The Caribbean archipelago of Puerto Rico is home to some of the best beaches in the world. The archipelago is made up of one may island, four smaller islands, and hundreds of even smaller islets and cays. As one might imagine, these various islands yield an incredible amount of coast! The insane amount of beautiful beaches that can be found within the archipelago of Puerto Rico is mind-blowing, and it can be hard to figure out where to start if you don’t have a guide. Join us as we take a look at the best beaches in Puerto Rico.
Pelicano Beach
Let’s start this article off by looking at a beautiful beach that’s located towards the southern end of the Caribbean archipelago of Puerto Rico. Pelicano Beach isn’t located on the main island of Puerto Rico. Instead, it can be found on an uninhabited island that goes by the name of Isla Caja de Muertos. For those that need a translation, that designation means “Coffin Island”.
The island is referred to as such due to the fact that it’s quite literally shaped like a coffin! Those that are put off by the ominous nature of Isla Caja de Muertos’ name may be comforted to learn that Pelicano Beach itself has more charming etymological origins.
Pelicano Beach is named as such due to the large amounts of pelicans that can be seen flying around it, though these are the only birds that visitors will get the chance to see while they’re there. If you aren’t interested in the birds, then you may be more interested in the stunningly blue waters that surround the beach. Though technically a part of the Puerto Rican city of Ponce, Isla Caja de Muertos is its own little island paradise, and Pelicano Beach is its best offering.
Flamenco Beach
Flamenco Beach is located on the island of Culebra. It’s crescent shaped, and surrounded on the inland side by gorgeous, green hills. On one end of the beach you’ll find a couple of tanks. These two tanks are M4 Shermans, which were used during World War II. They are remnants of the American occupation of the island during the war, and they have been kept there as a form of commemoration. The two tanks have become iconic landmarks over the decades.
Sun Bay
Sun Bay is located on the island of Vieques. The beach is known for its perfectly blue waters and its uniquely white sands, as well as its striking, tall palm trees. As one might imagine, the scenery is quite impressive! Sun Bay is certainly a great example of a picturesque beach, and you’ll find its views on many postcards. One of the best ways to enjoy the scenery is to lie out on the sands and soak it in. The atmosphere is decidedly tranquil, though there’s also plenty going on at all times for those who like to party.
Isla Verde Beach
If you’re into resorts, you might already be familiar with Isla Verde. The small island’s name translates to “Green Island”, and its scenery makes good on the promise of this designation. Isla Verde houses many of Puerto Rico’s most notable resorts. If you’re staying at a resort in the Caribbean archipelago, then there’s a pretty good chance that you’ll be staying on Isla Verde.
Those staying at a resort on Isla Verde will get the chance to experience what it would be like to have Isla Verde Beach as their very own backyard!
Playing at Isla Verde Beach ends up being the most fun part of staying on Isla Verde for most people, and it’s not hard to see why! Though the beach can understandably get pretty crowded, it’s incredibly beautiful. The waters are perfect for playing in, and you’ll see visitors to the beach partaking in all sorts of watersports.
Some of the most popular water sports to practice at Isla Verde Beach include parasailing and jet skiing. Isla Verde Beach is located in the city of Carolina, and it makes the perfect accompaniment to a resort stay.
Balneario La Monserrate
If you’ve got children with you to play in the water, there are few better Puerto Rican beaches you can visit than Balneario La Monserrate. The beach is a particular favorite with locals in the area, and it’s warm, shallow waters provide a perfect, safe place for children to experience the joys of the beach. From building sand castles to going for a quick swim, there are plenty of great ways to play on Balneario La Monserrate.
Adults can occupy themselves by snacking on an item from the various food kiosks surrounding the beach.
Playa Sucia
Playa Sucia is a beach whose name translates to “Dirty Beach”. This name might not be the most attractive, but the beach itself is beautiful. The name might be one of the reasons that Playa Sucia is such a hidden gem. However, the true reason that Playa Sucia is generally secluded is most likely because it’s not all that easy to get to. In order to get to Playa Sucia, you’ll have to take a long and rocky drive.
Thankfully, there’s plenty of awesome scenery on this drive, including the sand flats. Once you get to the beach, you’ll be treated to the sight of the limestone cliffs surrounding it, not to mention the beautiful, blue waters of the beach itself.
Aurora’s Key
Aurora’s Key isn’t the name of a beach, but a small cay. However, the cay is home to an incredible beach area. The beach area on Aurora’s Key doesn’t really have a name, as the island is so small and out of the way. The island sometimes goes by the nickname of Gilligan’s Island, and it’s only accessible by boat. If you’re looking for an awesome and secluded place to swim, consider this island paradise!
Crash Beach
Crash Boat Beach is a unique beach that’s located in the Puerto Rican town of Aguadilla. The thing that Crash Boat Beach is arguably best known for is its pier, which can oftentimes be found gracing postcards that are sold Boat around the area. Besides the pier, Crash Boat Beach is known for its wonderful snorkeling opportunities. Those that aren’t interested in diving out in the calm, blue waters may prefer grabbing a bite to eat at the onsite food vendor and relaxing on the sands. If you stay until the evening hours, you’re liable to be treated to a sunset that you’ll never forget!
Domes Beach
Domes Beach is one of many beaches that are located in the notable Puerto Rican beach town of Rincon. Rincon is known for its beaches, and Domes Beach is one of the most iconic. If you’re a surfer, you’re definitely going to want to come to Rincon. There are surf shops on every corner, and plenty of great beaches. The reason that Domes Beach stands out from the rest is because of the lighthouse and nuclear reactor that sit on its boundaries. Rest assured, the nuclear reactor is inactive! The building housing the nuclear reactor is nicknamed “Domes”, because it’s a dome.
Domes Beach isn’t the only beach that’s worth checking out if you’re visiting the beach town of Rincon. Domes Beach stands out thanks to its landmarks, but all of Rincon’s beaches have a unique experience to offer. Besides Domes Beach, a few other popular beaches existing within the town include Maria’s Beach and Sandy Beach. Maria’s Beach is a particularly great place for beginners to try out surfing.
Punta Borinquen
Like Crash Boat Beach, Punta Borinquen is located in the Puerto Rican town of Aguadilla. Like the beaches of Rincon, the waters of Punta Borinquen are known predominantly for the excellent surfing opportunities that they offer up to guests. The surfing at Punta Borinquen is so good that the beach has been recognized as a World Surfing Reserve. This means that the beach is protected surfing ground!
Aviones Beach
Aviones is another Puerto Rican beach that’s known for its great surfing opportunities. This one’s located in Puerto Rico’s capital city of San Juan. The name of the beach translates to “Airplane Beach”, and it’s named as such due to the fact that it’s location is so close to the San Juan International Airport. A beach close to the airport might not sound like the most romantic notion, but Aviones Beach is a paradise for advanced suffers. The waves are intense!
Playa Santa
Finally, let’s take a look at Playa Santa, which is located in the town of Guanica. The crescent strip comprising Playa Santa is widely considered to be one of the most excellent beaches in the western region of Puerto Rico. To get to the beach, you take a lighthouse-marked trail. Once you get there, you’ll likely get the opportunity to see some manatees.
The archipelago of Puerto Rico is filled with awesome beaches, and the above picks represent some of the very best. Whether you’re visiting for fun or relaxation, we hope we’ve introduced you to the perfect beach for you!