Caribbean in January - March?

[marcosgt]

As my wife broke her leg skiing last winter, I don't think we'll be skiing this season

So, I thought maybe it'd be a chance to revisit the Caribbean, her to enjoy some winter sun and some gentle snorkelling and me to do a few days diving.

Any recommendations on where and when to visit the Caribbean in the winter months?

Probably a week, budget around £500-750 a head.

Thanks.

M.

[BRISTOL86]

We are off to Dominican Republic in Jan - staying at the Bahia Principe which has an adults only part of the complex.

We paid c. £1500 a head but that's two weeks all inclusive and (typically) the price has gone down since we booked

[JDiz]

I can highly recommend exuma in the bahamas, a little out of budget though
swimming pigs

friendly sting rays

feed the turtles

amazing water


when ba have a sale on you can get to nassau for 500 return, then a 20min flight to exuma, rent a cheap villa, i can recommend one at £120 night, or there are small hotels/b&bs

[trickywoo]

marcosgt said:

Probably a week, budget around £500-750 a head.

You'll really struggle on that budget. January to March is very much peak season. Unless you can get a cheap flight (normally Manchester) the airfare alone is around £600 each.

Having said that I got a deal a few years ago to Grenada staying at the Grenadian by Rex which was most enjoyable. The hotel is 5 minutes from the airport and they have an onsite dive operator who are excellent with a variety of dive sites a very short boat ride away. Its a budget but decent hotel and if you can get a deal I'd recommend it.

Otherwise you are pretty much looking at Dominican Republic as all the other islands will be pricey.

[mike_e]

You'll struggle to get to the Caribbean, Cape Verde islands in January might be a better bet on that budget.

[marcosgt]

mmmm - Yeah, I was a bit optimistic wasn't I?

How about £1200 per person? Any recommendations at that level?

Exuma looks good. Is that possible or are we in the 2-3K a head range?

Cape Verde's on the 'some time' list, but I fancy the Caribbean

M.

Edited by marcosgt on Tuesday 16th August 15:08

[JDiz]

flights to nassau are between 500-800 each depending on the time of year, and if any sales on.

$150 each return flight nassau to exuma,
£127 per night villa.
$50 per day car rental
you might have to factor in one night in nassau depending on connections

so yes, exuma is doable, restaurants are cheap there, with the exception of grand isle resort and sandals.

[marcosgt]

JDiz said:

flights to nassau are between 500-800 each depending on the time of year, and if any sales on.

$150 each return flight nassau to exuma,
£127 per night villa.
$50 per day car rental
you might have to factor in one night in nassau depending on connections

so yes, exuma is doable, restaurants are cheap there, with the exception of grand isle resort and sandals.

Cool- Thanks - I will investigate further

M.

[Nezquick]

Mexico would come within that budget. It'd be great weather at that time of the year too.

Try the island of Cozumel - it's meant to be awesome for diving.

[hilly10]

Cape Verde is good value, but forget gentle snorkelling the sea is always quite rough well it was where have stayed

[Bonefish Blues]

If you do decide on the Bahamas then I recommend leaving it until March. Jan and Feb see cold fronts coming through quite often and the Bahamas is quite northerly in comparison to most Caribbean destinations.