It’s hard not to speak in clichés when describing Puerto Rico. After all, this is a landscape where white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush jungles are kind of the thing. But if those descriptors do in fact appeal to your interests, it might be time to book a vacation to visit this Caribbean coastline. While there are countless destinations and activities to fill your travel itinerary with (from dancing at La Factoria to hiking in El Yunque National Forest), nothing quite compares to the best beaches in Puerto Rico.
In addition to the mainland, Puerto Rico is also made up of several smaller islands, including Vieques and Culebra (you’ll soon learn some of the most pristine hidden beaches can be discovered in those last two locales). If you’re a snorkeler, prepare to spend hours in shallow waters as sea turtles and schools of colorful fish swim around you. For the surfers in the group, head for wave havens like Rincón and Aguadilla. Or, if you’re more of a sunbathe and read kind of beachgoer, rest assured Puerto Rico’s remote stretches of sand will keep you blissfully distracted from your life obligations for the duration of your tropical getaway.
With no need for a passport and toasty temperatures all year round, the best beaches in Puerto Rico await. Continue ahead for 11 sun-drenched spots worthy of a visit.
Tortuga
This serene beach on the uninhabited island of Culebrita exceeds expectations with its remote location and rugged landscape. Playa Tortuga is distinct for a handful of reasons—it’s accessible only by boat and is named after its resident sea turtles (not to mention unbelievably clear water and fluffy sand that spills into a lush jungle). The most enjoyable way to reach this crescent-shaped shoreline is via private boat hire departing from Fajardo. If you’re on a budget, take a ferry from mainland Puerto Rico to Culebra off the eastern coast, then hop on a water taxi to Culebrita (around 20 minutes). And don’t forget: There are no restrooms, restaurants, or shops on the island, so pack everything you ll need for a day in this wonderfully remote paradise.
La Chiva
La Chiva on the island of Vieques is frequently ranked among the best spots in the Caribbean and is known for its blue gradient waters. This beach is one of the most idyllic destinations in Puerto Rico for snorkeling thanks to the clear and calm water, schools of colorful fish that wade throughout grass beds, and multiple reef systems. It’s also located within the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge, which means the ecosystem is well protected. There are restrooms and trash bins available at the entrance as well as gazebos for post-snorkel snacks.
Punta Borinquen
On the northern tip of Puerto Rico near Aguadilla, Punta Borinquen is renowned for both its iconic waves and impressive scenery. The beach was recently declared a World Surf Reserve (the first one in the Caribbean), which in turn will strengthen the region’s conservation initiatives. If you surf, there’s over a dozen breaks to enjoy, but other highlights like coastal forest walks and secret sea caves make the beach a worthy visit for any kind of visitor.
Pozo Teodoro
Pozo Teodora is a hidden gem on the northern coast of Puerto Rico that is surrounded by sand dunes and punctuated by striking rock formations. Like most beaches on this list, the waters are crystal clear, but what makes this coastline especially unique is its natural cove, which creates sheltered, shallow pools for swimming and exploring. Even better: the ocean’s waves crash into these rocks, creating a spectacular display. (Word to the wise: pack your swim shoes.)
La Playuela
As one Vogue writer explains, “Playa Sucia is an isolated beach protected by the town’s nature reserve with a stunning lighthouse view worth the venture.” The beach (also known as La Playuela) is in the Cabo Rojo region on the southwest coast and is notably absent of commercial development on its limestone cliff shorefront, further adding to the unmatched beauty. A small transportation tip: accessing the beach requires a brief hike from the parking lot (just over a mile), so wear appropriate footwear and come prepared with essentials.
Caracas
With its white sands and shallow turquoise waters, Playa Caracas epitomizes a Caribbean beach day. It’s located within the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge and remains relatively uncrowded in comparison to nearby beaches such as Sun Bay. Visitors can snorkel, bodyboard, or even stroll along the beach in search of large green iguanas (the island is home to a thriving population of these colorful reptiles). While there are no restrooms on site, ample parking and a few small gazebos provide convenient amenities.
Mar Chiquita
Of all the beaches in Puerto Rico, this is potentially the most photographed—and understandably so. Playa Mar Chiquita’s striking horseshoe silhouette is shaped by two limestone outcroppings, which together create a natural swimming pool filled by water flowing in from the Atlantic. The beach is near Manatí on the northern coast, and on the weekends there are food trucks where you can snap up Puerto Rican fritters and drinks.
Cayo Icacos
The Cayo Icacos is just a mile-and-a-half off Puerto Rico’s east coast and makes for an ideal day trip from Fajardo or San Juan. It can be reached via water taxi or private catamaran (around 20 minutes) and is one of the cays that make up La Cordillera Nature Reserve. Expect the usual suspects: white sand, turquoise water, and ample marine life for snorkelers to explore. And because it’s uninhabited, there are no facilities on the island, so pack everything you’ll need before setting sea.
La Selva
To reach La Selva’s covetable shoreline, you’ll need to drive an hour east from San Juan to Luquillo. Steer your way through a nature reserve complete with large rocks and watery passages, and you’ll arrive at this remarkable beach that offers views of El Yunque National Forest in the distance. (Unsurprisingly, a 4x4 vehicle isn’t a bad idea.) This area is an important location for sea turtle nesting, so be sure to keep an eye out for any warning signs on the sand, and waves can get quite big here, so swim with caution.
Navio
Vieques is home to many of Puerto Rico’s most glorious beaches, including Playa Navio with its hidden caves and dense greenery. The waves are also famously gentle, making this an excellent destination for beginner surfers and boogie boarding alike. If you’re in the mood for a stroll, head for the cliffs in pursuit of secret caves, or simply spread a blanket out on the white sand to soak in the Caribbean s rays.
Domes
Nothing beats a small surf town vibe, especially when it’s in Rincón; a Puerto Rican region world-famous for its surfing. While there are several stretches of coastline worth exploring here (including Sandy Beach and Maria’s Beach), Domes is particularly well-liked for its big waves and pristine sunbathing opportunities. The beach gets its name from a white dome-shaped structure that was once a nuclear facility built in the 1960s.
FAQ
Puerto Rico has 270 miles of coastline and nearly 300 recognized beaches (though depending on who you ask, that number can be much higher).
Puerto Rico is famous for its clear, turquoise waters (even more so around beaches in the west, south, and the islands off the coast of the mainland). Beaches especially well-known for clear water include Flamenco Beach in Culebra and Playa Caracas in Vieques. That said, beaches with more wave action or weather events like recent storms can have an impact on the clarity of the water.
Yes, by law all beaches in Puerto Rico are accessible to the public.
In Puerto Rico, balnearios are public bathing beaches managed by the government. While free to visit, they usually charge for parking. There are typically lifeguards on duty, and amenities like showers, restrooms, and picnic areas provide a more convenient experience.
