Considering a return trip to the gulf side of Florida or a more out of the way trip to the Carribean. The number one priority is crystal clear water to swim in and soft sand. Is it worth the trip to the Caribbean, or is Florida's gulf side as nice?

The beaches around Destin are beautiful. <BR>Clear and beautiful white crystal sand.I have been to Cancun and I don't think it is that much of a difference.

The gulf coast is truly lovely, but I don't think the waters are ever as clear as in the Caribbean (and it can also be on the Atlantic side of many Caribbean islands). Negril beach in Jamaica is particularly lovely both for water and sand, Sun Bay beach on Vieques off the coast of Puerto Rico, Shoal Bay in Anguilla (or nearly any Anguilla beach) are my top picks. The most unique soft sand however, is probably at Siesta Beach or Crescent Beach on Siesta Key on Florida's gulf coast. It's like powdered sugar. But the water isn't as astounding as in the Caribbean.

Lucy, I live in St Petersburg on the Gulf and spend alot of time boating up and down the coast. In my opinion there are not any beaches that have prettier sand and layouts than on the gulf side of Florida; that being said my wife and I regularly travel to the Caribbean and feel the clear water is the attraction down there as well as the differing cultures of the islands and being in a new place. We just got back from the BVI and loved it. I have been to Australia, Hawaii, Aruba, Caymans, Bermuda, Bahamas,Antigua, etc and still think our beaches are prettier to look at; one thing I do miss though is the waves and surf.

I am the owner/operator/manager of a beach-front hotel on the Caribbean side of Antigua. I returned last night from a great (tennis) vacation on Longboat Key (just outside Saratoga). I went on the beach a couple of times - looked at the very unfriendly water a couple of times - and had a great swim early this morning - outside my own place. There is no comparison! But the tennis was great (The Colony Beach and Tennis Resort)!

have two sisters that live in fl. done the whole state. Yes the waters are better in the carribean. You can probably do Isla Mujeres ( a small Island off Cancun) for less money than Fl. and enjoy a truly great beach with beautiful water. Can e-amail you our 15 page travel document on the island and surrounding resort areas if you request. dan and ginny <BR>

I think I have my answer. Thanks so <BR>much for your input. You all really helped me decide on the caribbean.