The Caribbean - Where to go next?
Nov 21st, 1999, 05:31 AM
#1
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The Caribbean - Where to go next?
My husband and I have been to Grand Cayman, Virgin Gorda, and St. John and loved all three of them. We are ready to plan a trip to another Caribbean destination for this June and will be flying out of Kentucky. As much as we enjoyed where we have been, we'd like to try a new island. GC, VG, and SJ all offered good snorkeling, good food, and we felt safe there. Bonaire was our choice until I began reading about crime and guards posted at hotels. I've also been reading that it's quite a project to get there and that the airline that flies there isn't so reliable. Anguilla sounds terrifc, but I keep reading that the snorkeling is not at all good. So now I am stumped! Can anyone suggest a place somewhat comparable to where we've already been? What about some of the out islands of the Bahamas? Would they be at all similar to GC, VG, and SJ? Any suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks!
Waggie
Waggie
Nov 21st, 1999, 08:31 AM
#3
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I would reccommend Aruba for the friendliness of the people the amount of things to do and the choices of nice hotel accommodations. I didn't snorkel while in Aruba but I can say that the water is no where near as clear as it is in Grand Cayman. It was a 4hr. flight out of Cleveland for us w/Apple Vacations so the travel time isn't bad.
We had no trouble w/crime and felt safe walking the beach at night. I would go back again.
We had no trouble w/crime and felt safe walking the beach at night. I would go back again.
Nov 22nd, 1999, 07:01 AM
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Waggie, I would suggest trying one of the outislands in the Bahamas, like Abaco, Eleuthera or Harbour Island.
Our favorite is Harbour Island. Lots of nice places to stay, great snorkling right off the beach or you can take a trip to one of the even smaller islands and cays right off the island.
Harbour Island is even easy to get to now, fly into Nassau and take the ferry over to Harbour Island, it takes about 2 hours and is a beautiful trip.
Hope this helps, and if you need any more info, please let me know.
tweedy
Our favorite is Harbour Island. Lots of nice places to stay, great snorkling right off the beach or you can take a trip to one of the even smaller islands and cays right off the island.
Harbour Island is even easy to get to now, fly into Nassau and take the ferry over to Harbour Island, it takes about 2 hours and is a beautiful trip.
Hope this helps, and if you need any more info, please let me know.
tweedy
Nov 25th, 1999, 03:03 AM
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Waggie,
I have done all the major and minor islands in the Caribbean including places like the Abacos.
St Thomas has great accomodations, lovely beaches and the food is very good as well.
If you venture a little further west in the Caribbean (you can only listen to so many steel drums)Cozumel offers great scuba/snorkeling and is in very close proximity with Cancun which offers Mayan ruins and a host of other diversions. The people are friendly and the culture charming. However,I did not find any sandy beaches in Cozumel.
Based on what you seem to enjoy, I would really recommend something completely different: Oahu, Hawaii. It is a bit if flight, but the rewards are well worth it. Hanauma Bay, located on the other side of Diamondhead is one of the most highly rated snorkeling spots in the world. Tucked down between mountains, with a spectacular view as you approach it from above, it has an incredible variety of tropical fish in crystal clear water. The island has a variety of beach types and offers every diversion. Watching the surfers on the huge North Shore waves, or the rolling tide while you watch the sun sink into the water at Sunset beach also is a lasting memory. Waikiki is crowded, touristy and a bit of a cliche, but does offer a variety of great restaurants. There is lots to explore there, but you are also a short inexpensive hop away from other islands.Best of all packages to Oahu are cheap and plentiful. Car rental there is one of the cheapest spots on earth.
I have done all the major and minor islands in the Caribbean including places like the Abacos.
St Thomas has great accomodations, lovely beaches and the food is very good as well.
If you venture a little further west in the Caribbean (you can only listen to so many steel drums)Cozumel offers great scuba/snorkeling and is in very close proximity with Cancun which offers Mayan ruins and a host of other diversions. The people are friendly and the culture charming. However,I did not find any sandy beaches in Cozumel.
