Trip Ideas - tropical vibe in the states?

[gennyu]

Haven’t posted in ages but am in need of tips/advice. It’s been a tough year with my marriage falling apart and husband moving out.
DS (13) and I are in dire need of a summer getaway. But I’m feeling a little intimated traveling just the two of us as I it had been awhile since I’m ventured outside New England.

We both enjoy nature and wildlife. DS’s dream vacation is something with a tropical vibe and snorkeling. In reality he doesn’t have a passport so our options this summer are limited. Any ideas how to get that vibe stateside?

Other pertinent info:
We would fly out of Boston
We could go in June, July, or Aug
Likely 5 days/4 nights
Hawaii is out of budget lol

I really appreciate any ideas! I generally enjoying planning things but this past year has left me feeling really burnt out 😫

[keweenawlove]

Puerto Rico jumped out as what you want. No passport need. You should be able to get direct flights. There's some snorkeling tours from San Juan and hiking in the rainforest.

[Vespasia]

Definitely Puerto Rico!

[sunnysally]

St Croix is beautiful and has amazing snorkeling from the shore. I enjoyed Puerto Rico, but I thought St Croix had more accessible snorkeling.

[osumelissa]

Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands came to my mind first. But if you want to keep it in the continental U.S., maybe the Florida Keys?