bakes2013

Hi everyone, I know this is an impossible question, but I am hoping you can help me narrow down my choices at least. lol

We have visited St Thomas, St John, St Martin, and Antigua. Actually got married in St Thomas at Sapphire Resort, and absolutely loved it , but it has really become run down there.

We have a large group going to the Caribbean/Mexico in June 2014. We will have 23 total people, with

3 - 12 yr olds
7 - 15 yr olds
13 - adults

We want that amazing Caribbean water, swim off the beach, All-inclusive (No airfare) , an island that has swimming with the dolphins, all on a budget! I have been checking out Playa Del Carmen, and it seems to be rather affordable. Never been to Dominican Republic, so I'm not sure about there.

Any help is very much appreciated. We want to book late fall to ensure that whatever island we choose is safe from any hurricane damage that might happen thru the end of this year's hurricane season.

Thanks!!!!

suze

Definitely look at Mexico. You get a lot more 'bang for your buck' there than a Caribbean island. The stretch called "Mayan Riviera" which includes Playa del Carmen has lots of All_Inclusive resorts.

I'm personally not a big fan of the DR. I think Mexico offers so much more.

bakes2013

Thank you so much for your response. It helps so much to hear from someone that has been to both!

RoamsAround

Agree, Playa del Carmen and the area known as the Mayan Riviera will give you the best bang for you buck.

By the way, it would be helpful if you could give us some idea of what your budget actually is. That way contributors can better steer you in the right direction. All we know now is you have some type of budgetary constraints but we don't know what that budget is.

One other point - the official hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30 with the most active period for storms usually being from late August/early September through the end of October. Storms can happen outside that time period. No destination is 100% safe from hurricanes but generally speaking the further south you go the less chance there is of encountering a major storm. There are no guarantees when it comes to predicting the weather. Also, there are few All Inclusives in the southern Caribbean so going south reduces your hotel/resort options.

iguanabeach

My family really enjoyed the Mayan Riviera but we are not fans of all inclusives so can't recommend any. We enjoy exploring instead and stayed at three different locations along the Riviera. One of the locations was Puerto Adventuras which had a marina/entertainment area within walking distance to our condo and my daughter was able to swim with the dolphins! With this young group you will want to venture out and see the Mayan sights. We ziplined through the Jungle, snorkeled in Cenotes and hiked about the Mayan ruins - all within an easy drive. Of course, there was still the sandy beaches and turquoise waters that went on forever. For more information of the region, check out http://www.locogringo.com/

bakes2013

Sorry, RoomsAround, you are correct, it is difficult to guess what our budget is! We are looking to stay around 15K for all the guests for seven days. Several resorts are offering specials now thru April 2014, but I have yet to see any for next summer yet.

It does appear that this area is going to be my best option budget wise. Also, thank you for pointing out that all-inclusives are limited in the southern Caribbean, I was not aware of that. Saves me a lot of time with fruitless searching!

Iguanabeach - Thank you so much for your perspective on the area. It sounds as if your family truly enjoyed the vacation and made lifetime memories! I love the idea of ziplining through the jungle! Sounds exhilarating!!!!