jackie

I thought I had it all planned - TCI (Point Grace) only concern was having enough things to do.<BR><BR>Then, since I had too much time on my hands today, I thought about St Barths (sp?). We went to Paris in June and we just loved it. We love the European flavor so that's why I started looking at St. Barth. From the comments it seems that Isle de France is highly recommended. How is the snorkeling in St Barths?<BR><BR>Help! What should I do?

Jeff

St. Bart's snorkeling stinks. It is below average for the Caribbean. There are a few places that are decent, but nothing is very good. <BR><BR>On the other hand, the rest of the island is very special. The variety of beaches and the French culture make it my favorite island.<BR><BR>Isle de France is right on a broad, long, little used beach. I have not seen the rooms, but heard that they are quite nice.

Jmm

TCI has best Beach and snorkeling - Grace Bay. St Bart's has European ambiance and great restaurants. So what do you want more. Both are great places to visit.

Gayle

My husband and I have been going to St. Barths every year, once or twice a year for more than 15 years. We've never been to Turks, but we also travel to Paris frequently. If you love Paris, you'll love St. Barths. The food, culture, ambience, shopping are all European but the added advantages of magnificent beaches, lovely people, a relaxed but sophisticated culture and amazing properties all make St. Barths unlike anything else in the Carribean (and we've been to most islands). There is snorkeling but the best is a half day catamaran or sailboat sail away for the better snorkeling. People don't really go there for the snorkeling. It's everything else on this jewel of an island. Feel free to email me if you have questions at [email protected]. Bon voyage.

Paul

St-Barth is not a great snorkeling destination, although you can take catamaran trips, lots of fun, out to Isle Fourchue for snorkeling.<BR>You should be aware that, if good snorkeling is one of your criteria, most people would put Turks and Caicos in the same category as St-Barth - not that great for snorkeling, but T&C beaches are world-class beautiful.<BR>On the other hand, if you liked Paris, you'd love St-Barth!! Hotel St. Barth Isle de France is an excellent hotel, and on a very nice beach, Flamands.

BillK

I've been to both T&C once SBH 8 times. T&C beauty is "ALL" below the waterline SBH from the water up.

JMM

I must disagree with Paul - I have been all over the caribbean and for off-the-beach snorkeling T&C is the best. I have been to St Bart's (and loved it) but when it comes to snorkeling it does not even compare to T&C

sharona

Hi Jackie. I have been to both Turks & Caicos, where my husband and I stayed at Point Grace, and also to St. Barts, where we stayed at Eden Rock. I can highly recommend both Point Grace and Eden Rock. Point Grace is on one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen and the accommodations are very, very nice. But there is no decent snorkeling right off the beach at Point Grace. We tried and it is non-existent. I understand there is good snorkeling in a couple of different locations but we didn't pursue it further. Providenciales is just starting to develop its tourist infrastructure and truly there is not a lot to do. Restaurants are for the most part good with a couple of very good ones thrown in. St. Barts isn't known for its snorkeling but for it's wonderful relaxed atmosphere and French culture. My impression was that it is like the French Riviera without the attitude (and yes, I've been to the French Riviera). The restaurants are excellent, the beaches, while not quite Grace Bay, are very nice, the shopping is lots of fun and our stay at Eden Rock was wonderful. We might go back to TCI but we will definitely return to SBH.<BR><BR>Feel free to e-mail me if you'd like more information.