If you really want clear water, you will have to go to the Carribbean. I suggest Aruba, which is fabulous, but a longer flight than some of the other suggestions. But, depending on when you're going, it's out of the hurricane zone.

If you want to stay in the U.S., Sarasota/Siesta Key is amazing and the beaches are perfect for little ones. The sand literally does not get hot, and the kids can walk out 20-30 feet, maybe further, and have the water up to their waist at most. And you can pretty much see what's in the water. If you go in up to your neck, you can't. I cannot recommend highly enough. We are heading back in a few weeks for our third trip there in four years.

Another vote for St. John. Caneel Bay's beaches are amazing.

You guys are awesome - thank you for the wonderful suggestions - keep them coming!

I adore any beach, anywhere, and have spent much enjoyable time at east coast, west coast and gulf beaches, but I still remember the first time I went to the Carribean as a teen and being stunned at the water - it was aquamarine, crystal clear, warm and still - I could not believe it was sea water. I also vote for going to Aruba or Curacao.

I have been to most Caribbean islands and all over Florida and Curaçao is the only place where I have been able to see all the way to the bottom of the ocean floor, even out far from the beach. Stunning. No need for a snorkeling mask.

And they never get hurricanes, so any time is a good time to go.

In response to to your question about the logistics of Captiva, yes, you need a car. There is a grocery store in Sanibel, not sure about Captiva as we stayed in Sanibel. There is also a Costco in Ft. Myers as well as other grocery stores you can go to between the airport and the island. But your car may be full with your luggage and it may better to drop everything at your condo (or wherever you are staying), figure out what kind of space and amenities you have, and then head to the store.

Cancun/Riviera Maya: fun, easy to fly to, you are in a completely different country, fun things to do and see if you want, or stay in a resort and never leave. Water is STUNNING. It is killer hot/humid.

Captiva is indeed lovely for a US beach, but I do not think it is what the OP is looking for.

Another strong suggestion for the Caribbean. Try Martinique.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you really want clear water & white sand - Florida is not going to be even close to what you are looking for. The only exception is Bahia Honda State Park in the Keys just past 7 mile bridge. ONly beach I have been to on mainland US that is as beautiful as Caribbean or Malaysia/Thailand. T & C is good - Anguilla, St. Marteen, Bahamas, British Virgin Island, Culebra, Domincan Republic - depending on the beach....Nevis, Dominica not so much. Costa Rica not really either. Mexico is stunning - Cancun area or Cozumel.

Nope, gulf coast near Destin/Fort Walton/Santa Rosa, etc has sugar sand soft white beaches and crystal clear water.
Believe what you want though - more for me.

I'm the PP and I have been to Destin - it is very nice but not on the same level as some of the top beaches I've been to.

Aruba

Anonymous wrote:If you really want clear water & white sand - Florida is not going to be even close to what you are looking for. The only exception is Bahia Honda State Park in the Keys just past 7 mile bridge. ONly beach I have been to on mainland US that is as beautiful as Caribbean or Malaysia/Thailand. T & C is good - Anguilla, St. Marteen, Bahamas, British Virgin Island, Culebra, Domincan Republic - depending on the beach....Nevis, Dominica not so much. Costa Rica not really either. Mexico is stunning - Cancun area or Cozumel.

Nope, gulf coast near Destin/Fort Walton/Santa Rosa, etc has sugar sand soft white beaches and crystal clear water.
Believe what you want though - more for me.

Turks and Caicos. Gorgeous sand and water.

Turks is amazing. White sand, clear water. Peaceful and relaxing. Other Caribbean islands I've been to don't compare. Still haven't made it to Anguilla but I hear that it's comparable.

If you really want clear water & white sand - Florida is not going to be even close to what you are looking for. The only exception is Bahia Honda State Park in the Keys just past 7 mile bridge. ONly beach I have been to on mainland US that is as beautiful as Caribbean or Malaysia/Thailand. T & C is good - Anguilla, St. Marteen, Bahamas, British Virgin Island, Culebra, Domincan Republic - depending on the beach....Nevis, Dominica not so much. Costa Rica not really either. Mexico is stunning - Cancun area or Cozumel.

St. John is beautiful. I agree with the posters who say the Gulf is not the same as the Carribean. Nothing wrong with the Gulf, but it is not the crystal clear water with perfect white sand beaches that you get in the Carribean.