Beaches & Watersports in Puerto Rico
If you had to pick just one watersport to go for on Puerto Rico’s crystal-clear waters, what would it be?
Don’t worry–the good news is that there’s no need to pick just one. Between kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, and stand-up paddleboarding, this Island has it all.
Explore this section to find ideas for things to do during your trip.
Beaches in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico’s beaches are ready to welcome you at any time of the year, thanks to the Island’s warm tropical climate. Beaches there are never off-limits, and each one has something unique to offer, depending on the type of experience you want to have during your visit.
From picture-perfect views to sailing adventures, Puerto Rico’s stunning beaches include sandy stretches perfect for lounging in the shade, catching a wave, paddling a kayak, or exploring underwater on a scuba diving or snorkeling adventure.
Come find out why the Island’s beaches are consistently named among the best in the world!
Best Beaches in Puerto Rico
Soak up the sun, ride the waves, explore underwater life, and find your favorite beach.
What is a Caribbean vacation without some beach time? There are over 270 miles of coastline in Puerto Rico. That translates into nearly 300 beaches to choose from! Sandy trails lead to stunning natural pools of crystalline waters that will leave you in awe, regardless of what you decide to do during your visit.
The Island’s diverse geography presents locations that attract many water sports enthusiasts such as surfers, bodysurfers, paddleboarders, snorkelers, divers, etc. Some beaches also provide a secluded cove setting that anyone who wants to get away from crowds would appreciate. However, if you are looking for a “party beach,” Puerto Rico has those too.
So, whether you want to take a break and soak in the sun, ride the waves, or explore underwater life, the Island has a perfect spot to your liking.
Flamenco Beach – Culebra
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 – Cabo Rojo
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.
Crash Boat – Aguadilla
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 – Fajardo
The clarity of the water there 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.
Domes – Rincón
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 – Isabela
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) – Guánica
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. You can swim all around the small island with little to no effort, which makes this place great for a beginner snorkeler or swimmer. It is fenced in by a healthy mangrove system that creates intimate spots throughout the cay.
La Monserrate – Luquillo
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.
Combate Beach – Cabo Rojo
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 – Vieques
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 landscape where you can hang up a hammock and admire the dreamy surroundings. This beach has been awarded the Blue Flag recognition many times.
Tortuga – Culebrita
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.
Isla Verde – Carolina
With a strip of hotels and restaurants along its shores, Isla Verde is one of the most popular beaches. This beach – perfect for parasailing and jet skiing, is often voted as the best urban beach in the Caribbean.
El Escambrón – San Juan
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.
Pelícano Beach – Ponce
The protected sanctuary Caja de Muertos has one of the most crystalline waters in the south of Puerto Rico. It received the first Blue Flag distinction to a beach located at a natural reserve. There, you’ll be facing the open waters of the Caribbean Sea and watching a variety of birds that nest in the hills near the boulders. Its name, which translates to “coffin,” derives from the shape of the cay.
Montones – Isabela
Direct access and its 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.
Best Beaches for Relaxing in Puerto Rico
Let the soft waves of the Caribbean wash your worries away.
There are many reasons to love Puerto Rico: the fascinating culture, the friendly people, the exquisite food, and the island’s mesmerizing scenery. Spanning nearly 300 miles of coastline, there are more than two hundred beaches of various sizes, sand colors, and wave breaks to choose from. From stretches of white sand with soft waves perfect for families to more secluded coves for those looking for a romantic escape, there is a picturesque strip of shoreline for everyone to enjoy.
Please leave only footprints! Most of these locations are secluded, pristine beaches where you won’t find restrooms, food kiosks, or other facilities. Please be mindful and help keep these natural places clean by bringing trash bags and packing out everything you brought.
Here’s a list of the top beaches to relax in Puerto Rico:
La Poza del Obispo – Arecibo
The town of Arecibo, right next to the old lighthouse, is a place that forces you to disconnect from everyday life and engage with your surroundings. La Poza del Obispo beach may be small in size, but limestone rocks prevent the tide from rising, creating a natural pool of calm water. This gorgeous beach is ideal for families to spend the day having fun with the kids on the golden sand and clear waters.
Keep in mind that while there is a spacious parking lot, there are no businesses around, so you will have to bring your supplies for a day of sunbathing and swimming.
Peña Blanca – Aguadilla
This quiet, off-the-beaten-path beach is in Aguadilla, a town along Puerto Rico’s dreamy northwest coast. The first thing you’ll notice about this secluded location is the impressive white karst walls that make up its distinctive landscape. Besides adding to the beautiful postcard-ready setting, these “cave-like” hollow spaces double as shelter from the sun. You can also hang up a hammock between palm trees or throw a towel on the sand to enjoy the tropical breeze.
