Caribbean - First Time Caribbean - need advice

Hi all,

Planning a trip with friends (couples) to the Caribbean, where to go?
Punta Cana, Puerto Rico, Bahamas, Grand Cayman Islands.

We are planning to get a condo/villa rental right on the beach,shopping food etc, or a resort where its much safer and can do a lot of activities.

Would love to do water activities, zipline etc.

Flying out of options - Atlantic City, Baltimore/Washington, Philadelphia.Any recommendation? one of the couple had 2 girls (9 mo and 4 year).So family type beach etc. safety is also a priority.

Not looking for luxury but decent accommodations and service.Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Never been to Punta Cana or Bahamas and only PR without kids. We prefer GCM, but some people don't like it.

Pros:
Very friendly, great beaches, great snorkelling/diving, 1st world amenities, many hotels/villas/condos, low crime, standard of living is fairly high (banking, not completely reliant on tourism), easy to drive on (although on the left).

Cons:
Considered too Americanized by some, expensive, not a lot of inward beauty and flat (no ziplining). Taxis are also expensive, worth renting a car.

Take a look at a home or villa rental on St. John, USVI.

You should be able to find a place that would accommodate your group and allow you to enjoy a safe and beautiful island that features some of the Caribbean's most beautiful beaches. About 2/3rds of the island is protected as a US national park.

Access is through St. Thomas and then a 20-minute ferry ride.