My wife and I have been to many of the other islands in the Caribbean, and are planning to visit the Grenadines for a week in 2008. Palm Island and Young Island resorts both look like great possibilities. Can anyone help us decide?

It would help if you could tell us what you are looking for in a resort, what you want to do while you are there and what your interests are. The 2 you are looking at are quite different in terms of size and amenities.

We are looking for good snorkeling (preferably off the beach), nice beaches, good food, comfortable accommodations. Easy access to day trips to other islands in the Grenadines is a plus. Mostly we want to hang out on the beach, snorkel, and relax -- with a little sightseeing on the side.

Many years ago, I stayed at Young Island and loved it. Funny, there was a travel writer staying there at the same time, and she recommended we also go to Palm Island!

That said, there is more sightseeing on St. Vincent - absolutely gorgeous, rugged, a step back in time. I would love to go back. I believe that Palm Island has only the resort, so not much sightseeing there. Also, Young used to do (for the same price) a partial sailaway on a yacht. (We did not partake, because I get seasick). Would that sway your decision?

OK, maybe this will help. Young Island is on a very small private island less than 1/4 off shore of St. Vincent. The beach there is small but attractive. It doesn't offer very good snorkeling - you have to take a snorkel tour to access the best snorkel sites in the area. The resort is just a short (3 minute) boat ride from St. Vincent where you can sightsee to your hearts content. In order to get to any of the other Grenadines you must go by private charter or first make your way back to St. Vincent where you can catch the ferry to Bequia. It's a little difficult to reach the rest of the Grenadines for a day trip unless you fly.

Palm Island is a much larger private island resort located further south in the Grenadine chain. It has much larger beaches some with decent snorkeling. It is within an easy day trip of the Tobago Cays (excellent snorkeling) and several other of the Grenadines. You should know however, that other than St. Vincent, Bequia, and Grenada (much further south) there's not much "sightseeing" on the other Grenadine islands as they are all relatively small and not densely populated.

Have not stopped at Young Island but can certainly recommend Palm Island.
My wife and i have been twice now and absolutely love the place.
Try Tripadvisor and you should see some excellent reviews.

If you want to explore more islands, pick Young Island. You've got free unlimited ferrying to the mainland of St. Vincent from there, which is a bounty of natural beauty with lots of different daytrips to choose from, or just rent a car and get out to explore at your own pace. Bequia is an hour ferry ride away and a simply delightful place to stay.

If you want primarily a beach vacation with a daysail or two to the Grenadines but don't want to explore more than that, Palm Island is probably the better choice.

Young Island for all the reasons posted.

We stayed at Young Island in 2003 and thought it was very over-rated. The cabins were o'k', the stairs from the scenic deluxe hill villa's/cabins was not always a joy especially if they were wet and walking up dozens of steps. The only good snorkeling is a day trip away at Tobago Cay. It is spectacuklar but in the immediate area of the resort or on the mainland near the resort (1/2 mile) not much quality snorkeling. The restaurants on the mainlandwere o.k nothing more but that was almost 4 yrs. ago. We have not been to Palm Island. I think that is ALL-INCL-ckeck it. Also I hear snorkeling just o'k.

Here's another choice--Petit St. Vincent (PSV). Private island resort like Palm Island, but more privacy, better snorkeling, similar access to local day trips. See www.scubamom.com and www.psvresort.com

I think Young Island is really over-rated, small beach and no real decent snorkeling.

We visited Palm Island when we were sailing the Grenadines, really nice resort and only a short sail away to the wonderful Tobago Keys!!

If you would consider Petit St. Vincent the price is probably 25% more than Young Island but worth it. The Villa on THE BEACH (get a single villa if possible) are lovely but there is no A/C so may-Sept. should be avoided) but with the huge ceiling fans and being on the beach it is very comfortable and we are from NY and raised on A/C. The food is fair to good and is included and there are no other dining options. The snorkeling at a little island 5 minutes away is good and you are only 20 minutes from Tobago Cay. It is a unique place with an ecentric owner/Gen. Mgr. but we just ignore him when we stay there. But in the shoulder season with tax for a beach villa I think in 2005 it was $700 with 3 meals for 2 persons.
Young Island is a 2 star if Petit St. Vincent is a 5 star.