Destinations Question

[SeeTheWorld]

Thinking about taking a family vacation in August. Kids are 16, and 12 years old.

My question is, which of these places is the best to go during that time period as far as beaches, snorkeling & diving, water temperature, conditions goess:

Tahiti/Bora-Bora region
Belize
Turks and Caicos
Grenada

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Price isn't a factor into this at all, because on trips we usually eat local food, take their mode of transportation, and stay at places that are just comfortable, not Atlantis or anything.

What do you think is the best, and can I get some info. on water temperature/reefs/beaches/diving/conditions and clarity, etc. ? Thanks

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We were considering taking a trip to the Dominican Republic with family but after reading the things here the reefs seem horrible despite the gorgeous beaches. I searched some images off a site where people just post pictures and the reefs in the D.R. didn't look healthy or very colorful. So those choices are the ones above.

Thanks

 

[BurBunny]

Thinking about taking a family vacation in August. Kids are 16, and 12 years old.

My question is, which of these places is the best to go during that time period as far as beaches, snorkeling & diving, water temperature, conditions goess:

Tahiti/Bora-Bora region
Belize
Turks and Caicos
Grenada

All 4 locations will have warm water in August. Of the 4, Tahiti will be the coolest, as you're just coming out of their winter season. However, it's also when the water is clearest, as winter is their dry season. Was there last September, and water temps were 80-82 fahrenheit.

Belize, T&C and Grenada that time of year all have quite warm water temps. Also that's near to peak hurricane season. You can expect rain squalls in the forecast most days, though chances of an all-day rain-out are slim unless there is a tropical system of some sort in the region.

Belize for the best diving isn't as resort-intensive as Tahiti or T&C. If you're looking for quiet relaxation, it's terrific on the off-shore islands. Mainland is a bit far away from the top-notch diving.

I'd probably rate the above in the following order: Tahiti (consider a couple days on Moorea as well - much less "touristy" than Bora Bora, though the lagoon in Bora is gorgeous), T&C, Belize, Grenada.

 

[PaulChristenson]

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Price isn't a factor into this at all, because on trips we usually eat local food, take their mode of transportation, and stay at places that are just comfortable, not Atlantis or anything.

What do you think is the best, and can I get some info. on water temperature/reefs/beaches/diving/conditions and clarity, etc. ? Thanks

Thanks

Price isn't a factor????
Adopt me...and let's go to Belize


Paul in VT

 

[SeeTheWorld]

Price isn't a factor????
Adopt me...and let's go to Belize


Paul in VT

Haha, well it is but not until we pick a place to go to.

Burbunny thanks for your input and advice, Grenada is pretty much off the list. As far as water temperature that's probably the key thing, because we went to the Bahamas during the Spring of 2004, and the water was cold. We've been in cold water (Live in Los Angeles) but that wasn't much of an improvement, it was really cold.

Do you think the Tahiti region though it's their winter-time will be warmer water temp. wise?

 

[BurBunny]

Haha, well it is but not until we pick a place to go to.

Burbunny thanks for your input and advice, Grenada is pretty much off the list. As far as water temperature that's probably the key thing, because we went to the Bahamas during the Spring of 2004, and the water was cold. We've been in cold water (Live in Los Angeles) but that wasn't much of an improvement, it was really cold.

Do you think the Tahiti region though it's their winter-time will be warmer water temp. wise?

It all depends on your definition of "cold." I know my computer never recorded a bottom temp less than 79 (I'd have to check, but don't think it was less than 80), with most between 80-82 in September. I stay fairly warm, but was nice and comfy in a .5mm suit. The temperature differences there between summer and winter are slight. Most of the variation is in rainfall, which of course affects the water clarity. Which is why I recommend a "winter" visit there in August/September/early October.