Best beaches in san juan puerto rico: Best Beaches San Juan Puerto Rico

Posted by alexxlab
February 15, 2023
0 Comments

10 Best Beaches in Puerto Rico You Really Should See

Find out more about these best beaches in Puerto Rico not just for those on a cruise but anyone wanting to experience the 270 miles of beautiful coastlines.

Affiliate Disclaimer

Modified Date: Jan 13, 2021

Photo: Copyright Cruise Hive

It’s difficult to come up with a list of 10 Best Beaches in Puerto Rico since it has at least 300 beaches and they are all very beautiful. Puerto Rico may be known for many things, but one of the major reasons why people visit the island is because of its beaches.

This popular holiday destination is blessed with 270 miles of beautiful coastlines and boasts of at least a beach per mile. The incredibly warm and sunny weather throughout the year means it’s always a beach day.

Disclaimer: There are affiliate links contained within this article which could earn us a commission if any purchases are completed.

However hard it was to come up with a list of the best Beaches in Puerto Rico we believe you will agree with us on the following selections:

Eastern Beaches

1. Luquillo Monserrate

Luquillo beach is one of those gorgeous tropical beaches with everything from swaying palm trees, powdery soft white sand, and crystal clear turquoise water. Also, the beach is perfect for swimming, snorkeling or just wading around thanks to its warm shallow crystal clear waters.

Photo By: Jose (Creative Commons)

Set in the scenic east coast of PR with El Yunque tropical rainforest as a backdrop, this beach is guaranteed to take your breath away. It’s one of the best family-friendly beaches in PR.

Distance from San Juan Cruise Port: 49.0 Km
Travel Time by Vehicle: 45 Minutes

The shallow waters and the presence of an offshore reef ensures minimal to zero wave action, making it very attractive to families with young kids.

The beach also has adequate facilities. There are lifeguards, food kiosks, bathroom, showers, watersport rental shops, and beach-accessories stores. You can get there by taxi or rented car which will take you approximately 45-50minutes. The beach has paid-parking for $5.5.

Northern Beaches

2. Isla Verde Beach

Isla Verde is arguably the best beach in the Metropolitan District of Puerto Rico. Maybe even the best urban beach in the entire Caribbean.

Photo By: Alan Levine (Creative Commons)

It’s found in the resort-lined side of the town and features a long, wide, and slightly curving golden sandy beach. Isla Verde meaning Green Island is just that, the beach is lined with tall swaying palm trees.

Distance from San Juan Cruise Port: 12.0 Km
Travel Time by Vehicle: 16-24 Minutes (Depending on Route)

It has all the necessary amenities, starting with paid parking, restaurants, bathrooms and showers. You can rent chairs, umbrella and watersport gear.

The crystal clear waters of this beach remain warm all year and just beg you to take a refreshing dip in them. Isla Verde is wide enough that there is plenty of room for just about everyone.

To spice up the beach routine, you can go Jet skiing, banana boat riding or do standup paddleboarding.

San Juan Beaches

3. Escambron Beach

Escambron beach which is also known as Balneario del Escambron is located a short walking distance from Old San Juan. This beach offers something for everyone.

Photo By: The Gringo (Creative Commons)

Thanks to the protection of an offshore coral reef, the waters here form a giant outdoor saltwater pool. Perfect for swimming, floating, playing and snorkeling in. The beach is divided into three smaller beaches with each beach representing the needs of a particular group.

Distance from San Juan Cruise Port: 4.5 Km
Travel Time by Vehicle: 9-13 Minutes (Depending on Route)

The small beach is perfect for families with kids. The furthest beach is great for snorkelers, and the middle beach is just good for everyone even romantics. Escambron is found near the interesting attractions of old San Juan, such as the Bateria Del Escambrón and Munoz Rivera Park.

Pack your beach supplies and head over to Escambrón. This is the best way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city but still be near enough in case you wish to take a break.

Go early and pick a shaded spot under the numerous palm trees on the beach. When you get hungry, just cross the streets to one of the many available eateries.

