Caribbean chillout vacation for a single 40 y/o male
 

I want to go in April. It's my first Caribbean vacation. Here's what I'm looking for:
- Beach with water you can go into (warm enough and the sharks are not too hungry). Snorkeling is a plus.
- No spring-breakers
- Crowd is not limited to 20-somethings, or 70-somethings...
- Convenient sleeping conditions but no need for upscale/luxury.
- No need for activities/attractions/ruins...

Any tips are welcome, there is much too much stuff on the net, I need to focus...

Thanks,
Zurkin

maho.org great vibe easy to get to also for PERFECT PINK sand
valentinesdive.com briland.com litle closer to the US
great Brit Bahamas out island vibe.
spirit.com aa.com cheap flights

Happy Hunting!

take a look at grand cayman. fairly laid back atmosphere. excellent off beach snorkeling. plenty of dining options. one of the condo places on seven mile beach might be perfect for you. amer will fly you in 11 hrs for approx $700 - however the return flt is horrendous.

bahamas water temps might still be a bit cool in april.

Turks & Caicos ( PLS airport code) The most beautiful white sand, beautiful water, great dining , beautiful condos ( run like hotels) No spring break crowd.

Negril Jamaica

Barbados is a great island for first timer to the Caribbean.

Grand Cayman or Turks and Caicos.

Just a FYI: New York's spring school break occurs around Easter, early April, so go late April unless you want lots of company on the beach.

Of all the suggestions above, I think St. John/Maho Beach sounds best for you, since you're not looking for luxury accommodations, but do want good snorkeling. Turks has excellent off-beach snorkeling, but is one of the most expensive islands in the Caribbean. Grand Cayman is IMHO, the Miami of the Caribbean, a little dull for me.

Negril, Jamaica might be a possibility, too, although you have to be ready for it. The beach is beautiful, but the "scene" is very low-key, maybe more rustic than you'd want on vacation. I don't know what your budget is, but you might look at IDLE AWHILE, which is on the best part of the beach. It's a very small hotel with comfortable rooms and tends to cater less to families than some of the other resorts on the beach.

Good luck, have fun!