a different island

vacationpants · Post by **vacationpants** » Mon Jun 29, 2009 7:52 pm

I almost hate to ask this - i know that everyone here thinks St. John is the #1 island but which island is #2? Need good/great beaches, good snorkling and a laid back atmosphere. Thanks,

Agent99 · Post by **Agent99** » Mon Jun 29, 2009 8:10 pm

My two favorites are STJ during the winter months and Bermuda in summer. Bermuda isn't really tropical feeling in the dead of winter but April to December IMO....heaven.

Best snorkling experience ever was off the coast od Bermuda on a day trip. Crystal clear

AH · Post by AH » Mon Jun 29, 2009 8:53 pm

If you love STJ you will love Virgin Gorda in the BVI.
AH

Exit Zero · Post by **Exit Zero** » Mon Jun 29, 2009 9:05 pm

Anguilla probably has some of the best beaches in the Caribbean - an extremely laid back atmosphere and good snorkeling - a great vacation spot without the overlays of the American homogeneity driven tourist.
The number and length of the white sand beaches is unbelievable.
For an extremely civilized European type vacation consider St. Barths - fairly pricey depending on the Euro/Dollar.

sherban · Post by **sherban** » Mon Jun 29, 2009 10:24 pm

I love this subject...nothing but opinion. It all depends what you want. I have found some great threads on TA on this subject...where lots of people contribute diverse opions based on first hand experience. Comparatively, I am a rookie.

Depends what you want- mountains, snorkeling, beaches, resorts, parties, etc...my opinion is you have to focus in on a few key attributes and then ask people the best place to find those particular ones...

Have fun

star2515 · Post by **star2515** » Mon Jun 29, 2009 10:34 pm

We really enjoyed the north shore of Kauai.

Margy Z · Post by **Margy Z** » Tue Jun 30, 2009 12:12 am

We've really been enjoying St. Croix.

C&S Island Time · Post by **C&S Island Time** » Tue Jun 30, 2009 7:21 am

i would have to say one of our favorite islands while staying at a resort is Virgin Gorda at the Bitter End Yacht Club in a beachfront unit. Sailing, snorkeling, diving, a lot of relaxing with no interuptions.

loria · Post by **loria** » Tue Jun 30, 2009 7:36 am

in terms of undeveloped/laid back---bequia.

ShelleyZ · Post by **ShelleyZ** » Tue Jun 30, 2009 7:38 am

We went to Culebra last summer and liked it a lot. Different feel because it is Spanish, but it is also laid back. There are good snorkeling beaches -- we saw some of the most magnificent coral "off the beach." We would generally snorkel in the morning at one beach, go home and have lunch, and then end up at Flamenco Beach in the afternoon for boogie boarding.

It was fun to go somewhere new and make discoveries. Take a look - there are some good websites about Culebra. islaculebra.com is one.

TropicAtHeart · Post by **TropicAtHeart** » Tue Jun 30, 2009 8:12 am

I agree that Kauai is very special. The Napali Coast is incredible and the best hiking that I've ever experienced. The beaches aren't as pretty as St. John, but certainly beautiful especially in the summer. Summer is my favorite time in Kauai because that's when all the flowers are at their best. The Plumeria trees don't bloom in the winter.

I realize the original poster was probably just interested in Caribbean islands, but the French Polynesia islands are ranked as among the most beautiful in the world. Moorea is considered by many as the #1 most beautiful island due to the mountains, lush vegetation and blue lagoon surrounding it. The snorkeling in the lagoon is better than Bora Bora.

PA Girl · Post by **PA Girl** » Tue Jun 30, 2009 8:33 am

We went to Virgin Gorda last year and liked it.

Pros:

Laid back vibe and the people were so friendly. As I said in my trip report, it was like every island resident we encounted acted like they had a vested interested (I suppose they did) in helping us enjoy our vacation. Everyone was full of tips "did you go here? Eat there? Try this...!" type of interactions.

Lots of options to stay on or very close to beaches.

Great dining options.

Cons:

Slightly more of a challenge to reach. I say this because we are used to flying direct to STT and ferrying to STJ. VG requires either a longer ferry from STT or a flight to Beef Island then ferry.

This may be our unique experience - we had a hard time finding good food in the stores. We had visions of cooking at the villa but were challenged in putting meals together. By meals I mean fish, veggies, salads, fresh fruits, etc. We could have done pasta and basic things but we wanted to cook more special than that.

toes in the sand · Post by **toes in the sand** » Tue Jun 30, 2009 8:45 am

We found Antigua to be a beautiful, laid back island. Lots of beaches, good hiking, plenty to keep us busy and relaxed enough to let us unwind.

John LMBZ06 · Post by **John LMBZ06** » Tue Jun 30, 2009 9:24 am

Anguilla
Virgin Gorda
Turks and Caicos

Lulu76 · Post by **Lulu76** » Tue Jun 30, 2009 10:05 am

Not nearly as exotic and sexy as some of these choices, but my second-favorite island is Key West. Yeah, it's a little touristy, but you can't beat the laid-back, pirate vibe. The Keys have some great beaches, snorkeling and fishing. Not to mention, it's a lot easier to get to than these other places. Although it's probably not any cheaper...

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a different island

a different island