Caribbean in December
 

Are the hurricanes gone by early December? Also, any recommendations for hotels/resorts? Interested in going snorkeling, etc.

Hurricane season is over end of November. Which island are you considering? Give us some idea of where you are looking to go and we can give you some tips.<BR>

I thought that St. Lucia was a beautiful island - if you want more touristy than stay in the north (the Royal St. Lucian was where we stayed - it was lovely and people were fantastic and friendly) and the south is the more quiet area. If you are staying in the south the Ladera resort is romantic but is up the hill from the beach (free transport to beach is available - we stayed there one night and would recommend it). One thing to keep in mind on the Ladera is that it's remote - no phone and no t.v. along with the open air. Their restaurant Dasheene has incredible views that are hard to describe and the Hilton in the south of the island is right on a beach with snorkeling but the beach itself is smaller than the beach at the Royal St. Lucian.

The Caribbean is very nice in Dec., but be sure to go far enough south that the water will be pleanty warm. The water tends to be a little rougher that time of year, but it's still nice.

Yes the hurricanes are gone. There was apparently one way back in the early part of the 20th century which I believe hit Barbados. You don't have to go that far south for warm waters in December - just anywhere south of Puerto Rico will work fine. The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos are the islands which could be a bit chilly - like Florida.

I was originally looking at the Cayman Islands, but from the replies it seems a bit north for the weather. Perhaps Aruba or St. Maarten. I'm looking for a place that offers good hiking, water sports, beaches, and cliff diving . . . any recommendations? Thanks!!

St. Maarten/St. Martin is known for it's beaches, water sports, shopping, dining and night life.<BR><BR>There is diving and some hiking there, but it's not spectacular. However, you could make a day trip to either Saba or St. Eustatius for great hiking on Mt. Scenery or The Quill, respectively.<BR><BR>Good luck in your decision.<BR><BR>

WE did Grand Cayman the first 2 weeks in Dec and it was fantastic.