cookbound

Please help, I'm trying to figure out where we want to go this year. Seasoned traveler of carribean, but want something different and gorgous beaches with lots of choices of activities.

We are young 40 year olds, very active, love hiking, boating, snorkeling, diving (but not certified), etc.

Which would you prefer and why??? Going this summer June or July.

xkenx

Grenada is a fascinating island, but weak for snorkeling. If that's important, go to BVI. Actually, Barbados has some of anything the Caribbean has to offer, except gambling and a volcano.

Callaloo

It's a tough call, but given your interests, I would opt for Grenada -- if you don't mind the punishing journey to get there....

Grenada is one of the most varied islands in the Caribbean, with lush, hilly topography, interesting geological features (crater lakes, hot springs), beautiful beaches to satisfy all tastes (from long, white strands to greyish, palm-fringed bays), interesting local cuisine, and welcoming people. The town of St. George's is one of the prettiest in the islands, and has a vibrant market, stocked with the dazzling array of local produce and spices. There are rain forests to hike and waterfalls to swim.

As xkenx noted, Grenada's biggest shortcoming with respect to water sports is snorkeling and diving. The run off from those lush green hills clouds the water and has inhibited coral growth (though a day trip to neighboring Carriacou can easily fill that void -- amazing snorkeling there).

In comparing the BVI and Grenada, you'll find the BVI can meet many of your wishes as well, except the islands are not as verdant and varied. As with any island destination, there are trade-offs. I've visited each many times and am willing to take the long journey to get to Grenada -- there's just more to it for me (and, frankly, I've lost a lot of my appetite for the BVI with the increasing cruise ship traffic that ends up clogging some once-mellow spots...).

cookbound

Thanks xkenx and Callaloo for your input. Callaloo, that's exactly what I want to avoid is the cruise ship traffic, those ships wreak havock on the area in more ways than one. I didn't realize BVI had that situation.

The trip getting there is quite an ordeal and that's one thing that I was not sure of, if it was worth the length and pain to get there.

hmmmmmm???? Still contemplating.

Laby

If you live in the New York area, you can fly non-stop on Delta (from JFK Airport) to Grenada. They only run these non-stop flights once a week (Friday departure, Saturday return) but, if you live in the NY area and can adjust your plans to this schedule, that would be an easy way to travel to Grenada.

cookbound

Unfortunately, no, I live in New Mexico, nothing is convenient, except for the west coast!

For you all that have been to Grenada & BVI, any suggestions for places to stay?? I like higher end places, like to be on the beach, and would like a place with a fridge.

Have you all seen/been to Maca Bana in Grenada or Azzurra Castle??

Thanks!

Callaloo

If you are unlucky enough (like me -- living in Maryland and stuck with AA's punitive scheduling) to have a challenging schedule to travel to Grenada, consider making the loooong layover in San Juan a plus instead of a negative. San Juan is a great destination, and we are breaking up our return trip from Grenada (coming up in a few weeks) to include a full day and overnight in San Juan. Old San Juan can keep me occupied for hours, not to mention touring El Morro and hitting some of those great restaurants. It's a great way to ease in to island-time southbound, as well as ramping back up to coming home on the northbound journey.

Also, I will note that Grenada has some cruise ship traffic as well; it just doesn't seem as pervasive. Smaller ships and less of them, as well as a larger island to bear the impact of all of those extra bodies. The BVI hasn't developed enough infrastructure to absorb the impact of so many visitors, and it shows -- not only at many of the spots people visit, but in the subtly changing attitudes of the local population.

xkenx

St. John is probably as explorer-friendly as anything in the BVI. And it has beach-lovers/snorkeling-lovers paradise in Caneel Bay. 171 rooms on 170 acres scattered about 7 tree-shaded white sand beaches, all with wade-in snorkeling. Caneel is within the National Park, so there is no development to be seen from anywhere on the property-just water, sky, other islands.

marigold

Hi, Laby,
Aren't those flights from New York to Grenada actually Air Jamaica flights? The two airlines have a code-share agreement?

cookbound

Callaloo,

Thanks for the tip, hadn't thought of staying in Puerto Rico. Oh, and didn't know Grenada got cruise ships, I thought just bareboats......bummer! Hmmmm, I'm still trying to decided and leaning towards Grenada. Where do you all stay while there??

xKenx, been to St Thomas & St. John, enjoyed it, just not a whole lot to do there. But good snorkeling and that's what's concerning me about Grenada, no good snorkeling or diving..........hmmm, decisions decisions.

Thanks guys for all your help!

Callaloo

We have stayed at several places on Grenada. First time (back in 1992) we stayed at Coral Cove (cheap but clean, and located on the water). Next time, we stayed at the now-closed Secret Harbour after a crewed yacht trip. The time after that, started at Secret Harbour, sailed, and then stayed at the Grenada Grand. This time, we are combining a stay at True Blue Bay and ... you guessed it ... bareboat sailing.

There are actually VERY few destinations in the Caribbean that don't get some sort of cruise ship action. I've even seen them taking tenders to the Tobago Cays. If you're looking to get away from all of that, most of the Out Islands of the Bahamas remain cruise ship free. And if you want to talk about GORGEOUS beaches...