Which island to go to for sand and clearest water??

[musicmanll]

My next vacation is March , 2008. Just got back from Cabo and want to go back to the Caribbean next year. However, I want it to be on the beach with the clearest water (limestone and coral based) and whitest sand with a great choice of hotels. I am figuring Grand Cayman or Anguilla from my research. Have been to Caymans and will go back unless there is something better. I want 10 days floating in the water and soaking up the sun. Please help me out..

[kirbychristian]

Turks and Caicos (Provo) gets my vote...definitely whiter sand than Grand Cayman and some really gorgeous hotels in the Grace Bay area. Granted, I haven't been to all the islands (yet!) but I've been to T&C, Bahamas, Grand Cayman, Jamaica, Antigua and St. Lucia and of these choices, T&C had the best beaches. Second choice would be Bahamas (of course, depends on which island you go to). I've also heard (but can't confirm) that St Martin/St Maartin and BVI have great white sand beaches.

Hope this helps!

[johndorman2000]

In search of white sandy beaches by all means Cancun is thee place to visit.For those seeking and affordable destination to relax and enjoy exceptional island hospitality Sweet Saint Lucia is an ideal place to commence exploring the Island heritage and diverse attraction

[lcswalker]

I'll second kirbychristian's vote for Provo--there are definitely beautiful beaches there. The Bahamas Out Islands also have some stunning sand/water combos.

[caribgirl]

I agree on Provo, Turks & Caicos! You just cannot believe how clear the water really is there! There are unique beaches to visit on all sides of the island and they are all easy to drive to and gain access to, except for the northwest side. We were there in February and actually had one beach literally to ourselves for the afternoon, Emerald Point, I believe was the name. In the Grace Bay area, you can simply walk into the water from just about anywhere on the beach and find excellent snorkeling. It boasts the 3rd largest reef system in the world.

[kirbychristian]

I have uploaded some pics from Provo, T&C into the photo gallery under the Turks and Caicos folder so you can see the beautiful white sand and water for yourself. These pics were shot low res on a cheap digital camera.

FYI: despite the many palm trees in the one shot, Provo is very flat and not really lush like Jamaica or St. Lucia. Just didn't want to give a false impression.

[caribgirl]

You inspired me to follow suit and post some of mine. Yes, it seems as if the only palm trees on the island are the ones planted by the resorts. It definitely is the limestone and coral that is being sought after.

[Carib Mark]

There's lots of islands with all sorts of beaches from rocky shoals of Saba to the coral paradises of the Vincentiennes to th ebeautiful mix of St John (had to include StJ of course!) But for pure white sand I suggest, as with the others, Turks & Caicos. Also, I'd add the west coast of Babados but there's a bit more of a coral sand mix there. Enjoy!

[crybaby]

This little gem gets my vote! you can't find prettier water or whiter sand.

[HeathWill]

I highly recommend any of the out islands in the Bahamas. I have been to several islands in the Bahamas and I loved all of them. The west side of the islands will usually have cleaner beaches and clearer water because the lack of wave surge debris from the Atlantic. Also, if memory serves me correctly, Cozumel was very nice too. Have a gr8 time regardless of your destination.