The best beaches in Puerto Rico
Palm trees, coconuts, colorful slums, spectacular girls and delicious rum – tropical Puerto Rico welcomes every vacationer. Beach recreation is much cheaper here than at neighboring developed resorts in the Caribbean basin. Those who appreciate comfort can stay in luxury hotels with highly skilled personnel in the San Juan area. Those who want to save money on accommodations will also have no problem finding a suitable option. Scuba diving, windsurfing, kayaking – and that’s not all the fun that can offer the beaches of Puerto Rico. Get a closer look at them below.
Flamenco
It’s hard to put into words exactly what makes Flamenco Beach so special. Photos cannot fully convey the beauty of this place. So it is worth seeing it with your own eyes. But be careful: all the beaches you visit after that can be a total disappointment. To get to it, take a landmark on Culebra.
- 2 Rosa’s Place Guesthouse
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- 5 Tamarindo Estates Beach Apartments
Condado .
Located on the northern coast of Puerto Rico within the city limits of the island’s capital, San Juan. It is often compared to the American Miami Beach because of its proximity to large shopping malls, expensive hotels, and high-end nightclubs. This popular beach is located in the heart of the upscale San Juan Condado neighborhood and attracts with its pomp, noisy social gatherings and the opportunity to meet famous personalities. Condado is also a great option for surfers who flock here from all over the island.
- 4 AC Hotel by Marriott San Juan Condado
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- 4 Condado Ocean Club
Luquillo
The most recognizable beach in Puerto Rico by photo. It has a sickle shape that is fringed by dense palm trees. The beach is also known as Monserrate Balneario. When you come here, you find yourself in the most that is the tropics with a complete “set” of the characteristic exotic – unusual fruits, coral reefs and colorful locals. Luquillo Beach is Blue Flag certified, which means it’s a very clean and comfortable place to relax.
- 5 Del Mar Eco Lodging Apartments
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- 4 Margaritaville Vacation Club Wyndham Rio Mar
Crashboat
The beach owes its unusual name to a large fishing boat, which crashed into the concrete pier and sank in the southern part of the beach (its remains can still be seen in shallow water). There is another version – during World War II the bay served as a mooring for rescue boats, which were used to evacuate U.S. Air Force crews injured during combat missions. A large pier that visually divides the beach into two equal parts has survived from those times. It is now painted a cheery bright yellow and serves as a great jumping-off point.
Boqueron
The beach called Boqueron Beach is officially called Balneario de Boqueron. It is located on the beach of Cabo Rojo and is one of the favorites for families with children in Puerto Rico. From a lounger or hammock you can see the hills, bright white sailboats, kayaks, people doing water sports, and boats coming and going from the seaside village of Boqueron.
Sun Bay
Located at the southern end of Vieques Island, which is eleven kilometers off the east coast of Puerto Rico and is one of its coastal municipalities. The island abounds with almost untouched by civilization magnificent sandy beaches, and is famous for Puerto Mosquito Bay with its unique bioluminescent lighting. In 2017, the bay was significantly damaged by the devastating Hurricane Maria that swept over the Caribbean, but in just one year the unique underwater lighting system was restored and Mosquito Bay was back in all its glory.
- 3 Acacia Guesthouse Esperanza
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- 5 Casa Ms Brown Guesthouse
Hobos
Located on the northwest coast of Puerto Rico near the resort town of Isabela, capital of the municipality of the same name. Hobos differs from the other beaches of the island with its unique atmosphere of lightness and serenity, which has always attracted to this place not only tourists but also the natives. As a rule, it is active young people and athletes-surfers, as well as true connoisseurs of beautiful wild landscapes and untouched nature.
There is no developed beach infrastructure, flashy hotels and trendy restaurants. The main advantages of the beach – a fresh sea breeze, high waves breaking on the coastal cliffs and exotic palm trees, which cast openwork shadow on the soft golden sand.
- 4 Fusion Beach Villas Isabela
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- 5 Isabela Beach Bungalow
Ocean Park.
It used to be rare to find a tourist on Ocean Park beach – it was mostly the city dwellers from San Juan who vacationed here. Recently, however, this beach has been gaining popularity among visitors. The beach is a mile long stretch of sandy beach framed by shady palm tree lined common areas, residential condominiums, private residences, guest houses, restaurants, and boutique hotels.