4. Condado

Condado beach is a resort-lined city beach found east of Old San Juan town. It’s a lively and very busy beach.

Photo By: Tomás Fano (Creative Commons)

This is where you want to go to experience for a beach party atmosphere and interact with people while being a stone’s throw away from downtown. This long golden sandy stretch of beach is perfect for sunbathing, people watching, walking and jogging.

Distance from San Juan Cruise Port: 4.0 Km
Travel Time by Vehicle: 8-12 Minutes (Depending on Route)

There are plenty of high-end resorts along the beach where you can grab lunch at and refresh with cold Pina Coladas. Swimming isn’t recommended, though, as there are rough waves and strong currents in the water. It is after all on the Atlantic side of things.

5. Ocean Park Beach

Ocean Park Beach found in San Juan is a laid back, wide stretch of soft golden sandy beach. It’s perfect for long walks, jogging, and sunbathing. This beach is set against the rough waves of the Atlantic creating the perfect environment for wind and body surfing.

Photo By: Monica (Creative Commons)

Watching the waves crash on the beach as the surfers do their thing is amazingly therapeutic. Go with a book and enjoy a great time catching some rays and people watching.

Distance from San Juan Cruise Port: 7.6 Km
Travel Time by Vehicle: 13-16 Minutes (Depending on Route)

This beach is also the quieter of San Juan’s beaches and is a bit hard to find due to the high-rise waterfront buildings separating it from the town.

The waves here range from mild to strong so best be a strong swimmer to attempt swimming on this beach. If you get hungry, there are plenty of eateries across the street where you can grab a bite and a refreshing drink.

Worth Reading: St. Thomas Beaches to Experience for Cruise Visitors

West Coast Beaches

6. Boqueron

Boqueron is a laid back island style beach off the beaten path of the western coast. This 3 miles long stretch of light golden sand is perfect for a lovely day on the beach.

Photo By: Jessica Paoli (Creative Commons)

The sand here demands you lay on it while the crystal clear blue waters beg you to go in for a refreshing dip. It’s no wonder this beach bears the coveted Blue Flag status.

Distance from San Juan Cruise Port: 188.0 Km
Travel Time by Vehicle: 2 Hours and 30 Minutes (Depending on Route)

The driveway, however, is closed due to damage caused by hurricane Maria, meaning you have to walk a bit to get to it. But don’t worry, the walk is through a beautiful piece of nature with mangrove and lagoon in the area.

There are clean bathrooms and food vendors, and it’s still an awesome place just requires a bit of clean up.

7. Crashboat Beach

In the rugged northwestern tip of Puerto Rico is the district of Aguadilla. A surfers, adventurers and photographer’s paradise. This hilly side of Puerto Rico is known to have the best views of the Atlantic and the best Atlantic side beaches.

Photo By: jpoet (Creative Commons)

Crashboat beach is one of those beaches and is arguably the best in Aguadilla and probably on the entire west coast of Puerto Rico. It’s named Crashboat supposedly because of the fisherman boats docked on the beach which look as if they crashed there.

Crashboat is a lively-colorful beach where you can swim, sunbathe, or take part in interesting watersports. Thanks to Hurricane Maria the beach now features pristinely white sandy beach with crystal clear turquoise waters. Perfect for all manner of beach activities.

Distance from San Juan Cruise Port: 133.0 Km
Travel Time by Vehicle: 2 Hours (Depending on Route)

However, always exercise caution in regards to swimming in certain areas especially around the pier– which is known to have strong currents. Speaking of the pier, one of the most common activities on this beach is pier diving. It’s a good place to see fish living around the pier’s columns.

The beach has bathrooms, food vendors, chairs and umbrellas rentals. It takes roughly one and a half hours to get to the beach from San Juan, and there is paid-parking if you have a car.

8. La Playuela (Playa Sucia)

One of the most breathtaking beaches in Puerto Rico has to be Sucia Beach. If you are looking for a secluded slice of paradise, then this is it.

