Where to go in the Caribbean for a non-beach person?

Question

My girlfriend and I (in our mid 20s) are looking to travel somewhere in the Caribbean (or Mexico or SA) in late August. The problem is, that I am really not a beach person (she is). So, we are looking for a place that has more to do than just lay on a beach and shop. Because of our drinking habits, we have limited our search to all-inclusives and are trying to stay on a budget (<$1500 USD for the two of us not including airfare.) I like bars, hiking and snorkeling and don't mind gambling a few dollars (she'll be happy anywhere that there is sun and sand). Also, I'm looking for something that isn't just a party town of overweight Americans and college kids... some place with its own culture. I know it is a tall order but any help i can get would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

I would suggest Ocho Rios Jamaica.  Jamaica is well known for their pristine beaches and an array of All-Inclusive Resorts.  Ocho Rios also boast a beautiful waterfall which you can climb, Dunns River Falls.  I have been to Jamaica and it is rich in culture.  Some of the activites you can do besindes lying on the beach and participating in water activities is hiking through the Blue Mountains, touring the Appleton Rum Factory and watch how they make rum, Zip high above the trees on a canopy tour, go sailing, white-water rafting, tubing down rivers, swimming with dolphins, tour the ancient pirate town of Port Royal, bike riding, ATV tours, and even spot crockodiles!  There is plenty to do and see in Jamaica and Ocho Rios is just one option.  There are many cities and tons of All-Inclusive resorts with different price ranges.  One good thing about the All-Inclusives in Jamaica is that they are geared towards honeymooners and couples and are 18 and older so I am pretty sure you can escape the craziness of college teens and booze cruises.  If you would like more information on Jamaican travel and all-inclusive resorts or would like any help planning your next vacation please give me a call.  I would be more than happy to help find your perfect match (and something to fit your budget and choices of activities and entertainment).  Good luck and I hope this helped.  Below I will list just a few options for All-Inclusives in Jamaica. Keep in mind that there are many more options.

http://www.sandals.com

http://www.breezes.com

http://www.couples.com

Answer 2

I would say check out St. Maarten, Dutch side is party side, French side has outstanding food &amp; beaches.  I think it would fit your bill perfect.  Good luck

Answer 3

Curacao sounds like the place for you. Although the island is famous for it&#039;s beautiful beaches (great for your gf), but also has a lot to see on the island itself. museums, historic areas, restaurants, biking trips, horseback riding, mountain climbing, ATV&#039;s sea aquarium, ostrich farm, and much more.

check it out

http://www.curacao.com

and here&#039;s a good all inclusive resort as well

http://www.superclubs.com/brand_breezes/...

Answer 4

what about Atlantis in the Bahamas.....has a bit of everything....not sure about the hiking though.

Answer 5

Ohh definitely Puerto Rico! That is why they say &quot;explore beyond the shore&quot; because it is so much more than just a beach vacation. Also PR is a US commonwealth so if you are a US citizen you dont need a passport &amp; its fairly safe to rent a car &amp; travel around the whole island alone. There is ton of rich culture in PR too, there are always festivals going on. San Juan is a big city with so many historical &amp; govt sights to see. El Morro Fort is a must see. San Juan has tons of restaurants, casinos, nightlife, cultural sights &amp; beaches. You will never get bored. Also the Bacardi Factory gives free tours &amp; you can buy rum there. They also have flavors that arent sold in the US. You can take the ferry from San Juan to Catano.

Also outside of the city there is plenty to see &amp; do. I suggest renting a car &amp; explore the island. You can get anywhere within a few hours or less. You can go to el Yunque rainforest. You can hike the trails &amp; see unque animals &amp; plants. You can also swim in the refreshing waterfalls. There is also a bioluminescent lagoon &amp; a bioluminescent bay nearby. The water glows in the dark as you kayak through it. You can go to Camuy Caves  visit the worlds largest radio telescope at the Arecibo Observatory. Ponce is a cool colonial city in the south with great sights &amp; Guanica dry forrest nearby. Rincon on the west is known for surfing &amp; whale watching in the winter &amp; gorgeous sunsets. The central area has beautiful mountains &amp; off the east coast you will find Culebra &amp; vieques islands with the most amazing white sand beaches &amp; great snorkelling. You can do any watersports, play golf, fish, horsebackride on the beach, surf, jetski, snorkel, bike, hike, go boating, ATVing, or anything you can imagine in PR. However the only all-inclusive hotel in PR is the Copa Marina.