Hi,
My friend and I are trying to plan a trip to the Caribbean for the first week in August.
I know it'll be hurricane season during that time, so ideally we'd like to be as far south as possible along the Caribbean.
Great snorkeling is a MUST! Beautiful, (fairly secluded) white sandy beaches would be nice too.
Can you suggest a destination?
If it wasn't hurricane season, I think we'd definitely head to St. John.

Some background info:
We've been to the Bahamas once (Nassau) and Turks & Caicos twice. Nassau was OK. LOVED T&C, Grace Bay Beach was magnificent!
We're in our late 20's; not big on partying or gambling. Just looking to relax and have fun snorkeling/kayaking.
Are our only options the ABC islands? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
By the way, we'll be flying out of NYC/Newark.


Thanks so much.

ABC pretty Americanized, not known for snorkeling except Bonaire which has marginal beaches. A private island resort in the Grenadines is Petit St. Vincent with only 20-odd cottages, very private, snorkeling both windward (reef-protected) and leeward beaches. Boat rides to other snorkeling spots like the Tobago Cays. See www.scubamom.com for review, loads of photos, link to the PSV website.

The threat of hurricanes in the Caribbean during early August is relatively low so I wouldn't let that deter you from visiting any particular island, especially St. John if that's where you really want to go.

To put things in perspective - since 1852 (when they started keeping records) St. John has been hit by only 15 hurricanes during the month of August and 11 of those occured in the latter part of the month.

If you are not comfortable with those odds check out Barbados, it's fairly far out in the Atlantic and gets by passed by most major storms - it has some decent snorkeling.

Caribbean Travel and Life magazine (among others) consistently ranks the Cayman Islands top for snorkelling.

As regards Hurricane risk, Cayman has just release an island wide Hurricane Guarantee covering many hotels and condos... so you can cancel at any time up to 48 hours (or in some cases less) at no more than a one night penalty... no questions asked... no conditions.

Out of Newark, CO flies each Saturday non-stop to Cayman.

Just one suggestion that some snorkelling fans may appreciate

I think you would enjoy Barbados. It's a great place to unwind. It's one of those islands where you are welcome to rest and play as you please. The beaches are beautiful with white sand. BTW, I prefer Barbados to St. John.

I second Petit St. Vincent. Amazing snorkeling and beautiful resort.

"Great snorkeling is a MUST! Beautiful, (fairly secluded) white sandy beaches would be nice too"

based on this statement, I would suggest Grand Cayman, as it offers arguably the best snorkeling in the caribbean and seven mile beach is one of the best beaches in the region.

In September 05 we went to St John and it was the best time to go as it was not crowded and the weather was good even though it was hurricane season.We bought trip insurance just in case of a hurricane.

Christie

Thanks so much for all your suggestions.
Does Grand Cayman have off-shore snorkeling? I'm not a strong swimmer, and the last thing I want to do is to have to swim out 50 yards in order to snorkel.

If you're thinking of the more northern Caribbean, the entire north shore of St. John has gorgeous, mostly secluded, tree-shaded white sand beaches with wade-in snorkeling. And if you are OK with Caneel Bay prices, ther are 7 of those kind of beaches on the property which is within a National Park. Take a look at www.caneelbay.com and their video. As nice as that is, the video does not begin to do Caneel justice. This is paradise on earth. And St. John is a nice laid back hilly, very pretty island. Early August is still fairly early in the hurricane season.

If you can pay the tab Caneel is the best. It is worth a #1000 more than anywhere else for a week than anywhere else to get just what you want. You will find some children there but they have a kids camp so they are mostly occupied and not an issue especially if you stay in the Hawks Nest section (second floor-ask for end room a bit quieter). Another option is Cuacao where the neaches are not as nice and snorkeling is very good on the WEST END but you need a car ($250-$275 for compact car)but you can get to some very good restaurants as well. The hotel selection is good but not as nice as Caneel but you can eat as good or better and overall cost is 20% less than Caneel. In season, they have non-stop from New York. Curacao will be 4-5 degrees warmer than St. John.

queenkatez

Excellent offshore snorkelling is available right off the resort in many (although not all) properties in Grand Cayman... but as I run one of them, I can't say anymore

When it comes to snorkeling from shore, 50 yards is a VERY short swim. Many of the reefs in GC are what I consider close, but my guess is that they are at least 50 yards out if not closer to 70-80 yards. If you are not strong swimmer, simply get a vest to ease your concerns.

Hi,
I should've mentioned that we're on a budget. In terms of airfare and lodging, we are looking to pay NO MORE than $1000/pp for 6 nights. So Caneel Bay is definitely out of the question. I wouldn't mind camping out on St. John, but I don't want to get eaten alive by mosquitos in August. GC sounds expensive. Is great snorkeling out of the question now because of our budget?

Check out Estate Lindholm on St John. You will be within walking distance of a couple of beaches and can take a taxi to several others. The snorkeling is great. The inn is very reasonable with nice rooms and breakfast.

Thanks. Any other islands that would fit into our budget?

You know what, for Grand Cayman simply try starting at Expedia or one of the other websites that offer air/hotel packages and see if you can handle your budget of $1000/pp including air... I think you will be able to do it, but try it and see

Thanks for the advice TomCayman. I will give it a try.

I would also recommend Cayman if the money works. It is definitely a nice quiet island with great white sandy beaches and very good snorkeling/scuba. I am not the strongest swimmer, but got to see lots of fish last week.

queenkatez: I think you should look into Maho Bay Campgrounds. These are the most lauded "eco-tourism" sites in the Caribbean. They just upgraded Estate Concordia and you can basically choose to "camp" or stay in one of their studios. Check out their website. I think this might be a very affordable and fun solution for you. My husband stayed there once during August and he said he was not bothered much by mosquitos since it is on a hillside facing the ocean and there was always a good breeze. Good luck.