9 of the Best Beaches in Puerto Rico
A vacation to Puerto Rico can be a transportive experience. While only a short plane ride from Miami, the Caribbean island feels like a world away.
Of all the available activities in Puerto Rico, the best might be spending time on the beach. With 270 miles of coastline, there are plenty of options. From urban party-centric shorelines to secluded island destinations, here are nine of Puerto Rico’s best beaches.
Cayo Icacos
This small, uninhabited island sits off of Puerto Rico’s eastern coast. Part of a nature reserve, Cayo Icacos boasts exceptionally clear waters teeming with fish and marine life.
For the best underwater views, head over to the abandoned pier, where reefs make for a snorkeler’s paradise. When you’re finished, spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach’s white sands. While Cayo Icacos is accessible only by boat, the quiet tranquility makes traveling there worth the effort.
Crash Boat Beach
For an entirely different kind of beach experience, head to this busy shoreline. Located on Puerto Rico’s northwest coast in the town of Aguadilla, Crash Boat draws crowds by offering something for every type of beachgoer.
Swim or scuba dive in Crash Boat’s beautiful turquoise waters, or cast your line from a fishing pier. For a drier activity, challenge your friends to a game on the beach’s volleyball court. When hunger strikes, food kiosks provide much-needed sustenance.
Escambrón Beach
Escambrón Beach blends stunning scenery with a convenient location near San Juan. Recognized with the Blue Flag award thanks to its commitment to environmental sustainability, the lagoon-like beach boasts no shortage of marine life in its calm waters. Make sure to bring your snorkeling gear.
The serene waters also make Escambrón a great choice for families. Let your kids splash around while you enjoy a relaxing stroll along the shore. When your little ones get tired of being wet, there are also bike and walking paths nearby.
Flamenco Beach
At first, Flamenco Beach may strike visitors as just another pristine Puerto Rican coastline. Soft white sand, strikingly clear waters, ample marine life—all of these make it one of the island’s best and most beautiful beaches.
Look a little closer, however, and you’ll notice two Sherman tanks sitting along the shore. The US Navy left the tanks there in 1975 after it abandoned the island as a weapons testing area. Over the years, they’ve been covered by graffiti, and they’re popular among Instagrammers.
Isla Verde
Comprising three beaches, Isla Verde is a bustling shoreline that attracts locals and tourists alike. Located in the city of Carolina, it’s often regarded as the best urban beach not only in Puerto Rico but in all of the Caribbean.
Each of Isla Verde’s three beaches has its own character: Pine Balneario de Carolina is quiet on weekdays but attracts revelers on weekends; Pine Grove is popular among surfers; and El Alambique, with its numerous nearby restaurants, is a great spot for foodies. Parents will also appreciate the convenient food options, as well as the kids’ water park.
Jobos Beach
Come to this lively cove on Puerto Rico’s northeast coast, and you’ll find locals luxuriating on the sand. Thanks to ample vegetation, there are plenty of places to do so while escaping the punishing sun.
Venture away from the beach and into the nearby bars and restaurants, and you’ll similarly find locals relaxing the day away over a drink or a bite. Your day as a local wouldn’t be complete without taking a dip in the shimmeringly beautiful waters. They’re great for swimming, just as long as you watch out for the rip currents.
Luquillo Beach
The town of Luquillo is known as the “Sun’s Capital,” and along its 12 miles of coastline is this public beach. Alternatively known as Balneario La Monserrate, Luquillo Beach is a prime place to soak up rays from the hot Caribbean sun.
It’s also popular among families. With its calm waters, parents can feel safe letting their children splash around. Plus, with ample food kiosks at the beach’s entrance, you can easily grab them a bite to eat when sun fatigue sets in.
Sun Bay Beach
As an island beach, Sun Bay is difficult to reach. Once you see the luxurious sand, towering palm trees, and turquoise waters, however, you’ll be glad you made the trip.
An approximately mile-long shoreline, Sun Bay has, like Luquillo and Escambrón, been recognized as a Blue Flag beach. Splay out on the soft sand before replenishing yourself at one of the nearby food vendors. Arenamar SunBay's Café, with its fresh Caribbean fare and refreshingly cold piña coladas, is a top pick.
Tortuga Beach
For an escape from the modern world, there are fewer places better than Tortuga Beach. This remote island off Culebrita is relatively light on tourists. In fact, you might find more company in the form of the green sea turtles that nest in the warm waters here.
With sugar-white sand, brilliantly blue waters, and verdant green vegetation, you shouldn’t leave Tortuga without snapping a picture. If you take one of the turtles, just be sure to switch off your flash.