Puerto rico beach: 12 Best Beaches in Puerto Rico
17 Best Beaches in Puerto Rico (2022) Top Beach Spots!
With the Atlantic to the north and the Carribean to the south, Puerto Rico’s over 300-mile coastline is no doubt among the prettiest in the entire world.
But Puerto Rico’s alluring beauty doesn’t end with its snow-white sands, teal blue waters, and deep green palms; this Carribean island is also steeped in history, culture, and biodiversity.
After you read a bit about this lush island, you won’t be surprised why it was named Puerto Rico (“Rich Port”) and nicknamed the Island of Enchantment.
Considering Puerto Rico for your next island escape?
We’ve rounded up a list of the best beaches in Puerto Rico just for you.
1. Playa Flamenco
PR-251, Flamenco
Culebra, Puerto Rico 00775
(800) 981-7575
Often ranked as one of the best beaches in the entire world, Culebra Island’s Flamenco Beach is a striking stretch of white sand beach that is practically waveless, making it the best beach for swimming in Puerto Rico.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Playa Flamenco is famously known for its shallow and crystal clear turquoise waters, unbelievably white sand, a wealth of swimming areas, and incredible diving sites.
If you’re gunning for memorable family fun that’ll leave you breathless, then this Blue Flag certified beach is an absolute must-visit for you.
Expert Tip
Don’t miss the iconic rusting military tanks left behind by the Navy in 1975.
It was used during their weapons testing at the beach.
Since then, locals and visitors have been decorating them in colorful graffiti.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Club Seabourne Hotel
2. Sun Bay Beach
Sun Bay Beach, Vieques
Puerto Rico 00765
(787) 741-8198
Shaped like a crescent, Sun Bay is located on an island about eight miles south from Puerto Rico’s mainland.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Sun Bay’s coast boasts a mile of idyllic sand and shore and offers picnic areas, campgrounds, barbecue grills, food kiosks, lifeguards, and the necessary facilities.
That means you’re assured an endlessly comfortable time amidst the island’s lush tropical landscape.
Expert Tip
The island of Vieques has an enchanting surprise for you at night!
Head over to the southern shore of the island or take a tour there to witness the sea lighting up in electric blue, caused by a serendipitous series of chemical reactions resulting in bioluminescence.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Casa de Tortuga Guesthouse
Related: Best Restaurants in Puerto Rico
3. Luquillo Beach
Luquillo
Puerto Rico 00773
(787) 710-8280
The beach at the Sun Capital of Puerto Rico consistently ranks among the prettiest beaches in the country of Puerto Rico.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The municipality of Luquillo makes a lovely seaside getaway, owing to a whopping 12 miles of sun-kissed coastline, some touting golden sand, others stark white.
Luquillo rightfully deserves the nickname assigned to it, as surfers, snorkelers, beachcombers, sunbathers, and all the other types of sun worshippers consider it a haven.
Expert Tip
If aside from the ocean’s call you also have a penchant for forests, the famous El Yunque National Forest, one of Puerto Rico’s top natural attractions, is a short hike away from the beach.
At the foothills, you’ll discover horse rides and river swims too.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Yunque Mar Beach Hotel
4. Tortuga Beach
Playa Tortuga, Culebrita
Culebra, Puerto Rico 00775
(787) 710-8280
Close to Culebra Island is a smaller island with a pocket paradise on its own.
Tortuga Beach, located on Culebrita Island, is accessible from Culebra by water taxi or boat.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Tortuga Beach is named after the herds of hawksbill and leatherback turtles that visit the small beach to nest or feed.
Because of the island’s pristine condition and seclusion, the sand is as soft and fine as powder and the waters calm and transparent.
Expert Tip
Snorkelling and swimming with turtles at Tortuga Beach are totally welcome!
More turtles can be found on the east and south beaches too, but the adventure doesn’t end there.
There are trails to the west beach, north tidal pools, and old lighthouse to the south as well!
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Club Seabourne Hotel
5. Isla Verde
4851 Av. Isla Verde
Carolina, 00979, Puerto Rico
Right outside the eastern edge of the capital city, San Juan, is one of the most popular beaches in Puerto Rico.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Beyond the skyscrapers towering over the lively city of San Juan is an award-winning beach with soft, light golden sand and bright blue water.
Restaurants, shopping centers, bars, lounges, and hotels are just a short walk away!
Expert Tip
Isla Verde Beach is divided into three, each spanning three miles and each consistently considered among Puerto Rico’s top beaches.
Pine Grove is for surfers, Alambique is for backpackers longing for relaxation, and Balneario de Carolina for families with cars and children.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Fairmont El San Juan Hotel
6.
Condado Beach
Condado Beach, San Juan
Puerto Rico 00907
(787) 710-8280
If you’re curious about the “Miami Beach” in Puerto Rico, we present to you Condado Beach, another big-name beach in San Juan that stretches all the way east of downtown.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Luxurious yet laid-back, Condado attracts anyone from families and couples to celebrities.
