Never been to the Caribbean. Where to go?
09-03-2010, 02:39 PM
#1
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Never been to the Caribbean. Where to go?
I've never been to the Caribbean, and have some time off for a bit. Thinking of a somewhat spontaneous visit for a few days.
Thinking of Nassau, or perhaps one of the other islands in the Bahamas. Or St. Maartin, as I've always wanted to go to the ever famous beach by the runway there (can't remember the name). Open to other suggestions too.
Big on snorkeling and hiking, as well as spending time in the town(s). Probably traveling with a friend, so a priority would be a relatively safe place for foreigners.
Any thoughts?
Thinking of Nassau, or perhaps one of the other islands in the Bahamas. Or St. Maartin, as I've always wanted to go to the ever famous beach by the runway there (can't remember the name). Open to other suggestions too.
Big on snorkeling and hiking, as well as spending time in the town(s). Probably traveling with a friend, so a priority would be a relatively safe place for foreigners.
Any thoughts?
09-03-2010, 04:10 PM
#2
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Cayman Islands
Grand Cayman would be my choice. Great scuba/snorkeling and a low crime rate. Not terribly expensive if you avoid the ritzy beach hotels, and a small rental car was surprisingly cheap.
09-03-2010, 05:11 PM
#3
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Dominican Republic
I have a friend who swears by going to the Dominican Republic. He loves it the place, goes every year and talks about it the rest of the year. He says it is under priced and under rated. Haiti is right around the corner though, so I would make sure the earthquake did not tear up the resort areas before going.
09-04-2010, 12:47 AM
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I've been on cruise ship destinations in the Carrib. I did stop in Dominican Rep. once, and it seemed fine where we were. Very poor population, though.
Bahamas are close and easy to get to. Like sailing among the Virgin (US and UK) Islands. Probably liked that best. Caymens has a sting ray petting area, if you like that. Aruba seemed interesting with its Dutch colonial heritage.
I think I'd like Cuba. First, what do you like to do? Sit on beach? Night life? Just chill?
Bahamas are close and easy to get to. Like sailing among the Virgin (US and UK) Islands. Probably liked that best. Caymens has a sting ray petting area, if you like that. Aruba seemed interesting with its Dutch colonial heritage.
I think I'd like Cuba. First, what do you like to do? Sit on beach? Night life? Just chill?
09-04-2010, 12:22 PM
#5
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Thanks, I've been looking into all of those!
As for me, I love to snorkel and finding a way to rent a small boat to go island hopping would be a lot of fun I would think, but something that would seem more limited to a place like the Bahamas.
Other wise mostly just hanging out between the beach, hotel, and shopping districts around the town. Impartial on night life. If its there, I don't mind and I'll probably check it out. If its not, I'll enjoy the quiet.
As for me, I love to snorkel and finding a way to rent a small boat to go island hopping would be a lot of fun I would think, but something that would seem more limited to a place like the Bahamas.
Other wise mostly just hanging out between the beach, hotel, and shopping districts around the town. Impartial on night life. If its there, I don't mind and I'll probably check it out. If its not, I'll enjoy the quiet.
09-05-2010, 07:34 AM
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My wife and I loved St Martin and we stayed on The french side so it was a little bit of a different atmosphere but we would definitely go back. We were disappointed a little with St Thomas because we just didn't find it as nice as St Martin overall. We also went to San Andres but it could be difficult to get there as you would most likely have to go through Panama or Colombia and the island is so small that I would recommend checking out somewhere St Martin first.
If you are travelling from the west coast, going to Mexico such as Cozumel or Cancun would cost a lot less and save some travel time. Have fun wherever you go!!
If you are travelling from the west coast, going to Mexico such as Cozumel or Cancun would cost a lot less and save some travel time. Have fun wherever you go!!
09-07-2010, 06:14 AM
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For snorkeling, you would be hard pressed to beat Pigeon Point Beach in Tobago. Absolutely stunning.
I'd also check out Green Turtle Cay in the Bahamas. Get there by ferry boat from Abaco. Neat little island, nice places to stay and some wonderful snorkeling and fishing to be had. Don't miss Bert's or Miss Emily's Blue Bee Bar. Or the island band, the Gully Roosters.
I'd also check out Green Turtle Cay in the Bahamas. Get there by ferry boat from Abaco. Neat little island, nice places to stay and some wonderful snorkeling and fishing to be had. Don't miss Bert's or Miss Emily's Blue Bee Bar. Or the island band, the Gully Roosters.
09-07-2010, 06:23 AM
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Thinking of Nassau, or perhaps one of the other islands in the Bahamas.
Some good spots:
The Dominican Republic
Cozumel
Cayman
(As recommended by others)
The US Virgin Islands have an attitude problem and high crime rate, except St. John which is nice and laid back as there is no airport.
I love St. Barths, but it is rather pricey, same with Aruba: clean but pricey.
Stay away from Jamaica and Haiti.
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