Garie Beach

Which Caribbean island should we visit? Or should it be Costa Rica? Or?

My husband and I are looking to go to the Caribbean next month. Neither of us are much for just lounging in the sun and I will be about 3 month pregnant by then so partying is out as is diving, zip lines, and other such activities. We are laid back outdoorsy camping types, into photography and want both beach and rainforest. I am leaning toward St Lucia (and have looked into Guadalupe and Dominica but they don't seem as easy to get to). We don't want to go to a fancy, big money spending place or like a Spring Break or Hollywood vacation spot- just normal. I would like to avoid places I have been already (USVI, Bahamas, Jamaica) and Puerto Rico is probably too American. We are also looking into Costa Rica. We would like to keep it reasonably priced and aren't sure all inclusive is necessarily worth it for us (it seems it costs about $100 per person per day and I just cant see eating $100 worth per day- you almost have to drink your money's worth). Also we don't want to spend the whole trip at a resort- we want to get out and explore! Okay, I am being sold on PR a bit now... plus it's a lot cheaper to fly to and get good nonstop flights, or early arrivals...but would love to hear more from people...

Public Comments

1. definitely look in tortola (amazing beaches), Bermuda (some places you can actually sit in the ocean with a lounge chair), or try Jamaica (can't go wrong)
2. I know you don't want it, but Puerto Rico has EVERYTHING you asked for. I have been to Puerto Rico twice. The first time I went, I stayed in San Juan, and yes, it was "too American." This is the typical tourist spot, and it caters to the mainland American tourists, so you don't get to see the island for what it truly is. Avoid San Juan The second time I went there, I traveled all over the island and it was incredible. I felt like I was not in America anymore. El Yunque is the national rainforest, and it's beautiful. There is a 5 km hike to the peak of the mountain, and it has the most breathtaking view of the coastline. There are so many ecosystems and places to see on this one tiny island, you wouldn't believe it: Mangroves Tropical dry forest Gulligan's Island (Playa de Guanica) Tropical rain forest (El Yunque) Heladeria de Lares (coolest ice cream parlor ever, has SERIOUSLY every flavor) Bat caves (this was by far the COOLEST part of the trip) Arecibo (science museum in case you're nerdy like me) Fajardo and Culebra (tiny islands nearby for snorkeling) If you want pictures or more information, let me know because I LOVE PUERTO RICO!
3. See if Barbados is what you are looking for. It is a beautiful island. Lots of lovely scenery and so much to do, morning noon and night. In Barbados you can never get bored because there is something for every type of person to take part in. Barbados is also romatic. Activites for kids and older ones…you will not regret visiting Barbados! The island has great beaches and is wonderful for shopping too! In Barbados you can also swim with Turtles. http://funbarbados.com/ http://www.barbados.org/ http://www.visitbarbados.org/Splash.aspx As it relates to accommodation, there is a lovely resort in Barbados called The Barbados Beach Club. This is along the South Coast and has a lovely beach view. http://barbadosbeachclub.com/ The Barbados Beach Club is an all inclusive resort which offers breakfast, lunch, after noon tea, dinner, unlimited drinks, an exercise room (gym), pool aerobics, snorkeling, scuba diving lessons, windsurfing, Hobie cat cruises, beach volley ball, games room, free shuttle service to and from the main town and soooo much more. The activities that are included in this all-inclusive package are astounding. http://barbadosbeachclub.com/recreation.cfm The Barbados beach club has 3 restaurants on site and one of them is buffet the other two are a la carte. The two a la carte are seafood and the other is Italian. http://barbadosbeachclub.com/facilities_dining.cfm This is a wonderful resort in a wonderful island; you should come and explore it for yourself my friend. They also have a special that started December 16, 2009 and ends April 14, 2010 where you get 25% discount off the all inclusive rate: http://barbadosbeachclub.com/special-details.cfm?specialID=14571 For more information about the price for the time period you are looking at or any other questions you may have then contact them below: http://barbadosbeachclub.com/contact.cfm Have a look at the links that I gave you. Hope I helped! ♥ P.S This is a really nice hotel in a great island and I have stayed at the hotel twice so I can tell you that it is a great and affordable beach resort!
4. I would recommend Puerto Rico first, but if not Puerto Rico, perhaps you should try Tobago.
5. Barbados by far. Don't even think of Costa Rica. Ever !
6. I give my votes to cabbages 'cause Puerto Rico it's the best, you'll find forests,beaches, the best restaurants, bioluminiscent bays, old San Juan is gorgeous, the people so loving, tons of hotels and resorts, islands around it like Caja de Muertos,Palomino,Vieques etc. explore beyond the shore go to the caves, to biggest radar in the world the recibo Radar so much you'll see gotopuertorico.com or you can see videos Adapteco.com