hka

Hello- my boyfriend and I are planning a trip to the caribbean in early July. We would like to get to two different locations so we can experience more. We are in our mid twenties and are looking to relax on white sandy beaches, enjoy good food, snorkel, good nightlife (beach bars with dancing, etc,- not big clubs), and a day excursion or two.

This is our first visit but after doing some research we are thinking about going to Aruba and Curaçao because of the beautiful beaches, lack of rain, good food, etc. I don't love the fact that it's desert like there however. The other option we are thinking is Puerto Rico and one of the USVI or BVI ( don't know where but would love suggestions). We like the idea of there being a lot of activities to choose from, tropical lush scenery, nightlife, culture, beaches, etc. The possibility of rain is a negative though and although I've heard great things about Puerto Rico it looks overcrowded and the beaches subpar to other islands.

We appreciate any and all advice!!! Thank you

genio67

I have been to PR and Aruba and the two places are very different. The low rainfall on Aruba obviously lends itself to the arid/desert landscape and the higher rainfall on PR allows it to have the tropical foliage and rainforest. The beaches of Aruba are white and sparkly and quite beautiful. I actually even found the arid landscape appealing in it's own way. However, PR actually offers a lot of diversity as it is a much bigger island than Aruba and you can travel around the main island and see the rainforest, Old San Juan, several beach areas and then take a side trip to Vieques or Culebra, where you can find those white sand beaches you are seeking. You mention visiting the USVI or BVI, which could be a good option but if you are going to PR then look into Vieques and/or Culebra and see if that is what you are seeking.

WWK

Weather can be hit or miss in July. For that reason, I'd go with Aruba, which is one of the driest islands in the Caribbean.

KVR

Curacao is nothing like Aruba. Very quite. Not much nightlife. No long stretches of beach. Instead they are cove/inlets on the West side of the Island. Sand is made up of crush coral. You'll need a rental car to get around. The Downtown area is very nice with real departments type stores. No hasseling. Only one area is set up for locals to sell there wares. We flew Insel Air from Aruba to Curacao on a little puddle jumper. About a 30 minute flight.

You might want to search this forum for "Island Hopping". You will find more information on which Islands are easier to get to than others. I don't think it's actually feasible/easy to get to the USVI from PR.

Have you considered a cruise from San Juan? You could spend a couple of days in PR and then be able to see 5 different Islands on the cruise.

hka

Thank you for your replies everyone, they are extremely helpful!

yes, rain is a concern. I've looked at average monthly rainfall and it looks like although Jan-March has less rain, it doesn't look that much different from the rain in June or July. However this is from looking online at reports as I have not experienced it myself. When it rains does it normally blow through quickly so that it should not be a deciding factor, or do you think that the rain potential is bad enough that it would steer you to Aruba during July?

The cruise is an excellent idea that I hadn't really thought of. We normally like to fly and be stationed somewhere so that we get a good feel of the area, and not just the 8 hour impression you get from a day in port. In the caribbean though and with it being our first time it may be a good way to see a lot.

Would you say that curaçao is worth going to or not then? It sounds like there isn't much going on and the beaches are not as nice.

KVR

We were married in a July, so we have done a fair share of anniversary trips during that time. The only weather issues we have experienced is that it's unbelievably HOT and HUMID. So much so, we don't really like to vacation on our anniversary unless it's a big one. Also, unless it's a adult/couples only resort or high priced in a secluded area we get inundated with families. If that is an issue for you to think about.

We have been looking at the Celebrity cruise out of San Juan for awhile. We have had difficulty getting to some of the Southern Caribbean Islands due to cost and inflexibility of the airlines in getting us there. We have been to Aruba, Curacao and St. Lucia. Loved Aruba and St. Lucia, but did not care for Curacao. Not enough to see and do for a 7 night trip. We were quite bored especially in the evenings. We did do some day trips and scuba dived at the Aquarium which was the highlight of the trip. We found the snorkeling meh compared to Grand Cayman or Mexico. Not a destination I would return to.

Another option we have been looking at is going to Barbados. There are days trips to St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada by air. However, the cost of air and hotel just to Barbados is looking around $4,000 and then another $1,200 for each Island day trip. Going on a cruise out of San Juan that included those Islands would be more cost efficient. Island hopping non-cruise line is expensive and can be quite time consuming.

