NiciJ,

Welcome onboard
Having dived both islands, St Lucia is the one to head for in my experience, especially Anse Castanet. Antigua is good, the reefs are full of tropical fishes and odd Black Tip reef sharks, but St Lucia is special. The reefs are pristeine around Anse Castanet and it's even scenic when you surface and have the pitons as your backdrop! I normaly have my Caribbean holiday in March, but you shouldn't have too many problems with mossies, I never have and sand flies are minimal in my experience. I stayed in Rodney Bay, Anse Castanet is about 45 minutes by boat away diving with Scuba St Lucia. There's plenty of good quality holtels on the island, that comes down to budgets really.

Darren

I've also done resort dives on both islands and agree with Darren that St Lucia was the better of the two.

St Lucia also has more to see and do, however if you're after stunning white sand beaches then Antigua has it beat hands down.

If it's just the two of you I'd definitely consider the Sandals resorts on both islands. I believe if you're certified, then diving is included and they have resort courses for beginners for a nominal fee. On St Lucia they have three properties and you can use the free shuttle between, for a change of scene.
In St Lucia, Rendezvous is also a good resort (and used to include scuba) and I've always heard good things about the East Winds.

In Antigua, Galley Bay is meant to be great and my sister in law really enjoyed Hermitage Bay.

Must admit I've never had a problem with mozzies or sand flies in the Caribbean, in fact I've always found it pretty bug free, though September will be more humid/wet and may attract them.

Bear in mind that St Lucia typically has considerably more rainfall than Antigua, hence it's very lush jungle like interior.

Not Antigua or St Lucia but Cuba Hotel Paradisus Rio de Oro Guardalavaca 5* adults only wonderful food superb beach reef just of beach, and to cap Scuba is included in the all Incluesive package, if you would like more info pm me.

snowyboy,

The original poster was looking at Antigua or St Lucia not Cuba!! I would agree the PRDO is up there hotel wise, but the diving off Playa Esmeralda is poor in comparisson.

Darren

Thanks for the suggestions. I was looking at St Lucia and Antigua primarily because I've been quoted such good deals for both; Sandals looks great but is considerably more expensive!

Sandals are pricey, but really really good.

What hotels have you been quoted ?

For Rendezvous in St Lucia is less than £1500 per person for 14 nights, including British Airways flights from Scotland (via London Gatwick). If money wasn't a consideration I would go to La Source in Grenada, love that place, but it's coming in at about £2500 per person for two weeks.

NiciJ - I have sent you a pm (private message)

Galley Bay is an excellent adults only all inclusive, with good wave action too. It's so nice thtat there were no buffets - my pet hate - and it was that little bit more exclusive if that's what you are after.

Hi, what's the beaches like in Antigua? are they white powery ones?

cheers
gb

groovybaby,

The beaches in Antigua are said to be the best in Caribbean. I personaly didn't think they were, but they are certainly high up the pecking order. They are your usual white coral powdery sand. There are 365 beaches around the island so you're never too far from one!

Darren