We are planning a family trip for February 2007 and are having trouble deciding between Grenada and Costa Rica. The past 2 years we went to St. John and loved it but we are looking for a different experience this time.

There are 3 families with 7 kids who will be aged 6 - 14. Looking for warm climate, nice beaches and adventure. We don't care for hotels so will be looking for a villa. In St. John we rented a jeep and did a lot of exploring on our own. Duration of the vacation will be 10-14 days.

I would love some feedback! Any other suggestions?

Thanks!

I'm glad I've been to both so I could "cross them off my list", but I never have to back.

Having said that, if nice beaches are a factor, I would lean towards Grenada. If you are up for an adventure, I would definately do a day trip to Sandy Island. I say adventure, because you have to take a ferry to Carrioccou (sorry about spelling) then take a water taxi over to Sandy Cay. I'm sure excursion companies can also prearrange a trip for you. They may also arrange a trip to Tobago Cays, which are spectacular!

Costa Rica is a fun adventure. Rainforrest hikes, lots of monkeys, and the zip lines are a blast. The beaches are much better in the Carribean though.

I was in Costa Rica in 01 and Grenada in 03. I agree with the previous poster concerning better beaches in Grenada. Grande Anse beach was abolutely amazing. We stayed at the Blue Horizons Cottage Hotel which was an excellent choice. This place may suite your needs to a 't'. There are about 30 cottages of various sizes. While not right on the beach you have access to the beach at their sister hotel the Spice Island Resort. We were there prior to the devastating hurricane. We toured the island twice and were absorbed in the smell of the nutmet. The island is quite safe. We often used the local transit into to St. Georges. Costa Rica is a different adventure. We toured the country from coast to coast for 2 weeks. The countryside will astound. The sloth, monkeys, iguana, many things to excite. We never felt unsafe and stayed in everything from cabinos to high class accommodations with an outdoor pool heated by the lava under Arenal Volcano. The ticos are warm-hearted, interested and interesting.

I've been to both places, too. Costa Rica would offer more "adventure" excursions than Grenada. However, i would think CR would take a lot more planning and traveling to get to the places you want to visit. With 3 families and 7 kids, it might be best to stay in one place. Grenada also has a new river-rafting outfit, if that sounds interesting to you. Both countries are beautiful.

Hi Cathy
Never been to Grenada (may be my next trip). We've been to CR 3 times and I love it.
Since you have 2 weeks, you might want to consider going to 2 different areas. CR is an incredibly diverse place.
I'll remark on the beaches of Costa Rica but I can't compare them to Grenada. There are so many different beaches in CR and they have different shores, waves, backdrops, etc. Our favorite beach area was Malpais / St. Teresa. This is a great surfing area (I like waves) but safe for swimming as well.
As for other things ... we took my family with 5 kids (14-21) to CR. We rented a villa in Manuel Antonio. This is not my absolute favorite place in CR but I felt it had the largest variety of things to do. We did zip lines, deep sea fishing, sailing cruise, white water rafting, etc.
There is a lot to booking a trip to CR but there are several agencies who could help you organize the details.
Have fun!