looking for white sand and turquoise waters
 

We want to take our 2 sons (ages 14 and 12) on a great Caribbean vacation. They've been to the Pacific coast of Mexico a few times so they know what an ocean is like. For this trip they are looking forward to white sand and calm turquoise waters. Any suggestions for the best place to find these would be appreciated!

Sheryl, I topped a thread you might find helpful.

Lots of places in the Caribbean fit what you are looking for.

Give us some more info, and we'll try to help you with some ideas. :)

I would suggest Grace Bay in the Turks and Caicos. There are a number of moderately-priced family-friendly hotels in Provo along Grace Bay and several major US airlines that fly there (causing the fares to generally be a bit less than other Caribbean destinations). Aruba is another possibility with the same advantages.

Anguilla.

Diana,

I was just about to search for your wonderful post. Thanks for topping it : )

It's a classic and certainly needs to appear here frequently ;-) !

Marion

Why thank you dahlink! :D

I have to agree with Statia that you'll find white sand and calm turquoise waters on Anguilla, however your boys may be a bit bored on that island as there is really not much to do except walk on the beach, dine at above restaurants and do a little light snorkeling. In my opinion Anguilla is more suited to adults rather than teenagers (I don't mean to imply teenagers wouldn't like Anguilla but rather there are much better islands for children of that age.

If you'd consider changing your criteria to "very light golden sand" beaches you'll find the calm torquoise water you are looking for plus plenty of fantastic beaches, lush greenery, hiking trails, lots of very good to excellent snorkeling and plenty of watersports (sailing, boating, diving, etc.) on St. John in the US Virgin Islands or on Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin islands. These two island epitomize the image people have in their mind when they think of a "perfect" tropical island.

Anguilla would be number 1 on my list for white sand amd calm turquoise waters. As a previous poster mentioned, your sons may get bored. And it is expensive. Restaurants are very good. Turks and Caicos may work. Most hotels are condo style and with your sons it may be preferable. On T*C the hotels are primarily lined up on Grace Bay (the main beach which is 12 miles long). The feel is different than Anguilla. T&C may be a bit cooler temp wise from Dec - March. Another suggestion would be the Bahama out islands (again water temps cooler from Nov-March). Abacos in the bahamas has great beaches and you can take a ferry from one cay to another. The boys may enjoy exploring beaches on a different cay. Also on Elbow and Guanna cay you drive around in golf carts, no cars allowed which may entertain your boys. One limitation to Abacos is the hotels are very basic (no resorts), not luxurious by any means. Of the islands listed above T&C is the most developed and Abacos the least.

hmmm - what about Vieques (island off Puerto Rico). You will want to rent a 4WD to visit some of the incredible beaches owned by the US Govt, but you might look at staying somewhere like Inn on the Blue Horizon (or the place next door who's name escapes me). You will DEFINITELY want to do a night-time tour of the Bioluminescent Bay. Wear your swimsuits so you can go swimming in stars. I KNOW the boys would love it.

Grace Bay - Turks & Caicos AWESOME beach and water!

Provo--Turks and Caicos. Beach is ranked among the best in the Caribbean by several travel magazines. Have been there 21 times. Anguilla 23 but think the boys will find more to do on Provo Check out Coral Gardens as there is a good snorkel reef right off the beach. Suites are condo type with kitchens and all have beach/ocean views. The least expensive two bedroom suites are 4206 and 4306 which are 1300 Sq ft. Splurge and get 1212/11 or 1202/01 which are also two bedroom and 2300 sq.ft. Great restaurants on Provo. Do a Coral Gardens and Howard search on this site for trip reports and more info. Coral Gardens is www.coralgardens.com. www.wherewhenhow.com is a good source for Provo info.

Sheryl,
Grand Cayman might be the island for your trip. White sand and calm turquoise water, and I think it would offer your sons a bit more to do than Anguilla or T&C. Check out caymanactivityguide.com for info. Also, there are many condos on the beach to rent on GC which saves tons of money. More bang for you buck!!
Sandy

Stark, white sand and turquoise water to me is the Cancun/Playa del Carmen area. I'm not sure how quickly the resorts will bounce back from Wilma, however. What time of year are you planning to travel? Provo, Turks & Caicos is my favorite place place with beautiful white sand and clear, calm turquoise water with some snorkeling straight from the beach.

