BootsnAll Travel Community

This is what we are looking for? Anyone know? We have only been to St. John and wondered if any other islands have incredible hiking, snorkeling private non crowded beaches and a non commercialized feel?

Kathleen

This was exactly what I was looking for, and I chose Trinidad and Tobago. Pretty cheap flights from US too, and I'm going to take the fast ferry from one island to the other.

Check it out, great hiking, waterfalls, diving and snorkeling... but I will be able to report back personally in two weeks! I leave on Thursday!

What I was disappointed in is how little information there is on these islands here at bootsnall. Many people said they've been here on a 'which islands have you been to' thread, but not much in the way of info.

PLease please please let me know how your trip is!!! I am trying to see if there is any other place that compares to st. john and it sounds like this has a lot to offer!
Kathleen

Provided i get good net access there, I plan on blogging. so you can follow in real time!

http://blog.chrissipe.com

I think one of the best non-commercialized, off the beaten path islands in the Caribbean is Saba.

The flight into Saba (usually a LITTLE propeller plane from the Dutch side of St. M) is definitely a thrill, as you land on a 400 meter runway that ends at a sheer cliff, that many argue is the shortest commercial runway in the world. Google Images "Saba Runway" & you'll see.

As part of the non-touristy vibe, there's no public buses. Taxis (usually revolving around meeting people at the airport) and by foot are the way to get about.

Some really decent hiking is to be found, including a hike of over 1,000 stairs that takes you to Saba's highest point, where the views are totally worth it.

Fantastic diving.

Where do you stay when you go there? What is the cuisine and is the snorkeling good there too?

I'd say the cuisine's pretty eclectic. Like any island, there's always seafood things on offer everywhere, but you'll find pizza, sandwiches, etc.

"My Kitchen" is a decent pitstop if you're doing the Mt. Scenery hike & want to pack a lunch. In-Too-Deep, by the harbor, is a good place to grab soup when coming in from the water.

Cheaper accommodation options would be El Momo, the Eco-Lodge, and Scout's Place. All three have a "mom & pop" atmosphere (like pretty much the whole island does) that make you feel right at home.

El Momo and the Ecolodge are both relatively inexpensive environment-friendly no-frills type places.

Scout's Place is good especially if you're into diving, as that's who it primarily caters to.

I've heard the Gate House isn't bad either, more of a "botique hotel" or "b-n-b" type of place, and as such, a little more expensive than Momo, Scouts, & Eco. I haven't stayed there--yet (as everything I've been told leads me to think it's more of a place I'll go on a honeymoon or special getaway with a girlfriend or wife, and not as an independent traveller. From what I've heard, I think of it as one of those places that's more expensive, but possibly worth it. It always gets incredible reviews, but then the other (cheaper) places seem to get good reviews as well).