Need Suggestions for Island to Visit
 

My daughter & I are serious snorkelers. We had hoped to visit Belize for a couple of weeks this summer but we have been advised away from there due to the crime situation. Honduras would be our next choice but the political situation there is unstable.

We are a bit of a loss where to consider next for serious snorkeling. We prefer areas where we can have privacy & peace (not into night life, kids, jet skis, etc). We have spent several trips to the Caymans which is an excellent place for snorkelers. We would enjoy night snorkeling, swimming w/sharks & dolphins, etc.

We would appreciate any ideas for areas in the Caribbean, otherwise we will be headed back to the Caymans. We are not interested in areas with crime problems, we've been spoiled by the Caymans. Hate to sound tacky about it but we live in a very low crime area in the U.S. and don't care to travel to someplace where my vacation is spent looking over my shoulder.

I have tagged this for the Puerto Rico forum but are interested in most any islands in the Caribbean. We do both snorkeling from shore & boat trips. The reefs must be excellent to compare to the Caymans.

Any thoughts appreciated.

what about turks and caiocos?

Thanks.

Guess I need to be a bit more specific. I know there are lots of places to go but am looking for some more detail on the various islands. Specifically, how is the crime and is there enough quality snorkeling to keep serious snorkelers entertained for a couple of weeks.

most like belize/hondorus in atmosphere (undeveloped) would be bonnaire. i haven't been Yet, but it's said to have excellent off beach snorkeling with reef in good shape.
t&c is wonderful but has only 2 really good off beach snorkel spots. does offer excursions.
st. john or virgin gorda might interest you too. small quiet lush island with good coral & fish & excursions to spots in the bvi.
none of above has any big crime issues or political unrest.

TCI is wonderful, we're heading there in a few weeks for the 3rd time, but so-so snorkeling.

Caneel Bay, St. John----very quiet resort, excellent beaches for walk-in snorkeling. We've been to St. John several times and had no problem with crime. We've also been to Grand Cayman, and thought the snorkeling on St. John was better.

Caneel Bay has 4-5 beaches, plus it's close to Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, etc. and there are many boat trips available.

As far as snorkeling goes, IMO, Caymans & St. John were the best out of the 20+ islands we have visited.