Photo By: LeanneMarie1215 (Creative Commons)

Located in the dramatic green coast of the south of the island at Cabo Rojo, Sucia is the perfect beach to get away to. You can lie down on the soft white sands or jump into the refreshing crystal clear blue waters and enjoy your day there.

Distance from San Juan Cruise Port: 198.0 Km
Travel Time by Vehicle: 2 Hours and 47 Minutes (Depending on Route)

This beach has plenty of shade but zero amenities and thanks to that it remains unspoiled. It’s a bit far from San Juan, and a 2.5hrs drive is required to get there. It’s a better visit if you are in Cabo Rojo.

Apart from sunbathing, swimming, floating you can hike the surrounding hills especially to the Los Morrillos lighthouse which gives splendid views of the beach and the Caribbean horizon.

Vieques

9. Sun Bay Beach

Mainland Puerto Rico is not short of beaches but if you want to check out what an unspoiled tropical paradise beach looks like then hop on a ferry or a seaplane and head over to Vieques.

Photo By: Linh Luu (Creative Commons)

Vieques is one of the sister islands of Puerto Rico located just 6 miles off its southeast coast. Sun Bay is the longest beach, and it’s the only beach with amenities on the island of Vieques.

It’s a postcard-perfect tropical beach with swaying palm trees against a lush backdrop with a mile long of soft white sandy beach with crystal clear turquoise waters. It’s gorgeous and makes for the perfect beach getaway on a day trip from the main island.

It has ample parking. Keep an eye out for the wild horses found in the area. They are your welcoming party to the beach– which is another interesting thing about this place. The restaurant in the area is best known for its coconut infused Pina Coladas.

Culebra

10. Flamenco Beach

Some people make a visit to Puerto Rico just for Flamenco Beach. That should tell you how beautiful this beach is. Flamenco beach is a world-renowned beach which has severally been named one of the world’s top beaches.

Photo By: Angel Xavier Viera-Vargas Follow (Creative Commons)

It is located in Culebra Island (Puerto Rico’s Sister Island) 20 miles of the northeast coast of Puerto Rico.

Flamenco features a mile-and-a-half-long wrap-around-stretch of soft, white-sandy-beach with clear sparkling turquoise waters. This postcard-perfect tropical beach paradise is set in a picture-perfect scene with swaying palm trees lining the beach against a lush, hilly background.

The waters on this beach are calm and gentle, perfect for swimming, snorkeling or just playing in the water.

Flamenco is the perfect beach getaway for any age group. It’s family friendly, beloved by honeymooners and great for adventurers. It has plenty of amenities, including paid parking, clean bathrooms, showers, chair, umbrella, and watersport rentals.

Flamenco beach is a must visit while in Puerto Rico. To get there, you have to take a 50minute ferry ride or an even shorter ride by airplane.

See You on Puerto Rico Beach!

There you have it, 10 of the best beaches in Puerto Rico. Some city beaches are included in here not necessarily because of their appeal, but because of their accessibility.

Remember this list is just a scratch of the beaches available in Puerto Rico. There are many more amazing beaches on this island.

Also Read: Full guide on what to do at San Juan, Puerto Rico

From healthy coral reef beaches such as Tamarindo to the quintessential Playa Negra or Black beach where the sands on the beach are black. You are therefore not limited to this list; you can go explore and find other beaches you might like better too.

Just remember to carry good water shoes (some beaches are rocky), pack biodegradable sunscreen, your snorkel gear, and a hat or sunglasses. Cruise Hive readers can get everything needed for a Caribbean cruise right here. That’s it from us here. We wish you a wonderful beach vacation in San Juan and all of Puerto Rico. Happy Cruising!!

View All Cruises

Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Since the start, it’s been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports.
Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world.

Puerto Rico’s 5 Best Beaches To Visit

Puerto Rico’s 5 Best Beaches To Visit | Fairmont El San Juan Hotel

Link 360

By Katie McElveen

No matter your definition of beachy bliss, Puerto Rico’s got you covered. More than 300 sandy oases rim the island, from long, sun-splashed stretches to cozy, palm-shaded coves. Some draw surfers from all over the world; others are more popular with sea turtles, who lay their fragile eggs in the sun-warmed sand each summer. Ready for your day in the sun? These five beaches are among the best on the island.