- 3 Apartments On The Beach San Juan
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- Apartments on the Beach San Juan
Susia
Located on the most scenic spot on the main island of Puerto Rico. Ranked in the top 25 best beaches in the Caribbean. Natural bridges, unparalleled views of the Caribbean Sea, hidden caves, private beach coves to explore, scenic limestone cliffs, flocks of tropical birds, hiking trails and much more for anyone who goes there to see.
- 3 Bahia Salinas Beach Resort & Spa
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- 5 OceanView Getaway for Couples
Escambron .
Located on the northern coast of Puerto Rico within the city limits of San Juan, the state capital. It is considered one of the best beaches on the island because of its convenient location, picturesque surroundings, and home-grown coral reef that protects the area from severe storms and currents. In 2007, it was awarded the honorary Blue Flag, which guarantees excellent sea water quality and high level of beach service.
- 4 AC Hotel by Marriott San Juan Condado
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- 4 Caribe Hilton
Popular ratings
Top 10: Ranking of the best beaches in Puerto Rico
1001beach is the perfect guide to choosing the perfect Puerto Rico beach vacation destination. On our site you will find ratings of the best beaches, islands and hotels, based on the experiences of numerous tourists. The beach’s place in the rankings depends on the availability of infrastructure, its accessibility for children and seniors, cleanliness and other important factors. Learn more about beach vacations with 1001beach.
12 Best Beaches in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is an exciting place to visit for many reasons: food, nightlife, history, nature and more. But one of the main reasons why this island is so popular for vacations and honeymoons is its incredible beaches.
There are many personal preferences that go into choosing a beach when you travel. Some beaches are perfect for relaxing and getting away from it all, while others are best for partying, playing with the kids and enjoying a romantic sunset with your loved one. When you visit the beaches of Puerto Rico, all of these options are available to you, as well as beautiful weather.
What’s great about the beaches in Puerto Rico is that they are clean, natural, safe and conveniently located near hotels and restaurants. There are many amazing options, but these are some of our favorites, no matter what your travel style is!
Isla Verde Beach Isla Verde Beach
Isla Verde Beach, San Juan (Hotel Prices and Photos)
If you like people-watching while on vacation, Isla Verde is the beach for you. There’s plenty to see and do here, and it’s also close to a lot of great hotels in the area. This beach really makes you feel like you’re vacationing in the Caribbean. A few steps away from your favorite resort, you’ll see skydivers overhead and wave runners.
Flamenco Beach Flamenco Beach
Flamenco Beach, Culebra (Hotel prices and photos)
Another popular beach in the area is Flamenco Beach, which is located on the Spanish Virgin Island called Culebra. This beach is not as convenient as some others near San Juan, but it is worth it. To get to Flamenco Beach, you can fly into a small airport or take a 90-minute ferry ride from Fajardo. Come to this beach if you want to swim or are traveling with children. The water along the beach is shallow and the water is clear and inviting. The waves are gentle and it is also a great place for snorkeling. There are also lifeguards on duty, and the food stands nearby offer great Puerto Rican food.
Crash Boat Beach Crash Boat Beach
Crash Boat Beach, Aguadilla (Hotel prices and photos)
It may have a strange name, but Crash Boat Beach in Aguadilla is one of the best beaches in Puerto Rico. It’s the perfect beach for vacation planning if you’re looking for a quiet and authentic place to relax. You can easily surf and snorkel here, but it’s best to head out for a wave early in the morning to avoid the crowds, especially on weekends. For something completely different, how about ice skating? Believe it or not, Aguadilla has an ice skating arena that offers an incredibly unique Caribbean experience.
Blue Beach Blue Beach.
Blue Beach, Vieques (Hotel prices and photos)
This beach is located on the coastal island of Vieques and is ideal for travelers who don’t like dealing with crowds. Blue Beach is generally not as crowded as others on this list, and it’s great for swimming and snorkeling. And it’s definitely called Blue Beach for a reason. The water here is many shades of blue, and the colors don’t end there. Diverse and colorful fish and other sea creatures live below and are just waiting to be explored on a snorkel.