If you're interested, I have a photo site of all of our vacations.

https://kvrlvnphotogallery.shutterfly.com/pictures/5

click "all", so you won't have to click through multiple pages.

KVR

Oh, also wanted to mention, we are planning DH's 60th birthday for next year and he chose Costa Rica. We plan on staying in 3 different areas; Poas, Arenal and Manuel Antonio. With air to San Jose, hotels, transportation, and day trips, it's about $3,500. That doesn't include food, shopping or incidentials. Add about another $1,500 for that.

eastenderusvi

Island hopping is very easy in the VI- both US and British. Late June and early July are more known for heat, not lots of rain. Festival on St John culminates on the 4th of July with a parade, fireworks, etc. It is actually a great time to visit.

A cruise does have the downside of just allowing a quick peek at various islands, but it is an easy way to see a large swath of real estate.

Digbydog

" I don't think it's actually feasible/easy to get to the USVI from PR."

It's actually quite easy to fly from San Juan to the USVI or BVI's. Check Seaborne, Cape Air, Air Sunshine, and Jet Blue. Then you can ferry between islands.

We thought about taking a cruise a few years ago to explore the Caribbean, and we were so glad we decided to explore on our own instead. It was so nice to just relax in one place and really explore that island. We were able to head out for a snorkel, come back to our hotel and relax, and then head out again. We absolutely loved St. John and Virgin Gorda so much so that we are heading back there this summer.

hka

Thank you for your responses. Although cruises are a blast, I think for this trip we would like to be on our own schedule and thoroughly explore and enjoy the area and beaches.

Digbydog: I looked and you're right, getting to the various islands within USVI or BVI from PR looks fairly easy!

I'm still so indecisive. I think I've done too much research at this point because now I am starting to ADD islands to the mix and am second guessing myself. Now it's Turks and Caicos Vs. Aruba vs. USVI/BVI. If anyone has been to these locations are you able to provide advice on which one would be the best match?

- want beautiful beaches, nightlife, nice hotel, good dining options, snorkeling, good weather, a day excursion. the rain in July is worrying and I am not sure how much it affects the various islands.

THANK YOU to anyone that can provide help

WWK

What is your budget for this vacation? That may help you narrow down the contestants. Turks is one of the driest islands in the Caribbean, but also one of the most expensive. The beaches (Grace Bay!!Taylor Bay) are spectacular, and there are plenty of really good restaurants. But there's hardly any nightlife or shopping. For me, the peace and quiet is heaven, but it might not work for people craving more action on their vacation.

Aruba is also one of the driest islands in the Caribbean. It's got a totally different vibe than Turks. Much more commercial, lots of cruise ships in town, tons of shopping, 24/7 nonstop activities and nightlife. Also less expensive generally than Turks. The beaches are nice, but IMHO not as beautiful as beaches in Turks or USVI.

Usually- not always- airfare to Aruba is cheaper than airfare to Turks.

Good luck with your choice!

diann24

I have been to T&C a few years back and we would not return simply because it was just to quiet for us. (we r seniors I might add Lol.) IF total R&R is what you would like then T&C would be the place. It does have gorgeous water clarity/color then any beach I have ever seen.

We love Aruba so much that we purchased a timeshare there and we go every year. I always feel sad to leave. Aruba has the highest repeat visitors of any island so they must be doing something right. I have spent time in San Juan have done the rainforest, but again for a whole week I think not. 3 days was fine for me. I also find the Arubian people to be so warm and friendly. It is just a good vibe for us, and in July I am sure you will assured of pretty nice weather. there is also a plethora of wonderful restaurants. Driving is easy as well and for a first time visitor you will have a lot to see and do.

KVR

I agree with diann24. But, it's up to you what you are really looking for. T & C = quite and fabulous beaches. Aruba = more entertaining with things to do and fabulous dining/bar options. Don't knock Eagle beach in Aruba. It has made it to the top 10 list of beaches in the Caribbean.

hka

Thank you! From this advice I have cut out T&C as it sounds too laid back for what we are looking for.