Just like Isla Verde, high-rise buildings and palms line the beach, the sand and water remain fine and bright, and everything else is a stone’s throw away.
Expert Tip
This beach is best for lounging, sunbathing, and sightseeing.
Do not wade far into the water as the currents and tides are strong enough to pull chairs into the sea.
If you do feel like swimming next to a metropolis, head east of Ashford Avenue for a small beach between Puente Dos Hermanos Bridge and more than enough surf breaks to calm Condado’s raging waves and offer a haven for families with children.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Condado Vanderbilt Hotel
7. Playa Crash Boat
PR-485, Crash Boat Beach
Aguadilla, Puerto Rico 00603
(787) 710-8280
Up on the northwestern coast of Puerto Rico, near the beachside town of Aguadilla, is another precious paradise worth praise.
Despite its name, Crash Boat Beach is dubbed as the country’s island party beach.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The name Crash Boat came from the years when the Air Force used to keep rescue boats here.
Today, Crash Boat is a beach offering exciting beach experiences, including swimming, parasailing, jet skiing, scuba diving, sunbathing, paddle boarding, and so much more.
Expert Tip
If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, Crash Boat is actually home to many of the best things to do in Puerto Rico.
There are walking trails for you to explore the surrounding tropical flora, and Mediterranean shells abound on the sand for beachcombers.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Villa Montaña Beach Resort
8. Playa Sucia
PR-301 Playa Sucia
Cabo Rojo
Puerto Rico 00623
(787) 710-8280
If you head down Puerto Rico’s southwesternmost tip, Playa Sucia is the locals’ favorite beach in the area. We also recommend this as one of the largely underrated yet best beach spots in Puerto Rico.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Unlike the two previous Puerto Rico beaches, Playa Sucia is celebrated for being surrounded by complete wilderness.
The beach is partially hugged by its shore, so the transparent turquoise water is calm, silent, and perfect for swimming and wading.
Expert Tip
Because this beach is undeveloped, there are no facilities, lifeguards, and restaurants nearby, so be ready.
Don’t miss the trails leading up to a lighthouse and surrounding cliffs for excellent views.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: BOHO Beach Club
9. Boqueron Beach
Boquerón, Cabo Rojo
Puerto Rico 00623
(787) 851-1900
Right next to Playa Sucia, the resort town of Boqueron is another Cabo Rojo attraction.
Its beach spans three miles of golden sand lined with almond trees and coconut palms.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Boqueron’s beach suits families with little swimmers due to its clean, calm, and shallow water and family-friendly weekend events or shows.
Unlike Playa Sucia, amenities here are complete, with the additional bonus of basketball courts, playgrounds, and gazebos.
Expert Tip
Boqueron Beach is another Blue Flags certified beach, meaning it passed strict international standards.
Many consider this the safest beach for kids in Puerto Rico.
By the way, the seafood sold just outside the entrance is a definite must-try!
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Combate Beach Resort
Related: Fun Things to Do in Puerto Rico with Kids
10. Ocean Park Beach
Ocean Park Beach, Santurce
San Juan 00907 Puerto Rico
(787) 710-8280
If you arrived at Puerto Rico by plane, you’ll be surprised to know there’s a public beach nearby, nestled between the airport and Old San Juan.
Why We Recommend This Beach
While Condado is a prominent beach destination, Ocean Park is a secluded one-mile long shore on the eastern edge of the same district.
This tranquil, laid-back beach may not have facilities, but it does offer thrilling water activities like kite surfing, paddle tennis, beach volleyball, and more.
Expert Tip
If you come here early during the weekends, you’ll encounter vendors selling local-recommended hot crab empanadas, piraguas, and tropical ice cream!
Recommended Hotel Nearby: O:Live Boutique Hotel, A Small Luxury Hotel of the World
11. Playa El Pastillo
Sector El Pastillo, Isabela
Puerto Rico 00662
(787) 955-3352
Up on the northwestern edges of Puerto Rico lies the municipality of Isabela, whose Playa El Pastillo is a haven for artists, nature lovers, and spiritual tourists.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Many locals believe Playa Pastillo is blessed or sacred, so people come for meditative beach walks and contemplation.
This solemn beach area is particularly silent, and only the mild waves, sea birds, and rustle of trees can be heard.
In the distance, Mother Nature carved the side profile of a Taino native on the edge of a giant cliff.
Expert Tip
The cliffs can be reached by the trails for breathtaking views of the Atlantic, and there’s a secret cave, Cuevas de las Golondrinas, that only emerges during the summer.
To maintain the natural condition of the beach, Isabela ensured that no facilities were built around the beach.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Royal Isabela
12. Jobos Beach
PR-466 Isabela
Puerto Rico 00662
(787) 710-8280
Still on Isabela, Jobos Beach is a lively surf spot that faces the Atlantic and features wild waves.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Locals absolutely adore this beach for the thrills and sheer beauty it offers.