La Posita La Posita
La Posita Beach (Hotel Prices and Photos)
If you’re planning to spend a lot of time in San Juan City, a visit to La Posita Beach is a must. This beach is very close to the city without being right in the city itself. This means it has a laid-back vibe, but it’s also incredibly convenient for travelers. It’s about a 30-minute drive to this beach, which is in the neighboring town of Loisa on the Atlantic Coast. Here you’ll find delicious street food at stalls, especially fried Puerto Rican dishes. Foodies also love this beach because Pinones is also nearby. Here you can experience even more authentic local flavors in a causal setting. If you want to be active and exercise on beach days, take the bike trail from Isla Verde to La Posita and then to Pinones.
Sandy Beach Sandy Beach
Sandy Beach (hotel prices and photos)
All beaches are sandy, but not all of them have the honor of being called the famous name “Sandy Beach.” This Rincon beach is known for its amazing sunsets, cocktail scene and live music. Travel + Leisure named the Tamboo Tavern here one of the best beach bars in America. Order a mojito at sunset and listen to authentic music while lounging on the beach terrace. Couples looking for a little romance in their beach vacation love this beach area. It’s a well-established beach with many restaurants, hotels and apartments along the shore. The sandy beach is also a great place to learn to surf, even if you’ve never set foot on a board. Sign up for a surf lesson or just sit on the beach and watch others learn to surf!
Luquillo Beach (Rates and Photos)
This is one of the most famous and popular beaches on the island, and it’s very conveniently located. It’s just 30 miles east of San Juan and a family favorite. The ocean water here is warm and shallow, making it perfect for swimming with kids. Another reason this beach is so popular is that it is next to the El Yunque rainforest. It is one of the best places for nature lovers because of the great hiking opportunities. Luquillo Beach is a very well known beach, so you will find vendors selling snacks and drinks here, as well as lifeguards and showers.
Boqueron Beach Boqueron Beach
Boqueron Beach (Hotel Prices and Photos)
This beach stretches for about a mile and is located on the southwest coast of Puerto Rico and in the Cabo Rojo National Reserve. It’s a great beach for families because it has playgrounds for kids and picnic areas. Families with children are welcome here, and you can rent a cabin right on the water at a reasonable price. This beach is often crowded on weekends. Foodies also love spending time on this beach because there are several delicious seafood shacks along the shore of Boqueron Beach. Stop in throughout the evening to listen to live salsa, jazz and rock music at restaurants on the beach.
Dorado Beach Dorado Beach
Dorado Beach (Prices and Photos)
If you’re looking for privacy without sacrificing convenience, Dorado Beach is a great choice. This beach is just west of San Juan and is known for once being home to a sugar plantation. Laurence Rockefeller also owned the property, and the 11-mile trail here is called the Rockefeller Trail. Although Dorado has a more secluded atmosphere than some of the other beaches on this list, it’s also a great place to visit for luxury travelers. The Ritz-Carlton Reserve is right on the beach.
Ocean Park Beach Ocean Park Beach
Ocean Park Beach (hotel rates and photos)
Ocean Park Beach is a great beach to relax on if you like more than just lying on the sand. Here you can try kite surfing, play beach volleyball, or ride the waves on a boogie board. After a full day of activity on the water, you can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this Atlantic Ocean beach, which covers about a mile. It’s a great beach for singles because it attracts more adults and fewer families with kids. There are many beach bars and restaurants for locals and tourists to mingle and socialize here at Ocean Park Beach.
Bahia Beach Bahia Beach
Bahia Beach (Hotel Prices and Photos)
A great luxury vacation hotel on Bahia Beach is St. Regis Bahia Beach, which is good for couples and families alike. It’s the perfect beach to relax on if you like water sports because you can do everything right there. Try snorkeling, scuba diving, and water skiing in the ocean water near the beach, then take a hike in the nearby El Yunque National Rainforest.
Mar Chiquita Beach Mar Chiquita Beach
Mar Chiquita Beach (hotel rates and photos)
For stunning scenery, look no further than Mar Chiquita Beach. This area is known for its dramatic waves and coral cliffs that create the perfect scene that nature photographers love. It’s more of a coastal area for walking and photography than swimming. For that, head to one of the other beaches on this list.