Based on what you seem to enjoy, I would really recommend something completely different: Oahu, Hawaii. It is a bit if flight, but the rewards are well worth it. Hanauma Bay, located on the other side of Diamondhead is one of the most highly rated snorkeling spots in the world. Tucked down between mountains, with a spectacular view as you approach it from above, it has an incredible variety of tropical fish in crystal clear water. The island has a variety of beach types and offers every diversion. Watching the surfers on the huge North Shore waves, or the rolling tide while you watch the sun sink into the water at Sunset beach also is a lasting memory. Waikiki is crowded, touristy and a bit of a cliche, but does offer a variety of great restaurants. There is lots to explore there, but you are also a short inexpensive hop away from other islands.Best of all packages to Oahu are cheap and plentiful. Car rental there is one of the cheapest spots on earth.
Nov 25th, 1999, 09:31 AM
#9
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Waggie - the suggestion on Aruba is an excellent one as there is good snorkelling there. Depalm Tours offers a sun and snorkel trip to their private island and my hubby said the snorkelling there was as good as Cozumel! Off this small island, there is a set of stairs going down into the water and usually there is a fella there who will lead you through a 'road' through the coral. The coral comes close to the surface so you have to carefully follow this road to stay in between the coral. Also in Aruba, there is a beach across from the area where you can just see the tip of a sunken ship. The snorkelling here is very good. We just cabbed it up from our hotel and went in right off the beach.
Re: Tom's comment on Cozumel - not sure if he was on the same island as us because we were there twice and seemed to me I was standing on very sandy beaches! Along the hotel strip just south of the new cruise ship pier, there is not much in the way of sandy beaches I agree as they are all man-made, but if you go further down the beach like San Francisco in front of the Allegro, there is a lot of sand coming up between your toes. Also on the other side of the island, and on the road to the lighthouse....sandy beaches galore. Just don't want to swim out too far due to the undertows. Anyhow, I digress, Cozumel also has very good snorkelling and is known for it's scuba diving.
Both Aruba and the Caribbean side of Mexico are safe, easy and safe to fly to, no guards posted outside of hotels, good food, relaxing with good watersports and snorkelling. There is good "Caribbean" outside of the Bahamas, Grand Cayman, VG & SJ!
Have fun and trust us, you will love these islands!
Re: Tom's comment on Cozumel - not sure if he was on the same island as us because we were there twice and seemed to me I was standing on very sandy beaches! Along the hotel strip just south of the new cruise ship pier, there is not much in the way of sandy beaches I agree as they are all man-made, but if you go further down the beach like San Francisco in front of the Allegro, there is a lot of sand coming up between your toes. Also on the other side of the island, and on the road to the lighthouse....sandy beaches galore. Just don't want to swim out too far due to the undertows. Anyhow, I digress, Cozumel also has very good snorkelling and is known for it's scuba diving.
Both Aruba and the Caribbean side of Mexico are safe, easy and safe to fly to, no guards posted outside of hotels, good food, relaxing with good watersports and snorkelling. There is good "Caribbean" outside of the Bahamas, Grand Cayman, VG & SJ!
Have fun and trust us, you will love these islands!
Nov 26th, 1999, 08:10 PM
#10
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Debbie,
Thanks for the correction. Yes we were on the same island, I have been there twice as well, but I guess I was not as adventuresome. I will take your suggestion and head over to the other side in the future.
Waggie, Aruba is nice, but very crowded.
Thanks for the correction. Yes we were on the same island, I have been there twice as well, but I guess I was not as adventuresome. I will take your suggestion and head over to the other side in the future.
Waggie, Aruba is nice, but very crowded.
Nov 27th, 1999, 05:06 AM
#11
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In June, a good destination to consider is the Turks and Caicos, at the bottom of the Bahamas chain. Although not Caribb, there are several little islands off them that are particularly attractive. The Meridian Club on Pine Cay and Parrot Cay. They offer similiar accomdations and casual style to St. John and Virgin Gorda ... Meridian is best described as "barefoot elegance." Check them out! I would not recommend Provo other than Grace Bay Club which still maintains a degree of privacy and seclusion among the blossoming condos and hotels! Dining options are not wonderful on Provo however. I seriously wonder if you would enjoy the Americanized commercialized and glitzy (and extremely windy!) Aruba after Virgin Gorda and St. John. Connections to T/C are made thru Miami ... not wonderful travel times however!
