colokev

I looking to book a caribbean trip for this summer. I want to go to an island that has a bunch of activities. My boyfriend will get bored just laying on a beach. I was looking for something with great watersports, hiking, excursions, towns to visit and shop in and more outdoor stuff. Not looking for anything like Bahamas or Jamaica where it's all casinos and being hassled in the towns or markets.. Any suggestions??

EnglishmanOnStBarths

Call me biaised but you can't beat St Barths.

take a look at www.sbhonline.com

One thing you can be sure of is that you are 100% safe and hassle free.

Laby

I would suggest the Virgin Islands (particularly St. John, Tortola and Virgin Gorda). They offer exactly what you're looking for in a vacation. Anguilla may also be worth looking into, although it doesn't have much in the way of great towns to visit. No casinos though and you won't be hassled anywhere. The Virgin Islands and Anguilla are all renowned for their beautiful beaches.

Sandcrab

It has to be Grenada you are looking for because it has everything you are looking for, and no casinos or neon signs. there are some great little bars and restaurants though. Ask the questions you need answered at the new discussion board. Register real easy and post on www.grenadavisitorforum.com It has some experienced people.

oldhippy

read this page:
[and disreguard the update message]

http://hispaniola.com/Cabarete/activities.html

plus rooms from $25+

http://www.hotel-caribe-surf.com/english.htm

LLindaC

I like the BVIs as well. You can ferry to Tortola, Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke. Take a plane to Anegada. Fun beach bars down at Cane Garden Bay. Day snorkel charters are lots of fun- good snorkeling spots. Perfectly safe, no chain hotels or Mc Donalds, lots of beauty and places to explore.

ONZGO

Check out the Mayan Riviera area south of Cancun. I wouldn't do Cancun unless you are into party central and things very Americanized, but south of Cancun still has old Mexico feel with some wonderful new resorts. There are a lot of things to do in this area such as Mayan ruins to explore, cenotes to swim/snorkel and water/eco parks to check out and there are some small towns for shopping. I can personally recommend the Barcelo Maya. It is on one of the best beaches in the area and has on site snorkeling. Lots of good information and pictures of this resort can be found at the address below, but there are many other wonderful all inclusives in this area of Mexico.

http://www.unofficial-barcelo-maya.com/

Have a great vacation no matter where you choose to go. 8-)

travelgetaways

Visit the website; www.antigua-vip.com
VERY INTIMATE PLACES - Great specials in the summer off season; you defently will not be bored. Let them know you were referred by me, Deb from Boston if you decide to visit. Hiking through the rainforest, water sports activities abound, excursions by land, air (helicopter?) or sea to Montseraat, Jumby Bay or Barbuda for real added excitement. Casino in downtown is the better one; definetly no hassles, extremely SAFE all around the island.

caribedon

Hello colokev! I think after reading what you are looking for Grand Cayman would be perfect for you.Look into staying at the TURTLES NEST INN or THE REEF RESORT.Go to www.reef.com.ky to check out the reef and go to www.turtlesnestinn.com to check Turtles Nest. Both are great places and will save you a lot of money. Grand Cayman has so much to do and is so beautiful. If you like partying make sure you party at LEGENDZ nightclub. Great place right on 7 mile beach!! 7 mile beach is the best beach in Grand Cayman. Visit Stingray City there and also the Queen ElizabethII Botanical Gardens, for shopping go to GRAND HARBOUR CENTER downtown. You will love Grand Caytman and I hope this helps!!!

TomCayman

caribedon, no idea who you are, but thanks for recommending The Reef

One thing though, our website is www.thereef.com.ky

BTW, I love message boards and people who research their vacations, so on our website you will see independent reviews embedded in their through www.wheretostay.com.

vinceygirl

St.Vincent and the Grenadines.

Knowing

I think you would like Antigua. Lots of shopping. I personally like Goldsmitty's with their precious stones jewelry. Most of the resorts have evening entertainment as well as independent bars. The Beach has a DJ with a happy hour and a fire dancer, there's Shirley Heights, all kinds of water sports and lots of restaurants that are worth trying.

lizpereira

My favourite island is St. Kitts. Visit www.discover-stkitts-nevis-beaches.com for more information on this beautiful, unspoilt island.

Hike Mt. Liamuga or the rainforest, visit the uncrowded beaches, Brimstone Hill Fortress, catamaran snorkel excursion to sister island of Nevis, fun beach bars, watersports at Turtle Beach, lime with the friendly locals, and so much more.

caribedon

Hello TomCayman!!sorry about the wrong web address! I have heard many great things about the reef and I am happy to recommend it! Many of my St. Thomas friends have HIGHLY recommended it. You like to cut loose at LEGENDZ once in a while?

curiousx

Vinceygirl, like you I love St. Vincent and the Grenadines but I do hesitate to t recommend it to anyone who, like OP colokev, says they are looking for great watersports. Jetskis are BANNED in SVG. Hooray! And there are few, if any, waterskiing or windsurf rentals except at the hideous Raffles on Canouan. Also, SVG is not really a shopping destination and that appears to be one of OP's criteria as well.

OTOH there is fantastic sailing and wonderful day sail opportunities as well as hiking and great local people.

colokev

Wow- thanks for all your help!

I was leaning towards turks and caicos but have heard so many complaints about all of the construction. I'm going to look into BVI. I love Bermuda but have been there many times and want to try something new.

TomCayman

caribedon.. yup, been know to frequent Legendz.. but it is still not re-opened post-Ivan.

curiousx... great watersports for the OP may not include jetskis, you never know Cayman is incredible for diving, snorkelling (including Stingray City), not to mention ocean kayaking in the mangroves, windsurfing... basically a wide choice

vinceygirl

curiousx, Guess I should have been a bit more specific in my original post. Although I don't dive I think of it, snorkeling and diving as watersports. I abhore jet skis so they don't come to mind. About the only thing I think those noisy annoying machines are good for is in rescue. Hiking, excursions to the Falls of Baliene, the Botanical Gardens on the Mainland. Then I think of a day trip to Bequia for shopping etc. Seems to me the poster was someone who wasn't into a great deal of commercialism. I've never been hassled on any of the beaches, and I'm not sure if Emerald Valley is open. Actually I probably should stop encouraging people to visit SVG. The last thing I want is for it to become used and abused. I'm sure you feel the same way.

alya

colokey

Yes, there is construction on Provo in the T&C but we never found it to be intrusive.

What I would say to anyone thinking about visiting there though is - Go now before all the condos are built and the reason for visiting - A quiet island with no fastfood restaurants and unspoiled beachs with good snorkeling is overrun with visitors.

sp

Hi colokey - I am in the same situation as you - after being to Bermuda a bunch of times, it's hard to get my husband to go anywhere else - not that we're tired of it - we will still go yearly - but I do want to go somewhere warm in the cooler season. After researching like crazy, have finally decided on The Reef Resort in Grand Cayman - I know it's been mentioned here, but I have looked at everything I could read about other islands and Grand Cayman & The Reef is definitely the place we'll be going to.