That leaves Aruba and USVI/BVI. Has anyone been to both Aruba and Tortola/ or St.Thomas or Croix that could help me decide which one would be a better fit?

I appreciate everyone's great advice!

genio67

Are you still considering Puerto Rico? Personally, I think it's much more interesting than Aruba. People do mention that there is so much to do in Aruba but it just wasn't that interesting to me. PR is so much bigger and has much more diversity in what it offers. Aruba has great beaches though and and I am considering future trips there but based on what you seem to be looking for, I think you should take a serious look at PR with a side trip to Vieques or Culebra. I believe it's fairly easy to get a flight from San Juan to USVI as well (Seaborne airlines and several others) if you want to do that.

WWK

I would cross St. Thomas off your list. BUT I really loved St. John. It's got a funky downtown with lots of nightlife, good restaurants, and absolutely gorgeous beaches ( one of them is the famous TRUNK BAY).

hka

Genio67: thank you for your advice. Yes, we're still considering Puerto Rico. However, if we were to go there I was thinking of just a few days and spending half or the majority of our trip in the BVI or USVI. I think PR sounds like a lot of fun and I have heard many good things from people but it seems pretty big city. Our main priority for this trip is to lay on the beach and maybe do a little day drinking at a fun pool, and have some fun bars Togo to at night. That would be followed by having a few things to explore such as a tropical forest or town. We've done Europe trips most recently and now we are ready to just relax and have fun- not looking to walk through museums, etc. but walking through town and doing a little exploring would be good.

WWK: we don't have a strict budget set however we are looking at maybe 3-4 star hotels (not more than $300 ish a night) I travel a lot for work and have Alaska airlines miles that should cover half or most of our flights so that part is taken care of. I also have some marriott points that may cover 3-4 nights. We have 12 days total for our trip.

genio67

Metro San Juan is a city and Old San Juan is like a little European/colonial settlement. However, there is so much more to PR than San Juan. There is Rincon and Aguadilla on the west coast and Fajardo, Luquillo and the rainforest on the east coast and Guavate in the mountains where you can enjoy lechon which is a traditional PR experience. These are not big city areas. Anyway, if the purpose is really to just lay on a beach and maybe take a day to explore an island, then Aruba will certainly be a good choice.

diann24

I don't think that there is any comparison to Aruba and San Juan they are totally different islands. I did not find SJ to be that pretty and it is not like a Caribbean island to me. The water was not calm where we were either not was it very pretty. St. Thomas is a lush island but not to spur negative thoughts on a particular place but I personally did not find the people there to be overly friendly or warm. It could have just been my encounter at that time. I think to go to St. thomas and then go to st. Johns would be a plus but many mosquitos that time of year. Bring DEET--bug are a minimum on Aruba due to a constant trade wind you will always feel cooler there then anywhere else in the month of July as a result. Another plus that no one has mentioned.

There is also not the vendors walking the beach trying to sell there wares. Another plus for Aruba. We have never encountered that on that island. If you have Marriot point you could probably use them at the Marriot in Aruba which is a lovely property, and a wonderful location.

With air included and money not a huge issue perhaps split your time up. Do 4 days in PR and the fly to Aruba. You are in a great place in PR to have great access to other island very easy!! In this way you will not feel like you missed one place or the other. I would just choose only 2 so you are not running all around PR,and Aruba. I know people who stay in Aruba for weeks on end. If you choose Aruba I can advise some trips/tours do take for first time visitors. Have fun deciding. I don't think you will be wrong in going to Aruba! Trust me I am sure you will not!

I have not been to Tortola/St. Croix to compare.

genio67

I agree with diann24 that Aruba is a great choice but I want to clarify one point (more for information than trying to persuade anyone to choose one island over another). Just as you can't compare San Juan to Aruba, you can't compare San Juan to the rest of Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico is much bigger than Aruba and the west coast near Rincon or the area by Fajardo is very different than San Juan. Puerto Rico also includes Vieques and Culebra, which have some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. So, again I think Aruba is a great choice but I was not comparing it to San Juan, I was suggesting Puerto Rico as a great place for a 12 day trip, not just San Juan.