Best Beaches of Puerto Rico

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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!


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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.


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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. Aren't hibachis from Asia? Multi-culture exists here, but the main form is born and bred Puerto Rican. They are proud and not hard to find. And they have a ton of excellent beaches to experience as well.

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! >>

Kaanapali Beach - Maui - Hawaii

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Because of its prime location, Kaanapali Beach is lined with upscale resort hotels, but don't let that keep you from going. Those guys built there for a reason. Kaanapali Beach is the most breathtaking beach in the island chain.

This three mile spectacle goes by different names, so write these down before you head out. Keke'a Beach, Canoe Beach, Dig Me Beach, Kahekili Beach, Black Rock Beach and Hanakaoo Beach. It's like traveling through a big city and the street changes names depending on what neighborhood you're in. A large lava rock (the Black Rock) divides the beach.

Don't confuse this with Big Beach which is also totally awesome, with the best skim boarding on the island, and another very beautiful strip. The sand for both is about the same - volcanic mix with coral - a tan color.

High surf can get rough, especially during the northern hemisphere winter months. And be careful as strong currents around Black Rock may occur at times. Monitor ocean conditions closely. Remember to obey all postings and warnings.

Whatever your whim in beaches, you'll find it here. The snorkeling and scuba diving are absolutely the best on Maui. Swimming and sunbathing are ideal. Boat tours, fishing, kayaking, sailing, and my favorite - people watching, are just a few of the many activities.

So what you give up in isolation you make up FUN!

And if you're the one in your party who can't spend an entire day at the beach, dozens of shops and wonderful restaurants are within walking distance.

Here, a group of scuba divers start out near the famous Black Rock. The water is so clear, divers often describe it as floating in air.

The variety and color of fish is second to none. The waters of the Pacific Ocean have the most awesome specimens. It's no wonder they call it the best beach of the Hawaiian Islands - Maui's Kaanapali Beach.


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Once you take a trip here, you'll be back again and again, and it only makes sense to plan ahead and find the very best pricing on hotel rooms near Kaanapali Beach. There are many to choose from. You don't have to buy right now, just lock in your price and wait. You may not feel the same later, or when you do check some months from now, you'll find that the price has literally skyrocketed. So take your time and check Maui listings now and see what the best price is for the time you are interested in.

Kaanapali Beach - BEACH INDEX:

• Sand - gold, medium to coarse, clean.
• Facilities - full service.
• Shade - trees, umbrella rentals.
• Sports - watersports lover's paradise.
• Notes - highly recommended, busy.

Satellite view of Kaanapali Beach in Maui.

Well worth the stop. Now one place sure to get your feet moving. Let's drop in on Ipanema Beach, Rio - the world's most charming. Next! >>