Puerto Rico / Beach Life

There is a great variety of beaches along Puerto Rico’s hundreds of miles of coastline. Excellent snorkelling can be found on the southwestern shore, there are opportunities to surf on the northwestern tip of the island, and around San Juan there are large golden strands packed with holidaymakers which have a very lively beach culture. It is certainly worth a trip to the larger offshore islands of Vieques and Culebra and to the cays off Fajardo. The sand is generally whiter there, the sea a stronger shade of blue and there is much less development.

Going to the beach is a regular activity for many Puerto Ricans and so some of the popular spots have changing rooms, lockers, lifeguards, car parks and restaurants. These public beaches are locally known as balnearios.

Below is a selection of the best beaches in Puerto Rico.

Condado and Isla Verde, San Juan
Crowded and highly developed strips along San Juan’s beachfront. Two of the beaches, Carolina and Escambron, recently became the first beaches in the Americas to gain the Blue Flag award.

Luquillo, north-east
30 miles east of San Juan, Luquillo beach attracts local families with its vast sandy beach and clear water. Excellent place for young children to swim due to the protecting coral reefs that keep the water fairly calm. The beach can get very crowded on weekends. Changing rooms, showers, picnic area.

Fajardo Beach, north-eastern tip
Public beach with full facilities. It can get crowded but it is worth it for the dramatic views to a promontory with a lighthouse.

Punta Santiago, east coast
Long strip of sand that is relatively deserted in the week. South of Fajardo, on the east coast of Puerto Rico.

Playa de Ponce, south coast
Just outside Ponce on the south coast, this beach has calmer waters than those on the north of the island. There is a long strip of beautiful white sand with some facilities.

Playa Boquerón, south-western tip
One of the best known beaches on the island, a three mile, palm fringed bay in the southwestern corner of Puerto Rico. Local food stands provide snacks and the town of Boquerón is nearby.

Punta Higüero, north-west
World renowned surfing spot, often referred to as ‘Little Malibu’. Breakers can reach 20 feet. The windsurfing is also excellent.

Crashboat, north-western tip
The best snorkelling and swimming on the northwest peninsula. Protected beach that was named for an old US Air Force pier

Jobos, north-western tip
There are plenty of opportunities for watersports at Jobos, in the Isabela region of Puerto Rico. Good bathing and surfing on the partially protected beach.