Crystal Clear Water

[anonymus]

We are looking to try out a new Caribbean destination this summer and I'd like some recommendations. A beautiful beach and crystal clear water are a priority. We also prefer to be able to snorkel off the beach at the hotel. Any suggestions? We've been to St. John & Turks & Caicos.

[anonymus]

almost anywhere in the caribbean is going to be beautiful. it would be hard to make a recommendation based simply on this, as there are hundreds of beautiful beaches throughout. Anguilla has the best beaches in the carib, and bonaire has the best snorkeling, but overall, what type of atmosphere are you looking for?

[anonymus]

Thanks for your reply. I guess I should be more specific, but the reason I bring those up "Crystal Clear" (note emphasis on crystal clear) water and good snorkeling is because we went to Antigua one time and it was a disappointment. We had a good time and all and the water was beautiful, but it did not even compare to St. John (we had been to St. John the year before Antigua). It was "somewhat" clear, but not crystal clear, and the visibility to snorkel was not that great. We like hotels that are on the nice to upscale side and we don't have kids so that's not an issue. Actually, the fewer kids, the better as we like peace and quiet also. We enjoy good dining (without breaking the bank), nightlife isn't that important, friendly people, calm surf, white sand, beautiful beaches and crystal clear water with access to an umbrella for the occasional escape from the hot sun.
Thanks!

[anonymus]

Once again, I have to go back to recommending anguilla to you. They have the most beautiful white sand beaches that I have seen. The water on many of them is really calm, too. The best snorkeling on the island is probably off of Little Bay, and Shoal Bay East is the best beach (definitely one of the nicest in the caribbean). Anguilla is a very, very laid back island. There are hotlels there, but most are pretty pricey and there are no high rises or anything of the sort. The interior of the island is nothing spectacular as it is very arid, it rarely ever rains there, it is also drastically different from St. John in that it is a very flat island. The coast, however is spectacular! There are a good number of dining options ranging from medium to very upscale. It's far from the cheapest island, but you can make do. Also, the beaches are NEVER crowded! There are no cruise ship ports, and even in high season, there are very few people on the beach.

Also, the British Virgin Islands are reputed to have some of the best snorkeling in the caribbean. Tortola is the only BVI that would have "Hotels" on it, but they are also smaller and similar to what you may find on St. John. Virgin Gorda is spectacularly beautiful, but EXTEREMELY expensive.

Another good place to look into would be Grace Bay on Providenciales, Turks and Caicos. The beach has the most crystal clear water and whitest sand you will ever see. There are also a great number of accomodation choices, as the beach is nearly twelve miles long. Snorkeling is ok, but not as good as you will find other places. I hope I've given you some ideas, do some research and let me know what you think!

[anonymus]

Thank you for your reply and your info has been very helpful. We were thinking about St. Martin or Anguilla, so you've reconfirmed our thinking. We went to Grace Bay on Providenciales in the Turks & Caicos and you're right, it was awesome. We stayed at Coral Gardens and the snorkel reef was right in front of the hotel and ahhhh, that water was spectacular.

Are there any hotels you recommend and/or "don't" recommend in Anguilla or St. Martin?

Thanks so much.

[anonymus]

I recommend Cozumel. The Presidente Intercontinental Hotel has great snorkeling right off their beach. This is the best hotel on the island, and of course Cozumel really can't be beat for water clarity and variety of fish and coral.

[anonymus]

don't go to cozumel, i've been there and it blows. too many annoying tourists, and the people there hassle you all of the time.

[anonymus]

Thanks for all the great input. I really appreciate it.

[anonymus]

Cozumel doesn't "blow". It's very laid-back with great snorkeling. You don't get hassled. "Tough guy" has probably been there once. I've been there 8 times. He sounds like one of the "annoying tourists" he dislikes.

[anonymus]

Cozumel has beautiful reefs and the snorkeling is fantastic. Jacques Cousteau has made the reefs famous! The Riveira Maya area below Cancun has nice snorkeling areas also.

[anonymus]

This isn't so much a reply as another question .. we are thinking of going somewhere in late June/early July with my family (2 adults & 4 children) and my parents (2 adults in their 50's). Any advice on where to go that has something for all? Not too expensive, kids activities good, nice beaches, clear water ... thanks.