Which Island for me??
 

OK-- I am looking for those in the know...

I love Negril, Little Bay- JA, Playa del Carmen, Tulum.

I like friendly people and just chilling with locals. I like exploring villages, back streets and snorkling.

I like finding (what feels like) undiscovered places.

I hate high rises, cruise ports and McDonalds.

Please.. where can you send me!!

Rebecca :)

Well, with the exception of having really good snorkeling, Nevis would be right up your alley! It doesn't have the white sand beaches that Negril, Playa del Carmen and Tulum are famous for, but it does offer a wonderful island vibe. The people there are terrific, the natural setting is simply gorgeous, the island is small and easy to get around, the good restaurants are plentiful, the downtown area is charming, and I could go on and on. Just check out www.nevis1.com and read further here at fodors to more trip reports!

Grand Cayman has all that and it is the safest island in the Caribbean. You can walk around at night without worrying about anything, you can go to private beaches all to yourself without any crowds and without worrying about getting mugged or harrassed. They are the only Caribbean ilsand like that. If you want more info from people that go there all the time you can go to:

www.caymanactivityguide.com/forums

Grand Cayman is a cruise port, or did I miss something ?

Consider the Grenadines - nary a highrise or McDonalds in sight.

Consider the less developed French West Indies - Marie Galante, Les Saintes.

Consider the Corn Islands of Nicaragua.

How about:
Bahamas out islands
Vieques
Belize
BVI's, esp. the smaller ones.

I disagree with GC based on where you've been that you liked. (Too commercial and Americanized.)

I've been to all of the places you liked and here are my suggestions...

Isla Mujeres
Nevis
Tortola (easy to avoid cruise ship - there's usually only one day per week)
Providenciales (great locals and super snorkeling and diving)
Tobago
St Lucia

If you like Negril you will not like GC, IMHO. Too sanitized with little local flavor.

St. Lucia, Tortola, Antigua would be better matches for that you are looking for.

If you have the $$$$$$$$ St Barth's.

It is discovered ,but so Parisian and chic.

NO high rises, cruise ports, but lots and lots of $$$$$$$ Yachts!

No Mcdonalds at all! Only the best gourmet food around!

Apowell- GC the safest isl. in the Caribbean?
Aruba has been voted the safest and most friendly island in the Caribbean,although it is not the prettiest, I would have to say that I felt very safe and the people were so friendly.
GC might be safe , but it is not the only safe island in the Caribbean.

crosbie-
It sounds like you would like St.John USVI.I have read up on it and it sounds to be great.
My family and I are going there in June.Everyone says that the snorkeling is great and there is only 3 resorts on the island, so it is not all commercialized like say, St.Thomas.Its also safe compared to the other USVI's.
I would just put St.John USVI in the search engine and check it out.
Good Luck!!

Nevis!

I wanted to say a belated thank you for the great ideas.... : )

You're welcome....now you have to let us know where you decide to go!

Look at some of the more off beat islands like:
Bequia
Union Island
Carriacao, Grenada
Marie Galante
Tobago
Bonaire

Or some of the less travelled VIs, like St. John or Virgin Gorda.

Another vote for Nevis!

Somehow missed Nevis on my list....love Nevis, a sure vote for Nevis here!

Crosbie,
From the snorkeling aspect, try Bonaire...you can explore sights and never possibly do them all in one trip. For topside, actually its not bad for a dryish, rocky island there's some interesting towns and historic sights and the national park.

For other places, do try Tobago, GREAT LOCALS, find the Parrot Man to take you into the rainforest, he's got the special calls, they come. Excellent snorkelling on Tobago. Villages yes, try Speyside or Charlotteville you may wish to move there. Great island.

Bequia is another charm, small island, small inns, villa rentals, quaint restaurants. Though wouldn't say great snorkelling there....but its an island away from it all.

Consider places in Costa Rica, great country to visit. Overall not great snorkelling but for exploring towns, meeting people and nature it wins hands down.

If you get to Med region of this world a hidden gem is Malta/Gozo.....history abounds, scenic coastline and clear water/snorkeling....excellent food and great people.

Happy travels.

Grand Cayman is out because it is a high volume cruise port. Aruba is out because it is more commercialized than what it seems you want. St John would seem to fit your bill except for one thing. Even though it isn't a cruise port, St Thomas as we all know is a large one and many of the passengers come over to St John. I just came back from Provo and that seems to be what you want. Also, look into the British Virgin Islands.

I'll second Isla Mujures which is a small island off Cancun and as different from Cancun as night is to day. Check out lostoasis.com - we dealt with Vicki and she found a perfect small apartment for us (we were there for a month). We were in a small neighborhood - walked to the beaches and walked daily to explore. It was a fabulous month.

Anywhere in the B.V.I's....BRILLIANT!!