Been to GC a few times and really like it. Went to Grace Bay a couple of years ago and loved it. Both are exactly what we are looking for-beautiful beaches and water, snorkeling, laid back and great food. Am looking for a new place to try this year. Saw Nassau/Freeport during a cruise stop many,many years ago didn't care for that much but wonder if the "out islands" or elsewhere in the Bahamas would meet our wants? Bermuda?

Thought of BVI but seems kind of complicated to get there. Spoiled by one stop to GC and T and C!

We don't need night life, just snorkeling, food and a place to veg. Found Grand Cayman and Provo thanks to folks on these boards so any ideas are appreciated! THANKS.

out islands bahamas would cover beaches, snorkeling, laid back. some islands have a few restaurants. many people rent a house & do most of their own cooking. much more quiet than provo.
you have to fly to ft lauderdale or nassau, then small plane to destination, some even require a ferry after that. so maybe you wanna leave bvi in the mix.
tell us where you stayed on gc & provo to give us an idea what you're looking for.

Virginia is right- we love the out islands but food is not one of the top reasons to travel there. Depending on where you are traveling from, the BVI's would probably not entail any more plane changes or ferry rides- I would highly recommend you consider Virgin Gorda if you have not been there- we loved it. I think it is what you say you are looking for. If you are flying from a major city you can fly into San Juan then fly to Beef Island, Tortola and take a short ferry ride to VG or you can fly into STT and take a longer ferry ride. The places I love the best in the out islands, as Virginia says, require some changes, hopper planes then open ferries. Hope you find what you are looking for!

We spent a wonderful week on Eleuthera, and still consider it one of our best island vacations. That said, both Virginia and Ishakribbl were correct that most of the out islands you will find limited dining options. Case in point - my wife and I cooked almost every meal when in Eleuthera.

Virgina Gorda is a wonderful island, and we had a good time there. But I must say that now you are used to 7 Mile and Grace Bay, VG's beaches would underwhelm.

Bermuda is famous for is pink sand, and may fit your bill because dining options there are better. There are also more direct flights to the island. However I found it more commercial than GC and TCI.

Hey how about Anguilla? We are thinking about it, especially you could fly direct to St. Martin and then take a ferry.

Cheers!

www.runawayhill.com cute little place perfect pink sand beach

my fav for a laid back experience.

Bermuda too cold though nice for golf etc not as beachy.

www.caneelbay.com St. John for more refined luxury.

Ocean Club Paradise Island expensive but worth it for upscale.

www.atlantis.com touristy but nice.

Happy Hunting,

Thanks everyone!

On Grand Cayman we have always stayed at Plantana Condos. We like to spread out and do our own breakfast and lunch. Usually eat most dinners out unless we are too tired from laying around all day.

T & C we stayed at The Regent Grand. Booked through VRBO so got a steal of a deal. Again, breakfast and lunch in, dinner out.

We don't need luxury by any stretch, prefer condos to hotel rooms for the space. Want nice, sandy beaches but don't need drinks served to us or the ability to get our hair braided! Want to be able to snorkel fairly easily. Kids like having a pool.

We did a day trip to St. John when we were in STT and LOVED it but will save Caneel Bay for when it is just hub and I. I will check Virgin Gorda again and Bermuda. Are condos a possibility? We are 2 adults, 16 year old boy and 13 year old girl. Planning on late June/early July. But can go a few weeks earlier.

Thank you for all your help. Virginia, I do believe you helped me decide Provo!

Should have added, would like to keep it around $350/night before taxes and fees. Understand booze and food cost about 20% in most places. Thanks.

We stayed at Oceansong in Eleuthera, and at Island Dream in VG (Got a pool).

We've been to GC, T & C, Nassau and Eleuthera for a cruise stop. Have you considered charting a boat through the Bahama Islands instead? My second choice would be a stay on Exuma. We loved the beaches and water clarity, but didn't find anything else to do. If your not seeking nightlife or activites the Out Islands would work.

Another consideration might be Aruba. I know people say it's too Americanized for them, but Eagle Beach is excellant and good snorkeling can be found though the water may not be as clear as GC and T & C. Aruba is a very nice family destination with great restuarants. Might not be what you are looking for, but thought I'd throw it out there just in case.

What about Antigua? Seems we could fly with US Air with one stop in Charlotte. Not sure about the snorkeling? Beaches sandy or rocky?

I have been to Grand Cayman, Bahamas and Bermuda on your list. Never been to the outislands of the bahamas, but did not like Nassau.
We enjoyed our trip to GC very much and also like the laid back feel, beautiful water and good food.
Bermuda is much more lush, floral, pretty pink and aqua homes, more islandy feel. The food is good, but can be very expensive. The island has a more proper british etiquette feel, but can be as casual as you want it to be. We have been several times and love Bermuda for it's beauty. We took our two teen girls June 09 and stayed at the Southampton Fairmont hotel. It had more at that hotel for teens than most.
Bermuda is a very pretty island.

We also went to Aruba several years ago and are headed back this spring break. It is nice beaches, good food at all prices, and usually hot and sunny almost guaranteed. It is like a desert with nice hotels with lush landscaping around it, but it is a no brainer easy vacation.

I would return to GC, Bermuda and Aruba, but not the Bahamas.
We snorkeled in GC, Bermuda and Aruba.

The bahamas out islands are a great choice. And no you wont be disappointed. Do your home work and you will be suprised. There is so much to do and see. Are you traveling with kids?