We have stayed at the Barcelo properties many times...Beach,Caribe,Palace,etc...for the same reason...beautiful beach with lots of shade...This year we are trying the Melia Caribe close by...Hope the beach and palms are as nice

Well more than half of the beaches we've been to in the Caribbean do, in fact, have shade (an absolute requirement for us also). Perhaps you should try to decide which islands seem most attractive to you, then ask Fodorites for in-put about whether those particular places have good shade. Each of the islands has its own "flavor," its advantages and/or disadvantages. Depending on what your priorities (and budget) are, try to decide where you'd most like to go. You'll have plenty of knowledgeable in-put about your shade concern. What you're looking for absolutely does exist!

The beaches on the north shore of St.John. Particularly, if you stay at Caneel Bay, there are 7 tree-shaded white sand beaches on the property, with crystal clear wated and wade-in snorkeling.

Thanks so much for your replies. I'm actually thinking this through for next year but just wanted to know if it was even possible. We have taken cruises in the past but I would just love to try something new. Sounds like it could work. Any other thoughts? Thanks - Eileen

Eileen: My husband is fair, although he won't burn if he's vigilant with the sunscreen (he has made that mistake a few times). Last year he bought for the very first time a UV shirt because I drag him to the Caribbean several times a year, even in August.
He raves and raves about it and says it's the best purchase he's ever made. I think he got it at Sports Authority.

Here's a picture of him wearing it in Turks & Caicos:
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h170/caribtraveler/TurksCaicos0076.jpg

I agree re: shade on some of the beaches of St. John... but you also need to get there in the morning to make sure you get a good spot.

Mountainous/volcanic islands tend to have more shade trees available. Puerto Rico St. Lucia, Grenada, St. Vincent would be good examples. Sugar white powdered sand beaches nada except for the occasional palm trees.

Vinceygirl, the dominant trees on the St.John beaches are sea grapes, providing lots of shade on the soft white sand, just like Spice Island Inn on Grenada was before Ivan.

BTW, Barbados has some pretty good strands of Casuarina trees on a number of its' beaches, also powdery crushed coral sand.

Grenada beaches aren't the white powder type sand you find for example on Anguilla, at least not in my experience. Different texture.Coral islands vs volcanic islands is what makes the difference. Have never been to St. John so not able to offer an opinion.

We just returned from a fantastic 2 week family vacation in Grand Cayman and the resort we stayed at, Reef Resort on east end, recently put up many palapa's for shade on the beach. Two reclining lounge shades easily fit under each one, and there were plenty available, near the beach bar.