How does US Virgin islands compare to Playa del Carmen, Mexico? Which has better beaches?

The beach at PDC is absolutely breathtaking, but a few of the beaches in the USVI's are nice too.<BR>I'd make it dependent on what other kinds of things you want to do and see.<BR>

The above is correct and the beaches get better when you go as far as Akumal. You are in coral type beaches in Mexico.

No comparison in my opinion - The U.S. Virgin Islands' beaches are so much better than any in Playa del Carmen - not to mention the proximity of the BVIs and the beautiful offering of beaches and snorkeling as well. Just my opinion, but you asked!

There is really no comparison. The beaches in the Virgin Islands are incredible. St. John especially. They are far more beautiful and breathtaking than beaches in Playa de Carmen. Plus, the feeling of actually being on an island is far greater in St. John/ St. Thomas.

Jim/Bob,<BR>I must respectfully disagree with your saying the beaches in the VI's are better than the one at PDC, and that there is no comparison.<BR>I have been to most of the beaches in the USVI's and BVI's and have yet to find one that even comes close to having water that turquoise color and sand as white as does the beach in PDC. <BR>Yes, the beaches in the VI's are lovely also, but to say that the beach at PDC doesn't compare is not accurate in my opinion.<BR>What beach(es) in the VI's in particular do you feel this is true of? (I'd love to see it!)

think I responded to this under the other thread with a similiar title. ooooops.

Actually, the beaches that are of no comparison to PDC are (trunk bay, solomons bay, hawksnest, magens bay, maho bay, etc.. Mexico is filth compared to the Virgin Islands. That's the bottom line buddy.

It is obvious that on this site there is needed a standard criteria to use for comparing beaches. It would be interesting if somebody would create one. When somebody asks for the best beach in the Caribbean for example -- one wonders what they are seeking? I would think the first thing would be one without no-seeums. Next, I would think they might like some shade from the sun if they plan to spend all of their time on the sand.

Thanks for replies. Just looking for beach that has less crowds, maybe some coves... Looking for tropical feel, with lots of palm trees, flowers and vegetation on island or area. Looks like US Virgin fits that description...but will still consider other islands or perhaps Mexico.

No comparison, USVI are better than Mexico any day, but what you're looking for sounds more to me like the British VI. The BVI have more of the tropical coves that you mentioned. I'd stay either on St. John or St. Thomas for USVI, not St. Croix. The vegetation for some reason isn't as lush especially from January - April. Beaches on St. Thomas that get crowded: Megan's Bay, Morningstar, Sapphire Beach. The Beach by the Ritz Carlton (forget the name) is less crowded. And St. John is typically less crowded than St. Thomas. Highly recommend the Virgin Islands. Have to agree with the post by 'John' and also add Cinammon Bay, St. John. Hope this helps.

Jim-Bob-John-GM, <BR>Obviously, you're all the same person and none of your split personalities have been to the beaches of Mexico.<BR>If you had, you would say you PREFER the beaches of the Virgin Islands to those of Mexico, and give reasons why. <BR>It's obvious you are not well-traveled, because people who are well-traveled say they liked one thing over another and explain why instead of making ignorant blanket statements like "no comparison" (in all 4 of your posts) and "Mexico is filth."<BR>A lot of people would disagree, and there's no reason to be nasty - you just make yourself look stupid by dissing places other people like.

to john: PDC is "filth" compared to islands?? interesting comment...why do you say this about Playa del Carmen?

I usually don't reply to these message boards but I could hardly help my-self. I was born and raised in the Virgin Islands (St.Thomas). I have been to PDC as well. I may be baised but the VI wins hands down. Also the best beaches in St.Thomas don't have any names they are not only Magens Bay, or Morning Star, Trunk Bay or Cinnamon. Actually if you want the humble opinion of one who has been to every other island in the Caribbean, go to St.Barths if it fits the budget, and there are no kids. Saline on St.Barths is pure relaxation, and St.Barts is the ultimate in quaint. It has become slightly touristic over the last ten years but nothing like St.Thomas. However if you decide to go to St.Thomas stay for a while in St.John and make sure to stop at Mongoose Junction, the best stone work in the USVI.

Based on your recent comments I can make some additional comments. I think the BVI better fit your criteria over the USVI as they are less crowded. Remember that this general area is not what you would call lush in tropical growth. The gardens you see in resorts such as Caneel Bay and Little Dix have been planted. Caneel Bay has an exceptional collection of specimen trees from around the world. It is delightful to walk through at night. Guana Island in the BVI has some of the most extensive natural growth in the area. It is the best island for flora and fauna. www.guana.com I think Caneel Bay best fits most of your requirement regarding gardens and coves and little beaches. Anquilla is the islands of beaches and they have one for every day of the week almost. There is however very little growth on the island. If you also go as far as Petit St. Vincent I think you would be overjoyed with lack of people and lots of sand and nice growth. www.psvresort.com <BR><BR>However in Mexico, I would send you south from Playa del Carmen to as far as Akumal Bay. I may have gotten a little over crowded in recent years as we have not been there since the 1980s. At one time, for raked white sand in the morning, beautiful clear calm waters full of fish and sea life and lots of palms, it was a very different world than the Virgin Islands. <BR><BR>The best in your catagory today is most likely in Fiji. At one time I would have picked Bora Bora but it is getting over developed today. Harbor Island has a most beautiful beach and Culebra has one also. Of the two I would pick Harbor Island. I have not been to Tobago but that would provide the tropical flora you might like but I don't know much about their beaches. Drake Anchorage is on an interesting private Island but I know little about it today even if it is still operating. Jos Van Dyke has a nice beach area but it can be overcrowed from tour boats at some times. I forgot Peter Island is also a prime choice for you in the same class as Caneel Bay. Your budget has a lot to do with your choice. At the bottom budget end I would pick Cooper Island. www.cooper-island.com

Valerie, Check out my pictures of St. John, and Virgin Gorda. http://www.geocities.com/ege244/trunkbay.html Maybe this will help you decide.<BR>I love the VI's. I always keep going back there.