17 Best Beaches in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico’s coastline, which is over 300 miles long and borders the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea to the south, is undeniably stunning.
There’s more to Puerto Rico’s charm than just its beaches; this Caribbean island is also rich in history, culture, and biodiversity.
You won’t be surprised to learn that Puerto Rico (“Rich Port”) and “Island of Enchantment” refer to this verdant island.
Is Puerto Rico on your list of potential vacation destinations?
To help you choose a beach in Puerto Rico, we’ve compiled a list of our favorites.
- Playa Flamenco
Flamenco Beach on Culebra Island is the best beach in Puerto Rico for swimming due to its beautiful white sand and lack of waves, earning it a spot among the world’s best beaches.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Playa Flamenco is renowned for its incredible diving spots, incredibly white sand, and shallow, turquoise waters ideal for swimming.
This Blue Flag beach is a must-see if you want to have the kind of incredible family vacation that will leave you gasping for air.
Expert Tip
See if you can find the rusting military tanks that the Navy abandoned in 1975.
They put it to good use on the beach during their weapon trials.
Residents and tourists alike have since painted them with murals and tags.
- Sun Bay Beach
Sun Bay is a crescent-shaped bay on an island eight miles south of Puerto Rico’s main island.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Sun Bay’s shoreline is one mile long and features pristine sand and water and amenities like picnic areas, campgrounds, barbecue grills, food kiosks, and lifeguards.
This allows you to take your time unwinding on the island’s tropical landscape.
Expert Tip
At night, you’re in for a magical treat on the island of Vieques.
Visit the island’s southern shore at night or join a guided tour to see the sea glow an electric blue due to a chance series of chemical reactions called bioluminescence.
- Luquillo Beach
The beach in the “Sun Capital” of Puerto Rico is consistently among the island’s most attractive.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The municipality of Luquillo is a great place to go on a beach vacation because it has 12 miles of beach, some of which have golden sand and others have white.
Surfers, snorkelers, beachgoers, sunbathers, and other sun worshippers will agree that Luquillo is paradise.
Expert Tip
El Yunque National Forest, one of Puerto Rico’s top natural attractions, is only a short hike from the beach, so if you have a taste for trees in addition to the ocean, you can satisfy both cravings in one day.
You can ride horseback and swim in the river down at the foothills.
- Tortuga Beach
Tortuga Beach is a small island close to Culebra Island that features its private paradise.
You can take a water taxi or boat over to Tortuga Beach on Culebrita Island from Culebra.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Hundreds of hawksbill and leatherback turtles come to Tortuga Beach annually to nest or feed, earning the beach its unique name.
Because the island has been allowed to remain in its natural state, the sand is as fine as powder, and the water is as clear as glass.
Expert Tip
At Tortuga Beach, you’re free to go snorkeling or swimming with turtles.
In addition, turtles populate the beaches to the east and south, but that’s not the end of the fun.
The old lighthouse in the south, the tidal pools in the north, and the beach in the west can all be reached by footpaths.
- Isla Verde
One of the island’s most well-known beaches is located just east of San Juan, the island’s capital.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Outside the city’s tall buildings, San Juan has a beautiful beach with fine, golden sand and clear, turquoise water that has won numerous awards.
A short stroll will take you to various dining options, retail, drinking, and lodging options.
Expert Tip
There are three distinct sections of Isla Verde Beach, each of which is around three miles long and is universally regarded as one of the best beaches in Puerto Rico.
Surfers should head to Pine Grove, relaxation seekers to Alambique, and families with kids and cars should head to Balneario de Carolina.
- Condado Beach
Condado Beach, located to the east of downtown San Juan, is another well-known beach in the city and is often referred to as the “Miami Beach” of Puerto Rico.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Condado’s relaxed opulence draws everyone from families to A-listers.
High-rises and palm trees line the beach, the sand and water are fine and bright, and Just like on Isla Verde, you’ll find everything you need within a short stroll.
