With almost 300 miles of stunning shoreline, Puerto Rico is a tropical paradise with breathtaking sandy spots all around it.
The beaches of the island offer incredibly beautiful combinations of sun-warmed sand and blue waters. With so many captivating beaches to explore, chances are, you will be spoiled for choices during a trip to the island.
This list of the best beaches in Puerto Rico will help you in that never-ending search for the perfect beach. Whether you want to enjoy the surf, lay out on the soft sand under the sun, or get away from the crowds, we have got you covered.
1. Flamenco Beach (Culebra)
Located in Culebra, Flamenco Beach is the top destination in Puerto Rico for beach lovers. This 1-1/2-mile crescent-shaped strip of white sand and crystal clear waters is an unblemished piece of paradise that is counted among the top beaches, not just in the Caribbean, but in the world.
Even with its high popularity, the long stretch of the sand allows this paradise to remain relatively crowd-free. To find seclusion, just walk some distance away from the main entrance. Besides, motorized sports are not allowed on the beach which helps it to remain noise-free.
Both ends of the beach have some excellent snorkeling spots, and you do not have to venture deep to spot some colorful aquatic life. There are food kiosks near the parking area that serve an array of delightful local dishes and amazingly good coffee.
Culebra is a small island located around 20 miles from Puerto Rico’s coast, accessible by a ferry or plane from the terminals in Ceiba, San Juan, or Fajardo.
Taxis will take you directly to Flamenco Beach from the ferry terminal on the island. There are several hotels and vacation rentals where you can spend a night. If you prefer adventure, you can also spend the night camping on the beach.
2. Jobos (Isabela)
Jobos is not a perfectly groomed beach but offers the simple beauty of an island beach with a “local” vibe. Lined by shady palm and almond trees, it is a narrow sand strip perfect for a sun and fun day.
Relax on the beach with a Piña Colada or go for a walk along the coastline to watch the waves crash against the rocky walls.
The town of Isabela is about 1.5 miles away from San Juan and is a gem of a destination. As the most popular beach in town, Jobos does tend to get quite crowded on weekends, meaning that finding parking can be tough.
However, there are plenty of restaurants around the beach offering a wide range of savory Puerto Rican delights. Plus, the locals are super friendly!
Jobos is also a popular beach for surfers, and the waves are ideal for all skill levels. While the clear waters look appealing, the current and rip tides on the beach are strong. In case you are looking for a swimmer-friendly beach, head elsewhere.
3. El Escambrón (San Juan)
If you want a fun day under the sun within the metro area of San Juan, El Escambrón beach is your best bet. You can relax on the golden sands under the shade of the tall palm trees or take a walk along the promenade. The water is crystal clear, thanks to a coral wall that separates it from the ocean.
The reef keeps the waters calm, making Escambron a family-friendly beach. There are cozy spots to hang a hammock and relax.
On the western side, the beach is grassy and you will find families enjoying a picnic under the sun. The rocks around the beach form natural pools for the fish and sea turtles. Many surfers catch the waves by crossing the reef.
Escambrón is located in the Puerta de Tierra locality of San Juan, which is usually free from heavy tourist crowds, ensuring a calm environment all through the week. The beach has all the amenities you will need. Besides, there are local vendors and food trucks selling a wide variety of food items.
4. Crash Boat (Aguadilla)
The combination of turquoise waters and ample fun activities make Crash Boat beach a popular attraction in Aguadilla.
A quick drive from the Rafael Hernández International Airport will take you to the beach. From San Juan, it is a 2-hour drive. Surrounded by mountains, it is one of the top beaches in Puerto Rico for enjoying sunset views.
This is a beloved beach for the surfing community, especially during the winter months. Other activities you can enjoy include scuba diving, snorkeling, and beach volleyball.
The amazing variety of sea life in the water is best explored by snorkeling. Since it gets buzzing with visitors who enjoy joyful music, it is often called the “party beach”. The beach also has a pier that acts as a great fishing spot.
From bathrooms to food kiosks, Crash Boat Beach has all the amenities you need. The parking lot is large but tends to fill up quickly on holidays and weekends. It is best that you spend an entire day enjoying the beach and leave only after the sunset.
5. Sun Bay (Vieques)
Enjoyed the beaches in Dorado? Then the ones on the island of Vieques will take your breath away. Among these, the Sun Bay Beach is a 2-mile-long stretch of sand shaped like a half-moon.
Being so large, the beach never feels crowded and is lined with palm and other varieties of trees. During afternoons, you might find a few wild horses roaming on the golden sands of the beach- a sight like one from pages of a travel brochure.
Sun Bay is a kid-friendly beach and ideal for families. The waters are calm and shallow, making activities like kayaking, swimming, and snorkeling easy. It also has all the facilities, from bathrooms to a swimming area. Overall, it is perfect for enjoying a beach picnic with the family.
The beach is a part of the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge and the entire area is well-maintained. Cafés and restaurants line the beachfront, so even if you don’t bring your own food, there are plenty of options to choose from.
6. La Playuela (Cabo Rojo)
For those looking to visit the best Puerto Rico beaches in remote locations, La Playuela is a fantastic choice. The thin arc of white sand presents a picture-perfect view and the waves are gentle.
While Cabo Rojo is about a 2.5 hour drive from San Juan, the eye-catching views along the road are worth every second of the drive. If you reach here during the afternoon, wait for the gorgeous sunset.
