Caribbean Vacation

[Scrumhalf]

All right all you Caribbean experts, we are thinking of visiting the Caribbean for the first time. Let me cut to the chase:

1. We want great beaches and snorkeling. Thinking of Grand Cayman.. would that be a good first choice?

2. Is early summer, say mid to late June, an ok time to visit, as long as we get out of there by August or whenever hurricane season starts?

Or are we better off putting it off till winter?

Also thinking of Costa Rica. Iguana Lodge posted by funniirishman looked pretty good. Not sure if it will be too wet this time of the year though.

All your east cost peeps, give me some advice! :)

[Bouncer]

Been to many islands, Cayman Islands 7 mile beach was the clearest water I ever saw in my life. Loved it.

I hear good things about Costa Rica. Never been though.

[Scrumhalf]

Where did you stay when you were in the Caymans?

[Mr I]

Cabo, Baja

[Bouncer]

Unfortunately it was a cruise and I only got to spend about 7 hours on the island. In any case, it had such an effect on me I later named my boxer Cayman.

My other 2 favorites are Tortola and Bermuda (not really Caribbean but my favorite all around island.)

[Turbo3000]

I loved Saint John. We had some of the beaches completely to ourselves.

[Scrumhalf]

Just getting there from the west coast is freaking expensive. I've got to do some more searching.

[Scrumhalf]

I loved Saint John. We had some of the beaches completely to ourselves.

Where did you stay on St. John?

[Turbo3000]

Just getting there from the west coast is freaking expensive. I've got to do some more searching.

I bet.

Each coast has traveling pros/cons. I like being close to NY and the Caribbean, but you are close to Hawaii, Cali, and some amazing national parks.

[Turbo3000]

Where did you stay on St. John?

Caneel Bay.

It was owned by Rosewood, but I think that they have sold it. It is surrounded by national park land. I believe Rosewood sold it due to the constraints on the land. I'm sure Rosewood wanted to build it up.

We had planned to return next year, but the baby girl pushed that forward a couple of years. We would rather go when she is a little older and can fully enjoy the beach.

My wife is not an ocean person, but she feel in love with the Caribbean water. She would lay on a float all day. I spent most of my time snorkeling around the island.

[Scrumhalf]

Was the snorkeling good? I want good beaches and snorkeling that can be done from the beach - don't want to have to make a boat trip every time. I heard Bonaire has the best snorkeling but the beaches are not that great.... trying to find something that has both.

[Turbo3000]

Was the snorkeling good? I want good beaches and snorkeling that can be done from the beach - don't want to have to make a boat trip every time. I heard Bonaire has the best snorkeling but the beaches are not that great.... trying to find something that has both.

I was satisfied with it, but I'm not a snorkeling expert. Off the beach I would see a lot of turtles, rays, etc. I doubt it is near the top of the charts for beach snorkeling, but it was sufficient.


We did a sunset sail, but I wish we had spent a day going to the Virgin Gorda baths. I won't miss out when I return.

The resort is nice because a hiking trail exists that takes you right into town. I bought some beer and snacks at the little grocery store and took those to the beach with us.

[Scrumhalf]

Almost certain we are going to Costa Rica in July (assuming we can get reasonable accommodations).

Thinking of spending 4 days in the Osa Peninsula, and 4 days around Arenal Volcano. I hate running around all over the country, even though it is small.

Anyone here been to both areas? Would like to get some advice on how different the experience is in these two locations. Goal is entirely environmental tourism - hiking, birding, kayaking the mangroves and snorkeling. Avoiding the city like the plague - no interest in night life, etc.

[FitnessBrat]

I was heavily leaning towards Costa Rica also, but have been told it might be too wet/rainy in July, so now I'm not sure. Groupon has a pretty cool tour that sounded like what you are wanting to do while you're there. Take a look at it.

[FitnessBrat]

https://www.groupon.com/deals/ga-ecoterra-6