Hi,
We're looking to honeymoon in December, and would love a trip to Bora Bora, etc. But can't afford that.

Is there anything in the Carribbean that would compare in terms of experience, but is less costly?

We have about 10 days, and about $3500.

Thanks!

Go to Tahiti Explorer - they offer a 10 day, Bora Bora and Moorea package for 3500. Most likely out of LA.

Unfortunately the answer is no.
There is no other place on earth which really parallels what Bora Bora offers in terms of beautiful cobalt and turquoise atolls, easily accessible marine life, spectacular landscapes, overwater bungalows, and a truly exotic feel.
In the Caribbean you can find individual islands and resorts which have some, but not all, of these attributes. In particular, the overwater bungalows set in quiet atolls simply don't exist.
That said, you can still have a top notch honeymoon in the Caribbean, of course. Lots of options depending on what you want specifically. One detail of importance: resort rates skyrocket just before Christmas. Hopefully you can get there in early to mid-December.

Actually Fiji in the So. Pacific is way more affordable than Tahiti. No $25.00 hamburgers. However for that time of year it is hot and rainy there so I would skip it. What about Hawaii? Maui is very beautiful. FYI we were in Fiji a few yrs. ago when the dollar was stronger and paid $22.00 to parasail, about the same to jet ski so you can see the difference compared to the Carib. is great. A 3 round golf pass with cart was $100.00 at the Sheratons course. If you do go there try it in our summer, their winter when the climate is ideal. Also if you want Tahiti consider Club Med where meals are included. That would save alot, or a Tahitian cruise as well. Good luck, Larry

DH and I went to Bora Bora for our honeymoon and while nothing could beat that, we found St. John comparable. The snorkeling and sense of isolation were better in FP, but the food and service is better in St. John. Not sure where you are in the continental US, but you should be able to get to St. John for $3500 and have a fine time.

My husband and I went to Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora on our honeymoon two years ago. It was the trip of a lifetime!
Try checking out just Moorea. We enjoyed our stay at Moorea the best, and it was considerably less expensive. They have the over water bungalows, swimming with dolphins, awesome snorkeling, beautiful sunset cruises, and great restaurants. The views are not as incredible as Bora Bora, but still gorgeous. I would think you would be able to find a trip to Moorea for $3500.

Also, it's good to hear St John's might be comparable because we are heading there this summer.

To cut costs, you might stay in a garden bungalow. These cost considerably less and, in my opinion, are very nice. I've never stayed in an over-water, and while I'm sure they are great, we had a wonderful time in our garden spot. Our porch gave us a view of Tahiti island across the sea - we were on Moorea. We never felt like we missed a thing and we saved a lot of money. Also to save money, you might do as we did for breakfast. We bought fresh pineapple and croissants and had that for breakfast. Couldn't beat it. Good luck in your search.

have you considered Samoa? It's part of the u.s., but farther than Hawaii. I just checked expedia and typed in a random date, for two it looked to be under 4000. That's flying out of Detroit. I've never been there, but it looks beautiful!

I have been to both Bora Bora and St. John.My husband and I had a wonderful, unforgetable 4 island Tahaitian trip . It is beautiful and romantic and the cultural flare, complete with grass skirts gives a special touch. The things that I did not like was the long, exhausting flight to and from L.A. In addition, tourists were advised to wear tennis shoes into the water because of sharp coral, and at that time (some years ago), the rat problem. The palm trees had metal collars to protect the coconuts from rats, and one night there was a huge one in the rafters of our thatched roof bungalow of hour 5 star hotel. Perhaps with the passage of time, that problem has been eliminated.

St. John is beautiful with gorgeous unspoiled white sand beaches where no shoes are needed as you enter the water. While there is no exotic culture, it is romantic in its own right. December is high season, so $3500/10 days may be hard to find; however,try to find a good travel agent who is knowledgeable with the area. They may be able to help you.