Isla Verde

One of Lonely Planet’s Top 12 Beaches in Puerto Rico, Isla Verde brings together the best of the city and the shoreline in a beautiful, turquoise-edged package. Start with the beach, a three-mile-long drift of golden sand located adjacent to Fairmont El San Juan, edged by the ocean on one side and a thicket of palms on the other. You’ll find everything you need for a full day in the sun as well, including rental boats, jet skis, kayaks, lounge chairs and umbrellas and easy access to fun activities like banana boat rides and surf schools. And don’t worry about packing a picnic — Isla Verde is loaded with options for food and drinks.

Balneario La Monserrate

In Puerto Rico, balnearios are government-run beaches equipped with showers, lifeguards, changing facilities, picnic areas and other facilities; some of the island’s most appealing expanses of sand are located in Luquillo, a U.S. News pick for best beaches in Puerto Rico and a beach-lovers dream perched on the stunning east coast. Renowned for its uncommonly calm water, Balneario La Monserrate is a favorite with families. It’s also a foodie favorite, thanks to its prime location about a half mile away from Luquillo’s famous Los Kiosks, a lively row of food stands where you can refuel on classic Puerto Rican flavors such as tripleta, a three-meat sandwich topped with fries; crunchy fried plantains and pernil, garlicky pork shoulder reminiscent of Southern barbecue.

Punta Tuna

Set within the Punta Tuna Wetlands Nature Reserve, Punta Tuna Beach is a nesting site for Hawksbill and Leatherback sea turtles, who lay eggs in the tawny sand during the spring and summer. Beyond the beach, hiking trails wind through the rainforest fringe; some lead to the massive rocks that rise out of the landscape on the west end of the beach, others to a 19th century lighthouse perched on the point. Dangerous currents make swimming a hazard, but bring your hiking shoes, a book and a chair and you’ll have everything you need to enjoy the serene surroundings.

Córcega

Situated on Puerto Rico’s west coast, the town of Rincón, ranked as one U.S. News Best Beaches in Puerto Rico, is famous for its mammoth surf waves, which can reach upwards of 20 feet tall. Less than three miles south of Rincón, though, is Córcega Beach, a geological twist of fate that is as calm and swimmable as the rest of Rincón’s beaches are gnarly. Family-friendly Córcega is also decidedly peaceful—you’ll need to bring your own chairs and umbrellas, and there are no lifeguards or facilities. If you can, arrive near the end of the day, so you can take in Córcega’s glorious sunsets.

Mar Chiquita

Tidal pools are scattered across the rugged north coast of Puerto Rico but Mar Chiquita is notable for both its large size and the steady influx of fresh ocean water that arrives with the waves that crash through a chink in the limestone breakwater. The sandy beach that surrounds the bottom half of the pool provides easy entry for swimming and snorkeling during the calm summer months, but be sure to bring water shoes: the bottom can be a bit rocky. You’ll also need them to explore the craggy moonscape-esque ridge that rises from the sand and climbs toward the ocean, offering gorgeous views toward the horizon and back over the pool.

The 10 Best Apartments in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Review score

Excellent: 9+
Very good: 8+
Good: 7+
Fairly good: 6+

Our recommendations
Lowest price at the beginning
Number of stars and price
Rating + number of reviews

MAR DEL NORTE

org/PostalAddress”>

Isla Verde, San Juan

MAR DEL NORTE is located 300 meters from Isla Verde. It offers a garden, a terrace and air-conditioned apartments with a balcony and free Wi-Fi.
Location is great, just a short walk over a pedway to the beaches and restaurants of Isla Verde. We felt very safe here as well. We received an upgrade which was very much appreciated. I would certainly stay here again and would recommend it to everyone.
nine0006

