THE 10 BEST Puerto Rico Beaches

[Jenelle Cline]

With over 300 miles of shoreline, the greatest beaches in Puerto Rico use a diverse variety of sand and browse. Here are the 12 finest beaches in Puerto Rico

Simply back from: Puerto Rico.

Destination Editor Bailey Johnson took a trip to the United States territory of Puerto Rico, wandering the historic battlements of San Juan, and checking out the remote beaches of Vieques.

1. Flamenco Beach, Culebra

Flamenco Beach is frequently ranked as one of the very best beaches in the Caribbean and the island's premier beach destination. Found on the smaller island of Culebra, part of the Puerto Rican archipelago, this long-time preferred draws in crowds willing to take a trip by automobile, plane or ferryboat to see its amazing beachfront.

Flamenco's crescent-shaped bay is encircled by low, green hills and immaculately fine sand. The two brightly painted Sherman tanks that decorate the back of the beach, a testimony to the marine occupation of the island, have now become iconic landmarks.

2. La Monserrate, Balneario de Luquillo

Simply a stone's toss from El Yunque National Rain forest lies the beloved La Monserrate Beach. Called El Balneario de Luquillo by residents, this exceptionally popular beach is visited by both residents and tourists alike for its warm and shallow waters, family-friendly vibe and sufficient entertainment.

One of a handful of Blue Flag beaches on the island, the calm waves and low tides attract many families whose children play on the beach or picnic areas. Best of all, there are lots of budget-friendly food kiosks that line the beach entrance.

Bird's-eye view of blue-green waters bordered by green bush and white sands on Playa Sucia; best beaches Puerto Rico

There's absolutely nothing filthy about the beautiful Playa Sucia in the southern part of Puerto Rico © Mia2you/ Shutterstock

3. La Playuela, Playa Sucia

Playa Sucia literally translates to unclean beach but don't let the name fool you: this beach is anything but dirty. The wild and separated beach is one of the most beautiful on the island and a preferred amongst those searching for an off-the-beaten-path adventure.

A rocky drive down dirt roadways through the pink Corozo salt flats and the Cabo Rojo wildlife refuge eventually result in a broad crescent of sand, flanked by extraordinary views. The Cabo Rojo Lighthouse, limestone cliffs and blue-green blue waters of the Caribbean Sea all offer an incredible backdrop.

4. Aurora's Secret, Gilligan's Island

Aurora's Secret, commonly called Gilligan's Island-- after the well-known '60s Television program-- is part of the Guanicas' Dry Forest Reserve in Puerto Rico's semi-arid south. Technically not a beach, the cay pays for some of the clearest and most special swims in the island.

5. Playa Isla Verde, San Juan

With many tanned bodies lounging or bending their biceps around the beach ball web, this urban beach indulge in its track record as the Copacabana of Puerto Rico Serenity hunters might choose to head west to Ocean Park however in spite of the crowds, this broad, mile-long swath of sand lying between Punta Las Marías and Piñones in San Juan is an undeniable charm, particularly at sundown. Jet skis, flyboards, beach chairs and umbrellas are all readily available to rent; banana boats and parasailing are on offer too.

A single boat rests on the sandy coast next to a beach; best beaches Puerto Rico.

Take some fantastic photos of grounded fishing boats at Crash Boat © Mikol Hoffman/ Lonely Planet

6. Crash Boat, Aguadilla

Crash Boat Beach in Aguadilla is among the most popular and oft-photographed beaches on Puerto Rico's west coast. Fishing skids park on the sands making for picture-perfect postcard images. The centers consist of parking, washrooms, showers and food suppliers.

Snorkeling and diving are also good here, especially north of the beach's iconic storm-battered pier. This lovely area is well-known for its unbelievable sunsets and many visitors remain well into the night hours to appreciate them.

7. Sun Bay, Esperanza

Part of Puerto Rico's national park system, this half-moon-shaped bay, less than a half-mile east of Esperanza, is Vieques' balneario (public beach), with all the facilities you could expect, including lifeguards and a coffee shop serving criollo deals with. Determining a mile in length, it seldom appears busy-- even with 100 people sunning and playing on it, it will still seem almost deserted. The surf is gentle.

Head to the eastern end for dubious parking locations in the middle of the palms and few other sunbathers. For a lot more solitude, keep heading east on the beach road to Playas Media Luna & Navio. At night, kayak companies frequently start their trips in the parking area, taking Sun Bay's dirt roads to gain access to Bahía Mosquito.

An internet user recorded in the middle of an air-born rotation above a wave; finest beaches Puerto Rico

Ricón is a real web surfer's paradise © James McGraghan/ 500px

8. Rincón

One of the most popular browsing locations on the island is the beach town of Rincón, a true surfer's paradise-- browse stores are plentiful and boards strapped to car roofings are a common sight.

Beaches like Domes, situated in between a lighthouse and Puerto Rico's inactive atomic power plant, provide consistent waves with a mix of beach and reef breaks that make for a mellow trip. Maria's, another favorite Rincón reef break, appropriates for all levels of surfing with its exceptional shape and long rides.

9. Punta Borinquen, Aguadilla

In 2018 Punta Borinquen was called the Caribbean's first World Browsing Reserve. This designation by the Save the Waves Coalition will now safeguard over a dozen first-rate browsing spots topped an almost 5-mile stretch of shoreline from Crash Boat to Web surfer's Beach in Aguadilla. A few of the more famous breaks include Wilderness, Survival Beach and Gas Chambers.

10. Aviones, San Juan

Called for its distance to the San Juan International Airport, Aviones (planes) is one of the most constant beaches for great waves close to the San Juan area. Waves break left and best at this often-crowded break that's best for intermediate https://webhitlist.com/profiles/blogs/the-best-beaches-in-puerto-ri... riders or above. The popular area is visited by thousands of riders throughout the year and can get crowded during the season, but don't let that discourage you-- it's popular for a reason.

A couple in kayaks out in a clear blue ocean with a palm-lined beach to their left

Parts of the Puerto Rico coastline are perfect for kayaking © Justin Lewis/ Getty Images

11. Playa Santa, Guanica

Playa Santa is promoted as one of western Puerto Rico's finest beaches. Follow the trail by the lighthouse out to a spotless crescent beach, where a safeguarded bay makes exceptional swimming for both human beings and manatees.

12. Balneario El Escambrón, San Juan

Typically considered San Juan's finest beach, this protected arc of sand uses decent surf breaks, local action and a 17th-century Spanish fort sparkling in the range. Best of all, it's typically uncrowded.