Nov 27th, 1999, 06:47 PM
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Hi Waggie: We loved Aruba also and In addition to the snorkling sites mentioned there is good snorkling at Baby beach at the far side of the island. I really couldn't say enough good things about this island but would like to offer a second suggestion if the flights wouldn't work for you. Barbados is a can't miss island it has wonderful beaches, nightlife scenery, historical landmarks and very pleasant islanders. Since the islands that you mentioned were all very wealthy type islands I think you would like Barbados.St one time I would have suggested St Maarten but the last time we were there in April 99 we thought things were a bit dirty and run down although the beaches were as beautiful as ever and there is good snorkling at Isle Pinel and other off shore islands. Have a great holiday no matter were you go! Karen
Nov 27th, 1999, 06:47 PM
#14
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Hi Waggie: We loved Aruba also and In addition to the snorkling sites mentioned there is good snorkling at Baby beach at the far side of the island. I really couldn't say enough good things about this island but would like to offer a second suggestion if the flights wouldn't work for you. Barbados is a can't miss island it has wonderful beaches, nightlife scenery, historical landmarks and very pleasant islanders. Since the islands that you mentioned were all very wealthy type islands I think you would like Barbados.St one time I would have suggested St Maarten but the last time we were there in April 99 we thought things were a bit dirty and run down although the beaches were as beautiful as ever and there is good snorkling at Isle Pinel and other off shore islands. Have a great holiday no matter were you go! Karen
Nov 28th, 1999, 06:42 AM
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We found pretty good snorkeling off Anguilla as well, but it wasn't the highlight of our stay. The beaches and the wonderful people were simply the best. With snorkeling, it sort of depends on the seas -- if they are calm and the weather is clear, you have a more enjoyable experience.
Nov 30th, 1999, 08:04 AM
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Hi Waggie,
I have to agree with Tweedy on Harbour Island--I adore it! (I got engaged there a while back, so it will always hold a very special place in my heart!) The pink beach is gorgeous, clean and long....The people are GREAT--it certainly is the island of friendly people. There are numerous small hotels (Pink Sands, Runaway Hill) or there are plenty of houses to rent on the beach. June will be the off season so you will be able to find good rates at most any place in the Carib/Bahamas. You can fly directly to Nassau and then fly to Eleuthra and take a ferry/water taxi over (10 mins) or fly to Ft. Lauderdale/Palm Beach and then fly to Nassau onto Eleuthra.....There are a bunch of restaurants and bars and you can arrange for all sorts of day trips (fishing, lobstering, boating etc...) It is very safe there, but note that many of the Carib. hotels do employ security guards at night just in case (Barbados, St. Kitts, St Maarten are a few islands that come to mind that I love, but do have guards...)
If it is true snorkeling you are after, what about the Cayman/Turks and Caicos? I know they have great reputations for diving, maybe the snorkeling will be just as good? I just don't think those islands have the great resorts and restaurants that the other islands do...
good luck!
I have to agree with Tweedy on Harbour Island--I adore it! (I got engaged there a while back, so it will always hold a very special place in my heart!) The pink beach is gorgeous, clean and long....The people are GREAT--it certainly is the island of friendly people. There are numerous small hotels (Pink Sands, Runaway Hill) or there are plenty of houses to rent on the beach. June will be the off season so you will be able to find good rates at most any place in the Carib/Bahamas. You can fly directly to Nassau and then fly to Eleuthra and take a ferry/water taxi over (10 mins) or fly to Ft. Lauderdale/Palm Beach and then fly to Nassau onto Eleuthra.....There are a bunch of restaurants and bars and you can arrange for all sorts of day trips (fishing, lobstering, boating etc...) It is very safe there, but note that many of the Carib. hotels do employ security guards at night just in case (Barbados, St. Kitts, St Maarten are a few islands that come to mind that I love, but do have guards...)
