Keirsley PeaseShowcasing crystal waters, soft sand, and lush greenery, Puerto Rico has some of the most exotic beaches in the world. When we decided to take a trip in November 2023, it was overwhelming to try to determine all of the factors. With so many options, how do you decide what’s best? I didn’t want to miss out on anything, but I didn’t know how to slim it down. Well, hours of travel articles and reviews later, and I finally figured it out. I did the work, so you don’t have to! Below, you’ll discover the 10 best beaches in Puerto Rico and some amazing tips to help your travel plans go smoothly.
Know Before You Go
Renting a car when traveling to Puerto Rico is a necessity unless you’re planning to spend most of your time in the tourist areas. Anywhere you decide to experience on the island will be unforgettable, and there are many amazing tourist destinations, but most of the places we chose are only reachable by car.
Although Puerto Rico is an island oasis, swimming at many of the beaches is dangerous and prohibited due to rip currents, undertow, and rough surf. The tourist locations can be a safer option due to lifeguards and popularity; however, there are plenty of local spots that are quiet and secluded. It’s important to always obey flags in the water, follow the lead of the locals, and obey any signs posted. Green flags signal that swimming conditions are ideal; Red/Yellow flags warn that swimming is not permitted. Be smart and aware!
It’s important to carry cash, especially if you’re planning to road-trip along the coast and visit local beaches as we did. Many places don’t accept credit cards, and you’ll want to be prepared just in case!
Visitors can park overnight in designated areas when backcountry camping. However, you’re not allowed to camp in your car or park overnight along the roadside or pull-off areas.
Although we didn’t experience any issues with our cell phone reception, service can be spotty in certain areas. It’s always a good idea to carry a map with you. With that said, Skyline Drive is generally well-marked with very few ways to lose your way.
However, it’s worth noting that there’s only one gas station along the entire Skyline Drive strip. The station is located near Big Meadows (mile 51), but pumps can be extremely unreliable, and diesel is not offered. It’s best to fill up before you begin your adventure-don’t make the mistake we did!
The Beaches
#1) Playa Mar Chiquita
Unique and breathtaking, Playa Mar Chiquita easily became one of our favorite beaches on the island. The rocky shoreline curves into a bowl, with water from the Atlantic Ocean flowing through a natural path between two sets of limestone cliffs. Completely natural and completely unlike anything we’d ever seen before. We also really enjoyed the island vibe. Many locals were playing music, barbecuing with their families, or selling bottles of coquito (YUM). There was also free parking and a food truck located in the parking lot just a few feet from the beach. Although this spot isn’t the most ideal for swimming, it’s worth the trip to explore the cliffs and tidal pools, soak in the amazing views, and get a taste of island life.
#2) Isla Verde Beach
Isla Verde Beach is an excellent choice for families and travelers looking to stay in the more populated areas of the island. There are plenty of beach vendors, kiosks, and lifeguarded areas that provide an upgraded experience. And this beach is well-known for being one of the best for swimming and watersports. Located in San Juan, you’ll be able to access the beach via public transportation, which is nice if you’re not planning to rent a car. The only downside is the lack of bathrooms, showers, and changing facilities… However, we felt that the pros far outweighed the cons. We visited Isla Verde the day that we arrived in Puerto Rico, and it was perfect for an easy travel day experience.
#3) Playa Puerta Nuevo
Another fantastic option for those looking for a low-hassle day is Playa Puerta Nuevo. With on-site restrooms, vendors selling chairs and umbrellas, and kiosks, visitors will have all they need to make the day a success! With the protection from surrounding limestone cliffs, this is an ideal swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding location. And you get all of that without sacrificing the beauty of bright blue water and soft sands. Relaxing here is easy, and that’s what makes Playa Puerta Nuevo one of the best beaches in Puerto Rico.
#4) Tortuga Beach
True to its name, Tortuga Beach is home to an abundance of sea life, especially sea turtles. Visitors almost always spot one of the majestic creatures swimming in the crystal-clear water. This is an amazing spot for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding, as the waves are usually calm. This private and secluded beach will leave you relaxed and rejuvenated. Although this beach is more difficult to get to–you’ll need to take a ferry AND a water taxi/private tour–the hassle is well worth the visit.