If Playa El Pastillo is for those seeking solace for the soul, Jobos is for those looking to flood it with adrenaline.
Swimming here is discouraged; the beach is for advanced surfers, snorkelers, and curious wanderers looking to interact with locals.
Expert Tip
Just like El Pastillo, there’s a pit cave here that locals associate with folklore.
Also worth mentioning is the fact that there are no fancy tourist establishments around.
If you’re hungry, there are local eateries offering Carribean fare for really cheap prices.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Parador Villas Del Mar Hau
13. Playa Peña
Playa Peña, San Juan
Puerto Rico 00901
(787) 710-8280
History enthusiasts come to Old San Juan for historical attractions, while beach bums head over to Isla Verde, Ocean Park, or Condado.
Who goes to Playa Peña?
Not a lot of travelers wind up here, so if you brought a lover along, this shore is great for long conversations.
Why We Recommend This Beach
If you’re in Puerto Rico for an anniversary getaway, San Juan highly recommends Playa Peña, a peaceful coast that assures privacy, quiet, and romantic sunset views.
Expert Tip
Access to this beach is through the steps across the Capitol.
It’s to the right of St. John the Baptist statue.
While this beach spot is peaceful, the currents and rip tides are not.
It is advised that you swim here during the summer months, when the water is calmer.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Courtyard by Marriott San Juan Miramar
14. Escambrón Beach
Playa El Escambrón, San Juan
Puerto Rico 00901
(787) 710-8280
The historic city of Old San Juan is actually home to a Blue Flag certified beach, El Escambrón, which is well loved by families and squads alike.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The cerulean water of the Atlantic is contrasted by Escambrón’s bright golden sand and tall palms, creating a pleasing tropical playground.
Protected from the raging waves by coral reefs, Escambrón Beach is frequented by visitors across all ages who are looking for a fun, relaxing day under the Carribean sun.
Best of all, local food and souvenirs are just a five-minute walk away.
Expert Tip
Aside from divers, swimmers, snorkelers, and sunbathers, Escambrón is also perfect for history lovers because of Old San Juan’s nearby fort, Bateria del Escambron, an 18th-century fortification built by the Spanish colonizers.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel
Related: Puerto Rico All Inclusive Family Resorts
15. Cayo Icacos
Cayo Icacos, Fajardo
Puerto Rico 00738
There’s a small uninhabited island off the east coast of Puerto Rico.
Though considered little, it’s actually the largest of all the tiny islands surrounding Puerto Rico’s northeast tip.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Cayo Icacos may be uninhabited, but both locals and tourists are aware of its unspoiled beauty and sail here during weekends.
Its surrounding blue water is so pale and clear it’s actually cyan in some parts.
A short swim from the shore is an otherworldly snorkeling site where reefs and marine life thrive.
Expert Tip
Book a catamaran day trip or water taxi in advance to secure transportation.
This lovely 20-minute sail is an exciting start of the adventure that awaits you.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort
16. Combate Beach
Playa El Combate
PR-3301, Boquerón
Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico 00622
(787) 710-8280
Facing the Carribean this time, the southwest coast of Puerto Rico boasts a dreamy, monochromatic blue beach spot named Playa Combate.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Puerto Rico indeed has a wealth of nice beaches, but we swear Combate Beach deserves more love and recognition.
Warm, vivid, and calm, Combate Beach is a heavenly place for a fun-filled beach vacation.
During the brightest summer days, the shoreline blurs into a perfect natural gradient of blues and whites.
Expert Tip
If you’re curious about the Cabo Rojo community, the north side of Combate Beach is filled with colorful homes, docks, and fishermen boats.
If you’re a pure beach bum, the south side of Combate has the most fascinating scenery.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Combate Beach Resort
17. Caja de Muertos
Caja de Muertos, Ponce
Puerto Rico 00716
(787) 710-8280
About 4.8 miles away from Puerto Rico’s southern coast is another unspoiled, uninhabited paradise with an eerie name.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Don’t let the name intimidate you.
Although it translates to Dead Man’s Chest or Coffin Island, the name simply describes the island’s shape, not the impossibly beautiful landscape it offers.
We’re confident enough to say it’s like Flamenco, Combate, and Icacos combined and is definitely one of the best beaches in Puerto Rico!
Expert Tip
Caja de Muertos is a haven for turtles, birds, and marine life, all of which you can encounter all around the island.
There’s also a trail leading to an 1887 lighthouse that houses a lookout and a museum.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort
Map of Beaches in Puerto Rico
List of image sources
17 Best Puerto Rico Beaches for 2022
- Playa Flamenco
- Sun Bay Beach
- Luquillo Beach
- Tortuga Beach
- Isla Verde
- Condado Beach
- Playa Crash Boat
- Playa Sucia
- Boqueron Beach
- Ocean Park Beach
- Playa El Pastillo
- Jobos Beach
- Playa Peña
- Escambrón Beach
- Cayo Icacos
- Combate Beach
- Caja de Muertos
Puerto Rico Beaches – Best Beaches in 2022 – You’ll ❤️ them All!