There is varied and active marine life beneath the water, so it is recommended to bring snorkel gear with you to observe turtles, fish, and more. The beach becomes a haven for surfers during the winter, so it is best to visit between May and August when the waters are calmest.
Playa Pastillo – Isabela
Situated in the northern town of Isabela, this beach is locally known as “Cueva de las Golondrinas” (and which is different than the Cueva de las Golondrinas in Manatí). There are no facilities on the beach, so you will have to bring everything you need for a beach day. The lush vegetation covering the cliffs contrasts with the turquoise waves that crash on the shore, providing a serene setting for unwinding.
Although there is not much shade, you can find shelter from the sun along with the hollow entrances in the cliff or under a palm tree. There is a large cave on the west side of the beach, perfect for private walks and #NoFilterNeeded photo ops. Playa Pastillo is the kind of spot to bring a beach chair and a book, or a towel to sunbathe, but it is not recommended for swimming. It is most accessible during the summer when the northern tides are at their lowest.
Playa Caracas – Vieques
Popular, yet never crowded, you can find Playa Caracas (formerly Red Beach) on the island of Vieques. It is one of the beaches with easy access inside the National Wildlife refuge in Vieques and it boasts some of the most astonishing scenery on the island, with dramatic rock formations carpeted by lush vegetation.
The diamond-dust soft sand blends in harmony with the intense turquoise waters where you can do a little boogie boarding, swim, or simply float. There are lifeguards on duty, making Caracas ideal for families with children. There are a few gazebos around the beach, and although there are no bathrooms on-site, you can visit the ones at the entrance of the refuge.
Isla Caja de Muertos – Ponce
Although the beaches’ proper name is Playa Pelícano, it is known as Caja de Muertos, which is the name of the nature reserve where it is located. Dubbed as one of the Top Enchanting Attractions in Puerto Rico, the sanctuary is home to a diversity of fauna and flora you can spend the day relishing in. Besides making the most of a tranquil day at the beach, you can also hike to the island’s lighthouse and do some birdwatching while you’re there.
This protected beach has the most crystalline waters in the south of Puerto Rico and serves as a gateway to reconnect with nature and recharge your soul. Caja de Muertos can only be reached by boat.
La Playuela – Cabo Rojo
Commonly known as Playa Sucia, this beach is one of Cabo Rojo’s most popular beaches. The breathtaking views of the lighthouse and the surrounding cliffs complement the sounds of the gentle waves crashing on the shore. As part of Cabo Rojo’s nature reserve, you’ll find striking landscapes and plenty of sand to lay down.
If all you want to do is some beach bumming or work on your suntan this is the place for you. La Playuela is just steps away from Los Morrillos lighthouse, where you can finish off your day with a spectacular sunset photoshoot to show your friends and family back home.
Watersports
Whether you’re looking to catch some waves and surf all day near the west coast towns of Rincón and Aguadilla or do some serious scuba diving in Isla de Mona or Culebrita, water sports in Puerto Rico are a fun experience. Boat your way through the passages of La Parguera or the incredible blue sights of Punta Arenas in Vieques and be enchanted by Puerto Rico’s Caribbean waters. If you’re planning to stay in San Juan, you can always stand-up paddle in the Condado Lagoon for amazing views of the city.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Surf Beaches in Puerto Rico
Ride some waves in the Island’s most pristine surf locations.
When you think of surf in Puerto Rico, your mind automatically will take you to the west coast. Yes, the towns of Isabela, Rincón, and Caribbean Surf Reserve Aguadilla are steeping with world-renowned surf beaches and beautiful shores to ride the tides.
But, there are nearly 300 miles of coastline to explore, so you can easily find spots that make this sport a laidback lifestyle: pristine beaches, perfect breaks, and wide-open waters, no one to fight the waves with.
If you want to push beyond the crowds, these spots are for you:
“La 8” – El Escambrón, San Juan
If you’re flying in from SJU, check out the coast’s stretch from El Caribe Hilton to Old San Juan. Known as “La 8”, this beach has very consistent surf and is often overlooked by traveling surfers. Although there is a somewhat exposed coral reef, the waves break from left and right, and many go unridden during the weekdays. The best waves are during the winter months, but the rest of the year is considered a great starting point for beginners. Scope out the lineups around the big rock and down the coast towards Old San Juan. There you will find Fiji, Kentuckys, 2 ½, and a few others.
After the waves: Once you’re done surfing, hit up El Hamberguito burger shop, a decades-old staple where you can wash down homemade burgers and fries with an ice-cold beer overlooking the ocean. There’s also a great vantage point to scope out across the joint. You also have La 8 Surf Shop a few blocks from the waves, so you can load up in gear and head out in the right direction.
