Puerto Rico is a beautiful Caribbean Island destination with a rich culture, stunning shorelines, and vibrant towns. It’s no wonder the island is home to some of the top beaches in the world. And, we’re here to share with you the 15 best beaches in Puerto Rico!
Whether you’re seeking a tranquil beach getaway or an exciting vacation, you’re sure to find it at one of Puerto Rico’s incredible beaches. Get ready for some of the most beautiful ocean waters you’ve ever seen, along with incredible snorkeling opportunities and so much more!
1. Flamenco Beach
Flamenco Beach is one of the most visually stunning beaches in the entire world. Its crystal blue waters are known for being the bluest in the area and perfect for swimming. The beach also features white sands and warm and shallow waters. Talk about a paradise for beach lovers!
The mile-long beach graces a horseshoe part of the shores of Culebra Island off the coast of Puerto Rico. Flamenco Beach is the ideal place to swim, relax, and take a stroll. Many tourists and locals also come with their snorkel gear to explore the coral reefs and swim with tropical fish, manta rays, and turtles.
Culebra Beach Villas is a great place to stay when you’re looking to settle near Flamenco Beach.
2. Playa El Combate
With two distinct parts of the scenic Behold Playa El Combate beach, there’s something for everyone at this beach. The north coast features colorful homes, docks, and beach facilities where families and anglers like to go. The south side of Combate is a more secluded beach, offering the perfect place to relax.
Along with the beauty, Playa El Combate features sunny weather and warm waters. It’s a local’s and traveler’s favorite spot.
As far as activities go, you can enjoy swimming, fishing, and scuba diving. Don’t forget to stay for incredible sunset views, too! And, if you’re looking for more adventure, you can find a trail near the beach that’s perfect for a hike.
If you’re bringing your pets along for the trip, Luichy’s Guest House is the place to stay. This pet-friendly hotel is just a short stroll away from the beach and features reasonable rates. There are other rentals nearby along with several beachfront restaurants.
3. Crash Boat Beach
Crash Boat Beach is an excellent place to go when you’re looking to have a fun time in Puerto Rico. Friends love an exciting beach getaway to this Playground of Puerto Rico, and solo travelers find it easy to meet new people here.
Divers, swimmers, surfers, and snorkelers love getting in the incredible turquoise waters at Playa Crash Boat. The beach also features white sands lined with food and drink stalls and colorful fishing boats along the shore.
The bustling scene and music also create a party vibe at the beach. Play beach volleyball, watch the sunset, and keep an eye out for dancing pelicans.
There are several hotels, vacation rentals, and beachfront restaurants near Crash Boat. Be sure to try out the local street food, too!
4. Cayo Aurora
Are you looking for a quiet beach where you can get away from the hustle? If so, Cayo Aurora might be the perfect place for you! The secluded island features a hidden beach and plenty of private areas throughout the cay.
Cayo Aurora is located on the southwest coast of Puerto Rico, about a mile from Guanica. You can get there by a short ferry trip or by kayak. Depending on when you go, you may have the island all to yourself!
With some of the clearest water you’ll ever see, Cayo Aurora is ideal for watching the local underwater wildlife, whether from a boat or jumping in with snorkeling gear. You can bring your own or rent gear on Puerto Rico’s mainland right before heading over.
If you have ever found yourself wanting to experience something like the 1960s sitcom Gilligan’s Island in real life, you’ll want to visit Cayo Aurora. There are plenty of places to stay nearby, too.
5. Balneario Monserrate Beach (Luquillo Beach)
Balneario Monserrate Luquillo, often referred to as Luquillo Beach, is a gem on Puerto Rico’s east coast. Its beach and cultural experience is one-of-a-kind! If you’re vacationing in San Juan, you can get to Luquillo Beach in about an hour.
At Luquillo Beach, you’ll be greeted by friendly food vendors that put up kiosks at the entrance of the beach. There’s no shortage of delicious local foods to choose from while soaking up the sun. You can also find plenty of amenities like bathrooms, lockers, and first aid. There are also lifeguards on duty.
Turquoise beach waters are surrounded by enchanting views of the El Yunque National Rainforest, another hotspot to put on your list when planning your Puerto Rico trip!
If you’re not up for the hour drive to San Juan, you can find a few vacation rentals and hotels in the area. There is also the opportunity to camp in the area if you secure a permit beforehand.
6. Pelícano Beach
Pelícano Beach is one of the best swimming beaches in Puerto Rico as it’s one of the most pristine beaches on the planet. It’s the first Caribbean beach to receive the widely respected Blue Flag award, an eco-flag for meeting or exceeding a high level of certification for education and environmentalism.
The beach’s white sandy shore and incredible waters make for the perfect day at the beach! Families love the small area and calm waters for little ones.
If you have a private boat, you can park it right on the coast. Otherwise, you’ll take a ferry or arrange a local tour from La Guancha in Ponce to reach Pelícano Beach.
7. Playa Isla Verde
Playa Isla Verda attracts a lot of volleyball players, professional beach bums, and fun-seekers from Puerto Rico and around the world. If you’re seeking the thrill of high speeds on the open water, you’ll want to rent a nearby jet ski and take off across the waves!
With close proximity to Old San Juan and Condado beach, Playa Isla Verde is easy to reach by taking a taxi directly from the capital city.
8. Sun Bay Beach
Sun Bay Beach is located on the southern coast of Puerto Rico in Esperanza, where you can find the iconic El Malecon. Not only is there plenty to do at this incredible public beach, but there’s also a lot going on nearby on El Malecon and around the lively city of Esperanza.
Sun Bay Beach features beautiful white sands and calm, clear water perfect for swimming and snorkeling. You can also go jet skiing and fishing. Cafes, restaurants, and bars are just a short walk away.
