Caribbean and Central America Travel Forum

My father (86 yrs old)wants to visit the Caribbean this christmas holiday time. My husband and I and my 20 year old daughter will go with him. we are debating between Grand Cayman, somewhere in the Bahamas, or the Virgin Islands. Any advice which area might meet the needs of a not very robust elderly man as well as offer some good snorkeling, good food, scenic drives.....?

I was thinking grand cayman mostly because I got a reply from a resort there, and it looks beautiful, but I am sure the same holds for most of the islands thereabouts.
we would only be able to stay 4 nights.
thanks for any advice!

I would say Grand Cayman. It's beautiful and it's fun for all ages. Where are you staying? There is great snorkeling in 7 mile beach which by the way is beautiful(crystal clear water and very warm). I highly recommend taking a trip to Stingray City Sandbar where you can swim and play with giant stingrays. You can drive around the island in less than a day. Make your way up to Rum Point. People are really nice and helpful.

Hope this helps. If you decide to go to Bahamas. Let me know where you're going I can probably suggest something there too.

Grand Cayman and the Bahamas are on par, Cayman being less interesting geographically, Bahamas has wonderful waters. Food is just what you would get in North America but at twice the price. People are not interesting or friendly compared to the americans.. but if you are looking for an easy place, safe place with reasonable local people and not so obnoxious expatriates, Cayman Islands would be the choice.
If you are flying CaymanAirways and young Capt Hamaty is flying you, you are most welcome to say the doctor from Cuba says Hello..
Good Luck and best wishes for a lovely holiday in the sun

We took our two children (one of whom is a teenager) to St. John (USVI). St. John is very low key and very beautiful with lots of gentle walks or tough hikes depending on what you desire. Also, there are many venues for "gentle snorkeling" that my 9 year old could do, but also some more adventurous snorkeling for my husband and teen to enjoy. Overall, St. John has a wide variety of beautiful areas and things to do. But I must warn you they don't have lots of shopping, no fast food, etc. which is more than made up for with the plethora of wild life to be found there. For ex., we saw mongoose, wild donkeys, squid, rays, plenty of marine life of all sorts. Hope this helps, Valerie