Dreaming of a Caribbean Beach escape with fantastic beaches? Allow us to tell you why Puerto Rico is a wonderful choice.
One of the top reasons to come to Puerto Rico is the diversity of beaches, from romantic quiet beaches with natural beauty free of development, vibrant city beaches with watersports and lively scenes, dreamy natural pools, to world-class surfing beaches… of course those dreamy gorgeous blues and emerald tones.
Unlike many Caribbean destinations where many of the beaches are closed off to visitors by resort property boundaries, most of the coastline of Puerto Rico is free and open to be explored.
Beaches on this Guide
Scroll below for the best experience.
- Flamenco Beach
- Beach at Icacos Cay
- Playa Sucia / La Playuela
- Balneario El Escambron
- Gilligan’s Island
- Tamarindo Grande Beach
- Bahia de La Chiva
- Tortuga Beach
- Balneario de Boqueron
- Cayo Caracoles
- Playa Crash Boat
- Mar Chiquita Beach
- Isla Verde Beach
- Balneario La Monserrate (Luquillo Beach)
- Jobos Beach
- Playa La Sardinera
- Playa Negra (Black Sand Beach) – Vieques
- Playa El Combate
- Steps Beach
- Domes beach
- Playita del Condado
- Survival Beach
How do we come up with the list of best beaches in Puerto Rico?
Proudly Presenting the Most Updated Puerto Rico Beach Guide
We know how valuable vacation is to you, to keep up with our reputation and trust from our readers, we spent weeks exploring the coastline of Puerto Rico in order to bring you the most updated 2022 beach guide.
Every year, we re-discover the coastline, we’ve been writing about the island’s beaches since 2004.
We have a new list for 2022, most of the beaches on the list of previous years stayed, we are happy to include one new beach relatively unknown to tourists on our 2022’s list, locals have done a great job cleaning and beautifying the area earning the spot. The coastline does change, and so do maintenance and services, making a difference in the experience of the visitor. We encourage you to spend a little extra time reading through our beach guide, we spent a lot of time putting it together to help you plan the best experience in Puerto Rico.
1. Flamenco Beach – Culebra
The Most Beautiful Beach in Puerto Rico & Consistently Ranked Among the Best in the World
Best beach for landscape, scenery, water clarity and quality, sand color and texture, cleanliness, facilities, family friendliness, easy access, camping facilities, and inexpensive traditional food.
We don’t always agree with the “top beaches” lists we see online, but we certainly agree with Flamenco Beach ranking at the very top of the list. Flamenco is located in Culebra, one of the islands of Puerto Rico. Flamenco Beach is simply the best, in every way… The landscape is worthy of a magazine cover, with a lush green landscape as a backdrop. The water… so clear, warm, like stained glass, and just the perfect salinity for a refreshing swim. The sand is light inviting your feet for a walk along the beach, its color ranges from white to ivory, you should see it first thing in the morning when it has been naturally raked by the night breeze erasing every step from visitors the previous day. Then… there are the amazing snorkeling experiences you can have at Flamenco, the colorful reef underneath, and the beautiful sea turtles that love Flamenco Beach as much as you will once you visit.
+ Flamenco Beach – Culebra, Puerto Rico
Top Rated Catamaran tours to Flamenco Beach
+ Flamenco Beach – Culebra Puerto Rico
2.
Beach at Cayo Icacos (Icacos Cay)
Best beach for clarity of the water, seclusion, snorkeling, fun boat day trip for those staying in the San Juan / Metro and east coast regions.
Cayo Icacos / Icacos Cay, one of the prettiest cays in Puerto Rico, a very popular beach day trip with top-rated fun catamaran tours as well as sailing and private charters. Icacos is part of Cordillera Keys Nature Reserve (Reserva Natural los Cayos de la Cordillera). A few hours on the beach at Icacos will give you the pleasures of a secluded island surrounded by the Caribbean Sea. Is likely you’ll be swimming along with friendly dolphins that frequently swim around Icacos. During optimal weather, the water is very clear and turquoise, tours typically make a stop at a snorkeling spot with colorful schools of fish.
Getting to Icacos Cay: There is no ferry service to Icacos, but there are plenty of tours offering great day trips to the island, Icacos is among the most booked tours, so book as soon as possible to secure your date of preference.
See below for top-rated tours.
+ Icacos Cay aka Icacos Island – Puerto Rico
Top Rated Tours to Cayo Icacos aka Icacos Island
3. Playa Sucia / La Playuela – Cabo Rojo, PR
Best beach for: its scenic views, nearby eco-attractions, and eco-activities right near the beach.
