Puerto Rico Beaches Guide
Laura Schulthies
Laura Schulthies
Vanessa Howard
Vanessa HowardThe Caribbean island of Puerto Rico is home to excellent white sand beaches that welcome visitors to surf, sunbathe and swim in their waters. Puerto Rico beaches also have excellent snorkeling thanks to the thriving and vibrant reef system. To help you plan your next visit to this beautiful island, we have compiled a list of 7 of the best beaches in Puerto Rico.
This article contains affiliate links. If you click on our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us continue to offer free travel guides, but does not influence our recommendations in any way. Thanks for supporting independent travel content.
The Best Puerto Rico Beaches
Flamenco Beach
Flamenco Beach is as close to a tropical paradise beach as you can get. The clear and calm water against the ivory sand, shaped like a horseshoe, is truly a beautiful sight. The ideal beach for swimming and unwinding, this location is the very reason people choose to venture outside of mainland Puerto Rico. The coral reefs around Culebra are also considered some of the very best in the Caribbean, making this an excellent place for both diving and snorkeling excursions.
To reach Culebra, take the ferry from Ceiba. The ferry costs $2.50 one-way for adults and takes around 45-55 minutes. You can also fly via Air Flamenco or Cape Air for $45-90 one-way.
Beach Amenities: Entrance Fee ($2 USD), Large Paid Parking Area ($5 USD For Cars, $4 For Golf Carts), Public Restrooms, Public Showers, Public Changing Rooms, Lifeguards On Duty, Camping Area ($35 USD Per Tent).
Stay Nearby! Explore Culebra Hotels on TripAdvisor
Luquillo Beach
Luquillo Beach is known for being one of the prettiest and most accessible beaches in Puerto Rico. The long crescent-shaped stretch of golden sand is lined with swaying palms, and the protected bay creates calm, safe swimming waters perfect for families. Lapping the shores is a stretch of turquoise sea that is great for swimming. The beach features the Mar Sin Barreras accessibility program, and offers free water-safe wheelchairs. Making it one of the most accessible and inclusive beaches in the Caribbean. Just outside the beach entrance you’ll find the famous Luquillo Kiosks with over 60 food stands serving traditional Puerto Rican favorites like alcapurrias, bacalaítos, and fresh seafood. Surfing lessons are available at a nearby beach as well.
Beach Amenities: Parking ($3-5 USD), Restrooms and Showers (condition varies due to recent hurricanes), Lifeguards On Duty (Wed-Sun only), 60+ Food Kiosks, Accessibility Program.
Stay Nearby! Explore Luquillo Hotels on TripAdvisor
Crash Boat Beach
Crash Boat Beach is part of the Punta Borinquen World Surfing Reserve, making it great for surfers, although the surf here is not as consistent as some other beaches in the area. The best waves arrive October through March. The beach is also popular for swimming, but keep in mind there are specifically designated areas for doing, and no lifeguards are on duty. There are fantastic snorkeling opportunities at Crash Boat Beach, particularly around the pier pilings where colorful fish congregate. The pier is also popular for cliff jumping, and ironically, underwater structures that collapsed after Hurricane Maria have created additional marine habitat.
Check current water quality conditions before swimming here.
Beach Amenities: Parking ($9 USD—debit/credit only, no cash), Port-a-Potties, Minimal Showers, Cocoloba Beach Bar (known for fish tacos and mojitos), Food Vendors, No Lifeguards.
Stay Nearby! Explore Aguadilla Hotels on TripAdvisor
Tortuga Beach
The idyllic Tortuga Beach is only accessible by boat, making this white-sand cove one of Culebra’s best-hidden gems. While seaplanes fly to Culebra Island, you’ll still need to arrange a separate boat ride to reach Culebrita and Tortuga Beach. Named “Tortuga” (turtle) for a reason, this cove serves as a home and feeding ground for green sea turtles. Peak turtle nesting occurs late April to early May, though snorkelers spot turtles year-round in the seagrass beds. At this nearly deserted beach, you are sure to find tropical bliss.
Water taxis from Culebra cost $55-60 per person round-trip. Popular operators include Gammy’s Water Tours and H2O Water Taxis, with multiple daily departures.
Beach Amenities:No Amenities Available, make sure to bring all supplies including water, food, and sun protection. Only Accessible.
Stay Nearby! Explore Culebra Hotels on TripAdvisor
Domes Beach
As a true surfer haven, Domes Beach is famous for big wave surfing, with waves reaching 15 feet during winter swells. Domes Beach is not for beginners, and swimming here is not recommended due to dangerous rip currents, rocky bottom, and sea urchins. Keep in mind there are no lifeguards on duty. With its turquoise waters and golden sand, this beach is an excellent spot for whale watching during the winter months. Humpback whales migrate to Puerto Rico’s waters from January through March, with peak viewing in February. The beach is also popular for horseback riding tours.
