Enjoying the moment on Culebra Beach in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico Beaches
Isla Verde Beach
Called “Hobby Beach” by the locals, Isla Verde Beach is actually a series of beaches that stretch for miles in front of luxury resorts and posh high-rise residential apartments, restaurants and private clubs, guesthouses and private homes, and parks. This is the beach “to see and be seen.” In addition to the usual beach activities—sunbathing, volleyball, picnicking, etc.–the more adventurous go parasailing, bodysurfing, water skiing, jet skiing, kite sailing (a combination of windsurfing and skiing), or participate in many of the other water sports offered by the numerous beachfront hotels and seaside shops. hosts some of Puerto Rico’s best high-end hotels. The long stretch of sun-kissed sand beach has a relatively calm blue sea, and you can swim there. This public beach has lifeguards, as well as toilet and shower facilities and there are a number of beachfront restaurants to grab a bite to eat at. Even if you’re not staying at a local resort, you can rent beach chairs on the sand. MAP
Luquillo Beach
When most Puerto Ricans and experienced visitors think of a day at the beach, most likely it is Luquillo Beach. For generations, families have made the trek from San Juan and all over the eastern region for a day at sea. A vacation in Puerto Rico was considered incomplete without a visit to Luquillo. Today, Luquillo remains one of the island’s most popular beaches – and with good reason. Offshore reefs keep the waters calm. Families can relax knowing that lifeguards are on duty and the rough surf and deep waters are far, far away. Ample parking, changing and rest rooms, and souvenir and food stands are nearby. Boat access, rentals, windsurfing, and camping areas are available. Among its facilities is a “Sea Without Barriers” program, staffed by professionals who help visitors in wheelchairs join their family and friends for a dip in the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Part of the charm of Luquillo is its proximity to El Yunque National Rainforest. The view from the sea is spectacular: an internationally famous long gold crescent of sand lined by countless coconut palms with the misty mountains of the rainforest towering overhead. MAP
Crash Boat Beach
On Puerto Rico’s west coast, this is a good beach for surfers and boogie-boarding. On days with wind and Sea swells, it is a top-notch spot that attracts large crowds. The beach is also popular with swimmers, with specifically designated areas for doing so. If you are looking for good snorkeling or diving there are opportunities north of the pier and around the bridge. If you would rather just chill in the turquoise sea or on the sand, there are restrooms, showers, and a parking lot. MAP
Playa Sucia
Located on Puerto Rico’s southwestern tip, Cabo Rojo, this beach is the most beautiful beach in this area. It takes 10 minutes to walk from the parking lot to this strip of white sand and turquoise water perfect for swimming. And as such it doesn’t get quite as crowded as other beaches, especially during the week. Also in this area is Cabo Rojo’s famed lighthouse. From here, the views are particularly stunning. Especially if you visit around sunset. While in Cabo Rojo area, also explores Buye Beach for its local vibe and calm water. MAP
Ocean Park Beach
Located at the eastern edge of the district, which was originally developed in the 1950s as a Miami Beach-style area and San Juan’s first tourist zone, Ocean Park Beach is a white-sand affair that is popular with locals. The beach runs for one mile and does not have bathrooms, changing rooms, or showers, so it draws less day-tripping tourists than other area beaches. On the Atlantic Ocean side of the island, the water here is a pretty deep blue with stripes of aquamarine. MAP
Piñones Forest & Beach
One of Puerto Rico’s natural treasures is a mangrove-lover’s paradise and it’s just 20 minutes from San Juan. On your way, you’ll pass a long stretch of public beach, a small marina, and a clutter of seafood shacks and coconut stands at Boca de Cangrejos. You will probably see surfers riding the waves at Aviones, a beach named for the stream of aircraft heading in and out of nearby Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport. Piñones means pines, and you will see plenty of these, too. You will quickly reach the Piñones Natural Reserve with its boardwalk through the forest, wild stretches of beach with fine views of the San Juan skyline, a maze of mangroves, a small bioluminescent bay, dramatic sand dunes and exotic wildlife. If you continue east, you will reach Valcia Talega Beach. The strange landscape of twisted rocks dotted with palm trees, might be a memorable place to end your adventure.
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Tortuga Beach
On Culebrita Island, which is close to Culebra Island, Tortuga Beach is only accessible by water taxi or boat, which is what gives it a Robinson Crusoe-style allure. The wild beach is quite spectacular and a great option for anyone looking to just disconnect for a day and read a book on the sand. There are few facilities, and you’ll want to pack a lunch, but that is all part of the draw. MAP
Flamenco Beach
Located on Culebra Island 17 miles east of Puerto Rico features unspoiled clear water and sun-kissed white sand. A long beach shaped like a horseshoe makes from excellent landscape photos too. The coral reefs around Culebra are also considered some of the Caribbean’s very best, so a diving or snorkeling excursion is recommended. More than a third of the island is also designated as the Isla de Culebra National Wildlife Refuge. It includes some 20 offshore cays. MAP
Sun Bay Beach
Vieques Island features an eyepopping length similar to Flamenco beach. Just eight miles from Puerto Rico’s mainland, Isla Vieques is 21 miles long and five miles wide. Easily accessible, with plenty of parking, as well as public toilets and showers, Sun Bay Beach is one of the island’s most popular beaches with a wide stretch of sand. The island is also known for a unique phenomenon that happens on certain nights at a place known as Bioluminescent Bay (Mosquito Bay). When conditions are right, the water in the bay glows from the movement of a large concentration of phosphorescent animal life. Take an after dark tour by boat to experience it. MAP