Cabo Rojo has many beaches, but if you’re traveling around the island and only have a day for a beach day trip, head to La Playuela, best known as Playa Sucia. Visiting La Playuela gives you much more than a great beach day, bring a good pair of sneakers and plenty of storage with your camera, you’ll be enjoying some of the most scenic sights in Puerto Rico. From your beach chair, you can enjoy views of limestone cliffs and the elegant Los Morrillos Lighthouse. Just a few steps from the beach, you can hike to a trail along the edge of the cliffs which will feel as if you’re standing at the planet’s edge. Playa Sucia is inside a wildlife nature reserve with salt flats (informally referred as pink beach), an informative welcome center, a bird sanctuary, a scenic walking trail along the nature reserve, and an observation tower.
+ La Playuela Beach / Playa Sucia Beach Guide – Cabo Rojo, PR
4. Balneario Escambron – San Juan
Best beach for getting away from the busier beaches in the San Juan tourist area, the best snorkeling in the capital city, clarity of the water, water activities, and accessibility. Escambron Beach offers the most complete beach experience in San Juan, offering two unique beaches within the park. Clear waters, tall coconut palm trees, but in addition you’re walking into a park packed with a scuba diving
site, great snorkeling sites where many tours take place, scenic views of Old San Juan and the modern city, a walking trail along the water leading to a historic site, facilities, and plenty of sand and green spaces for children to play. If and when you’ve had enough beach time you can walk across to the Luis Munoz Marin Park and continue down the scenic Paseo Puerta de Tierra with sweeping views of the Atlantic and Castillo San Cristobal.
Keep walking and you’ll end up in Old San Juan where you can enjoy UNESCO sites, and a colorful cultural experience the whole family will enjoy.
+ El Escambron Beach Guide – San Juan, Puerto Rico
Top Rated Escambron Beach Tours – San Juan
5. Gilligan’s Island – Guanica, Puerto Rico
Best beach… the clearest water on the southwest coast, perfectly calm and shallow for swimming, floating, and snorkeling with children. A very romantic spot for couples for its intimate spots along the edge of the mangrove island.
Like a giant natural pool with the clearest water on the entire west and southern coast of Puerto Rico. Lovely place to take the whole family, where toddlers can play safely on the water and learn to snorkel. You may take a private ferry/water taxi from a nearby restaurant.
+ Gilligan’s Island – Guanica, Puerto Rico
Top Rated Tours to Gilligan’s Island & Guanica Activities
6.
Tamarindo Grande Beach – Offshore Island of Culebra
Best beach for snorkeling with turtles, scenic landscape without crowds, clear water, beautiful beach cobbles along the shore.
This is one special beach, where you can almost always find sea turtles swimming and playing over glass beds at the bottom of Tamarindo Grande. This beach is the best place in Culebra to safely swim and watch sea turtles. Tamarindo Grande is a photographer’s dream… with views of Cayo Luis Peña and golden sand adorned by smooth beach cobbles… naturally landscaped as nature intended. This beach is a turtle nesting site, so please walk with care along the beach and do not disturb any nests you may find. If you’re lucky to visit and swim with them, please do not touch them or disturb them. Playa Tamarindo Grande is not far from Flamenco Beach on the sleepy offshore island of Culebra, so be sure to include it on your itinerary if you head to Culebra for a day trip.
+ Tamarindo Grande Beach – Culebra
7. Bahia de la Chiva – Vieques
Best beach for snorkeling, relaxation, clear water, with just about every shade of blue .. like a painting.
Playa La Chiva previously nicknamed Blue Beach is simply amazing. If you’re only visiting for a day, we recommend you head to La Chiva, your eyes will wander through endless contrasting shades of blue, unlike any other beach on the island of Vieques. Below the surface, you can explore a colorful world with diverse sea life and healthy coral so be sure to bring your snorkel gear, snorkeling is amazing for all ages and levels, one of the best snorkeling beaches on the island of Vieques and under the Puerto Rican flag.
+ Bahia de La Chiva
La Chiva is very long, giving romantics and serenity seekers their very own spot. As you drive up, you’ll see numbered spots, is fun to stop at all of them and find your favorite. If you manage to leave La Chiva, just keep driving to find your special beach cove along the wildlife reserve.
There’s plenty of sand and space to claim for the day so you can experience the feeling of having your own piece of paradise.
- Getting to Bahia de la Chiva – Enter through the Vieques Wildlife Refuge (south) gate and head straight, follow signs, you’ll love the drive. No need to book a tour, this beach is best enjoyed by exploring on your own.
- Facilities: None
- Lifeguards: No
- Parking: Free off-street parking
+ Blue Beach / Bahia de la Chiva on the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico
8. Tortuga Beach – Culebra
Tortuga Beach is located in Culebrita, part of the archipelago of Culebra, is among one of the most gorgeous beaches of Puerto Rico. The colors of the water are mesmerizing and so incredibly clear. The best time to go is during the winter and spring months on weekdays. During the summer month weekends and holiday weeks, Tortuga Beach gets uncomfortably crowded with boats and we don’t recommend it if you are seeking calm.
Top Rated Culebrita Tours
9. Balneario de Boqueron (Boqueron Beach) – Cabo Rojo, PR
Best Beach for… calm baby blue clear waters, amazing sunsets, nearby authentic cultural experiences in Poblado de Boqueron.
