15 Best Beaches in Puerto Rico

A popular tourist destination, Porto Rico features 270 miles of coastline and dozens of beaches that range from secluded beaches on the north coast to developed city beaches of San Juan.

There are direct flights from many cities in the United States and you don’t even need a passport to enter Porto Rico if you are a citizen of the U.S.

Expect to find public beaches with parking facilities, a diverse marine life, world-class surfing, and amazing sunset views. All beaches are open to the public because most of them are balnearios (public beaches).

Let’s take a look at the list of 15 best beaches in Puerto Rico:

1. Luquillo Beach

Luquillo Beach, Puerto Rico — Luquillo Beach

Located 30 miles east of San Juan, Luquillo Beach is well-known for its warm and shallow waters. This is probably one of the reasons why this crescent-shaped beach attracts many families with children who come here over the weekends.

You will find bathrooms, lifeguards, shows, and local vendors who sell various snacks and refreshing drinks here, as well as a camping area and small kiosks.

Besides swimming, visitors can also rent a kayak or go fly-boarding at Luquillo Beach, which is one of the four beaches in the city that has a Blue Flag classification.

In case you wish to visit one of the most popular natural attractions in the neighborhood, El Yunque National Rainforest is located right behind Luquillo Beach.

2. Flamenco Beach

Flamenco Beach, Culebra — Flamenco Beach

Flamenco Beach is a public beach located on one of the Spanish Virgin Islands, Culebra. The water here is crystal clear and the beach is surrounded by palm trees and green mountains. I

deal for swimming and snorkeling, Flamenco Beach also features a number of facilities available for visitors including bathrooms, kiosks, and a camping area.

There are lifeguards on-site, so you don’t have to worry if you are on vacation with children. The great thing about Flamenco Beach is that it is spacious so it’s always relatively easy to find a peaceful spot and chill in the sun.

3. Sucia Beach

Playa Sucia which translates to “Dirty Beach “ is located on Cabo Rojo on the southwest tip of Puerto Rico. Expect to take a 10-minute walk from the parking lot to the beach.

You can also check out the famous Cabo Rojo Lighthouse that is easily reachable and offers amazing views of the beach and the surrounding areas.

Playa Sucia is usually not crowded during work days but come early on the weekends to avoid large crowds of tourists. The beach is perfect for swimming and is ranked by Trip Advisor as one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean.

4. Playa Crashboat

Playa Crashboat is one of the most popular beaches around Rincon, as other beaches in the area are not suitable for swimming. It is located on the west coast of Puerto Rico, just a short drive from Aguadilla and Highway 2.

On the beach, you will find fishing skiffs and vendors selling local street food. The facilities are also good and include restrooms, showers, and parking.

Playa Crashboat is good for snorkeling and diving, especially north of the pier and around its iconic bridge. Swim in the tranquil turquoise sea or go to one of the beachfront restaurants for lunch.

This lovely beach is also known for its amazing sunset views and many visitors stay until the evening to witness it.

5. Ocean Park Beach

Ocean Park Beach, Puerto Rico — Ocean Park Beach

Located between the airport and Old San Juan, Ocean Park Beach is definitely less crowded than the neighboring Isla Verde Beach and Condado Beach. It offers a laid-back atmosphere and that’s not that easy to find in a busy capital.

This mile-long beach is also great if you are into activities such as kite-surfing, paddle tennis, or beach volleyball.

There are a few vendors who arrive on the weekends to sell delicious hot crab empanadas, but the main local vendor at Ocean Park Beach is the Pamela’s, where you can purchase tasty sandwiches at affordable prices.

6. Isla Verde

Isla Verde San Juan Puerto Rico — Isla Verde Beach

One of the most popular and busiest beaches in San Juan, Isla Verde is located close to some of the finest hotels and high-end resorts in the city. Some people spend their whole vacation here because of its close proximity to their accommodation, while others come for one of the main attractions at Isla Verde – people-watching!

Expect to find locals and tourists at Isla Verde, as well as a number of dining options and beach facilities. If you are interested in going out in the evening, Isla Verde is situated just a short walk from numerous nightclubs, trendy bars, lounges, and casinos.

7. Boqueron Beach

Located in Cabo Rojo on the southwestern coast, Boqueron Beach is a mile-long golden-sand beach surrounded by palm, flamboyan, and almond trees. There are excellent public facilities on the beach such as restrooms, showers, and snack bars.

Travelers who are planning to come here during work days should expect fewer people and they can enjoy some of the activities including basketball courts, playgrounds, and gazebos.

In case you get hungry, there are a number of Puerto Rican kiosks where you can get fresh oysters. Those who decide to visit Boqueron Beach over the weekends will have a chance to see live music performances and festivals.

