I just noted a request for what was thought to be the best beaches in the USVI and BVI. Also, over and over I have seen this same request from posters in both the Caribbean and other forums. We have spent close to 30 years visiting areas in both the Caribbean and in the Pacific and since I have extra time I do look at Fodors forum often. I admit that I have not the slightest idea what people are looking for when they ask for the best beach. I have no idea how they expect to use it. All we like from a shoreline is a sandy entry to excellent snorkeling areas around rocks and coral growth within a 1/2 mile or so. On this basis I would rate Lobolly at Anegada as being the best in BVI. The last thing we are interested in is spending time on the sand for several reasons - as you find in later life sun damage is a very real problem which is often life threatening. Also, in many places there are no-see-um in the sand that will your stay unpleasant. Further when you come ashore it is easy for sand to get over everything. I would be happy if lawn went down to the water. Now if you want to talk about the sheer beauty of deserted beaches, then I would say that the pink beach on Harbor Island is one of the tops in the world. It is lovely to walk along the water edge early in the morning with the birds and surf. Culebra has a wonderful beach also. If you want sand and beautiful water color, I would put the shore at Salt Cay up in the top group. If you want a place where there is a lot of action of all types that is a different story. You will not find much of that in the BVI. Perhaps there are groups of beach people that know what the others are looker for but I haven't a clue.

My favorite topic - the BEACH! And I am a beach potato!!! Yup, you picked some of the best! Anegada is wonderful but I love those long stretches of white sand where the water gently comes to shore and I can float for hours and hours with no one to disturb me! The no see em are a problem where the sea grape and other folage rim the sand but only in the early am as the sun comes up and again in the evening! And that is easily thwarted! As to the sun - from sun up to sun down, give me a chair, a book, hat and a float with no one else around - and some wonderful warm sand to bury my toes - that is the perfect beach!

Take a look at my 'Poetic Tropical Beach Imagery' which I posted here a while back. You may enjoy it.

This is an interesting question as different people have different tastes. It seems that many people like the sand to be as white as possible although black sand is quite interesting itself.

We have posted a few photos of beaches that we enjoy visiting: Maui, Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands and Turks & Caicos. Go to: www.geocities.com/divelite Click on photographs - island photos. Hope this helps.

Lars39 - I looked at your photos but what is of interest to me is why do you consider each a great beach and how would you spend the day if you were there? They are all very different. It is beyond me why people with a firm involved with diving would pick some of the beaches shown. Little Cayman or Cayman Brac is more desired than the large one on Cayman Island. From a divers viewpoint Fiji offers some of the best beaches where you can dive from shore at places like Matangi Island. <BR> <BR>So far Karen has given me some real input. From what she has said I could make recommendations. The only question I would have would be if she wanted others around or not. I guess some people would like a crowded beach. The Turks and Caicos and the Bahama out islands would be ideal for her if she wanted seclusion. Also, I think the beaches in the Yucatan at places like Akumal are excellent for her and they offer good easy snorkeling with nice close in sandy bottoms. <BR> <BR>Thanks for the input Karen.

You hit the nail on the head. Pine Cay in the Turks and Caicos is absolutely fantastic! I also enjoyed Grace Bay on Provo a few years back but with the boom there, not sure I would find the seclusion I crave. Have to add to Anegada, both White Bay and Deadman's on Peter Island (prefer White Bay with lunch delivered LOL), Guana, and Devil's Bay on Virgin Gorda - altho Savannah is not too shabby either! Any of the not-so-popular beaches and islands in the BVI. Loved Jumby and Paradise Beach on Long Island off Antigua and did do Puenta Moroma just north of Playa del Carmen - a little sloppy with the wind for the float some of the time! Some of the other Mayan beaches a little busy but nice - and have pix of Akumal some 30 years when it too was lonely!! On my hit list for this year is the Grenadines and PSV ... and in the Spring, Anguilla! I do expect those beaches on Anguilla to live up to their reputation and gotta go soon before everyone else "finds" em too! On STT, I enjoy Secret Harbour's beach, and on STJ, I have a hard time choosing - maybe Haulover or Hawksnest! Some day, after I retire and win the lottery, I will definately head to the South Seas (just too long a trip from the East Coast) and I suspect I won't come back! Keep those suggestions coming - being here in the cold NE un-summer with the ocean uniniviting, talking Caribb keeps me warm!!