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-   -   Which Island for Family Trip? (https://www.fodors.com/community/caribbean-islands/which-island-for-family-trip-1081579/)

JennJones27 Dec 15th, 2015 01:32 PM

Which Island for Family Trip?
 
We are traveling with my In-laws and 7YO and want an island that is (mostly) free of cruise ships and has white sand beaches with accessible and amazing snorkeling. We'd like to rent a villa with a pool and do not need to be right on the beach. We've been to St. John (USVI) twice and loved it but want to explore something new. We're also been to Turks & Caicos (loved it) and St. Lucia (not our favorite). We don't need much nightlife, but good restaurants would be nice. We are willing to rent a car and some good fishing would be a bonus. Our list includes Curacao, Cayman, St. John... other ideas?
Thank you!!

RoamsAround Dec 15th, 2015 04:20 PM

Grand Cayman has what you are seeking but it also gets its fair share of cruise ships. The other islands in the chain (Little Cayman & Cayman Brac) are somewhat difficult to reach.

If you liked St. John take a close look at Virgin Gorda - check out rental villas on Mahoe Bay - all are upscale and you'll have a choice of beachfront or beach access units. Most have their own pools and the beach there stretches for about 3/4's of a mile with calm, gin clear water and a fantastic "triple reef" system that begins just yards off-shore and spans the entire length of the cove. In addition, you get wonderful views of neighboring islands and cays plus views of the setting sun each evening. Very few cruise ships call on the island and those that do are small (under 150 pax) so they have no impact.

Also look at Anguilla - 35 white sand beaches and 80+ restaurants make this island a gem. No cruise ships, calm waters and some decent walk-in snorkeling are other pluses.

JennJones27 Dec 16th, 2015 06:38 AM

RoamsAround - Thank you for the response. I'll look at those options!

pariswat Dec 16th, 2015 07:39 AM

French part of St Martin ?
Lovely beaches lovely people excellent food no port ( port is on Dutch side) nice walks.
Didn't do much snorkeling so cannot comment that much about that.

ulrike458 Mar 30th, 2016 09:48 AM

We are planning a summer Carribean vacation with our four children in their 20's. One of the islands we are considering is St. Lucia perhaps at the Sandal's all-inclusive. What did you not like about St. Lucia? thanks.

Amanda_B Mar 30th, 2016 11:12 AM

Not sure where you guys are flying from, but Bermuda is a beautiful more low key Island that is SUPER close to most of the East Coast, also Aruba is a great Island for families and lots of options for hotels, food and an incredible beach front ;)

mnag Mar 31st, 2016 10:18 AM

If you like St John then VG as mentioned above is a great next choice. A bit more laid back than St John. Also look into the Bahama out islands. There are several but Eleuthera may be a good fit. Tons and tons of isolated white sand beaches to explore. Car is a must. Most people rent villas on the beach but there are several small inns as well. The interior is not as lush as St John but is not arid either. The beaches are stunning. We do not fish so I have no practical experience but I think the out-islands are also known for good fishing.


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