If it is true snorkeling you are after, what about the Cayman/Turks and Caicos? I know they have great reputations for diving, maybe the snorkeling will be just as good? I just don't think those islands have the great resorts and restaurants that the other islands do...
good luck!
Nov 30th, 1999, 03:26 PM
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Waggie:
May I suggest St. Croix? My husband and I had a wonderful time there...we stayed at the Buccaneer (www.thebuccaneer.com) it was very relaxing...lovely views while enjoying breakfast from their restaurant...terriffic snorkeling off their beach! Had some good meals at several restaurants in and around town...a cruise to Buck Island was alot of fun and offered more good snorkeling...we found the island to be charming and uncrowded...had heard that there was a problem with crime but for us that was not a problem at all...the locals were nice and if I could I'd go back tomorrow.
May I suggest St. Croix? My husband and I had a wonderful time there...we stayed at the Buccaneer (www.thebuccaneer.com) it was very relaxing...lovely views while enjoying breakfast from their restaurant...terriffic snorkeling off their beach! Had some good meals at several restaurants in and around town...a cruise to Buck Island was alot of fun and offered more good snorkeling...we found the island to be charming and uncrowded...had heard that there was a problem with crime but for us that was not a problem at all...the locals were nice and if I could I'd go back tomorrow.
Jan 19th, 2000, 09:54 AM
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Hi Waggie,
Can I please jump in on your question. My husband and I are also looking for a Caribbean holiday this summer-have been to Grand Caymen. Have seriously considered Bonaire, but heard crime/air travel pretty difficult. Looking to rent condo/villa on are near beach and interested in diving/snorkeling. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated-please feel free to email me at home. thanks
Sandy
Can I please jump in on your question. My husband and I are also looking for a Caribbean holiday this summer-have been to Grand Caymen. Have seriously considered Bonaire, but heard crime/air travel pretty difficult. Looking to rent condo/villa on are near beach and interested in diving/snorkeling. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated-please feel free to email me at home. thanks
Sandy
Jan 19th, 2000, 12:40 PM
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waggie: We took a family vacation to Aruba in June of 1997. I loved Aruba & would definitely go back. Expect a lot of honeymooners in June wherever you go. We stayed at the Divi. There are those who think the Divi is a little seedy. While it is no huge resort with a grand lobby, 9 restaurants & 7 swimming pools,
I found the rooms to be clean & the staff to be very helpful. Its one swimming pool was nice, the beach is
beautiful & the food was not bad. My favorite was the breakfast (watch out for falling coconuts if you sit outside). There was a huge iguana perched on the stone wall behiind the pastry table looking for handouts. In '97 the Divi was not an all inclusive, but I believe it now is. There was a lot to do at night at the hotel. They had a beach barbecue buffet, a "carnival" fashion show by the pool, Vincent the comedic "fire eater," etc. Renting a jeep for as long as you can is definitely in order. We toured the Arikok National Park where we saw wild donkeys, goats, parakeets, thorny cacti, etc. Aruba has a desert-like landscape which at times seemed surreal. Sometimes I felt like Luke Skywalker! Don't miss the Natural Bridge, the California Lighthouse, the Alto Vista Chapel, the abaondoned gold mine (don't mind the litter -- it's just the way it is on some islands).
I found the rooms to be clean & the staff to be very helpful. Its one swimming pool was nice, the beach is
beautiful & the food was not bad. My favorite was the breakfast (watch out for falling coconuts if you sit outside). There was a huge iguana perched on the stone wall behiind the pastry table looking for handouts. In '97 the Divi was not an all inclusive, but I believe it now is. There was a lot to do at night at the hotel. They had a beach barbecue buffet, a "carnival" fashion show by the pool, Vincent the comedic "fire eater," etc. Renting a jeep for as long as you can is definitely in order. We toured the Arikok National Park where we saw wild donkeys, goats, parakeets, thorny cacti, etc. Aruba has a desert-like landscape which at times seemed surreal. Sometimes I felt like Luke Skywalker! Don't miss the Natural Bridge, the California Lighthouse, the Alto Vista Chapel, the abaondoned gold mine (don't mind the litter -- it's just the way it is on some islands).