Beach Amenities: Free Parking On and Behind Beach, Ola Sunset Café at the Lighthouse (Cash Only, Restrooms Available Inside), No Lifeguards.
Stay Nearby! Explore Rincon Hotels on TripAdvisor
Sun Bay Beach
Just eight miles from Puerto Rico’s mainland, Isla Vieques is 21 miles long and four miles wide and is home to a beautiful stretch of sand known as Sun Bay Beach. This is one of the island’s most popular beaches, but this island is also known for its Bioluminescent Bay. There is no need to pack an umbrella for your time on Sun Bay Beach, as there are gorgeous palm trees providing just the right amount of shade.
To reach Vieques, you can take the ferry from Ceiba for $2 one-way, about 30-45 minutes. Alternatively, you can fly via Cape Air or Vieques Air Link for $80-180 one-way, with a 25-minute flight from San Juan.
Beach Amenities: Entry Fee ($4 per car on weekends), Ample Parking, Public Restrooms, Public Showers, Picnic Tables, BBQ Grills, Campgrounds ($10 per site per night with advance permit), Lifeguards On Duty, Plenty of Palm Trees to Hang a Hammock, Arenamar SunBay’s Cafe.
Stay Nearby! Explore Vieques Hotels on TripAdvisor
Cayo Icacos
Icacos isn’t just one singular beach, but rather a tiny island known as Cayo Icacos. Trust us, it’s worth the extra effort to reach Cayo Icacos, part of the La Cordillera Nature Reserve. Trust us, it’s worth the extra effort to reach Cayo Icacos. The tiny island and its pristine beach are only accessible by boat and completely uninhabited. The snorkeling here is exceptional, with sea turtles commonly spotted among vibrant coral reefs. Visitors can expect few frills, but what you’ll get instead is complete peace and solitude from the outside world.
Boat tours from Fajardo cost $75-150 per adult depending on the operator, typically including snorkel gear and lunch. Water taxis run $50-70 per person round-trip from Las Croabas.
Beach Amenities: No Amenities Available, DRNA Nature Reserve Fee ($4).
Stay Nearby! Explore Fajardo Hotels on TripAdvisor
More
CARIBBEAN
Puerto Rico is an intoxicating combination of tropical, meets a bygone era. This beautiful island has pristine beaches, excellent dining and vibrant nightlife. See what’s waiting for you in Puerto Rico with its perfect blend of charm and adventure!
Are you ready for that Puerto Rico getaway? This guide to the best all inclusive resorts in Puerto Rico will help you to choose the perfect resort for your relaxation escape.
Puerto Rico has something to offer every traveler. Its sun-filled beaches, traditional cuisine and rum-filled nightlife are the biggest attractions for most tourists to this beautiful island. There are food options for everyone here, whether you love pork, seafood, or margaritas.
There are three incredible bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico that shouldn't be missed. They are a unique attraction, and visiting them is the perfect nighttime adventure. Here's a guide to visiting these bioluminescent bays on your next trip to Puerto Rico.
Whether you are looking to relax on a beach with your favorite rum drink or take a hike through the forest searching for waterfalls, Puerto Rico has it all. Here is our guide to the best hotels in Puerto Rico!
The Dominican Republic is located on the island of Hispaniola and has some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Whether you are looking for quiet and secluded or lively and fun, the Dominican Republic has a beach for everyone.
The Dominican Republic is known for its picturesque beaches, lush jungles, rich cultural heritage and friendly locals. Here is our list of the best Dominican Republic all inclusive resorts to make your visit to the Dominican Republic incredible.
Packing for beach vacations shouldn’t be hard, so we’ve put together a unique beach vacation packing list to help and included some of our favorite items. From clothes to electronics and everything in between, we've got all the tips to make packing a breeze.
As one of the Dominican Republic’s premiere resort destinations, it’s no wonder that travelers flock to Punta Cana and its endless miles of beaches. Find your ideal vacation getaway with our list of the best Punta Cana all inclusive resorts.
The Bahamas has everything you could desire for a perfect tropical getaway; a warm climate, sparkling blue waters and friendly locals. Here are the best all-inclusive resorts in the Bahamas that you should definitely look into.
Welcome to the ultimate guide to Jamaica all inclusive resorts! Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly resort or a romantic adults-only retreat, we’ve got you covered with this list of the best all inclusive resorts in Jamaica!
Aruba has a wide selection of excellent all inclusive resorts including 5-star luxury, family friendly, adults only and budget friendly options. Here is our guide to the best Aruba all inclusive resorts!