Missy

Hi, I'm debating between Puerto Rico and St. John/St. Thomas. I would be 100% for Puerto Rico, but I'm a little leary of the beaches there. Will I find any crystal clear blue water white sand beaches that you dream about on a Caribbean vacation?? We are very active, and this is why we are attracted to P.R., but this may be our only chance to see the Caribbean and I want to see those beautiful waters!

Alex

Missy, I go to Puerto Rico all the time the beaches are definitly crystal clear blue &amp; the sand is white.Just like you would see in the movies or on a brochure.I recommend Isla verde, luquilo or crash boat beach. all are great.<BR>Enjoy

sara

Well, I stayed at the Westin Rio Mar Resort which is supposed to be one of the finest in PR. It was great but the beach was brown sand. I don't think the beaches in PR are anything near the white sand and aqua water you find in Aruba, Antigua etc... So I disagree with the previous poster. Don't get me wrong- the water was warm and clear (with waves) and the sand was powdery- but it was not the &quot;paradise&quot; type of beach. There are lots of great things about PR- I just don't think they have the best beaches in the Caribbean.

AllotedJewel

Missy,The West Coast of P.R. has some of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen in my life. Light sand, almost white-crystal blue waters, beautiful coves and the farther down the west coast you go the more different the color of the water is. I would definitely recommend Puerto Rico for it's beaches especially the town of Rincon on the West Coast.

diann

I have to agree PR in some areas do have beautiful beaches. It is a large Island and most people stay in or around San Juan. Some of the sand in the San Juan area is not as white but the water is wonderful. West Coast, Rincon has wonderful beaches, but further away from the action. West Coast beaches are gorgeous.

scuba2work

I have to agree about the west coast beaches, they are a lot nicer. Remember, the further away you get from the big cities, the cleaner the water will be. It doesn't matter where in the world you are.

There are also gorgeous beaches on the south side. For the best beaches I would recommend, North to South, Isabela, Aguadilla, Rincon, Cabo Rojo, Lajas, and Guanica.

Also, there is Mona Island, a National Park 60 miles west of PR (pristine &amp; untouched). Let's not forget the most beautiful beach in all of Puerto Rico, Flamenco Beach on the sister island of Culebra.

Please note: Culebra &amp; Vieques are not considered separate islands but are seen as &quot;small towns&quot; belong to Puerto Rico.