travel recommendations in the Caribbean

Costa is too Americanized now and lineups are way too crowded. If I go to central America, I'll be going to Nica to surf. That would probably be without the s/o though, and I'm trying to accommodate both of us.

The islands at that time of year is low season and peak Hurricane season. Unless you just want to lay on the beach for 2 weeks, you are going to get bored. Central America will give you more activities

Roatan

House rentals for next to nothing

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There ain't much Americanized about the Osa Peninsula of Costa...

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Osa looks awesome and I'm considering that as well, but August is inconsistent there, and most of the spots are boat access - meaning it would be pretty much specifically a surf trip and wouldn't leave a lot of room for woman friend, who does not surf.

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but August is inconsistent there

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plan on getting rained on daily in Central America in August

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meaning it would be pretty much specifically a surf trip and wouldn't leave a lot of room for woman friend, who does not surf.

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hikes in the jungle, kayaking, fishing, etc

Have you considered taking a cruise? Yeah, you only have so much time on land at each port stop but it is a great way to go see new places you have never been to and hit quite a few all in one trip. No worrying about travel arrangements or what you will eat. Plus there is entertainment on the ship when you are not in port. It is a good way to preview lots of places and decide which ones you want to go back to for extended vacations. They have some long cruises that go all the way down to the southern Caribbean but not many are roundtrip, you usually have to fly into San Juan or out of San Juan, depending on which leg the cruise is on at the moment. The western Caribbean cruises are round trips.

Small Hope Bay Lodge

Since you really don't care about waves since your lady friend will be there... why not do some diving? Also, explore some blue holes, caves, etc.check out

Read the reviews on Trip Advisor -- you won't be disappointed.

Andros, Bahamas offers the most off-the-beaten-path experience along with (reportedly) the 3rd largest barrier reef system -- only behind Australia and Belize. It is truly a hidden gem (although technically, The Bahamas are not considered to be in the Carribean).

The places I have been and would recommend:

Barbados- crowded as hell but a very educated Population. League Cricket games at parks almost every night. Bathsheba area on west coast is considered by many to be the best surfing in the Caribbean. Great beaches all over the island. Tour Mount Gay Rum factory as well as Saint Nicholas Abbey Rum plantation.

Grand Caymen- not a place that I have been in The Caribbean with a more secure feel about it. Very modern and upscale without the pretentiousness of some other islands. Seven Mile Beach is only rivaled by Grace Bay Beach on Turks and Caicos as far as "big, long" beaches are concerned. Snorkel from the beach at Cemetery Beach located at the North end of Seven Mile. Great snorkeling also at Smiths Cove. Rum Point is great for a day excursion. Two weeks might be a bit much on GC though as it is small and the highest elevation is around 60 feet. Not much of a place for hiking but it is perfect for beaches, snorkeling, fine restaurants and shopping.

St Bart's- one of the more upscale and pretentious islands but very beautiful. Food us outstanding and service is top notch anywhere you go. You must fly into St Martin and get on a puddle jumper to connect to St Bart's. The approach and landing in the small plane is a rather anxiety ridden adventure by itself. You can google video of what you will experience. Many opt for the 3 hour ferry ride who get nervous with dive style landings.

Turks and Caicos- rather expensive as far as food and entertainment goes but a great place with tons to do. Grace Bay Beach , like Seven Mile on GC, is awesome as far as big , long beaches go.

Belize- the beaches were okay but we went mainly for the diving. If you snorkel or dive, Belize is a great destination. What I liked about it most was the variation in geography. I love ancient or historical sites and the trips to the Mayan ruins are great.

Places I would probably not go again:

St. Thomas USVI- trashy
Dominican Republic- if I ever go again, it would be to the North coast and not back to the main tourist area of Punta Cana and Bavarro.
Jamaica-beautiful geography but trashy and constant soliciting from locals



The four places I want to visit next are St.Vincent and the Grenadines, Martinique, Dominica and Anguilla. Heck, my hope is that I can visit all of the Lesser Antilles islands at least once. The only place I will for sure re-visit in the Greater Antilles is a Grand Caymen. That is where I would buy a home if I were to retire in the Caribbean.


****** Forgot about St Lucia. Aside from Jamaica, it is the most geographically diverse on the places I have been. Very mountainous and just has the jungle like feeling associated with parts of Kauai or Maui in Hawaii. We stayed at Anse De Chasanet Resort and loved it there along with the beach. Jade Mountain Resort was higher on the mountain then our resort but we could not afford its rates.

Krabi, Thailand

It's the Caribbean of Asia

But ya, looks like this thread delivered. August is just a bad month