sbcgmu

Hello! I want to plan a get away vacation in September and I want to go some place where I can snorkel. I know September is in the middle of hurricane season.

I want to get away to some place quiet with a great sandy beach but also with a reef where I can snorkel, read a book in a hammock, eat comfort food and just relax (and drop off the grid for 6-7 days).

Does anyone have any suggestions?

I have already been to St John, Jamaica, and St Martin (French side).

I loved Virgin Gorda (BVI) when we went there for a day trip from St John and I would love to return to the BVIs but airfare is crazy from San Francisco where I live.

Any suggestions?

My budget is $3000 or less (preferably $1500-$2500) for 5-7 days for airfare and hotel.

Any suggestions for anywhere else on this budget where snorkeling would be good other than the Caribbean?

Thanks ahead of time for any suggestions!

lkemerson

If you want quiet and lots of sand, sea and snorkeling, I'd suggest Grand Cayman.

Shore snorkeling is excellent there...I like Providenciales as well, but the snorkeling is not as good. The beaches are better as far as cleanliness, and water clarity, but the snorkeling spots not as good.

xkenx

Hawaii! Hurricanes are rare, and water temps are at least 80 by September. Take a look at Napili Bay Beach in Maui. Napili Kai Hotel is there, and some lower-priced smaller condo hotels. The bay has decent snorkeling, but you can walk 2 min around the point to Kapalua Bay Beach, which has excellent reef-protected snorkeling.

ElaineF

Provo

beachplum

One of the options getting to the BVI rather than taking a hit on air to EIS or VIJ is checking the air into St. Thomas and then ferrying over to Virgin Gorda. Might work out better for you. Have seen some really great fares between Florida and STT (Spirt from FLL and AA from MIA) lately and maybe you can tie in with those.

blamona

Check out Turks and Caicos Club, call them directly for any specials they can give you in September. Small boutique gorgeous quiet hotel, luxury without breaking the bank. (Includes full American breakfast, and ask them about 1-2 nights free.) It's a 3 minute walk on the beach in either direction for excellent snorkeling, yet nice peaceful and quiet.

(It's in Turks and Caicos)

xkenx

C'mon guys! OP asked for non-Caribbean suggestions.

cmcfong

Molokai.

virginia

someplace around playa del carmen, mexcio (south of cancun).
very laid back. very good snorkeling. great reef!! nice beaches up and down the coast. wonderful food.
specifically the akumal beach resort might work for you. here's a link: http://www.locogringo.com/akumal/akumalbeachresort.html

caymanhil

If you are looking to get away from it all and experience excellent snorkeling right from the shore consider North Pointe Condo's on the north side of Grand Cayman Island. The Unit #204, "ocean's edge" has a view of the beach and ocean from three sides of the condo, private stairs lead directly down to a private white sand beach about 50 feet from the ocean. Swimming straight out from shore and a little to the left is a reef that offers some of the best snorkeling on the island. The lanai has a hammock in it and the complex has only 10 units, most times you won't see anyone else on the beach. For more information about this condo go to www.grandcaymancondos.info

Hope this helps

sbcgmu

Dear all: Thanks for the great replies and ideas! I should have added I just got back from Maui on Memorial Day. It was great but I think I really like the fact of getting outside of the US (and the water is warmer in the Caribbean) But I will use Hawaii as an option. Provo sounds good - I had looked into that as well and will continue to do so. I will look into Playa del Carmen. I had not realized its snorkeling was good.

I am also looking into Fiji since I am out here on the West Coast. I am checking if that fits into my budget or not for a decent hotel.

The one thing I just saw was that Continental just dropped their SFO-SJU (Puerto Rico) fares for the dates I am looking into. (Around $345 RT 8/31-9/8)
I saw you could get RT airfare on a cheap airline like Air Sunshine for $230 to Virgin Gorda or $250 to STT. With that I may be able to swing Peter Island or Caneel Bay or Little Dix Bay with their garden rooms to be within my budget.

Thanks again for all the advice. Any other suggestions out there?

xkenx

If you can manage the $$$ at Caneel Bay, the relaxation, beaches, snorkeling are incomparable.