This is a spoiler-free review of The Aquatope on the White Sand.
I have separated this review into its two main components, the first and second course (sets of 12 episodes) due to them being distinct.

First Cour:
While I first thought this show was going to be a fairly generic depiction of a character discovering a new hobby or thing, which has been done over and over, it instead showed the protagonist learning to move away from her comfort zone into something completely different. While this at first can be applied to more anime than I can count, The Aquatope on White Sand approaches it slightly differently, clearly presenting Fuuka (the protagonist) as using her new place at Gama Gama to assist her emotionally after the failure of her dream as an Idol. The show demonstrates how we can become attached to things we previously had no interest in, and the power of our chance encounters. However, it also clearly shows the character's choices as the most important as they decide to continue to struggle and work.

While I won't go into spoiler territory here, I was very pleased with the ending to the first cour, it was both fitting for the characters and plot. It also sends the message that even if our actions don't have the intended result we can adapt and still find happiness, and that our relationships are more important than our possessions and even place or role in society.

I would, and did, rate the first twelve episodes of the show a 9/10.

Second Cour:
However, the second cour, while good, was not on the same level as the first. Without discussing spoilers, which I consider anything I was surprised by or glad to find out on my own, it is difficult to comment in detail on this section.

I will, however, comment on the importance of character. The main themes from the first cour remain, with characters meeting with others to overcome their struggles, yet to a lesser extent. Rather than as seen in the first cour, the characters were often shown as working themselves, unable to gain assistance from others. Rather than depicting them overcoming this, the show rather then forces them to simply work harder or to find a way to enjoy what they are doing. While this is an interesting message in of itself, it is a stark contrast to the first cour, and is not presented as well, which makes it come off as hollow.

The ending to this cour, while ending all plot threads and not particularly leaving us on a cliff-hanger, came up short, particularly when compared to that of the first. This is particularly striking as while the anime could easily have been broadcast as two separate seasons, it was as one, meaning the audience expects this ending to end the entire series or 24 episodes. It instead wraps up all major plot threads and then gives us a glimpse of the next season.

I rate this cour at a 6/10.

Conclusion
The Aquatope on the White Sand or Shiroi Suna no Aquatopoe contains a fantastic first twelve episodes that are a must-watch for any slice of life or drama fan. However, the second cour is less than stunning, primarily due to a loss of the importance of the characters and their relationships in all elements of the show. Therefore, I would recommend perhaps only watching the first cour unless you just have time to burn - there are better shows you could be enjoying rather than continuing past the first cour of this.

I have rated this show at 7/10, which is less than the average of my two scores for the two cours. This is due to how disappointing the second cour was. It also makes watching the entire show less worthwhile, and I would recommend watching shows rated higher than 7/10 before this.