Expert Tip
The ideal activities for this beach are sunbathing, reading, and people-watching.
Chairs can easily be swept out to sea by the strong currents, so avoid wading out too far.
Head east of Ashford Avenue to find a small beach between Puente Dos Hermanos Bridge and more than enough surf breaks to tame Condado’s raging waves and offer a haven for families with children if you want to swim next to a metropolitan area.
- Playa Crash Boat
Another laudable paradise can be found on the northwest coast of Puerto Rico, close to the beachside town of Aguadilla.
Although it may sound like the place to go to crash a boat, Crash Boat Beach has earned the reputation of being the island’s premier party spot.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The Air Force once stationed rescue boats at this location, where the name “Crash Boat” originated.
Crash Boat is now a famous beach where visitors can enjoy a wide variety of beach activities like swimming, parasailing, jet skiing, scuba diving, sunbathing, paddle boarding, and more.
Expert Tip
Crash Boat is where many of Puerto Rico’s most thrilling experiences can be had by those with a high-risk tolerance.
There are hiking paths through the tropical vegetation, and beachcombers can find Mediterranean shells all over the sand.
- Playa Sucia
Playa Sucia, located on Puerto Rico’s southwestern coast, is the island’s best beach. We think it’s one of the best beaches in Puerto Rico that gets little attention.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Playa Sucia, unlike the prior two Puerto Rico beaches, is renowned for its isolation in the middle of unspoiled nature.
Part of the beach is enclosed by the shore, making the turquoise water safe for swimming and wading.
Expert Tip
This beach is not developed, so there are no services like lifeguards or nearby restaurants.
Check out the trails leading up to the lighthouse and the cliffs.
- Boqueron Beach
Boqueron, a popular tourist destination, can be found just a short distance from Playa Sucia in Cabo Rojo.
Three miles of soft, golden sand fringed by coconut and almond trees make up its beach.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Boqueron’s beach is ideal for families with young children because of its safe, shallow water and kid-friendly weekend activities and shows.
Basketball courts, playgrounds, and gazebos are some extras that set this resort apart from Playa Sucia.
Expert Tip
Boqueron Beach has also been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag, signifying that it has met the rigorous standards the international beach community set.
The residents of Puerto Rico consider this beach to be one of the safest on the island.
The seafood sold just outside the door is delicious and highly recommended.
- Ocean Park Beach
San Juan is a public beach between the airport and Old, which may come as a pleasant surprise to visitors who have flown into Puerto Rico.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Ocean Park is a quiet mile-long stretch of beach on the eastern edge of the same district as the popular beach destination of Condado.
Although this serene, low-key beach lacks amenities, it is a great place to enjoy exciting water sports like kiteboarding, paddleboarding, volleyball, and more.
Expert Tip
Locals recommend the hot crab empanadas, piraguas, and tropical ice cream that can be found here if you visit early on the weekends.
- Playa El Pastillo
Isabela, a municipality in northern Puerto Rico, is home to the picturesque Playa El Castillo, a popular destination for creative types, outdoor enthusiasts, and people seeking a more spiritual vacation.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Playa Pastillo is considered sacred by many locals, who visit there to engage in spiritual practices like prayer and meditation.
Only the gentle waves, sea birds, and rustle of trees can be heard on this stretch of beach.
On the edge of a massive cliff, far off in the distance, Mother Nature chiseled the side profile of a Taino native.
Expert Tip
The trails will lead you to the cliffs, where you can take in stunning views of the Atlantic, and to the hidden cave of Cuevas de las Golondrinas, accessible only during the warm summer.
Isabela made sure that no structures were built near the beach to keep it in its natural state.
- Jobos Beach
Jobos Beach, still in Isabela, is a popular surfing destination due to its proximity to the Atlantic and wild waves.
Why We Recommend This Beach
This beach is well-liked by locals for its exciting activities and breathtaking scenery.
