I am beginning to plan a family vacation for February 2007. We will be traveling with 2 other families. Group will be 6 adults, 8 kids ages 6 - 14.

The past 2 years we went to St. John and loved it! Next year we are hoping to explore someplace a bit more exotic. We are looking for warm weather, nice beaches and adventure. We aren't fans of large hotels (or AI's), shopping etc...

So far we have come up with Costa Rica and Grenada. What do you think? Thanks! (I also posted this on the Grenada board.)

Costa Rica has to have more to offer and I remember not too long ago Grenada got walloped by a hurricane.

I'm the mom of two teens who went to CR the first time when they were about 8 and 11. We loved it! TONS of wildlife, gorgeous waterfalls and foliage, warm ocean (not the clear Caribbean, but we had a lot of fun swimming and body surfing, some okay snorkeling too). And more adventure activities than just about anywhere else: hiking, zip lines big and small, biking and horseback riding, hot springs, kayaking, whitewater rafting, night hikes to see noctural wildlife, rappelling down waterfalls - we've happily done it all.

But, I haven't been to Grenada yet, so I can't directly compare the two. My guess is you'd have a good time at either place (provided Grenada has fully recovered from the hurricane.)

I've been to both. Grand Anse beach is beautiful. St. George's is a lovely Caribbean town. You have a large group, getting from one place to another is going to be a hassle either place. Are you comfortable driving on the left side of the road? Cab fares will add up on a hurry on Grenada if you aren't. Most everything on Grenada is up and running again after Hurricane Ivan, by next February, I don't think that would be the deciding factor.

I haven't been to the Guanacaste region of the country. The beaches at Manual Antonio are pretty nice, but the best ones are in the park, and you'll have to hike to get there. Not long hikes, but you won't be able to drive up and unpack your stuff.

There's so much to see in Costa Rica, first thing you need to decide is what areas you want to see. With a large group, I'd probably only do a couple, maybe Manual Antonio and Arenal, or one of the beaches in Guanacaste and Arenal.

If you want to get 'out there' a bit more, head to the Osa

After writing all this, I'd say I'd pick Costa Rica.

I thinking I am leaning a bit toward Costa Rica. If we did CR I think we would split our time between Arenal and MA.

JeanH - We spent 2 weeks in St. John 2 years in a row, rented a jeep and drove on the left side of the road - no problems. I know the roads in CR will be rough but we are a hearty adventurous bunch. The 3 families also travel well together. We will have our own jeeps and will not always be a group of 14 as each family usually enjoys a bit of time alone (I guess that's why we are all still friends!) The kids are also pretty good at carrying their own beach gear so a hike to a beach doesn't put me off.

Earthtraveler - The research I have done on Grenada suggests 2007 should be okay. They are hosting the World Cricket Cup in March 2007 so I expect things to be in decent shape. One thing that has not come back is the nutmeg. My heart goes out to the people of that island!

RickandPat - It is great to hear you and your kids loved your trip to CR. It seems like a great place to bring kids.

I welcome any other comments and suggestions. Thanks!

Went to Grenada once back in the 90's.
Have visited many islands and that was my least favorite. Went to Costa Rica, fell in love and have been back 7 times.
I can't see how you could go wrong with CR especially if you are looking for adventure! You will all love it.

Joeschmo- Thanks for throwing in your opinion. I'm curious about why Grenada was your lease favorite.

The more I read and the more opinions I get, CR is looking more and more attractive....

I didn't feel the charm of the Carribean from Grenada like I've felt from the other islands. The people are warm and wonderful and I felt perfectly safe but the 'town' did not impress me for walking around and the vendors hounded me on the beach to the point of irritation. I just did not have a great time which seems hard to do on a Carribean island, yes?

We've been to 30+ of the islands, and Grenada is one of our very favorites. It has already recovered quite nicely from Ivan.

We were there in Jan 05 and October 05 and are headed back next month. Our first trip there was in 1996.

We have also been to St John, and much prefer Grenada due to the far and away more "authentic Caribbean" feel of the island. It has retained its culture and identity quite nicely.

St Georges has one of the best and largest markets in the islands - with spices, cocoa, Grenada honey, and just about everything else you can imagine for sale. Some of the fruits and vegetables, I have never seen in my life!

Literally 1000's of people are there on Saturday for market.

The island is so lush, and the restaurants there are varied and have great food.

Combined with the beautiful scenery and day trip opportunities and amazing Grand Anse, it makes a wonderful destination. Lots to see and do.

Sounds like you will find everything you are looking for at the Jaguar Reef Lodge in Belize. Goto www.jaguarreef.com. It sits on the Carribbean and the Rainforest (including Mayan Ruins) is at the back door. There is excellent snorkeling (as good as the north side of the Caymans), hiking, kayaking, tubing in caves, & much more. Most tours etc are "kid friendly". The lodge has a variety of tours available every day & great guides. You are in a small group on the tours which makes it even better. The place is very very nice (not plush but excellent) and the people are wonderful. Everyone we spoke with there raved about the value -- you got sooo much for your money! There are several packages including a family pacjage - we got the activity one. A week is not enough time to do everything. We just got back last night & my hubby says it is the best trip he has ever been on. It was Spring Break & there were several familiies there with kids.