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Hey Fodorites--tell me what the best island is to island hop from

Hey Fodorites--tell me what the best island is to island hop from

Old Dec 24th, 2001, 06:56 AM
  #1  
Marty
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Hey Fodorites--tell me what the best island is to island hop from

OK posters, here's a genuine question: Say you have 10 days and you want to see 4-5 islands (not all necessarily under the same flag). Tell me your experiences with island hopping, good and bad.

We're going in April, and want to see several different cultures, types of food and music, etc.
 
Old Dec 24th, 2001, 07:04 AM
  #2  
Amy
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You may want to consider a cruise. This way you will have several ports of call and can get a feel for each island.
 
Old Dec 24th, 2001, 08:28 AM
  #3  
fyi
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its better to island hop!! A cruise will take you to the busiest islands-with the busy ports such as St. Thomas, St. Martin, etc. While this can be fun it does not give you the true island experience!!! Unless you do windstar ect. Much better to island hop via Liat or thru the BVI and US Virgins a ferry!
 
Old Dec 24th, 2001, 08:29 AM
  #4  
fyi
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Gateways would be Antiqua, ST. Martin, barbados and San Juan!
 
Old Dec 24th, 2001, 09:05 AM
  #5  
curiousx
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From St. Lucia you can island hop by air or ferry to the nearby French islands (Guadaloupe, Martinique) or by air to St. Vincent.

You can also get to St. Vincent from Barbados (air only). From St. Vincent you can go by ferry or air to Bequia, Canouan, Mayreau (ferry only) and Union. From Union, you can fly or water taxi to Carriacou. From Carriacou you can get to Grenada by fast or slow ferry or air. From Grenada you can go by air to Trinidad/Tobago or back north to St. Lucia by way of Barbados.

In 10 days, however, I'd prefer to spend most of my time getting to know a couple of these islands, rather than transiting among them.

Have fun.
 
Old Dec 24th, 2001, 09:13 AM
  #6  
Karen
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Haven't had many bad experiences island hopping altho the travel time and getting reacclimated to the new spot takes time away from beach and relaxing. There are several small carriers, Liat is just one, that can offer island hops from larger islands or between isalnds. fyi mentioned some but didn't include others. Those islands around St. Martin (two flags on one island, btw) might include Anguilla, St. Barth's and Saba and each one is very different. Islands near to St. Thomas might include the other USVI each with their own personality and the BVI's but you can easily hook up to many other islands from there as well also by ferry or plane. Liat did offer a special "island fare" where you can make three stops within a month for a great price. Nothing wrong with cruising to get a feel of an island if you want to cover a few but there are certain drawbacks with that! Just 'cause you are on a cruise doesn't mean you have to do what the others do and can go off and explore a bit on your own and get a feel of the island not just the port - but you don't have much time at any one spot! Maybe a crewed charter and you don't have to pack/unpack every day and the traveling time is also the relaxing island hopping kind!
 
Old Dec 24th, 2001, 12:33 PM
  #7  
Kim
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St.Lucia.
 
Old Dec 26th, 2001, 06:33 AM
  #8  
Hugh
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I agree with the post that said St. Martin. It's central to the rest of the W. Antillies.
 
Old Dec 26th, 2001, 09:39 AM
  #9  
al
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I'll vote for St. Martin. You know St. Martin, that filthy, crime and nudie-ridden island that everyone loves to hate? From there you can go to (at least) Anguilla, Antigua, St. Barts and Saba, and don't forget St. Martin itself -- casinos and partying on the Dutch side (St. Maarten), great restaurants, boutiques and beaches on the French side (St. Martin).

 
Old Dec 26th, 2001, 11:59 AM
  #10  
Lyn
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I agree with the others--St. Martin. From there you can easily hop to St. Bart's (absolutely fabulous) & Anguilla (wonderful). I wouldn't try to cram more than three islands into a 10 day trip if you truly want to experience an island's culture.
 

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