Ask any local about the best beaches in Puerto Rico, undoubtedly they’ll mention Boqueron Beach, during Easter and major holidays, it is the favorite beach and destination and you’ll have a hard time finding some room on the sand, the rest of the year is nice and relaxed. for summertime beach fun. This blue and turquoise water beach is framed by a grove of tall coconut palm trees, with ivory-colored sand. Boqueron Beach is located in the Poblado de Boqueron, a quaint colorful fishing village popular among locals that flock on weekends from all over the island to eat fresh oysters, and clams are served fresh every night, and eat traditional delicious fritters at local / non-touristy trap prices and mingle with friends.
+ Balneario de Boqueron (Boqueron Beach) – Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico
10. Cayo Caracoles – Lajas, Puerto Rico
Best beach for its shallow crystal clear water, natural feeling of escape with the added experience of the bioluminescent bay nearby.
Caracoles is a beloved stop for sailors, boaters, and kayakers known for its crystalline emerald green water. You may rent a small boat to get there, take a water taxi or book a private tour boat that plans a wonderful La Parguera experience which typically includes the magical bioluminescent bay.
Being in Caracoles is a very different experience since in you’re in the open water away from the shore surrounded by a number of small keys, where the only colors you see are many shades of blue on the water, the sky above, and the green of the mangrove islands. On a weekday, it is a peaceful ambiance, during the summer, Caracoles turns into party central from all the boaters playing loud music can drinking and dancing on the boats.
Caracoles is a mangrove island with no beach (sand) or land. to sit down and lounge, you’re in the water the entire time.
+ Caracoles Island, Lajas, Puerto Rico
Top Rated Tours to Caracoles & La Parguera Bioluminescent Bay
11. Playa Crash Boat Beach – Aguadilla, PR
Crash Boat (Crashboat) is great for visitors who wish to experience a laid-back authentic Puerto Rican beach offering fun on the water, culture, and music. Crash Boat took a huge hit with Hurricane Maria, but it has made a strong comeback with a new beachfront restaurant and great live music every weekend starting at sunset.
Crash Boat Beach is really picturesque, with colorful boats adorning the golden sand, you’ll see fishermen coming in the late afternoon with the catch of the day. Crash Boat is very interesting in the wintertime, while most surfing beaches are not safe for swimming, there is a calm side for swimming and an active side for surfing, making this beach a favorite for families and surfers. Bring your snorkel gear, when the water is calm the snorkeling is great around the pier teeming with colorful fish. Crash Boat is also very popular for scuba divers. Ohhh… and those sunsets!!!
+ Crash Boat Beach Guide – Aguadilla, Puerto Rico
12. Mar Chiquita – Manati
Best beach for scenery, relaxed local island vibe, unique landscape, easy access.
Mar Chiquita is one of the most beloved beaches on the north coast by locals yet it remains nice and uncrowded during weekdays from September to mid May. During the summer months when the water is calm, it is a good spot for snorkeling in shallow waters. During the winter months, the water is more playful and more care should be taken when swimming.
+ Playa Mar Chiquita – Manati, Puerto Rico
Top Rated Tours to Mar Chiquita Beach & Nearby Attractions
13. Isla Verde Beach – Carolina, Puerto Rico
Best beach for the variety of hotels on the beach, clean sand, playful waves great for learning to surf, beachfront dining, and many restaurants within walking distance, water sports.
What is known as Isla Verde Beach is actually three beaches, each with its own vibe and allure. Isla Verde Beach is located about a 7-minute drive from the airport and 15 minutes from the capital city of San Juan. The water is better for swimming than popular Condado Beach yet still close enough to Old San Juan so visitors can enjoy the historic wonders and cultural excitement of Old San Juan.
+ Isla Verde Beach – Carolina, Puerto Rico
Top-Rated Beach Tours in Isla Verde Beach & Nearby
+ Isla Verde Beach
14. Luquillo Beach / Balneario La Monserrate – Luquillo, Puerto Rico
Best beach near San Juan for landscape and views, its calm clear water, facilities, cultural food experience.
Balneario La Monserrate best known as “Luquillo Beach” & “Playa Luquillo”… is the most popular Balneario (bathing beach managed by the government) visited by tourists.
The water is calm, the beach is wide and the sand doesn’t sink making it really enjoyable and easy to take a walk along the entire beach. From the beach, you can admire views of El Yunque Rainforest, the beach is framed by tall coconut palm trees that dance to the sea breeze. One of the reasons Luquillo Beach is so popular is the food; just steps from the beach you can enjoy delicious Piña Coladas served right on the pineapple, delight in traditional frituras (traditional Puerto Rican fritters) and just outside of the beach park you can have a gastronomic cultural experience at the Luquillo Kiosks at non-tourist prices since locals go there daily. While at the beach, listen for a bell coming from the ice cream cart, be sure to scream for ice cream by saying “Quiero helado”! He offers coconut, pineapple, passion fruit, mixed and maybe other tropical flavors.
