I've been to Cancun, but have not visited other Carib. islands. Any suggestions on reasonable priced islands/accomodations. Our priorities would be 1) beauty of beach and water 2) not centered around alcohol 3) snorkeling and other water activities 4) hiking

So we're looking for a beach vacation, that's relaxing, fun, non-alcoholic.

There should be some reasonably priced accomodations in Negril, Jamaica which is on a 7 mi. stretch of beach. Also Aruba has nice beaches and should have some less expensive accomodations. As for alcohol there are no "dry" islands. I assume you want the opposite feel of the spring break Cancun crowd, correct? I'm not sure what you mean really. Alcohol will be there no matter when you go. To limit that avoid spring break times.

Yes, I mean a spring break - 'pay one price and drink all the alcohol you can atmosphere'. Thanks for the suggestions.

Gotcha! Then consider some of the Bahamas "out" islands, also two smaller islands off the coast of Puerto Rico, Culebra and Vieques. Actually PR itself is a blast. You can hike the rain forest, drive around and see great beaches, explore Old San Juan which is really nice, check out the old Spanish forts. As for accomodation try the Paradores (spelling) which are like bed and breakfast places. Actually many places in the Caribbean would suit you as long as you go in the off season. Good luck.

For a really laid back place with excellent hiking and snorkeling but not quite so hot in the beach department, what about Dominica? They have a couple white sand beaches, and several black.
For stunning beaches, outstanding snorkeling, stupendous food but little hiking, check out Anguilla.

And what about Barbados bajangirl?

I would look into the BVIs. Virgin Gorda has everything you are looking for. The hiking isn't great, but it's there. Also, you can ferry over to Tortola for better hiking!