Expand
Collapse

9.1

Superb

1,022 reviews

Check Availability

San Juan Home

San Juan

San Juan Home is located in San Juan, 19 km from Fort San Felipe del Morro and 11 km from Barbosa Park.
Responsive host, easy to find & available parking spot.

expand
Collapse

9.4

Excellent

109 reviews

Check Availability

Cozy Beach Apartment

org/PostalAddress”>

Ocean Park, San Juan

Offering free WiFi and sea views, Cozy Beach Apartments is located in San Juan, just 1.2 km from Barbosa Park. They are less than 1 km from Isla Verde.
The property is in a nicely manicured gated community with private beach access. The property lives up to its name the Cozy Beach Apartment. Susan is amazing and so helpful, she made us feel like family. The property comes equip with everything you possibly will need for your stay. This space is so comfortable and cozy we just simply loved everything about it!
nine0006

Expand
Collapse

9.7

Excellent

112 reviews

Check Availability

SOKZO Miramar

Miramar, San Juan

Set 1.7 km from Condado Beach and 1.7 km from Condado Beach, SOKZO Miramar in San Juan offers air-conditioned accommodation with views of the city and free WiFi.
I liked the cleanliness of the place and the modern style

expand
Collapse

9. 4

Excellent

5 reviews

Check Availability

Beach Apt at Marbella 1

Isla Verde, San Juan

Beach Apt at Marbella 1 features a balcony and is located in San Juan, within just 200 meters of Isla Verde and 1.3 km of Pine Grove Beach.
We liked that was close to restaurants and beach. Security guard was very nice.

expand
Collapse

9.4

Excellent

5 reviews

Check Availability
nine0006

Ocean City View Tantra Apartment

Isla Verde, San Juan

Set in San Juan, 90 meters from Isla Verde and 1.1 km from Pine Grove Beach, Ocean-City View Tantra Apartment offers an outdoor swimming pool and air conditioning.
Great location near everything. The bus, cab, walking distance.

expand
Collapse

9.1

Excellent

9 reviews

Check Availability

Yoa’s escape

nine0011

Miramar, San Juan

In the Miramar district of San Juan, close to Puerto Rico Convention Center, Yoa’s escape has a bar and a washing machine.
Owner was very helpfull and friendly. Transportations were arranged very easily.

expand
Collapse

9.4

Excellent

5 reviews

Check Availability

More Than Beauty Properties

San Juan

Located in San Juan in the North Puerto Rico region, More Than Beauty Properties features accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking.
The privacy was great! The size is perfect for 1 or a couple that is going to spend more time, out than in. The 2 nights I stayed I felt at home.
nine0006

Expand
Collapse

9.3

Excellent

15 reviews

Check Availability

Aires Mediterraneos

San Juan

Aires Mediterráneos, a property with a terrace, is located in San Juan, 12 km from Fort San Felipe del Morro, 2.7 km from Sagrado Corazon Station, as well as 5. 2 km from Contemporary Art Museum.
It was the same as the pictures.
little but super cute and perfect for a couple.
The owner is gentle and he took care of us.
nine0006

Expand
Collapse

Excellent

9 reviews

Check Availability

KASA Las Palmas studio apt for 2 OCEAN VIEW BEACHFRONT CONDO POOL

Condado, San Juan

Located in San Juan, just a few steps from Ocean Park Beach, KASA Las Palmas studio apt for 2 OCEAN VIEW BEACHFRONT CONDO POOL features beachfront accommodation with free WiFi.
The room was a great size and cozy. It was just me and my husband so it was perfect. We absolutely loved the view. Everything we needed. Peter was helpful with all questions I had. We will definitely be going back.
nine0006

Expand
Collapse

9.4

Excellent

8 reviews

Check Availability

All apartments in San Juan Looking for an apartment?

Looking for an apartment/apartment?

An apartment or an apartment is an excellent choice for guests who value privacy. It has furniture, a kitchen and bedrooms, so if you are traveling with a group or family, you can cook dinner together, and everyone can relax in their own room. Apartments or flats are rented for both short and long term. nine0006