Best Beaches in Puerto Rico

Flamenco Beach

Located in: Culebra

Address: Flamenco, Culebra 00775, Puerto Rico

Clear skies above your head and warm, white sand beneath your feet is the way Flamenco beach will make you fall in love with it. This "postcard-ready" captivating beach is one of the world's top beaches. Ideal for swimming, unwinding, and simply beach-bumming, this location is the very reason visitors choose to venture outside the mainland.

La Playuela

Located in: Cabo Rojo 

Address: Cabo Rojo 00622, Puerto Rico

This southwestern half-moon-shaped gem will leave you in awe with its breathtaking waters and scenery. It takes a little bit of hiking to get there, but you will see how magnificent its dramatic landscape is once you arrive. La Playuela is perfect for either a lazy day under the sun or an adventure exploring the astonishing surroundings. 

Explore Puerto Rico's Top LGBTQ-Friendly Beaches

Crash Boat

Located in: Aguadilla

Address: Borinquen, Aguadilla 00603, Puerto Rico

This is the most popular beach in Aguadilla. With a wide range of activities to do, like swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, and -during the winter- surfing, Crash Boat is a playground for everyone. A few feet away is El Natural, a famous diving spot with a huge reef full of marine activity. 

Cayo Icacos

Located in: Fajardo

Address: Fajardo 00738, Puerto Rico

The clarity of the water in Cayo Icacos is like no other on the east coast of Puerto Rico. The long strips of reefs beside the abandoned pier are home to many schools of fish and other marine creatures that you’ll get to observe while you snorkel. Whether it is by a water taxi or a private charter, don’t miss the chance to stroll around the white-sand shore of this natural reserve and have a great day of swimming, snorkeling, or paddleboarding under the sun. 

Discover How to Spend a Day in Icacos

Domes

Located in: Rincón

Address: Rincón, 00677, Puerto Rico

A true surfer's haven, Domes is located between a lighthouse and Puerto Rico's inactive nuclear reactor. With turquoise waters and golden sand, this beach is an excellent spot for whale watching during the winter. Although it is not a place to go swimming, it is a fun beach to lay back and relax, watch surfing competitions, and even take a horseback riding tour. 

Jobos

Located in: Isabela

Address: Isabela 00662, Puerto Rico

Just like Crash Boat, this lively and vibrant beach is a local favorite because of the many attractions surrounding it. Jobos' waters glisten like a true stained-glass masterpiece, and the prominent vegetation will provide many layouts where you can rest in the shade. 

Cayo Aurora (Gilligan’s Island)

Located in: Guánica

Address: Guánica 00653, Puerto Rico

Although it is not officially a beach, this cay has the most transparent water in Puerto Rico. Nicknamed after the popular TV show, it is part of the Guánica Biosphere Reserve. The small island is fenced in by a healthy mangrove system that creates intimate spots throughout the cay. You can only get there by renting a kayak or a private boat! 

La Monserrate

Located in: Luquillo

Address: 65 Ave. Infantería Luquillo, PR, 00773

This heart-stirring beach – a popular choice because of its facilities – is preferred by families and large groups. Sometimes designated as a Blue Flag beach, the calm waves and low tides make it ideal for bringing kids around. The balneario even has a camping and picnic designated area, making it one of the best beaches in Puerto Rico.

Combate Beach

Located in: Cabo Rojo

Address: PR-3301, Boquerón, Cabo Rojo 00622, Puerto Rico

As a part of the Boquerón National State Forest, Combate beach is also a popular choice. Its sparkling waters and large-scale reefs turn pristine shores into a paradise for diving enthusiasts. Preferred by younger crowds, this site is the ideal to enjoy the best sunsets in Puerto Rico. Be sure to jump off the pier; it’s a thing there! 

Sun Bay

Located in: Vieques

Address: Carr. 997, Bo. La Esperanza, Vieques, PR, 00765

White sandy strips and turquoise blue waters… who needs more? Sun Bay is Vieques' trendiest spot, and you'll immediately see why. There are tall palms trees and lush landscapes where you can hang up a hammock and admire the dreamy surroundings. This top beach in Puerto Rico beach has been awarded the Blue Flag recognition many times. 

Best Places to Go Kayaking and Paddle Boarding

Tortuga

Located in: Culebrita

Address: Culebrita, Culebra, PR, 00775

Accessible only by boat or seaplane, this white-sand cove that serves as a home and feeding ground to green turtles is one of Culebra’s hidden gems. Almost considered a deserted beach bliss, you can bump into many beautiful sea creatures while doing some amateur snorkeling. You should take up a charter and don’t miss the wonders of this tropical paradise. 

Best Spots for Snorkeling

Isla Verde

Located in: Carolina

Address: Ave. Boca De Cangrejos, Isla Verde, Carolina, PR, 00979

With a strip of hotels and restaurants along its shores, Isla Verde is one of the most popular beaches in Puerto Rico. This beach – perfect for parasailing and jet skiing – is often voted as the best urban beach in the Caribbean.

Best Beaches for Families

El Escambrón

Located in: San Juan

Address: Parque del Tercer Milenio, C. San Agustín, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico

This is the perfect spot to witness the contrast between Old San Juan and the modern city. Recognized with Blue Flag awards throughout the years, El Escambrón is the most picturesque beach in San Juan. There you can do anything from snorkeling and swimming to having a romantic stroll. It is also part of the Tercer Milenio Park, which offers fun recreational activities and services. 

Montones

Located in: Isabela

Address: PR-466, Isabela, 00662, Puerto Rico

Direct access and Montone's shallowness make this natural pool the family-preferred beach in Isabela. The depthless tides provide a safe environment for kids and toddlers to play around while the adults relish the scenery's calmness. A natural wall prevents the strong surf from rushing in. The crowd you'll find there is mostly local.