I have travelled extensively throughout the U.S. and around the world, but have never visited the Caribbean. I am considering my first trip to the region in the latter part of this year. I am quite active on my trips, and enjoy full days of sightseeing, history, culture, hiking, etc. I am not looking for lazy days on the beach, although a day out of the week for that would be okay. I am not interested in getting into the water, so no swimming, diving, snorkeling, etc., but a day ON the water in a boat would be nice. I would like to visit 3-4 islands and don't mind island-hopping by plane. Suggestions?

Thank you in advance for your ideas and your help.

Puerto Rico
Mayan Riviera
Grenada
St. Kitts and Nevis
Dominica

How long is the total trip? You mention "a day out of the week". Do you want to visit 3-4 islands in only 7 days?

Have you considered Costa Rica? I know it's not an island, nor is it technically considered Caribbean even though one of it's shores fronts the Caribbean.

You will find everything you are looking for here...culture,nature,hiking,beach time, volcanoes and as much adventure as you want.

Our family is also active and we practically killed ourselves(in a very good way!) on our visit to CR. We hiked in the Los Angeles Cloud Forest, in one of the national parks and on the Arenal volcano, ziplined, did whitewater rafting, soaked in thermal springs, visited charming towns and churches, snorkelled in the Pacific,did a waverunner tour on the Pacific,etc,etc.

If you want more of a caribbean experience I would recommend Trinidad and Tobago, or Grenada.

Happy hunting!!

Thank you all for your responses so far.

To answer some questions:

Suze, the total length of my trip is yet to be determined, but at least 2, possibly 3, weeks. The day out of the week was just to give a sense of how active I like to be.

LJV, I've not considered CR, but am open-minded. Sounds like you had a great time and that I would as well.

Once again, thank you for sharing your thoughts.

Well Jamaica is my personal Caribbean favorite (I've been 3 times most recently last July for 10 days, also the Dominican Republic twice, and USVI once).

I like the Mayan Riviera and Costa Rica suggestions even though they aren't Caribbean islands.

Puerto Rico's been getting a lot of good buzz recently and has the "history, culture" piece you're seeking.

Thanks Suze. What is it about Jamaica that makes it your favorite? Just trying to get a sense of which elements folks like about which islands.

*bump*

My Caribbean experience is limited. I have only been to the USVI once, Dominican Republic twice, and Jamaica three times. So I should just say I really LOVE Jamaica not that it is my "favorite" compared to others. There's something very wild about it there. The people are amazing. It's a very poor and less developed island. It just feel the most NOT like "home" as anywhere I've ever been. What most people do not like about Jamaica (it's a little scary) is what I find intriging.

My personal favorite beach destinations at this time though aren't even in the Caribbean. I really love both Mexico and Hawaii and being in Seattle, those are the easiest and least expensive for me to get to.

Fair enough, Suze. Your reason for enjoying Jamaica is your reason, regardless of whether others agree or disagree. I appreciate your honesty. The info goes a long way in getting me to think about possible options.

I think you need a guidebook... & a map ;-)

Seriously to read about the history and culture of each & every islands. I know they differ depending on climate (dry arid desert islands, lush tropical ones, etc.). They differ depending the history of who all has settled them, be it a British, French, or Spanish background (language, culture, etc.)

Dominican Republic is interesting enough and provides some historical sites in the capitol city of Santo Domingo. I enjoyed Puerto Plata and Sosua on different trips. But the island does not have real good infrastructure or transportation for getting around w/out a rental car. Most people (judging from reading travel forums) head to the AI resorts in Punta Cana and just stay there.

I still think Puerto Rico and Cuba have more of the experience you seem to be seeking.

My favorite places also have to do with the fact that I often travel solo and prefer not to rent a vehicle or drive. So the towns I visit many times all have decent public transportation, proximity of town to airport, things like that. I'm also crazy about friendly local people. Which you definitely find some places more than others. Especially in the Caribbean, some of the cultures people are more stand-off-ish (comparing to Mexico for example).

Thank you, Suze. I will be acquiring guidebooks, but before I did, I always find it helpful to hear what others who've gone have to say in terms of their own experiences, etc. And what you have already provided here goes a long way to help me start thinking.

I think we are similar in preferring not to drive when travelling. I have travelled around the world pretty extensively, and have always used public transportation. There have been a few times when I hired a taxi to drive me around in the Middle East as the costs were low and it was most efficient. Other places, trains and buses have been the way to go.

for a plethora of non beach activities you can't beat the maya riviera area of mex (south of cancun to tulum) you can golf, play tennis, zipline, cenotes & caves to explore, do jungle atv ride, horseback, fun duty free shopping in playa del carman, ruins to tour (day trips to coba, tulum & chichen itza), fishing deepsea or bone, there are 2 ecomarine parks, & the sian ka'an biosphere that can be toured by kayak. there is a bus system that you can use but you might want to rent a car for a few days. all size & description of villas, condos, hotels & ai's.

st. lucia might be a good option for you. not known for beach activities. has zip, rainforest, drive through volcano. fairly dramatic topography. pitons: http://www.moorings.com/files/ASSETS...cia_pitons.jpg
easy to get to barbados for a 2nd island.

saba & st. kitts/nevis are non beachy islands as well. very small islands but easy to get to nearby islands, sometimes using ferries.

small airlines flying between islands are: liat, winair, cape air & caribbean air

the islands are a different experience than say europeon travel. many travelers want to spend a good bit of time on the beach chilling, so many islands emphasize that aspect. if you've never snorkeled you should try it. there is a whole other world under the surface to see & unlike many sports is cheap & has no learning curve. if you can float you can snorkel. if you can't float you can use a vest. the water is deliciously warm.
happy planning.

Thank you, Virginia. I appreciate the advice. It is very helpful.

Virginia -

Where would you go for best snorkeling?

curlyloo,
good snorkeling in bvi's usually by boat
st. john usvi for off beach
grand cayman for off beach or boat
tobago cays in st. vincent & grenadines for day boat or overnight boat
bonnaire, belize, maya riviera, provo in turks & caicos.

Thanks Virginia!

I'm nearly decided on St John's....lodging is hugely expensive though! But the airfare and simplicity of getting there are very attractive as compared the 6+ hours and nearly double the cost to get to Belize. Anyone been to the east end of St John? Know a small 1 bedroom villa with views to die for near snorkeling?