The beaches and flats are coral. . Or, if not sand, then hard smooth weathered coral like a cobblestone surface. The most difficult surface is a hard and very sharp weathered coral. This last is rare but occurs in a few places along the ocean shore. Keep an eye out and you'll be fine.
Water shoes are a reasonable choice in unfamiliar waters.
For fishing , wading boots or shoes are essential. Some places along beaches and the ocean shores are open enough for you to wade barefoot if you are careful and realize that bits of sharp coral, sting rays and spiny urchins can be anywhere. But the usual choice for visitors is boots or shoes. Many of my clients have found that wading shoes provide adequate protection and are more comfortable than the heavier wading boots for all day fishing. The usual breeze is from the east and blows off the ocean and through the settled areas toward the mangroves.