flautamarie

Hello! My Husband and I are going to explore some Caribbean islands next summer, and I am looking for help on some specific questions.

For background -
We are sub thirty, active.
Out budge will be around $500 a day, but we do not need luxury. If we find a cheap airbnb and food, we would be happy, and probably extend the trip.
He loves mountain terrain, I love to snorkel.
We want to do 3-5 islands for 3-5 days each.

We are looking for several good place to explore and do outdoor activities. Snorkeling, hiking, biking, kayaking, anything that involves being outside with nature. Crowds are not really an issue. I would prefer it be quiet, but.... we will be happy no matter what.

Can anyone tell me about St. Lucia and Dominica?
They are my top choices currently, but then again, its been hard to find good information.

I am open for suggestions on island, resorts, airbnb, food, whatever you can throw my way!

OliverJ

I know St lucia quite well but have not looked into inter island hoping between Dominica and Martinique, though suspect there will be ferries. St Lucia is great place for Hiking, swimming and outdoor activities. From a Nature Perspective it is a haven for Flaura and Fauna, as is Dominica. you mentioned 3 - 5 islands, I think 3 will your tops here as these islands are bigger than many others.
If you wanted to do 5 Islands I would really consider the US Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands ( flight costs are also much less). Example itinerary in the USVI and BVI could be :
* Arrival Day St. Thomas (USVI) - 1 night
* ferry - 4 Nights St John - great Nature, beaches / snorkeling ++, hiking is great here - it's a real Nature Island
* ferry - 3 Nights Totrola - great beaches / snorkeling, trail bike riding
* ferry - 3 nights Virgin Gorda and the Baths ~ again all the activities
* Hire a Sail Boat to Take you from Virgin Gorda to Peter Island or Cooper Island for a Grand Final 3 Nights of real Caribbean Peace and Nature. Our favorite is Peter Island Resort as you can hike, there are several beaches and the hotel / staff is super friendly ~ It is expensive but if you do VRBO or smaller resorts on way then splurge at the end - you will not regret it.

We love the USVI and BVI but I do not wish to sway you from your original picks - they are amazing to! I think one other difference is that I think you might do more trecking with a guide in St Lucia / Dominica then you would is USVI or BVI. But at the same time the landscape flaura, fauna will be more impressive on St Lucia and Dominica.

Hope this helps with ideas and happy Caribbean travelling!