What sets La Playuela apart from other beaches is the wild vibe around it. In the winter months, you may find some sargasso seaweeds on the beach. That does not make the beach unpleasant though. The turquoise-colored waters are inviting, but remember that there are no facilities or lifeguards on the beach.
Multiple trails around the beach offer great views. Another option is to hike up to the Los Morrillos lighthouse and climb to the top for some fantastic views. The limestone cliffs around the area offer excellent photo opportunities. Make sure to wear sturdy shoes as the rocks on the path are sharp.
7. Isla Verde (Carolina)
Just a few minutes’ drive away from the SJU International Airport in Puerto Rico, Isla Verde Beach is one of the best Puerto Rico beaches located in the heart of an urban center. A few years back, it also won the Best Urban Beach title as per a reader’s poll of USA Today.
From soft golden sands and swaying palm trees to restaurants and shops, Isla Verde has it all. Plus, there are plenty of resorts that allow you to stay right next to the sea.
There are three parts to Isla Verde. Among these, El Alambique and the Balneario de Carolina are good options if you are looking for a piece of sand to relax. El Alambique is more touristy with some resorts right next to it. Balneario de Carolina is quieter and larger. It also has some of the best restaurants for enjoying local delights.
The third option is Pine Grove, which is more of a surfing beach with beginner friendly waves. You can also try other activities here such as paragliding and kite surfing. While it has a calm ambiance, keep in mind that there are no lifeguards here.
8. Cayo Aurora (Gilligan’s Island, Guánica)
Gilligan’s Island or Cayo Aurora is a part of the Biosphere Reserve of Guanica and is managed by Puerto Rico’s Department of Natural Resources. To get to this untouched destination, you need to drive to the town of Guánica.
Then, rent a boat or a kayak to reach Cayo Aurora. What makes the island special are the pristine milky-white sand and a gentle current that makes the waters perfect for swimming and kayaking.
Surrounded by the blue expanse of the Caribbean Sea, the island is mostly covered by mangrove trees. With schools of tropical fish playing around in the crystal clear waters, the place is a haven for snorkelers. Since the water in the mangrove channels is shallow, kids can have a great time splashing around and snorkeling.
Cayo Aurora is one of the best destinations to visit on a weekend in Puerto Rico and is perfect for escaping the crowds. Facilities include composting toilets, picnic tables, and barbeque pits. We suggest that you arrive early to claim the picnic tables, especially on weekends.
9. Domes (Rincón)
With its clean and large waves, Domes Beach is one of the top destinations for surfers in Puerto Rico. Beyond that, it is perfect for relaxing under the sun and enjoying gorgeous sunsets. The beach lies below the famous Rincón Lighthouse and derives its name from the white dome of the decommissioned nuclear reactor located nearby.
While the beach is perfect for sunbathing, it is not for swimming as the waves are large and the bottom is rocky. You can visit the lighthouse or take a walk along the raised seawall to get views of the cliffside and the crashing waves. Horseback riding is another activity you can try. There are no amenities around, so carry all the stuff you need.
Located a short distance away from the town of Rincón, Domes Beach is easy to reach. The surfing competitions are held during the winter months attracting surfers from around the globe. This is when the beach gets crowded and the resorts around the spot fill up fast.
10. La Monserrate (Luquillo)
Another pristine beauty, Balneario La Monserrate stands out because of its vast expanse of smooth golden sand and a full range of amenities. Since there is a reef to break the waves, the water is calm enough for kids. The water quality and cleanliness remain great all through the year.
It takes around 45 minutes to drive to the beach from San Juan. The crescent-shaped beach is bordered by the El Yunque National Forest which has hiking trails in it. The beach is also a popular choice for snorkelers and once you head out from the beach, the water gets clearer.
Surfing is not allowed on the beach, but you can rent jet skis and kayaks. The facilities include lifeguards, restrooms, showers, and changing stations. Besides, locals set up snack shops around the beach that offer excellent food options. All in all, we would easily mark it as one of the best beaches for the family on the main island of Puerto Rico.
11. Cayo Icacos (Fajardo)
Cayo Icacos is a small uninhabited island around 1.5 miles off the northeast coast of Puerto Rico. To get to the island, you can reserve a private charter from the Fajardo docks.
A day trip to the island is perfect for connecting with nature and enjoying the unspoiled beach. The vistas around are postcard-perfect and the soft white sands are perfect for sunbathing.
Cayo Icacos is a part of the Cordillera Keys Nature Reserve and the waters are a safe haven for a wide range of aquatic life. The clear waters are perfect for snorkeling and spotting tropical fish and turtles.
While the small island has multiple beaches, the best one is on the western side. The rocky areas around the beach are great spots for snorkeling. The combination of the blue waters and the occasional palm trees and native plants is hypnotic.
Remember, there are no facilities on the island. Make sure that you carry enough food, water, umbrellas, and a towel or chair. However, you can rent kayaks and other surf gear from the vendors on the beach.
Final Thoughts
These are the best beaches in Puerto Rico that you can visit during your next trip to the island. Once you have enjoyed the things to do in San Juan, these beaches are perfect for exploring the true beauty of Puerto Rico.
If you want a permanent residence on the island to discover the charm of the reefs, sand, and azure waters, The Colectivo Group is ready to offer the best assistance. With a deep understanding of the real estate market in Puerto Rico, our team of experts can ensure a premium service to help you select your dream home.