Tubulus

Looking for a place for a long weekend (3 nights) in March. Requirements:
1 - Nonstop flight from NYC (and not a super long trip from the airport).
2 - Quiet(ish) resort that won't be overrun by spring breakers.
3 - Good snorkeling - off the beach or boat is fine, as long as it's easy and convenient (ie if the resort sends out a boat in the morning, perfect!)

Don't care about nightlife or shopping. AI (as long as the food is good) is fine, or not, doesn't matter. Don't want to deal with rental/self-catering for such a short trip. To give an idea of what we like - biras creek was our favorite trip. Just a little too far and expensive for this purpose (also the snorkeling was not amazing - a lot of the reefs seemed not so healthy).

Was thinking Turks (maybe seven stars) though a bit worried the water will be cold that far north in March. Any other suggestions? Say up to $750a day all in (ie including food, snorkeling trips if not included, etc).

lorijv

Might want to consider St John(USVI). Should be a direct flight from NYC to St Thomas...45 minute ferry ride from town.

Last time I was there, good snorkelling was found both off the beaches and from boat excursions. I saw giant spotted Eagle rays, which was a first for me.

Just a note...you'll need a rental car to get around to the beaches, unless you stay at Caneel Bay.

mnag

Grand Cayman...Ritz, Westin.

Bassguy66

Yep...I agree with the suggestion of Grand Cayman. St John is awesome but not exactly easy to get to because of having to ferry over from STT....especially when you only are staying 3 nights. I'd be shocked if you couldn't get a non-stop from NYC to GC. The snorkeling is awesome, and there are world class restaurants. It can be pricey, but it's a good choice for a quick trip.

KVR

I agree with Grand Cayman. It's an expensive island so you won't find spring breakers. However, families with kids might be an issue.

The main attraction is a boat snorkel tour to 2-3 stops and then swim with the stingrays. Check to see when the cruise ships come in and go before or after or a day they are not there.

On one of our trips we did the little mini boats to snorkel at the Wreck of Cali. Very fun. The Natulis semi-sub was a fun too as we could really see all the fish. We got to go snorkeling with the diver also.

xkenx

If you liked Biras, you'll love Caneel Bay, St.John. Take nonstop to St.Thomas. Caneel will meet you at airport and whisk you to their boat which take you right to their dock. Caneel occupies a 170 acre peninsula in the National Park (no development to be seen). There are 7 tree-shaded white sand beaches on the property, all with wade in snorkeling. Some of their less expensive rooms (all nice--price is per location) may fit your budget. If not, splurge--Caneel is paradise on earth for beach and snorkeling lovers.

StanKase

I agree with Caneel. Actually acccess to snorkeling at Caneel far easier.The $750 is close, maybe $850. with 2 meals a day but it's a lovely resort. The food had been inconsistent but they turned around the kitchen and it is good almost as good as Biras.

Bassguy66

I would have suggested St John but the original poster said they wanted something easy to get to being that they only had 3 days. I don't consider STJ exactly simple to get to because of having to deal with the ferry. I actually prefer STJ over GC all day long....but GC is just so much easier to get to with limited time.

StanKase

I recognized the request for easy to get to but also the desire for snorkeling. The hurricanes of the past 5-6 years have done so much damage to the surface coral down to 5-7 ft. that no longer is GC the wonderful snorkeling haven it once was. thewaters off the beaches of Caneel trmp GC now even thogh even though they to are not in grat shape from coral bleaching.

Bassguy66

I haven't been back to GC since around 2002 or so. Stan has al this damage been done in the last 10 years? I remember it being quite nice there. Although I enjoyed STJ even better.

Tubulus

To go back to my original - would Turks be OK at this time of year? Is the snorkeling good/water warm enough? Does it get a big spring break crowd?

Bassguy66

Tubulus,

The water temps in T&C for March should be around 75-77. Not freezing, but not that warm 80s that you might be seeking. The water temps in the T&C don't usually warm up into the 80s until the end of May/June

KVR

I was in GC in 2003 and 2007. Found the snorkeling there much better than when I was in St. John in 2005 or T & C in 2006. I'm sorry, but the snorkeling and that snorkeling trail at Trunk Bay was beyond laughable. Maybe it's better now.

T & C would cover what you are looking for. No Spring Breakers, but probably families. You need to rent a car to get to the restaurants and other attractions.

Having been to all, I still say GC.

Jimmie

Love St. Kitts and Nevis, but it is not a great snorkeling destination.

Bassguy66

I agree about the snorkel trail at Trunk....it's just a bunch of white rocks....useless for sure. But when you get away from the tourist areas of St John, and swim out away from the easy (near shore) spots, there is some amazing snorkeling to be found. Grand Cayman has a (LOT) of different snorkel sites from shore, I'd be shocked if they are all in rough shape. One of my favorites was the reef about 100 yeards out from Treasure Island. Most people would flounder around the rocks close to shore and see nothing....but if you swim out 100 yards, it was magical out there.