#5) La Chiva Beach
Easily one of the most breathtaking sights in Puerto Rico, La Chiva boasts pure white sands and a virgin shoreline. This is the perfect location for explorers looking for a unique and private experience. Located within the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge, La Chiva remains nearly untouched by humanity. There are no lifeguards, kiosks, or vendors—meaning you’ll need to pack in and out all of your gear—which has left the area fairly pristine. You’ll need to take a ferry to reach Vieques, but once you’re there, you won’t be disappointed. Lay out and enjoy the white sand beaches, take a swim in the turquoise waters, or snorkel near the rockier areas of the shoreline. La Chiva is one of Puerto Rico’s many gems.
#6) Monserrate Balneario
Known for its family-friendly atmosphere and hassle-free access to essentials, Monserrate Balneario is an ideal choice for many. Located in Luquillo, we really enjoyed how close this spot was to our Airbnb and several tourist hotspots. The beach itself is stunning due to the island scenery and being well-maintained. Visitors can sprawl out on the sand, enjoy picnic tables, or rent a chair to soak up the sun. This is also one of the best beaches in Puerto Rico for swimming, as the surf is gentler than in many other areas. We also really enjoyed how close the food and drink options were. There are many kiosks on-site with local vendors, but if you’re looking for a larger selection, the Luquillo Kiosks are just a short walk (shorter drive) down the road. This truly was an amazing area to explore, and it really made for a wonderful beach experience.
#7) Mosquito Bay
If you’re looking for a truly unique experience during your trip to Puerto Rico, Mosquito Bay should make the top of the list. Although technically not a beach, this bioluminescent bay is one of the top tourist locations on the island. There is no swimming due to the sensitivity of the plankton, which gives the water its magical glow. However, late-night kayaking and paddleboarding are unforgettable. To reach this amazing location, you’ll need to make the trip to Vieques, a small satellite island. Once there, you’ll need to book a tour to Mosquito Bay, as reaching the cove can be quite difficult.
NOTE: Plan your tour on or around the new moon to get the most out of your experience, as any light pollution can make viewing the bioluminescent glow more difficult.
#8) Cueva Del Indio
Although this spot isn’t your typical “beach”, it still makes the list for one of the best beaches in Puerto Rico due to its uniqueness. Cueva del Indio is a nature and marine reserve home to a cave filled with ancient Taino hieroglyphs. It also offers visitors the ability to enjoy beautiful coastal views and explore tidal pools surrounding the caves. It’s important to mention that if you do plan to visit the caves, you’ll want to wear closed-toed shoes, be prepared to do some climbing, and be aware of the tidal patterns. Visiting during low tide is the safest.
NOTE: Although visitors are able to park along the roadside and walk in (for free), the area has become more known for car break-ins. Paying for the private lot ($10) is a great way to potentially avoid a headache.
#9) Punta Tuna Beach
Punta Tuna Beach is the perfect option for exploring the island’s history and wildlife.. Roadside parking is free, and the beach can be reached by following the footpath along the chain-link fence. The reward will be golden sands, leaning palms, and unique rock formations, which highlight the beauty of the island. While the water is inviting, visitors cannot swim due to the strong currents. Nevertheless, there are plenty of other activities to do. On a cliff overlooking the shoreline sits Punta Tuna Lighthouse. Although closed to the public, visitors can still check out the structure, built by Spain in 1890. Another great activity is the connected walking trail. The trail loops throughout a nature reserve and showcases mangrove trees, monsteras, hermit crabs, and lizards. It happened to storm during our visit, and we saw several iguanas emerge from the underbrush!
#10) Playa Los Bohios
If visiting a black sand beach is one of your bucket list experiences, you’re in for a treat. Located in the southeast, Playa Los Bohios is easy to access with free parking nearby and minimal trekking required. When we decided to visit this spot during our trip, we didn’t know what to expect. But the views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding mountains were stunning. And the glittering black sands, a natural phenomenon from volcanic erosion, were absolutely shocking. Although the shoreline itself is narrow and the strong currents make swimming dangerous, we really enjoyed exploring the area.
NOTE: Weather conditions can affect the visibility of the black sand, and there are times when the shoreline may appear golden. If this is the case during your visit, you can find black sand just below the top layer by digging a few inches!