Open 24 hours a day, Sun Bay Beach displays an underwater bioluminescent backlight. Some visitors even like to stay overnight and watch the sun come back up again too!
9. Aviones Beach
Aviones Beach is one of the best beaches in Puerto Rico for surfers! If you’ve been itching for a chance to catch some big waves, you’ll want to check out Aviones Beach. With that said, beginners should remain alert and preferably surf with a more experienced guide as some outcroppings could be risky.
The beach is called Aviones, after the Spanish word for airplanes, as it is located near the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport – convenient for travelers!
Around Aviones Beach, you can come across snack bars and restaurants. If you’re looking to spend the night, head just a little west to Isla Verde Beach where you can find hotels.
10. Montones Beach
Montones Beach is one of the best destinations for families visiting Puerto Rico. Located in Isabela, it’s a hidden treasure where you will find that the waters of this beach have been protected from the surf by a wall and generally protected from the outside world, making it one of the best secluded beaches in the area.
Mostly visited by locals, Montones Beach isn’t a touristy spot, so treat this gem with extra respect! It’s an excellent place to visit if you’re looking to soak up some local culture and avoid crowds.
Montones Beach offers plenty of shallow tidal pools for little ones to play. The water near the shore is knee-level, providing a safe swimming area.
Looking for water adventures? The water on the other side of the natural wall is much deeper, with a stronger current for surfing, bodyboarding, and jet skiing rather than swimming. While caution should be taken, the area can make for an exciting afternoon at the beach!
11. Playa Santa
Playa Santa is located in Guánica, on Puerto Rico’s southern coast. It’s lined with coconut palms and boasts beautiful sands, waters, and scenery. It’s no wonder it’s one of the most popular beaches in Puerto Rico!
As far as activities go, the sky’s the limit. You can swim, play beach ball, or simply relax. For more adventure, you can rent kayaks nearby. Playa Santa also features local food vendors that serve delicious dishes made with fresh seafood brought in by the fishermen.
One of the best things about Playa Santa in Guanica, Puerto Rico, is that while it lacks some of the preferred beach amenities like lifeguards and restrooms, it embodies the unique Caribbean spirit of relaxing in nature and spending time with loved ones (or yourself!).
12. Bahía de la Chiva
If you’re looking for the best snorkeling beaches in Puerto Rico, look no further! Formerly known as Blue Beach, Bahía de la Chiva proudly ranks as one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Turquoise marks the deeper ocean water that slowly gets lighter as you go west until you’re stepping into the crystal-clear water.
Snorkeling in the waters off the sandy shores of Bahia de la Chiva is an exquisite and unforgettable experience. Once you’re under the water, you’ll see an aquatic world that’s full of life and beauty.
Bahía de la Chiva is also perfect for long walks. For the most part, the beach is pretty private, making it a popular place for couples and loners alike to get away from the hustle. It’s also very close to Vieques National Wildlife Refuge if you’re looking to explore more nature.
With multiple entrances and a large parking lot, Bahia de la Chiva is easy to access. While there isn’t much to do nearby, you can find tons of other beaches to explore and several towns a short driving distance away.
13. Playa Sucia
If you’re looking for a quiet, scenic beach, Playa Sucia is an incredible choice! It’s one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean that’s placed in a secluded cove that gives added privacy. While there’s a lack of amenities at Playa Sucia, there’s plenty of parking within walking distance making it easy to bring everything you need for your beach time.
It’s easy to love a quiet day at Playa Sucia! The sands are beautiful, and the warm waters are just about as clear as they can be. Whether you’re visiting alone, with friends, or with family, Playa Sucia offers one of the most peaceful beach experiences.
The Cabo Rojo lighthouse is a famous must-see attraction in this area that’s a quick hike from the beach. You can see this picturesque lighthouse sitting above red limestone cliffs from the white sands on Playa Sucia.
14. Playa Tamarindo
Playa Tamarindo is another gorgeous, quiet beach in Puerto Rico that’s easy to fall in love with! This is the beach to go to when you’re looking for unmatched peace and tranquility. Unlike some other beaches in the area, this one is never crowded.
Located on the west coast of Puerto Rico, this beach is in the small town of Tamarindo. Tamarindo is just as lovely as its beach and is conveniently close to the Liberia airport.
With a backdrop of beautiful mountains, Playa Tamarindo offers incredible views, especially for sunset. The beach is also known for surfing, swimming, and diving.
Nearby, you can find plenty of things to do. Tamarindo is a great vacation spot offering plenty of restaurants, shops, and accommodations.
15. Ocean Park Beach
This beach has distinguished itself as one of the finest San Juan beaches. Ocean Park Beach has a rich history and beautiful vistas. The buildings were designed to emulate Miami beach, which gives it a magnificent art-deco flair.
Aside from the history, Ocean Park Beach offers exciting beach adventures. The gorgeous blue water is perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and kite surfing. You can find rental equipment nearby, too. The wide golden sand offers a great place to relax, play volleyball, and take a stroll.
Although it offers a laid-back vibe, Ocean Park Beach is an excellent place for a vacation. There’s a lot to do nearby, especially in terms of eating delicious local food. There are plenty of accommodations in the area, too.
Final Thoughts on the Best Beaches in Puerto Rico
If you’re planning a trip to one of the best beaches in Puerto Rico, you’re in for a treat! With some of the prettiest waters in the world, incredible diving and swimming opportunities, and a great mix of lively and secluded beaches – Puerto Rico beaches offer the ideal beach vacation.
Whether you’re staying in the popular city of San Juan or you’re looking to get away from the crowds, there’s something for everyone on this list. We hope you’ve found your perfect spot!
