Best Beaches Down South?

[bikegirl]

I tried doing a search for "best beaches" but since so many of the hotels on this forum have "beach" in the name, it didn't work. Hope this thread hasn't been started already.

 

For those of you who have traveled to several different beaches or resorts in Mexico, the Caribbeans, or Central American....which beach or beaches were your favorites? What did you like about them?

[*Karla*]

I can't give a personal recommendation but check out the travel channel. They have reviews on everything! Here's one link to get you started Best Caribbean Beaches : Best Beach Vacations - Travel Channel

[vdaybride]

Karla, that is a great link..thanks

[bikegirl]

Hi Karla, thanks! That was a great link...very helpful articles!

[mexbride83]

From my personal experience:

 

Costa Rica - NOT a clear blue water and white sand place. Don't go for the beach, go for the outdoor activities (ziplining, volcano, rainforests, etc)

 

Panama - Pearl Islands and San Blas Islands are absolutely incredible! Clear water, white sand, pure heaven.

 

Punta Cana - I went about 8 years ago, so there weren't anywhere near as many resorts then as there are now. I have no idea if all of this development has changed it, but when I was there, it had the best beaches I'd been to in the Caribbean.

 

Other islands that I've been to and didn't think compared, beach-wise, to Punta Cana (circa 2002): Jamaica, Bahamas (Nassau, Freeport, and Paradise Island), St. Thomas, St. Lucia.

 

A note about St. Lucia - This is a gorgeous island, but definitely the least pretty of the beaches I've been to in the Caribbean. The islands that far south just aren't as clear water, white sand as the ones further up north.

[TATrisha]

My personal experience:

 

Costa Maya, Mexico - A. MAZ. ING. Seriously, amazing. However, the hurricanes have hit since I've been there and I hear they aren't as good.

 

Tulum - Amazing again. Powder white sand and crystal clear blue water. Just gorgeous.

 

Negril - 7 Mile beach was pretty. Not the clear blue water of Riviera Maya, but pretty. In front of Sandals Negril, very dirty.

 

Playa Del Carmen - beautiful and blue. Not the crystal clear, more of a dark blue. But very pretty. However, rocky beaches in most places with broken coral in sand.

 

Cayman Islands - Very pretty. Crystal clear water. Beautiful.

 

Belize - Pretty in it's own regards, but more of a jungle feel and less clear water.

 

Honduras - Beautiful surroundings... not so clear water.

[mexbride83]

[Honduras - Beautiful surroundings... not so clear water.

 

Where in Honduras did you go?? And how did you get there? We are actually thinking of going there (and Guatemala) next December. We'd do Copan for a couple of days, but then we want to go to the beaches. We were thinking bus to La Ceiba then boat to Roatan. Did you do this/go there? Or are there other beaches there that you'd recommend? Thanks:)

[Eliana]

all of the beaches in St Barths are amazing!!!!!!!! I love this island!

St. Barths Online - Beaches

 

PARADISE!

[Destination Scout]

Tulum: White powder beach, no rocks in the ocean, blue water near the preserve, cute boutique accomodations, next to a nature preserve, lots of stuff to do

 

Anguilla: White powder beach, crystal clear water, great food

[TATrisha]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mexbride83 [Honduras - Beautiful surroundings... not so clear water.

Where in Honduras did you go?? And how did you get there? We are actually thinking of going there (and Guatemala) next December. We'd do Copan for a couple of days, but then we want to go to the beaches. We were thinking bus to La Ceiba then boat to Roatan. Did you do this/go there? Or are there other beaches there that you'd recommend? Thanks:)

We went to Roatan and then drove to a small city just north (I think) of there. It was more of a cove, so that could be why it was more dirty of water. The lady that owned the place where we were said it was because of the mountains on the island. When it rains the dirt all runs down them and into the water