8. Condado Beach

Often compared to Miami Beach because of all the celebrities that you can see here, Condado Beach attracts definitely a diverse crowd. Expect to see families with children, couples on their honeymoon, and some glamorous local figures.

There are a variety of watersports available and you don’t have to go to the bar to order drinks, as the waiters serve guests on the beach.

Keep in mind that free umbrellas and loungers on the Condado Beach are reserved for guests of the high-end beach resorts in the area, but you can always rent them. Travelers with kids should know that that this beach is not suitable for inexperienced swimmers, due to strong currents.

9. Escambrón Beach

Situated just a short walk from the historic city of Old San Juan, which is one of the oldest cities in America, Escambrón Beach is surrounded by numerous hotels and restaurants. You will see a small bridge that is connected to the nearby Luis Muñoz Rivera recreational park which is a perfect destination if you are on vacation with kids.

The actual beach is amazing and those who like watersports will definitely love it. Escambrón Beach has a Blue Flag classification, so crystal clear waters and great facilities is what you’ll find here.

10. Sun Bay Beach

Vieques Island is home to so many amazing beaches and to pick one is definitely not an easy task. We suggest Sun Bay, the most popular of all beaches on Vieques Island.

First of all, it is easily accessible and features plenty of parking spots. Second of all, Sun Bay Beach features great public facilities including bathrooms and showers.

It is famous for its extensive coastline, panoramic views, and the cool camping area that is just around the corner. On top of all of that, Sun Bay Beach is large enough to accommodate many guests even on busy weekends during the high season.

11. Tortuga Beach

Everyone knows that Flamenco beach is the most popular spot in Culebra, but Tortuga Beach which is located on the nearby Culebrita Island is also worth visiting. It is only accessible by a boat or a water taxi, but once you arrive at Tortuga Beach, you will realize that it is spectacular in every way.

Don’t expect many facilities here, but this place is less busy and it’s easy to find some peace and quiet. Travelers, who are looking to get away from all the hustle and bustle of the popular beaches of Puerto Rico should definitely visit Tortuga Beach.

12. Guilligan Island, Gúanica

Gilligan's Island Guanica — Guilligan Island

Guilligan Island or Aurora’s Key as some call it, is a part of the Dry Forest Reserve of Guánica. There are palm trees and mangroves here, as well as several BBQ’s and gazebos. It is also well-known for snorkeling thanks to its famous channels.

Swim in the crystal clear waters that are so calm it feels like swimming in a giant outdoor pool.

There is only one way to reach Aurora’s Key and that is by boat, but that’s all part of the adventure. The good news is that you can order food and the boat crew will deliver it to you at the requested time.

13. Jobos Beach

Popular among locals who are living along the north coast, Jobos Beach is located in Isabela and offers something for everyone.

There are no high-end restaurants or glamorous resorts here, but if you want to eat local Puerto Rican food at budget-friendly prices, and have some peace and quiet, Jobos Beach is the right place for you.

You will find a natural rock wall at the farthest east point which is perfect for snorkeling. Thanks to its open waters, there are many surfers who come here to ride the waves. Unfortunately, there is a chance that Jobos Beach will be closing soon since there are plans for the whole area to become a huge tourist complex.

Jobos is not a bustling tourist beach. There are no resorts, hotels, or fancy restaurants. This beach is not perfectly manicured, but lovers of Jobos beach, like it that way.

Visitors who wish to experience the simplicity of island fun under the sun, watch surfers, eat local Puerto Rican food without the tourist price tag, will find themselves pleasantly at home when visiting Playa Jobos. Don’t be shy and mingle with friendly Isabelinos (residents of Isabela).

14. Playa Pastillo

Playa Pastillo, Isabela — Playa Pastillo

Featuring naturally sacred rock carvings and coral reefs, Playa Pastillo is located in Isabela and offers palm trees and lush green vegetation. It’s no wonder that many artists come here to take pictures or just enjoy the peacefulness.

Go for a walk along the cliffs to find small caves which provided shelter for the natives for hundreds of years.

There are no fancy facilities here at Playa Pastillo, but travelers who love nature will definitely fall in love with it. The locals are kind of protective of the beach and every visitor is advised to be respectful of the area.

15. Playa Peña

Located right in the city of Old San Juan, Playa Peña is a lovely beach and is usually not overcrowded with tourists. Most of the visitors who come to Old San Juan are more interested in shopping, events, and historical attractions, while those who wish to have some beach time usually stay at the beach resort areas of Isla Verde and Ocean Park. Therefore, you may find yourself sharing this lovely beach with only a couple of other travelers.

An interesting fact is that Old San Juan did not have a beach for many years, but volunteers and some city workers cleaned the whole area and made Playa Peña a beautiful beach.