Combined family snorkling/scuba/beach location?

[reefsong]

My husband and I are looking for suggestions for a combined needs vacation for the whole family, including my snorkeling mother, my non-snorkeling beach comber sister, and good diving for my newbie-diver 14 year old nephew, and my husband and I (both experienced divers).
We would prefer someplace that's not overly touristy in the Caribbean, perhaps somewhere we could rent a 2-3 bedroom house for a week. None of us are enthusiatic about the concept of a resort, but are open to any suggestions if anyone was particularly happy with their resort experience.
Thanks. We're grateful for any suggestions.

 

[baltimoron]

Off the top of my head I would suggest Cozumel, but I have never been there and from what I have heard it might be a little touristy. You might want to try the Keys (Key Largo, Islamorada, Key West), or maybe some place in Hawaii. I am not much of an expert, but all of those sound like good options to me. Let me know how it goes.

 

[sharpenu]

Key Largo, near John Pennekamp state park.

Cozumel is good, too

 

[baltimoron]

Key Largo, near John Pennekamp state park.

I'd agree. In fact, I was down there yesterday. Pennekamp is GREAT!

 

[pigletfish]

Hawaii is a good suggestion because there is something there for everyone and vacation rentals are easy to find and quite inexpensive. I have been to the Big Island and Kauai and would particularly recommend the former. You won't find colorful coral in Hawaii, but you will find lots of pretty and interesting fish, tons of turles, manta rays, sharks, etc.

In the Caribbean, St. John might be a good choice -- the diving is not the most remarkable in the region, but it is good, and the beaches and snorkeling are fantastic. There are only a couple of resorts on St. John, so actually a vacation rental is a good way to go and there are plenty to choose from.

Have fun planning!

 

[Tim Ingersoll]

Another vote for Cozumel.

 

[dolphin adventures]

Hi: We have some villas in Southern Belize with beautiful ocean views, great snorkeling and lots of Mayan ruins for a non-diver to visit. The diving is really great on the Southern reefs and if you are going in the summer they have whale shark dives. If you need some information just send me an email and I can get you pricing information. dolphinadventures2004@yahoo.com.

Thanks.

My husband and I are looking for suggestions for a combined needs vacation for the whole family, including my snorkeling mother, my non-snorkeling beach comber sister, and good diving for my newbie-diver 14 year old nephew, and my husband and I (both experienced divers).
We would prefer someplace that's not overly touristy in the Caribbean, perhaps somewhere we could rent a 2-3 bedroom house for a week. None of us are enthusiatic about the concept of a resort, but are open to any suggestions if anyone was particularly happy with their resort experience.
Thanks. We're grateful for any suggestions.

 

[mujer de la isla]

My husband and I are looking for suggestions for a combined needs vacation for the whole family, including my snorkeling mother, my non-snorkeling beach comber sister, and good diving for my newbie-diver 14 year old nephew, and my husband and I (both experienced divers).
We would prefer someplace that's not overly touristy in the Caribbean, perhaps somewhere we could rent a 2-3 bedroom house for a week. None of us are enthusiatic about the concept of a resort, but are open to any suggestions if anyone was particularly happy with their resort experience.
Thanks. We're grateful for any suggestions.

Hello,
I am retired and have lived in Cozumel for six years. I recommend against resorts that are south of San Miguel. They are far away ($20.00USD taxi each way! They are all inclusive. There are many nice, smaller hotels in town. I recommend Vista del Mar which is on the waterfront and is close to everything. Diving/snorkeling. Check out Caribbean Divers (Avenida 5 entre Salas y Calle 3). They are a smaller operation with a very good, attentive, bi-lingual staff. Their boats are comfortable, covered, have heads. Caribbean Divers is very safe. I dive with them.
I recommend that you email Cesar, the owner, at cdivers@prodigy.net.mx.
Enjoy your trip to Cozumel.

 

[Mishelle]

lol Go let me go against the grain here and offer another choice....albeit a bit touristy.... Disney offers a Discover program that allows from 10 and older... or maybe its 8... anyhow, they also have their Dive Quest. I have done it three times and it is a blast.
Good luck!

 

[ScubaTwo]

My husband and I are looking for suggestions for a combined needs vacation for the whole family, including my snorkeling mother, my non-snorkeling beach comber sister, and good diving for my newbie-diver 14 year old nephew, and my husband and I (both experienced divers).
We would prefer someplace that's not overly touristy in the Caribbean, perhaps somewhere we could rent a 2-3 bedroom house for a week. None of us are enthusiatic about the concept of a resort, but are open to any suggestions if anyone was particularly happy with their resort experience.
Thanks. We're grateful for any suggestions.

I hate to share this place cause its so laid back and peaceful but one more person (or faimily wont hurt) http://www.gotostcroix.com/scuba.htm