Hi everyone! I'd like help choosing a Caribbean vacation destination. Always wanted to go, finally have the time to do so. Parameters as follows:

Female, mid 20s, solo trip. No real concerns over safety. Can exchange pleasantries in Spanish & French. I've been to Cancun & Cozumel via cruises/AIs, looking to do something more immersive.

Flying out of Texas, would prefer total travel time (each way) to be under 12 hours. This would likely be a summer trip.

Ideally somewhere not inundated with tourists.

Main reasons for going: really good food (regional preferred over international), and opportunities for amazing photographs. I want pretty blue waters, but also like craggy, jungle-y beaches with interesting rocks and plants. Good snorkeling is a bonus. 7 to 10 days including travel time; looking to keep costs around $2500 or under.

All suggestions welcome and appreciated, even those that eliminate items from the dream list. I'm flexible & just want an adventure.

Look into Puerto Rico. There is plenty to explore there....history, rain forest, etc.
Also check out Costa Rica for that jungle feel you mentioned.

It sounds like the Caribbean coast of Mexico. You can easily do something more "immersive" there since you've only been via cruises and all inclusive resorts.

One thing to watch for the Caribbean or Mexico either one, is your mention of summer time. That's rainy season in many places in those areas.

Also I found Negril Jamaica to be OK for a solo trip.

Martinique. Excellent food and all the rest.

Guadeloupe or Martinique, they both have what you are looking for.

You might also consider a small, relatively unknown island like Saba, where we have owned property. It is one of the safest and friendliest spots anywhere. It has a rain forest (and the highest peak in the Netherlands) and few beaches, but it is a photographer's dream. Its extensive and well maintained hiking trail network is world class but, even in season, has few users. There are 6 or 8 places with great food. It is more a dive destination but there are some limited snorkeling options. If you are looking for an adventure, but an easy one, it will begin with the 12 minute flight from St. Maarten and a fun landing on an aircraft carrier size runway (smallest commercial runway in the world). The extra airfare will add a couple hundred dollars but there are numerous inexpensive lodging opportunities that should keep you within budget. A nice, very quiet alternative to the usual tourist spots. ×

with people being nicer in Martinique. And food better.