Best Beaches in Puerto Rico

Praised for its crystal clear waters and snow-white sand, it’s no wonder that Flamenco beach is often named as one of the best beaches in the world. Located 17 miles off the coast of Puerto Rico on the small island of Culebra, this paradise setting can only be accessed by a ferry or plane ride - we personally think this adds to the whole experience!

If you’re looking for the perfect family-friendly beach, then this is the one for you. Flamenco Beach has all the facilities that you could possibly hope for; ranging from parking, toilets and plenty of kiosks where you can grab a bite to eat. For an additional cost, you can even camp out on the shore and sleep under the stars.

Just when you thought this idyllic setting couldn’t be any more special, finding that it is almost waveless adds to the charm. This makes it the ideal spot for snorkelling amongst the wide variety of sea life; including turtles and for exploring the coral reefs resting underneath the surface.

Known as the most popular beach in Aguadilla, Crash Boat beach is believed to obtain its name from the fishing boats that ‘crash’ onto the shore.

Crash Boat beach is as authentically Puerto Rican as they come. This natural and stripped back shoreline doesn’t have any facilities, although there is plenty of parking available for a small fee. What this beach lacks in facilities, it more than makes up for with its long stretch of the pier and breathtakingly clear waters. For those of you that are thrill-seekers, we suggest that you have a go at jumping from the pier, into the welcoming sea below!

In addition to many sun worshippers, Crash Boat beach unsurprisingly attracts numerous fishermen who love to sit back and enjoy their favourite pastime in the warm and pleasant climate. Experienced scuba divers and those that love a game or two or volleyball also frequent this stunning beach.

Located in the quaint town of Luquillo and blessed with picturesque views of the lush green El Yunke Rainforest, it’s no surprise that Luquillo Beach is adored by both locals and tourists. The transparent, calm and warm waters make this beach the idyllic place to snorkel or simply appreciate a gentle swim. The beach is scattered with leafy palm trees that provide ample relief from the sun. If you’re after a little added luxury then sun loungers and umbrellas are available to rent for the entire day.

There are authentic Puerto Rican restaurants nearby that sell local delicacies and plenty of shops where you can buy all your souvenirs to remind you of your amazing trip. We recommend getting lunch from Kioskos De Luquillo - you can also hire jet skis and flyboards from here too! 

Playa Sucia translates into ‘dirty beach’, however, don’t let the name put you off as this beach is anything but dirty! The tranquil turquoise waters and miles of pearl-white sand make this the perfect place to kick back, unwind and achieve that sun-kissed glow.

Located in the town of Cabo Rojo, Playa Sucia is part of the town’s nature reserve. This lack of tourist infrastructure also means that you must bring your own drinks and snacks. The only building that you will spot on this celestial beach is the beautiful Los Morrillos Lighthouse.

At Playa Sucia there are plenty of caves, coves, hiking trails and natural bridges you can explore – making this any nature lover’s idea of heaven. For a fee, you can also go rock climbing up the limestone cliffs.

Situated on the northwest point of Puerto Rico in Rincon, this pristine beach derives its name from the nuclear power plant that sits nearby – we assure you that there’s no radiation though!

Notorious amongst experienced surfers for its choppy waves and for hosting various surfing competitions, Domes Beach is the perfect location for any adrenaline junkie who loves to conquer the ocean. Please keep in mind that if you are wanting to go swimming then this probably isn’t the beach for you. The strong current and rocky seabed partnered with the fact that there are no lifeguards makes swimming very dangerous.

Domes Beach is also home to the Punta Higuero Light House and is the perfect spot for watching humpback whales migrate between the months of January – March. At Domes beach, you’re sure to quite literally have a whale of a time!

Two hours west of San Juan and positioned in the oceanfront town of Quebradillas, Puerto Hermina Beach offers a little something different to other beaches on the island. If you are mad about history or pirates (or both), then Puerto Hermina should be on your first stop! It’s alleged that its isolated spot made it appealing to both smugglers and pirates, making it easy for them to participate in illegal activities.