La Pared – Luquillo
While staying on the east coast of the Island, you can ride the tide at La Pared, an exposed beach break with a ridable swell and offshore winds. You won’t find shelter from cross shore breezes, but the beach offers both left and right-hand waves. There, you’ll find waves from three to five feet with different size breaks within sets. Watch out for rips and undertow!
After the waves: The best after-surf meal you’ll find is right across the beach… literally. Boardriders, a local surf shop where you can snack on burgers, wings, wraps, and even poke bowls, grab a beer or cocktail and sing karaoke away. The best thing? You don’t have to rinse off because they have an outdoor patio that’s also pet-friendly. You can also find surf gear and merch there or the local rental next door.
Margara – Arecibo
A little bit of an inconsistent surf, this north coast beach is best to visit during the autumn and winter months. A reasonably exposed reef break, the best wind direction is from the south, and it tends to receive a mix of groundswells and wind swells. Since there is no reef break, Margara is a good surf in all states of the tide. It is considered a small wave beach by most surfers, but it makes an excellent rookie spot. Some surfers consider the drop and the right and left barrel to be just like a pipe or backdoor rides. Beware of the sea urchins!
After the waves: A ten-minute car ride from the beach is the Arecibo Lighthouse & Historical Park, a place where you can scope out other swells and waves, as well as explore some of the Island’s colonial history.
Machuca – Barceloneta
Known for its dark-black sand, Machuca beach is part of Hacienda la Esperanza between the towns of Manatí and Barceloneta. This beach bears the name of local surf legend, Jorge Machuca and you can ride both left and right-hand waves and the best swell direction from the north.
After the waves: Be sure to pack a light lunch and water, as there is nothing nearby this secluded beach. Machuca is near La Boca beach, another one of the beaches with dark-colored sand, and near this beach are several restaurants in the malecón for you to dine and relax.
Best Spots for Snorkeling
Smaller cays and islets with abundant marine life surround Puerto Rico.
In Puerto Rico, feeling blue takes a whole new meaning. With protected marine areas and pristine islets and cays with vibrant ocean life, several spots make snorkeling a dream-like activity during vacation. And isn’t snorkeling the ultimate tropical vacation activity? From swimming with sea turtles – and sometimes even dolphins – to admiring different reefs and playful tropical fish, the waters surrounding Puerto Rico offer unique encounters in the ocean.
When you go out into the ocean, remember that corals are a living creature that perishes upon touch, so be mindful that you are a visitor in their environment. You can bring your gear or rent from various companies and boat charters to your convenience. Snorkeling tours in Puerto Rico are safe, so whether you are a first-timer or an experienced swimmer, you can enjoy your day underwater down on the island.
Here are some of the island’s best spots for snorkeling.
Tamarindo and Carlos Rosario
Two stunning beaches just off the coast of Culebra with calm waters and a mountainous backdrop, their real beauty lies underneath the soft waves. With over a mile-long coastline, at Tamarindo and Carlos Rosario, you can spot sea turtles, manta rays, groupers, and other colorful schools of fish swimming around. The beaches share its waters with the Luis Peña Natural Reserve, making the sea life very active. The waters are calm, ideal for families with children or inexperienced snorkelers searching for a great day under the sun. When you ask around, guides will advise you to swim towards the left far area of the beach, where most of the marine life can be seen, and the University of Puerto Rico invests time planting coral to refurbish the reef. Water taxis and private charters arrive at Culebra through this route, so be aware of the motorboats out at sea.
La Cordillera Nature Reserve
It doesn’t get more pristine than La Cordillera in Fajardo. The group of nine small cays, including Icacos, Cayo Lobos, Palomino, Cayo Ratones, and others, is known for covering nearly 20 nautical miles. You can arrive by a water taxi, catamaran trip, or private charter to most of the cays and spend the day exploring its active seagrass bed. In this vibrant ecosystem, you’ll see turtles, manatees, sea cucumbers, starfishes, juvenile fish, queen conchs, and even stingrays. You’ll also notice the variety of reefs, spanning from rocky to fiery and the endangered elkhorn reef.
The Mona Passage
The west region of Puerto Rico is also full of colorful marine life. Off the coast of Rincón are Desecheo, Mona, and Monito, three uninhabited islands popular for snorkeling and diving. These three spots make up the famous Mona Passage known as the Galápagos of the Caribbean. These cays have crystal-clear waters that make it easy for swimmers to find their way around the colorful rocks and boulders surrounding the corals. You’ll find vibrant sea fans and big schools of diverse fish, shrimp, and starfishes, turtles, and sometimes dolphins that will brighten your dive. You’ll see undersea canyons and caverns you can dive into or observe from above. These protected reserves can only be reached by boat, so make sure to book a trip in advance.
