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! >>

Punta Cana Beach - Dominican Republic

A Virginia DUI Lawyer states their best time was in the wonderful eastern coastal wonderland of Punta Cana. But, no way would we have thought of quick divorce and Dominican Republic synonymous. Yet, lawyers from the "DR" seem to have a corner on that market. If there were one place in the Caribbean we could point you to for inexpensive resorts and sugar-white beaches, the Dominican Republic would be our destination of choice. It's romantic! And, it's the fastest-growing destination in the Caribbean because of the low prices and beautiful terrain. Especially, the Punta Cana area - what a boom!

Canadians have known about the Dominican Republic for years. The make up the bulk of North American tourists. But Americans are now waking up to the bargain and websites are catering to their every need.

Columbus found the Dominican Republic on his very first voyage to the New World. He said it was, "the most beautiful island in the world". A settlement was founded in 1493 and ruins still remain near Montecristi.

The Dominican Republic is located amongst the islands of Cuba, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico. It is on the isle of Hispaniola (meaning Little Spain), and is divided between Haiti on the west and Dominican Republic on the east - about the size of the state of Vermont and New Hampshire combined. Most of the island interior is sugar cane plantations.

The cool thing is that much of what Columbus saw still remains - a natural, virgin landscape - still unspoiled. And, one-third of the island's coastline is the awesome beaches, which we'll review next!

Dominican Republic - BEACH INDEX:

• Sand - Most beaches are brilliant white, due to the high content of coral/shell.
• Facilities - DR beaches have full facilities near the tourist centers.
• Shade - Expect tall coconut palms. Tourist beaches offer umbrellas/shades.
• Sports - Full service at tourist centers. Sports fishing great in most areas.
• Notes - best time to visit - late November to April, as humidity is lower, temperature cooler. However, resorts are reporting high volume throughout the year due to the great bargains currently found.
  

Check out the exciting Punta Cana Resort Video pages!

This next beach was once the Number One beach of 2005. And, it's in America! More people call Poipu Beach the most versatile beach park on the planet. Next! >>