+ Luquillo Beach – Luquillo, Puerto Rico
15. Jobos Beach – Isabela, Puerto Rico
Best beach for surfing year-round, great beach to learn to surf, experiencing authentic casual island vibe, and beachfront casual dining.
Jobos is synonymous with the words summer, surfing, and good times with friends in Puerto Rico. Jobos is among the top beaches for surfing all year round. Surfers from all over the world head to Isabela and Rincon over the winter months to enjoy the waves. During the surfing season, you’ll find a good mix of surfers coming from the United States happily mingling with friendly locals. This is a great beach to surf, get a tan, do a little snorkeling, and make new friends.
The water is clear, with deep turquoise and emerald tones and a small protected area for those that just want to refresh in the water, watch surfers, and take in the scene.
Visitors that wish to immerse themselves in the beach culture of locals, really enjoy spending a day at this beach. Puerto Ricans bring food, radios, and lots of laughter, so be ready to enjoy a lively family-friendly scene on weekends and summertime. During the week the scene is more mellow and relaxed.
+ Jobos Beach – Isabela, Puerto Rico
16.
Playa Sardinera – Hatillo, Puerto Rico
Best beach for… solitude, its natural pools, and playful pelicans…
This is the first time this beach is featured on any travel guide and we are so happy to share it. This is not a touristy beach, the crowd here is local, and it remains nice and quiet. We are confident it will begin to see more visitors after happy beachgoers like you spread the word. Playa Sardinera is like a bigger version of Pozo de Teodoro in Isabela, composed of one big natural pool and off to the right (looking east), a very long and narrow natural pool protected by a natural wall where pelicans love to play… perfect for those that want to feel more seclusion and have toddlers since the water is very shallow and clear.
+ Playa Sardinera – Hatillo, Puerto Rico
17. Playa Negra / Black Sand Beach – Vieques
Playa Negra, is the most unique beach in Vieques with a beautifully rugged landscape.
This is not a swimming beach, water can get rough, but the experience begins on the way there. You’ll have to take an easy hike through a dry river bed surrounded by lush landscape leading to black sand that sparkles with the sun. The pictures you’ll take on this beach will be moved to your favorite vacation photo folder for sure.
- Getting to Playa Negra – No need to book a tour, this beach is best enjoyed by exploring on your own.
- Facilities: None
- Lifeguards: No
- Parking: Free off-street parking
+ Playa Negra / Black Sand Beach, Vieques
18. Playa El Combate – Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico
Best beach for its calm swimming waters, natural setting, hiking seaside trail, and local beachside restaurants.
Combate Beach is a favorite among locals for its family-friendly water and inexpensive traditional food nearby with fresh fish served daily.
The atmosphere is very quiet during weekdays and more lively during weekends when families flock to the beach. During the summer months, Combate Beach gets quite busy with beachgoers and boats. There is a roped-off swimming area for safe swimming.
You can visit this beach after visiting Los Morrillos Lighthouse and la Playuela or head over to Boqueron to visit the quaint colorful village and dine.
+ Combate Beach – Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico
19. Steps Beach / Tres Palmas Marine Reserve – Rincon, PR
Best beach for a romantic walk and hidden spots to relax, watch and listen to the surf. Challenging surfing during winter months, great snorkeling from late spring till early fall, best during the summer months.
Steps Beach, part of the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve boasts a healthy coral reef with abundant sea life including sea turtles and a healthy elkhorn garden. The vibe is relaxed, there’s a food truck at the beach, easy access to the beach, and parking.
+ Steps Beach / Tres Palmas Beach Guide – Rincon, PR
20. Domes Beach – Rincon, Puerto Rico
Best beach for great surfing all year round, family-friendly, easy access, golden sunsets, and great for lounging to watch surfers.
Whether you surf or love to watch, Domes Beach is a great beach to visit in Rincon. Bring your board and ride the waves or bring your lounge chair to enjoy the show. Beach access is easy and there’s plenty of parking. Domes Beach is a great point of interest, after soaking the sun, head next door to Rincon Lighthouse Park for great views, whale watching during winter months, and food. If you love sunsets, be sure to stay awhile, is worth the wait every day of the year. While at Domes, you can quickly visit Spanish Wall by taking a short hike along a dirt trail north of Domes.
+ Domes Beach Guide – Rincon, Puerto Rico
Top Rated Surfing Lessons in Puerto Rico
21.
Playita del Condado – San Juan
Best beach for: clear, turquoise calm water safe for swimming, family/kid-friendly, snorkeling.
