but I would definitely choose BVI. The Caymans were nice but the cost is incredible. You can snorkel from shore in Cayman as well as around BVI and we found incredible shore snorkeling in BVI that had more fish and more colorful fish. <BR><BR>Don't get me wrong. The Caymans are beautiful and the beaches are too. But the cost of places like the Westin and Hyatt plus trying to feed a family is unbelievable when you figure the exchange rate. Since you asked for cost comparison I would say try BVI.<BR><BR>

I have been to both and definately prefer the BVI's. In fact Virgin Gorda is my favorite Carribbean island. If you are looking for the classic carribbean adventure w/o all the commercialism then VG is THE place. I have stayed there 2x. Once at Biras Creek (great) and once at Nail Bay. Nail Bay may suit you. They have fairly new Codo units. We had a 1 bedroom/2 bath unit with full kitchen, ov terrace, BBQ, and day beds in the Lr for the kids. There is a small pool and bar/grill. You can walk to a small beach, but the property is not on the beach, it is on a hill w/a breathtaking view of the sea and sunset. The rates were reasonable and you can cook in or try the great restaurants on the island. Rent a car and every day visit one of the spectacular beaches on the island!

Jeff and Daniel...the poster stated that she had already BEEN to <BR>GC and was looking for something new and wanted to now how the BVI compared. I am shocked at the lack of reading comprehension in this world.<BR><BR>As to the prices being high in GC to keep out certain "types". It sure didn't work, did it?

Caymans are way too expensive for the average traveler. Budget-minded types need to head elsewhere... I recommend packing a cooler with food to save a few bucks and heading to the VIs!!

I was to Virgin Gorda several years ago and loved it. I agree with many of the above comments that Virgin Gorda being mountainous and grand cayman (tho fabulous snorkeling the island itself is not beautiful). The locals are great in both destinations. We stayed at The Bitter End in Virgin Gorda (and they do have villas)and The Hyatt in Grand Cayman (gorgeous). Also, something else, is it is MUCH harder to get to BVI, usually involving small planes and boats sometime... But you get a very remote, beautiful,and memorable vacation. Have fun.