Great swimming beaches
 

Hi. We've never been to the Caribbean--looking for low key atmosphere, beautiful beaches with calm swimming water, and would like not to rent a car--going in February (obviously last minute!) We'll have a 14 year old daughter with us but she is easily entertained. Also, how do you get information about charter flights? via travel agents? Most flights from Boston look to be pretty full already. Are the Bahamas too cold for February? Thanks in advance!!!

We were in the Turks and Caicos (Provo) last Feb. These Islands are just south of the Bahamas, and the weather was great-plently warm. One of the Caribbean's many "best" beaches, Grace Bay Beach, is on the island of Provo, and it also has great, sandy bottom, usually calm water. There are quite a few condo type resorts, and there is quite a bit within walking distance of a few of them (Ocean Club West, Royal West Indies just to name two.) We liked it so much, we are going back this year too. While we rented a car for half of our stay, taxis were easy to get, and didn't break the bank.

Sorry I can't help out with the Charter question.

I agree with Provo for perfect swimming conditions. We also enjoyed Sapphire Beach on St. Thomas, which might be a degree or two warmer, but doesn't allow for the LONG beach walks of Grace Bay.

if you've never been to the Caribbean you will be setting the very very high by going to T & C. It's heaven on earth, not much too do but that what my wife and I love about it. Provo has one of the nicest stretches of white sand beach you will ever find with turquoise water like you've never seen beofre. We give it two thumbs way up!!!!!!!!!

We are going to Turks and Caicos this President's week and staying at Ocean Club West. My son is 12 and OCW seems to be just what we are looking for.

For charter information from Boston, go to www.gwvtravel.com. They have charters to many places. Punta Cana, LaRomano and Puerto Plata all have many All-Inclusive packages (air, hotel and all meals and drinks). You wouldn't need a car in any of these places. Also many other places with or without the all-inclusive feature. You can get the information on the internet, but ultimately you will need to book through a Travel Agent.

Have to go along with other posters here, Grace Bay on Providenciales, Turks and Caicos is excellent. Its about the whitest sandiest expanse of beach there is, combined with the most beautiful water and if you're lucky, as we were, you'll happen into Jo-jo the friendly dolphin that frequents those waters..your 14yr old would get a kick. For charters, be careful yep they are cheap but there's pitfalls. The largest is mechanical problems with their 1 plane, should that occur you're stuck. They are cattle car, awful loading...sorry I can't say anything good about the prospect other than if you can get a nonstop to T&C from BOS and its cheap GO FOR IT. Otherwise stick to a major airline, preferrably American as this moment in time or Delta....both service Providenciales (PLS). Have a great trip!

Grace Bay, Provo
7 Mile Beach, Negril
Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres

I agree with Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres. You definitely do not need a car on Isla. I haven't been to Grace Bay - but from all of the pics I have seen - it looks awesome!

Thanks so much for all your suggestions. My original plan was to go to Long Bay Beach on Tortola but after reading some of the messages on this board it became obvious that it's beautiful but not all that great for swimming. Now I'm switching my thoughts to Grace Bay and others. Do most of you tend to stay at all inclusives? Is that the best way to go? We usually like to find little places but it seems like trips to the Caribbean work differently than trips to Europe. This forum is so helpful--it's great to have all your suggestions. I'll let you know what happens!

We've been to Provo twice. During our first visit we stayed at Ocean Club West (OCW) and during our second visit we stayed at The Sands. While we preferred The Sands over OCW they are both very nice properties with excellent accomodations.
If there is a better beach with more beautiful swimming conditions we've not experienced it. Grace Bay is AWESOME!
Enjoy.

How long are you going for? I believe Boston is a good area to do a fair amount of direct flights out of.
There are many beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, but the Bahamas are too cold in February. A travel agent can set you up with a charter. Also, there are many websites that show last minute deals that you can check out.