The Best Beaches in Puerto Rico for Every Traveler

Situated in the northwestern hub of Rincón, Domes Beach is one of the most famous surfing spots in the Caribbean. This year-round paradise is a hotspot for various competitions, including the famed Corona Pro Surf, where you can marvel at those brave and/or stupid enough to ride the incredible waves. If you prefer a slower pace, Domes Beach is also famed for whale watching during the winter. Migrating humpbacks pass by from January to March, and can be viewed from the historic Punta Higüero lighthouse or the surf.

La Playuela, commonly known as Sucia Beach, is a wild and isolated paradise. It’s part of the Cabo Rojo nature reserve and has superb views of the surrounding landscape. If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-track adventure, you can find this crescent of white sand by following the pink Corozo salt flats on dirt track trails. With no hotels or oceanfront businesses in sight, the Cabo Rojo Lighthouse and limestone cliffs provide a perfect lookout where you can switch off from the rest of the world, before watching the sun disappear past the horizon.

Flamenco Beach, located on Culebra Island off the coast of Puerto Rico, has been heralded as the second-most-beautiful beach in the world by The Discovery Channel. It extends for an entire mile, framed by majestic hills and tropical palm trees, and is famed for its calm turquoise waters. It’s a haven for snorkelling, swimming and basking in the sunshine. Truly, it’s a dream destination for future travels.

Ideal if you’re looking to explore a hidden Caribbean gem, Black Sand Beach (also known as Playa Negra) is one of Puerto Rico’s most dramatic and mesmerising spots. The beach is located on the south side of the island of Vieques, off the coast of the mainland. After following a short coastal trail, you’ll be rewarded with stunning scenery and shifting volcanic sand on this remote, peaceful beach.

Along the north coast of Puerto Rico lie various beautiful natural pool beaches, and Mar Chiquita is unquestionably the most picture-perfect. Aptly translating to Little Sea, Mar Chiquita is a breathtaking half-moon cove, ideal for swimming and soaking up the sun before you take that flawless, Instagrammable snap. Being located just 45 minutes west of the bustling city of San Juan only affirms Mar Chiquita as a favourite, to the point where food trucks serve traditional Puerto Rican fritters and refreshing drinks on the weekends.

Jobos Beach is close to the town of Isabela and offers the ultimate beach experience with a classic Caribbean vibe. A local favorite suitable for all, from surfers to sunbathers, the palm-tree-lined hangout is a hotspot not to be missed. With plenty of beach bars, surf shacks and restaurants nearby, you will never be far from a piña colada or a tasty catch-of-the-day at Jobos Beach.

Isla Verde is the premier beach destination for families. Its golden-sand shores are divided into three main beaches, all beautifully lined with luscious palm trees: Pine Grove, Alambique and Carolina. Each one has an array of luxury hotels and restaurants, accommodating both day and night. If you’re seeking a taste of luxury, Carolina Beach is home to the Fairmont El San Juan Hotel, Ritz-Carlton San Juan and Courtyard by Marriott Beach Resort. The resorts are unbeatable if you’re after a city-slick beach holiday post-lockdown, thanks to their close proximity to the heart of San Juan.