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. Show
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 FlamencoPR-251, Flamenco 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 BeachPlaya 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 TipDon’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 BeachSun Bay Beach, Vieques Shaped like a crescent, Sun Bay is located on an island about eight miles south from Puerto Rico’s mainland. Why We Recommend This BeachSun 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 TipThe 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 BeachLuquillo 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 BeachThe 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 TipIf 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 BeachPlaya Tortuga, Culebrita 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 BeachTortuga 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 TipSnorkelling 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 Verde4851 Av. Isla
Verde 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 BeachBeyond 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 TipIsla 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 BeachCondado
Beach, San Juan 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 BeachLuxurious 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 TipThis 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 BoatPR-485, Crash Boat Beach 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 BeachThe 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 TipIf 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 SuciaPR-301 Playa Sucia 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 BeachUnlike 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 TipBecause 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 BeachBoquerón, Cabo Rojo 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 BeachBoqueron’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 TipBoqueron 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 BeachOcean Park Beach, Santurce 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 BeachWhile 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 TipIf 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 PastilloSector El Pastillo, Isabela 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 BeachMany 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 TipThe 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 BeachPR-466 Isabela Still on Isabela, Jobos Beach is a lively surf spot that faces the Atlantic and features wild waves. Why We Recommend This BeachLocals 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 TipJust 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 PeñaPlaya Peña, San Juan 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 BeachIf 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 TipAccess 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 BeachPlaya El Escambrón, San Juan 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 BeachThe 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 TipAside 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 IcacosCayo Icacos, Fajardo 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 BeachCayo 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 TipBook 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 BeachPlaya El Combate 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 BeachPuerto 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 TipIf 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 MuertosCaja de Muertos, Ponce About 4.8 miles away from Puerto Rico’s southern coast is another unspoiled, uninhabited paradise with an eerie name. Why We Recommend This BeachDon’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 TipCaja 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 RicoRelated ArticlesList of image sources 17 Best Puerto Rico Beaches for 2022
What is the prettiest beach in Puerto Rico?Best Beaches in Puerto Rico. Flamenco Beach. Culebra. ... . La Playuela. Cabo Rojo. ... . Crash Boat. Aguadilla. ... . Cayo Icacos. Fajardo. ... . Domes. Rincón. ... . Jobos. Isabela. ... . Cayo Aurora (Gilligan's Island) Guánica. ... . La Monserrate. Luquillo.. Which part of Puerto Rico has the best beaches?What side of Puerto Rico has the best beaches? The north of Puerto Rico offers the best urban beaches like Isla Verde, Condado Beach, and Ocean Park Beach. Aguadilla, Rincón, and Cabo Rojo on the west coast and southwest coast offer the best beaches for surfing, whale watching, and sightseeing.
What is the number one beach in Puerto Rico?1. Playa Flamenco. 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.
What is the most beautiful part of Puerto Rico?The Most Beautiful Destinations in Puerto Rico. Old San Juan. Cathedral. ... . Playa Flamenco. Natural Feature. ... . El Yunque National Park. Forest, Park. ... . Mosquito Bioluminescent Bay. Natural Feature. ... . Rincón. Natural Feature, Architectural Landmark. ... . Isla Desecheo. Natural Feature. ... . Ponce. ... . Río Camuy Cave Park.. |