I agree with MuyLinda. We have travelled a fair amount in the Caribbean and the Yucatan coast has the whitest sand and great turquoise water. I would avoid Cancun as it is too commercialized/Americanized now, but go just a little further south of Cancun. I personally can recommend the Barcelo Maya resort as it is on one of the best beaches in the Area and has on site snorkeling. 8-)

How about trading in that image of white sand for pink sand and gin-clear turquoise waters? Harbour Island, a beautiful "out island" in the nearby Bahamas, is my idea of a perfect spot for a beach vacation. Gorgeous pink sand beach, clear/clean water, snorkeling, bone fishing, sailing, boogie boarding, scuba diving, etc. There is not much night lfe on the Island but after spending a day under the sun and/or water, who has the strength (or desire) to go out clubbing? Check out the Coral Sands (good for families) or, if you're feeling really flush, the Pink Sands!

St. John/usvi...beautiful island, many stunning beaches to relax, snorkel,ruins to explore,great hiking trails,many restaurants from upscale to joes bbq and enough shops to spend some time or money in. there are only 2 resorts on island..Caneel Bay or Westin ..if i was going w/2 boys your ages i would stay at the westin..more activity at this resort and usually more kids their age. lots of water sports and a great pool area.the beach isn't the best on island but i would suggest renting a car to travel and explore the wonderfull island..the boys will love it..donkeys,pigs,goats,chickens along the roads !! most visitors to st.john use their hotel/villa/condo as their base and most times are up and out after breakfast enjoying the sights/beaches/people of this island...you'll want to go back !!!

Ditto to Tess, above. With the kids in mind, I'd agree to the Westin St John as there are so many kids' oreinted activities there. I've been once before with teens, and will be returning this summee, staying partly at a "villa" and then a week at Westin St JOhn, the villa is for me; the Westin is for me AND the kids.
Happy planning and happy journey!

Hi Sheryl,
I am going to throw you a curve ball here. This is not a caribbean suggestion but rather the Cook Islands; fits the white sand and beautiful water to a tee.
Cheers,
Andy

I agree with the STJ suggestion!! I loved it and everyone I know & has taken their kids loved it as well!

Belle

You won't find much better white sand beaches than in the British Virgin Islands! My favourite is White Bay on Jost Van Dyke.

See http://www.bareboatsbvi.com/jvd_white_bay_beach.html

or just do a search for BVI pictures and you will find a lot of really nice, white sand beaches! :)

BeachHound

Barbara,

Thank you for your info. Do you mind me asking what your trip cost you. Trying to figure out if $5000 is a realistic estimate. Details appreciated :o)
Sue

So I've read all the posts so far and here are my thoughts... I agree, the beaches and waters of T&C are stunning. The rest of the island did little for me. Grand Cayman and Playa are still recovering from hurricanes. I do enjoy both of them, but not nearly at the same level as St. John and the BVI's. The only island discussed I have not visited is Anguilla. I would trust the comments above regarding your kids.

Back to St. John. All-around best of the islands. Here's the catch.. minimal hotel choices. The Westin is outstanding, but usually runs around $500 a night. (I do recommend traveling in November.. great weather, great deals). Caneel Bay is lovely..way too quiet for kids, even more $$ than Westin. Plan B.. villas. Much cheaper than expected. Lovely homes with pools can be found for around $2000/week. Shop on the web, there's a bunch of websites. St. John is a place where you try a new beach every day. There are guided free hikes through these gorgeous mountains most days. The town of Cruz Bay is cool, funky, island vibe..casual, yet high quality restaurants. Snorkel trips to the BVI are awesome or rent your own boat and travel to the beach bars. I'm rambling.

The BVI have a very similar feel. Beautiful, lush mountains, bordered by white sand beaches and azure blue water. The BEST. I am a value traveler, I read these sites regularly. I want each trip to be the best. You will not go wrong with St. John or the BVI's.

suejk:
Of course, price will vary depending on many factors...length of stay, elaborateness of hotel (or the 'deal' you get!), how much fine dining or excursions you do etc.

That said, we were at STT and ferried to STJ for about $4,500, as I recall. Also took day trip to BVI with Pirates Penny (GREAT!). You can do it cheaper or more expensive, depending on what you're looking for.

Belle