coral gardens or ocean club east
 

Trying to decide between ocean club east and coral gardens? We would love to be closer to the snorkeling but dont want to be around a lot of people on the beach. Going in November

November shouldn't be too crowded. Either way you'll need a car, Coral Gardens is in front of the off the beach reef but not close to all the great restaurants, Ocean Club East is not close to the reef.

Both are well maintained properties.

OC has a gorgeous wide stretch of the beach, Coral Gardens has probably the narrowest section of beach (besides Beaches Resort) but you can move down to other sections to hang out.

so either way we need to drive to the restaurants? Is it better to stay at OC east and take shuttle to OC west for the restaurants? Do you know any good fishing guides?

All the restaurants are in clumps, even though it's one long beach. So use, sooner or later you need to have transportation. Car driving is really easy, everything is a 10 minute ride from each other, but too far/ dark to walk at nights. Cars are much more economical than taxi too.

Coral Gardens has the Somewhere On The Beach which is popular but the other restaurants around it are passible.

Ocean Club is closer to walking to some restaurants, but again, too far to some of what I consider do not misses. You'll need a car to snorkel at Coral Gardens.

As for fishing guides, Arthur Dean is the best. (Silverdeep)

Thanks! One more thing: List your top do not miss restaurants:) Thanks

Coco Bistro
Bay Bistro
Baci

Tues and Fri nights at Mango Reef with live music Nada

Wednesday nights ribs $14 Tiki Hut

thur and Sat at Deck at Seven stars with live music Nada (magical setting, the best ambience)

Thur night Somewhere on the Beach TexMex with live music

Da Conch Shack, Coyaba, hemingways, Beach House, Vix. If full moon don't miss bonfire beach BBQ Bay Bistro

Sunday beach bonfire BBQ at Seven Stars

If you want local food, try Flamingos, Sailing Paradise

WhereWhenHow.tc

If it matters, we visited last November and the area in front of Coral Gardens was pretty busy and crowded. I haven't seen the beach in front of Ocean Club East, but I've heard it's really beautiful.

thanks for your responses!

Coco Bistro has become our do not miss restaurant. The atmosphere is unusual, since you're dining in the middle of a palm tree grove, but it's beautiful at night. Food and service are excellent there.

I agree with the Coco Bistro recommendation. Really a one-of-a kind place. Don't miss it!

I think Opus just next to OC East is just as good as Coco Bistro

Oh, and to answer your question. OC East over Coral Gardens, just get at least a Jr Suite