La Playita del Condado, just as the name describes (Small Beach of Condado), is the smallest beach in San Juan tucked in the corner of Dos Hermanos Bridge which connects Condado and the entrance to Old San Juan crossing the Condado Lagoon. For visitors and cruisers that have little time to spend at the beach, this may be the best option in San Juan due to its convenient location, services, tours available, and nearby attractions you can visit through the scenic bike route. The waters at Playita del Condado range from clear to turquoise to deeper blues where is safe to swim and snorkel. From the beach, you can enjoy views of the modern city and one of the fortifications sitting on the sea. In contrast with Condado Beach which is best for lounging, you can safely swim at La Playita del Condado. There are a few trees offering shade, lounge and umbrella rentals to relax, restaurants nearby along Ashford Drive and the hotels nearby as well as drink stands offering delicious Piña Coladas.
From La Playita. you can enjoy wonderful activities right at this beach and next door at Laguna del Condado (Condado Lagoon). From this beach, you can take a break, rent a bike and ride to Old San Juan.
+ Playita del Condado – San Juan, Puerto Rico
22. Survival Beach – Aguadilla
Best beach for best beach hike with scenic postcard-perfect pictures reward.
As a bonus, we added Survival Beach because the scenery is spectacular, there’s no other beach in Puerto Rico that resembles its landscape. This beach is NOT for swimming, and it requires a hike to get there that’s a bit challenging for the average person but totally worth the effort. You get three gorgeous beaches on your way there, your hike begins at Surfer’s Beach, you’ll first arrive at Tabletop after the main hike and finally arrive at Survival where you’ll take the best vacation photos.
+ Survival Beach – Aguadilla, Puerto Rico
2019
It’s been two years since Hurricane Maria, and so many things have changed, including our beaches.
We’ve received many letters from kind visitors wishing to support the island with their visit, this Best Beaches in Puerto Rico article was created with those visitors in mind.
2018 – Best Beaches in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria
2016
- Flamenco Beach – Culebra
- La Playuela / Playa Sucia – Cabo Rojo
- Palomino Island – Fajardo, Puerto Rico
- Blue Beach – Vieques
- Caracas Beach – Vieques
- Balneario de Escambron – San Juan
- La Posita Beach – Loiza, Puerto Rico
- Sandy Beach – Rincon, Puerto Rico
- Steps Beach / Playa Tres Palmas – Rincon, Puerto Rico
- Boqueron Beach – Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is just a PLACE that is meant for relaxation. The beach isn’t very big, but it doesn’t matter as it has masses of sand, calm, kid-friendly Atlantic Sea, 300 days of sunshine a year, and it’s not too far from shops and restaurants.
Also from Puerto Rico, most of the water tours start from its two marinas. So there is a “sea” of opportunities to turn around both on and under water.
Puerto Rico has a variety of restaurants, bars and shops, so everything you need for a truly “relaxing getaway” is within walking distance. These 4 shopping centers have everything to offer for a good holiday – day and night.
For many Danes, Puerto Rico is their second home and more Danish than Spanish is spoken during the cold months market.
The market is held every 2nd Sunday alternating with the agricultural market in San Fernando, Maspalomas. Market schedule from 8.30 to 14.00. Address: Tomás Roca Bosch Street, in Puerto Rico Park, next to the bowling alley, behind Mc. Donald’s. In this market you can see traditional Canarian clothes and enjoy the local music. Here you will find a wide range of culinary products such as jams, sauces, homemade bakery products, vegetables and fruits, honey, plants and flowers.
The “old” beach is well visited and not far from restaurants and mini markets. It is known there that you can come to both places in swimsuits that will not look inappropriate.
New Beach – Amadores is a little further towards Puerto de Mogan, and if you want to get there, you can either go by car or go for a walk along the “Chinese Wall”, which is a footpath laid from the old harbors. It is located slightly lower than the road, so as to be away from car traffic. But the walk will probably be a little longer than you expect.
This beach is not that old, it is artificially created and has not “settled down” yet, so be careful if it suddenly gets very deep!
There are also many opportunities here to burn money, but be careful, because there are also those who take themselves when you turn your back on them.
Playa Amadores , which is a little further towards Mogan, can be called the “New” Puerto Rico.
There is a 400 meter long beach with West Indian sand and there is also a great walking area behind the beach with lots of shops and restaurants. You can go from the “Old Port” to Puerto Rico and Amadores, along the trail built there, which “hangs” on the rocks below the road. This trail is popularly called the “Chinese Wall”.
If you would like to know more about Puerto Rico or the offers nearby, or if you have a good experience about the area that you would like to share with others, please write to us on
Puerto Rico attracts both beautiful views (sandy beaches of the bay, equipped and equipped with everything necessary for recreation, smoothly turn into rocky mountains), and water attractions (at a walking distance from the harbor there is the Atlantida theme water park with many exciting routes and exciting slides) . Today in Puerto Rico you can stay in one of several dozen comfortable hotels built in the 80s. And not far from the water park there is a shopping center where you can go shopping, sit in one of the bars or fast food eateries and even get to a disco.
Of course, it is not a fact that you will come across just such a fish, but even without a catch, you are unlikely to return to the shore. And those who like to have fun on the shore, no doubt, will be attracted by the golf course.