Ribota

My family and I are cruising the southern Caribbean during the first week in April.

I am always concerned about safety but even more since I am traveling with my elderly parents and my 7 year old son. I would like to investigate our destinations on our own as opposed to the expensive cruise excursions.

Can you please give me some guidance? Have you had a pleasant experience at these destinations you would like to share with us?
I would be grateful.

We are interested in natural wonders (caves, hot springs, volcanoes, horseback riding, safe beach to snorkle) anything educational really.

We are visiting:
Philipsburg, St. Maarten
Casties & Soufriere, St. Lucia
Bridgetown Barbados
Fort-De-France, Martinique and
Road Town, Tortola

Any recommendations, local tour company web page, etc would be welcomed.

Safe & happy travels,

Ribota de Sajambre

rohanbarbados

Ribota, I can fill in the Barbados piece for you.

Chances are, you will be as safe in Barbados as your home country.

Take the same precautions you would take in your country and you will be fine.

For natural wonders:

Harrisons Cave (My favorite spot to go)

http://www.barbados-travel-secrets.c...ctions-of.html

The flower cave is lovely as well
http://www.barbados-travel-secrets.c...tractions.html

but may be a bit more difficult for your elderly parents. Harrisons cave is your better bet (and really is a must see!) You just sit in a tram and you're driven into the cave, so perfect for your parents.

Beaches-Crane beach, Browns beach (you may hear others call it Boatyard beach). Folkstone is also great for snorkeling.
Have a great time. Feel free to contact me on the site if you have any questions

ejcrowe

On St. Lucia I'd recommend taking in a daysail that will take you down south past the Pitons for some snorkeling before sailing back to port. I've heard there's also a drive/sail combo where you can drive through the rainforst, see the gorgeous botanical gardens, and then pick up a sailboat in Soufriere that will take you by the Pitons before sailing back to port.

rohanbarbados

I've been to St Lucia as well, and really loved it. I like how it's so hilly (well compared to Barbados). Lovely place, and great people.

ParrotMom

In Barbarados if you walk out of the bus/taxi terminal you can get a taxi for much, much less...

Fish14g

Our first trip to Barbados and St lucia took place end of Jan-Feb, 2008.

We felt just as safe in Barbados as anywhere in the States. The local people are fantastic, friendly, and well educated. Very proud of their heritage and Island. Keep your wits about you, just as you would in any new city. You can go most places via taxi, and our drivers would generally wait for us to finish at the destination and deliver us back.

Harrison cave - must see
Taxi tour around the islands interior - must see
Graeme Hall nature Sanctuary - must see

St Lucia was also nice. Our experience was that we did not feel quite as safe...would just recommend using extra caution. We were a bit more comfortable sticking close to the hotel here.

Enjoy!