La Chiva
Formerly known as “Blue Beach,” La Chiva is a secluded beach in Vieques famous for its variant shades of gentle blue waves. The calm waters with patches of seagrass here and there make the conditions ideal for first-time snorkelers and children. The water becomes clearer over the summer months, which makes snorkeling even easier and enjoyable. A little bit away from the shore, but not too far, lies some of the healthiest coral reefs in La Isla Nena, which houses a variety of bright fishes you’ll find to be playful. Unlike other cays, this spot is accessible through a beach with gazebos and parking space, which can take your experience from “active” to “lounging” very comfortably.
Best Places to Go Kayaking and Paddle Boarding in Puerto Rico
Experience the island’s coastline at your pace.
Puerto Rico is a beach-lovers playground. The year-round “summer-like” conditions, crystal clear waters, and varied marine life make it the ideal setting for a day (or night) of paddling around in the ocean.
With a seemingly endless selection of pristine beaches, guided trips, and plenty of equipment rentals all over the island, you can have unforgettable experiences out in the water. Pick your preferred vessel and practice some paddle boarding or kayaking. The “class zero” slow currents in various spots around the island make these activities manageable for beginners and younger family members. There is no excuse not to get out there!
Whether you are taking a guided journey into the mangroves of a lagoon, a leisurely paddle through turquoise seaways, or a relaxing cruise along the city’s coastline, these recommendations are as fun-filled as they are unforgettable.
Leave your cares behind and paddle your way through the Caribbean’s natural beauty.
In the city
The capital city’s kayaking and paddle boarding opportunities are mostly concentrated in the Condado and Isla Verde neighborhoods. One popular spot for these splashy activities is the Laguna del Condado (the lagoon), where you can enjoy the peaceful environment. Work on your tan lines and paddle under sunny skies during the day or paint your face with neon colors and paddle guided by the stars on a night excursion. At this well-maintained bayou, you can spot fishes, turtles, and even manatees that roam the lagoon while you venture in a glass-bottom raft.
At Isla Verde, the seaside backdrop of the hotel strip (near the Fairmont El San Juan Hotel) is another ideal place to sharpen your skills. You will find many kayak and paddleboard rentals suited for the peaceful swells. Companies like San Juan Paddleboarding and Castillo Tours offer a variety of options to accommodate your schedule.
Bioluminescent Bays
Does glowing, neon-colored water sound fun? Be ready to embark on a surreal experience at the bioluminescent bays Mosquito Bay, La Parguera, and Laguna Grande. Located in Vieques, Lajas, and Fajardo respectively, these magical marine habitats are best enjoyed at night, preferably during a new moon. Navigate across the mangroves and, as you paddle, notice the glow-in-the-dark effect that happens in the water when millions of microorganisms are agitated. It is an experience like no other!
Keep in mind that the roundtrips into the bio bays span for several miles, and swimming is not permitted to protect these unique ecosystems. You can paddleboard and practice other watersports in nearby beaches like Sun Bay and Mosquito Bay beach in Vieques, and Seven Seas in Fajardo.
You can book trips and rent equipment from Eco Adventure Kayaks, Island Kayaking Adventures, Pure Adventures, and many more in Fajardo; Black Beard Sports, Bieque Eco Trips, and Jak’s Adventures on the island of Vieques; and Caribbean Chili Boats, Parguera Watersports, and Kayaking Parguera Tours in Lajas.
Luis Peña Reserve
Culebra is all about reaching secluded reefs, cays, and islets in the Luis Peña Reserve, the place with the highest coral cover on the island. You will paddle through crystal-clear waters with imposing mountains in the background and colorful schools of tropical fish underneath.
Pristine beaches like Tamarindo, Playa Melones, and Carlos Rosario – not to mention Flamenco – have stunning panoramic views to relish in and impeccably soft waves for those inexperienced paddlers. If you happen to bring snorkeling gear with you, be sure to step off your vessel for a swim to make the most of a day under the sun.
Isla Ratones
Just off the coast of Cabo Rojo is the secluded, family-friendly reserve Isla Ratones. You can only get there by boat (and should bring all the supplies you need), but it is a trip worth taking. Be astounded by the white-sand beach and clear waters with soft waves that will make your activities a pleasure. Although the marine life is not as active as some other locations near Cabo Rojo, there are some mangroves and coral reefs around, so you’ll surely see small fishes swimming around your boat.
Isla Ratones is ideal for a full day getaway, and there are roofed picnic stations with BBQ pits, restrooms, and showers. Adventures Tourmarine has a boat that goes back and forth to this little islet and rents out kayaking equipment for the day.
