Hello All,

I am hoping to get some advice on where to go on my next bareboat charter. The crew will consist of my wife and me and our two kids (aged 7 and 11). We have chartered in the BVIs, St. Martin and the Spanish Virgin. Of all of these, we like the Spanish Virgins the best, but have done that a few times so are considering a change. We will most likely go in mid February or mid-April.

I think I’ve narrowed it down to the Bahamas (Abacos or Exumas), Belize or La Paz (Gulf of California). We live in New York and for a variety of reasons don’t want to go too far from home on this trip, so the South Pacific, Thailand and the Seychelles are out.

Here’s what we are looking for (more or less in order of importance):

(1) Safety and security, i.e., relatively low crime risk

(2) uncrowded, “off the beaten path” anchorages and beaches, with a focus on nature more than good bars and restaurants (although we certainly have nothing against the occasional good bar or restaurant)

(3) Very good snorkeling

(4) Generally warm, Caribbean-like temperatures (or close to it), with low risk of major storms and total washout days

(5) Generally low-key, kid friendly atmosphere

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.