As you journey down the path towards the beach, you will encounter the historic wrecks of a building. Legend has it that Puerto Rico’s most infamous pirate, Roberto Cofresi, would take refuge and hide himself and his ill-gotten gains from the authorities. It is also suspected that the cliffs which border the port are where the pirates would bury their treasure!

Located in the region of Puerta de Tierra and just a short walk from the town of Old San Juan, Escrambon Beach is a must-visit. Credited with a blue flag, this tropical paradise meets all the criteria and offers all the facilities you could wish for.

Fortunate to have some of the most tranquil waters you will encounter in Puerto Rico, this beach is the idyllic spot to go scuba diving or snorkelling and explore the technicolour coral reefs visible below the water’s surface.

Positioned on the fringes of Isabel on Puerto Rico’s Westcoast, Playa Guajataca is a beach like no other in Puerto Rico. The strong currents and waves that smash against the rocks mean that the waters aren’t safe to swim in. However, don’t let this deter you as there are many other exciting activities to participate in.

Playa Guajataca is part of the Guajataca Park and here there is something for everyone. Moments away from the beach is the Guajataca river, an ideal site for paddleboarding and kayaking so if you’re a lover of watersports, head on down there. In the summer months, the river is also perfect for young kids to go swimming in, as the waters are calm and peaceful.

Guajataca Park is home to Guajataca Tunnel which is one of the only railway tunnels that still exists on the island of Puerto Rico. The tunnel was used to carry sugarcane from the town of Quebradillas to the town of Isabel. This slice of history is now used as the dramatic entrance to the Guajataca beach.

Blessed with a name that conjures up images of annoying, biting insects; boasting an area of sea that is banned to swimmers and best visited at night; Puerto Mosquito (Mosquito Bay) may not be high on your Puerto Rico itinerary. However, if gathering, magical memories and experiences is your goal then we strongly urge you to take a trip to this location, which is home to an amazing, natural light show.

Reached by ferry or small plane, Mosquito Bay is located on the southern shore of Vieques island and is named after a small ship captained by a pirate called Roberto Cofresi. Its main attraction is the dazzling blue bioluminescent display provided by billions of tiny swimming organisms called Dinoflagellates or Dinos for short. These tiny creatures produce a bright explosion of blue light when disturbed, generating a breathtakingly spectacular underwater show, unrivalled anywhere else in the World.

In order to protect the delicate ecosystem which allows these natural wonders to proliferate in such large numbers, humans are banned from entering the sea as our natural and artificial (sunscreen, perfume, shampoo etc.) oils can harm the Dinos. The best way to experience this phenomenon is to book a tour out onto the bay in a kayak, preferably one with a glass bottom. There are many providers offering trips most nights, but we advise booking one when the moon is new, to ensure that you see this joyous cabaret at its finest.

Isla Verde is a beautiful stretch of tropical coastline loved by locals and tourists alike. Consisting of three main beaches Isla Verde (or Green Island), is viewed as one of Puerto Rico’s best metropolitan resort areas due to its proximity to the historic city of San Juan, which boasts many popular attractions and provides visitors with an ideal opportunity to immerse themselves in Puerto Rican history and culture.

Only fifteen minutes from San Juan International Airport; blessed with beautiful white sandy beaches which surround year long warm and calm seas and having a mixture of hotels, restaurants and night life catering for all budgets, Isla Verde is indeed a popular choice for families and fun seekers of all ages.

Across the three beaches that actually make up Isla Verde: Pine Grove, popular with surfing locals, Alambique and Balneario de Carolina; water-based activities abound, satisfying everybody’s tastes for aquatic adventure. Try banana boats and para-sailing, hire a jet ski, take a catamaran trip or venture underwater with a scuba dive and discover vibrant and beautiful sea life abundant in the crystal clear waters. For those with some energy left there are plentiful shops, bars and nightlife opportunities to enjoy, many offering tables on the beach or roof top terraces to enjoy spectacular views whilst sipping those well-deserved cocktails.