Pumpy

Looking for a great family (kids 6 & 11) beach get away (week) in the Caribbean. I realize GC is a very popular / busy spot but it attracts me/us for the spectacular water / beach activities (wife & I are both divers and the kids love to snorkel. Anyway, would love to hear from others that know that part of the world. I'm afraid I might be overlooking a less crowded / less expensive island. We've never stayed at an all inclusive but have tossed that idea around as well. We are not wealthy by any means but do like to splurge on vacations and stay at more upscale resorts / hotels.

Suggestions and/or comments would be greatly appreciated!

PS: For those that have been to GC, is it best to stay on or near 7 mile island? We'd rather avoid the masses but than again don't want to end up staying somewhere else and then driving / taxi back to 7 mile.

Kristen1206

If you stay on the middle/North end of 7MB the crowds won' be an issue. Look into Villas of the Galleon or Plantaan. Both have great beaches, great snorkeling and still close to restaurants & activities without being in the middle of things.

Another island you might look into is Turks and Caicos.

meta

Grand Cayman would be perfect. We went in Feb. and stayed at Villas of Galleon. Also check out Plantana and Casa Caribe. We are going back next year to GC and staying at Plantana. (they have washers and dryers in all 2 bedroom units)

We considered Turks and Caicos, but there seems to be more places to dive and snorkle in GC.

When do you plan on traveling?

Pumpy

We're looking to go mid-March. I'm hoping GC is not a big Spring Break destination. Am I wrong? Also, I looked up the Planatana condos on the web and am interested. What does a 2 bedroom run/$ (I didn't see any prices listed)?

NM

We have 2 kids and spent a wks. vacation in GC in July. Yes it is crowded but the beach, diving and snorkeling is wonderful. I highly recommend staying at the far end of 7-mile. Stay down near Christopher Columbus, Silver Sands, or Anchorage condo's. We go to Anguilla in the winter which we love but it doesn't have the level of snorkeling or diving. Good luck--also don't feel that T and C has as much to offer as GC.

Pumpy

NM, thanks as I had considere T and/or C as an option. Since you seem pretty familiar w/ the area, is the Dominican Republic worth considering? As to the condo's / area you mention on GC, are those condo's you'd suggest and/or is there a nice resort(s) in that area you'd recommend? Thanks!

Danee

We spent last years vacation in Cayman and did Aruba this year - for us Aruba beats Cayman hands done (besides the diving / snorkeling -- kids would love the Stingray City trip). Aruba was cheaper, great beaches, food, watersports, seemed like more activity. Nightlife for the adults as well.

Kristen1206

Pumpy~

Try www.caymanvacations.com. It lists all the hoyels/condos, their amenities, prices, location etc.. But the Plantana website should show rates and specials. I believe you can get 7 nights for the price of 5 during off season. Also, I wouldn't recommend going further North than Plantana or Avalon as the beach is not as ncie up there and there is erosion. The one exception is Christopher Columbus...they had a great beach for being so far North.

I agree with the above poster as well with regard to Aruba. We loved it there (though the snorkleing/diving can't compare). I think our next trip will be back to Aruba...

Samsaf

We went to GC this summer for the first time and loved it. Also consider staying on the East end; we stayed at the Reef on the East end and were very pleased with the resort and also the location, but it is a long drive (about 45 minutes) to get to the 7-mile Beach area from there. We drove over to 7-mile about 3 times during our one-week stay. If you stay on the East end, you definitely need to rent a car.

We also love to snorkel. We've snorkeled at many places around the world, and the snorkeling at GC was the best ever.