As Playa El Pastilla caters to those seeking mental tranquility, Jobos caters to those in search of physical adrenaline.
Although tempting, swimming is not recommended at this beach. Experienced surfers, snorkelers, and tourists looking to meet the locals will find it to be a fascinating place.
Expert Tip
Pro-Tip This area, like El Castillo, is home to a pit cave with deep ties to local legend.
Also, there are no fancy 5-star hotels or other tourist traps in the vicinity.
If you’re feeling peckish, you can find restaurants serving authentic Caribbean food at highly reasonable prices.
- Playa Peña
Visitors interested in history flock to Old San Juan, while those seeking a relaxing beach experience head to Isla Verde, Ocean Park, or Condado.
What kind of people visit Playa Pea?
This beach is great for couples because there are rarely more than a handful of other people around.
Why We Recommend This Beach
San Juan, Puerto Rico’s capital, suggests Playa Pea as the ideal anniversary getaway because of its seclusion, tranquility, and breathtaking sunsets.
Expert Tip
A set of steps across from the Capitol provide access to this beach.
It’s located to the right of the statue of John the Baptist.
This beach may have calm waters, but the rip tides and currents are anything but safe.
To swim in more tranquil conditions, summer is the best time to visit.
- Escambrón Beach
El Escambrón, located in Old San Juan, is a Blue Flag beach popular with locals and visitors.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Escambrón’s bright gold sand and towering palm trees stand in striking contrast to the Atlantic’s azure waters, making for a picturesque tropical setting.
Escambrón Beach, shielded from the crashing waves by the reefs, attracts people of all ages searching for a good time and some rays from the Caribbean.
The best part is that you can walk five minutes and find various restaurants and shops selling unique souvenirs.
Expert Tip
Bateria del Escambron, a Spanish colonial fort built in the 18th century, is located near Escambrón, making it an excellent destination for divers, swimmers, snorkelers, and sunbathers, but also those interested in local history.
- Cayo Icacos
A small, uninhabited island lies off the east coast of Puerto Rico.
Compared to the other tiny islands off the northeastern coast of Puerto Rico, it is the largest.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Despite its lack of inhabitants, Cayo Icacos is a popular weekend sailing destination for locals and visitors.
The water around it is so clear and light that it almost appears cyan.
A snorkeling spot with vibrant reefs and marine life can be found just a short swim from shore.
Expert Tip
Plan and reserve a water taxi or day trip on a catamaran.
This pleasant 20-minute cruise is just the beginning of the exciting journey ahead.
- Combate Beach
Playa Combate, located on Puerto Rico’s southwest coast, is a beautiful, all-blue beach that looks out over the Caribbean.
Why We Recommend This Beach
We swear that of all Puerto Rico’s beautiful beaches, Combate Beach is the one that receives the least amount of visitors.
Combate Beach is a tropical paradise perfect for a relaxing and exciting beach getaway.
The shoreline becomes a seamless, natural gradient of blues and whites on the sunniest summer days.
Expert Tip
Northern Combate Beach is where you’ll find the colorful homes, docks, and fishermen’s boats that make up the Cabo Rojo community.
The south side of Combate has the most exciting scenery, making it the ideal spot for true beach bums.
- Caja de Muertos
Another unspoiled, uninhabited paradise with a creepy name can be found about 4.8 miles from the southern coast of Puerto Rico.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Don’t be put off by the name.
While the name may suggest a morbid association, “Dead Man’s Chest” or “Coffin Island” accurately describes the island’s shape and has nothing to do with the island’s stunning natural beauty.
Flamenco Beach, Combate Beach, and Icacos Beach all rolled into one of the best beaches in Puerto Rico, in our opinion.
Expert Tip
All over the island of Caja de Muertos, you can find the turtles, birds, and marine life that call it home.
A path leads to a lighthouse built in 1887 that serves as both a lookout and a museum.
