Puerto Rico is a land of diverse geography and is considered a tropical paradise. Puerto Rico has a big stretch of coastline. The Caribbean island is well known for its white sand beaches, tropical weather and clear waters. Travelers can explore secluded coves or the most popular party beaches Puerto Rico has to offer. Some of the best beach activities for tourists include snorkeling, diving, surfing and paddle boarding. Visitors that just want to sit back, relax and sunbathe are also invited to simply sip on a fresh piña colada and watch the waves pass by.
Puerto Rico has year round tropical weather. This means that the best time of year to visit depends slightly on the changes in weather but factors in other things. Travelers should aim to travel to Puerto Rico during the dry season, so they do not have to deal with heavy rainfall during their beach vacation. Winter, which is technically around December to March, is the most ideal time for weather. During these months visitors can expect (relatively) low temperatures of about 70 to 80 degrees. Within that season, April and May are considered optimal months for beach stays since the temperatures are mild and tourist spots are less crowded.
To visit during the least busy season, travelers should aim for late summer and late fall. This is also the time when travel to Puerto Rico is the least expensive (accommodations, flights, food and excursions). These seasons have a disadvantage though, since this is hurricane season. Travelers may chance being caught in less than ideal weather conditions and putting themselves in unsafe conditions.
There are many beach options for travelers wanting to bask in the sun in Puerto Rico. Travelers wanting to enjoy a beach vacation in PR should assess their options based on the type of trip they’d like to have. So, we have taken a look at the best beaches in Puerto Rico and provided all the details travelers need to know.
Best Beaches Overall
For travelers that enjoy the communal nature of public beaches, there are plenty of options in Puerto Rico. The United States territory has over 200 beaches on the almost 300 mile span of coastline. These are the best beaches for tourist access.
Rincón
With over eight miles of coastline, Rincón beaches are readily available to tourists. These beaches are usually smaller and have clear blue waters. They are well known for being less developed and incredibly eye-catching. These pristine beaches have plenty to offer travelers. Some of the most popular activities at the many Rincón Beaches include snorkeling, power diving, sea shell collecting, surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding and swimming. Depending on the season and beach, some places may not be as safe for swimming. But overall, the Rincón Public Beach is a pretty good option.
Cabo Rojo
Cabo Rojo is a municipality in Puerto Rico which has some of the best beaches. These beaches are located near a coastal town on the southwestern side of the island, so they are easily accessible. There are historic landmarks and unique landscapes in Cabo Rojo, so tourists will have plenty to do. The beaches of Cabo Rojo have clear waters, pink salt flats and stunning rock formations on the coast. Playa Buyé, Playa Sucia (or La Playuela) and Boquerón Beach are among some of the most popular beaches in the area.
Luquillo
Luquillo Beach is very popular due to its amenities and activities. It is incredibly accessible since it is named after a nearby town, which reflects in the occasional crowds. On weekends and in the summer travelers will notice the crowds, especially because this beach is beloved by locals and tourists alike. For access to the beach, travelers simply have to pay the entrance fee that costs around $4. For access to the showers and bathroom facilities, travelers will need to pay a small additional fee. The marine life at Luquillo Beach is unmatched. There are plenty of sea creatures to appreciate while sprawled out on this beach including the most prominent visitors, Leatherback and Hawksbill Sea Turtles. For beach adventurers, Luquillo Beach is a dream destination. Travelers that like a little adrenaline rush can enjoy snorkeling, paddle boarding, kitesurfing, kayaking and swimming on the beach.
Best Remote Beaches in Puerto Rico
These stunning beaches are the most intimate stretches along the coast. At these beaches, seclusion meets serenity. The crystal clear waters and warm white sands make these Puerto Rican beaches some of the most peaceful places for travelers to visit.
Culebrita
Playa Tortuga is a remote and uninhabited island of Culebrita. This archipelago of islands in the Caribbean Sea is located off the coast of Culebra, a larger island on the coast. Travelers can get there via seaplane or boat ride, but water taxis are much more common. After a short boat ride (which costs about $65 per person for a round trip including a hammock and snorkeling gear) from mainland Puerto Rico, travelers can enjoy this protected national wildlife refuge. The long crescent of Playa Tortuga is a common nesting ground for Green Sea Turtles and is even nicknamed Turtle Beach. It is also home to Faro Culebrita, the oldest operating lighthouse in the Caribbean which was built by the Spanish crown in 1886. This landmark is off limits for tourists but offers great photo opportunities. Since Culebrita is uninhabited, travelers should enjoy the serene beach during their day trip.
Icacos
This beach is on a tiny uninhabited island called Cayo Icacos off the coast of Fajardo but can also be easily reached from San Juan. This beach can only be reached by boat, so the majority of travelers opt to book catamaran day trips or water taxis. Something to note about this destination is that there is less shade available. There are not many palm trees, so the beach is best for swimming, snorkeling or sunbathing. There is an abandoned pier with plenty of marine life thriving there for snorkeling. This beach has some of the clearest waters off the east coast of Puerto Rico. Icacos Beach is best known for its snorkeling and diving opportunities but there are other leisurely beach activities. Most other travelers enjoy the beach for partying, listening to music and relaxing.
Culebra
Playa Punta Soldado is a secluded spot on the island of Culebra. It is an ideal option for travelers that want to relax and enjoy the ocean views. With its very pebbly beach, coral reefs and slightly rocky coast, it is not the best option for carefree swimming. It is best for travelers to wear swim shoes to protect themselves. There are no facilities or food options on this beach, so travelers should be prepared to pack everything they need for this day trip. Many travelers simply enjoy the solitude of the crystal clear waters at Punta Soldado, snorkel or dive.