Make sure the canopy is easy to set up and take down. It should be light so that you can set it up without help, and have release levers that make it effortless to take down without help.
Since you will likely have to carry it back and forth from your hotel or car, make sure that it is compact and folds up easily.
It will also need a sturdy carrying case for easy portability. The best bags are on wheels, but a shoulder bag will suffice if the canopy is not too heavy.
Some canopies come with a heat-reflective coating that will keep you cooler. Many also block out UV rays. This is important as tropical beach sun can be very dangerous and water can reduce the effectiveness of sunscreen.
Another way to keep your canopy a little cooler is to buy one with a vented top. This will also help keep your canopy upright in windy conditions, as the vents invite the wind but not its full force.
