Best Beaches of Puerto Rico

Based on a recommendation by one of our readers, we ventured to the islands that make up Puerto Rico and came back with some of the most astonishing beaches! Yes, even next to our arrival airport - San Juan International, there's a community beach that's hard to beat.

As we followed the 272 miles of dramatic coast, we stop at each of the best beaches in the area. There are beaches for bird watchers; beaches for swimming; beaches for sailing; surfing, diving, snorkeling, kiteboarding, windsurfing, boogie boarding - one for each passion!

Taino Indians called these beaches home when Christopher Columbus arrived in the New World in 1492. But Spanish explorers made them extinct in little time when they exploited them and brought disease the Tainos had no defense against.

With the Spanish-American War in 1898, Puerto Rico became a possession of the United States. Citizens became American Citizens. Nonetheless, a battle for autonomy runs warm throughout much of the land. Many are divided because they want what American citizenship gives them, yet they desire autonomy as well.

Politics aside, the people we found in Puerto Rico were so hospitable - it reminded us of our journey to Buzios, Brazil. And, truthfully, the beaches are very similar. Here, you'll find beach vendors. These are people who sell goods right on the beach. We found all types of delicious Caribbean food, from seafood to chicken - most cooked right on the beach over hibachis.

Other vendors sell sarongs and towels, suntan lotion, and souvenirs. A few stay at posts near the entrances to the beaches, and a few wander the beaches. This is customary here. Some of the balneareos - beach areas - had a few dollar access fee. And they use the American dollar here - so no exchange.

Speaking of that - American citizens can fly down here on nothing more than ID and an airline ticket. You don't need a passport. That's convenient and simple - so you have no excuse not to check out some of these beaches soon.

We found the beaches well kept and five of them are world class Blue Flag beaches - an honor very hard to acquire. Come venture with us as this month we take a close look at the many Beaches of Puerto Rico! >>

Palm Beach - Aruba

When decisions must be made about where to travel to this vacation, Aruba might be the best choice for you. We found reliable, near perfect weather. So when we knew we had to make the best of a week away from home, Aruba guaranteed us 7 days of ideal tanning conditions: clear, sunny skies (just look at these pictures), Caribbean warm temperatures, and at night - oh my goodness - cool breezes.

Located on the southwest coast of the island, where constant trade winds keep you cool, is Palm Beach, Aruba's "Best Fun Beach", home of High-Rise hotels.

Attorneys and lawyers of all types have camped on Aruba over the past year; and yet the case of a missing teen here has never been solved. The attorneys and lawyers are gone, but the mystery remains.

What a beach! Palm Beach is brilliant white and the perfect place for people-watching. Palm Beach sits south of Hadicurari, and is always buzzing with sailing, swimming, fishing, snorkeling, and everyone's favorite: sunbathing. The sand here is so great, that hotels that border it have crews that sift it every morning to clean it of shells, debris.

Because Palm Beach is centrally located, it can get busy. There are two piers and a variety of watersports operators here. This beach is more agitated than any other beach on Aruba. The best spots seem to be between the Holiday Inn and the Marriott to the north. Look for a nice area near the Divi Phoenix to the south as well.

You can spend over an hour walking from one end of Palm Beach to the other. Now, what's fun about this is that you'll be able to stop at the high rise hotels for refreshments. Each resort opens their property to the beach and have everything from snack bars to open bars. A few have beautiful gardens and waterfalls complete with animals.

Tip: Hotels are pretty full, even during the off-season (from mid-April until mid-December), but you can save up to 50%!

What to wear: Dress is casual. Shorts, nice shirts, blouses. Some restaurants are "elegant casual"; long pants, sundresses. Reservations are appreciated.

Palm Beach - Aruba - BEACH INDEX:

• Sand - medium grain white powder, soft, very clean, groomed daily
• Facilities - lies along the major hotel and resort strip
• Shade - mature palm trees
• Sports - all water sports
• Notes - can get crowded around major hotels

They are singing and dancing the Samba at our next World Beach, but we caution you to watch yourself at this jewel of South America - Ipanema Beach in Rio is Next! >>