Best Beaches of Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico has 272 miles of coastline, and plenty of beaches to go around it. To contrast, there are places with water as calm as a pond and fantastic breakers with world class surf. Beaches here may be lined with high-rise condos and hotels, or in pristine national wildlife refuges.

But it doesn't matter what you're up to - a laid-back siesta with a clean hammock, or a party with the best reggaeton around - there is a beach in Puerto Rico for you. Here, you'll find a great system of balnearios, or public beaches, that - like Curacao, charge a small fee. They have ample parking and lifeguards, concessions and bathrooms.

And we found something special here; four of the beaches, two in San Juan, one at Luquillo, and one on Isla Culebra - are Blue Flag Beaches. This means they are administered in a safe and environmentally conscious manner.

San Juan has been a tourist destination for decades, with convenience and casinos, age-old Latin culture and weather that's hard to beat. The fortress guarding the harbor here, San Felipe del Morro, is a must visit. But let's head out to the beaches which are sure to please.

First a note about Puerto Rican beaches. We found that the most white were on the smaller islands of Culebra and Vieques. We believe this is because there is less silt content in the sand from the mountains of the main island.

But tan beaches can be enjoyable. Some beaches we found had too much sea grass to make them nice to wade in. Others were just downright treacherous. Off the northwest coast are the best surf beaches - but you must mind the currents or you can get in trouble real quick.

And finally, there's a move about to give Puerto Rico autonomy. You'll see and hear chatter about it everywhere. And that's okay. Puerto Ricans need what's theirs. On Vieques, bad vibes still exist over the Navy's long occupation, turning much of the island into a target range. Some places on the island are still off limits because of unexploded bombs.

So we start out with my favorite, Condado. It's close enough to see from the airport and worth the visit. Next! >>>

Pinones Beach - San Juan, Puerto Rico

Breaking away from the San Juan city limits the most scenic drive is up coastal Highway 187. Along Highway 187 is Pinones, where beach goers beat a path to because of the wonderful strip of sand. There are still traces of hurricane Hugo which hit in 1989. But the best thing we liked about Pinones is the paved bike path that runs some six miles through mangroves, rock formations, and hugs the coast.

You'll see the signs off the Highway, and note a mile-long gravel parking lot. This is your cue for the most popular part of the beach. It is here that an offshore rock ledge forms an almost mile-long natural pool where families come to enjoy the sandy bottom and super calm water. And it's never more than four feet deep!

If you get to Pinones Beach early, you'll be able to stake out one of the few coconut palms. If you don't, make sure you bring some sort of shade.

When here, you'll be able to count the many aircraft taking off out of San Juan International Airport. The beach and coast lie right in the flight path. And that's the reason why one of the more popular surf breaks here is appropriately called "Aviones."

Further east, we noted miles upon miles of sand dunes with coconut palms dotting them. It would seem you could hike along them for a day, but you'd probably be trespassing at some point. Make sure you take a canteen and a camera if you go.

Because of the rock ledge, swimming isn't the best. But we found a nice swim area called Vacia Telega at the far eastern point of Pinones Beach, about where those dunes start. Don't worry though. You can tan forever, or fish, as many do. Walk eastward to the point - you'll enjoy the view.

One last tip - bring some drink and food as there isn't always the occasional beach vendor here. But down at the west end of the strip, we did find El Pulpo Loco, with seafood and guess what?! Mountain bikes to rent! Make sure you ride the trail.

Pinones Beach - Beach Index:

• Sand - medium to fine grain, with trade winds some sand whips up
• Facilities - few and far between
• Shade - a few coconut palms
• Sports - fishing, surfing, swimming
• Notes - some cases of car thieves in the area. Make sure you're not the only one at the beach.
  

Up the coast, a Puerto Rico Blue Flag Beach - camping and more - at Luquillo Beach - Next! >>

Isla Verde Beach - San Juan, Puerto Rico

Now all the locals know the best place to go around the San Juan area is Isla Verde. It's a majestic, 200 feet wide strip of that genuine light tan sand and surf that is so gentle, you'll say you've found paradise. We used to call them the "Jet Set", but whatever you call them, people who want to be seen tend to stay toward the El San Juan Resort & Casino and the Intercontinental San Juan Resort & Casino. That's where the amenities are, and we found the beach just as nice.

Pull up a chair and umbrella, because Isla Verde is one beautiful beach. With nice people having a good time, we could sit for hours and literally people watch (if our favorite novel came to an end). But here, you could write your own screenplay because everything is right here. You have the Casinos close by, the resorts, the water sports, the dining, and the mystique of wondering who may be sitting near you.

Sit for a little and you'll see people enjoying kayaks and PWC's, or jet-skis as we used to call them. Plus as we said, this beach beats most for enjoyable swimming with nice wave action and the not too big surf. Families trek here all weekend long, and hate to go back home.

When you're hungry, you'll find Isla Verde Avenue full of restaurants. Do yourself a favor and take a break from the fast food. Order some delicious take-out Cuban sandwiches or their awesome shrimp mofongo from the local Mi Casita which is in the Plazoleta de Isla Verde. Take the sandwiches to sea - and sit on tables oceanfront, or simply in the sand and watch the action.

Make sure you check out San Juan Waterfun with everything you can imagine in water sports. They have the kayaks and Hobies and everything in between, including the fun banana boat ride!

Isla Verde - Beach Index:

• Sand - fine, and a little deeper here. Has a nice golden hue.
  
• Facilities - abound with many rentals available.
  
• Shade - some palms, otherwise choose umbrellas.
  
• Sports - all, however snorkeling/diving is not great.
  
• Notes - this is where it's at around San Juan.
  

Hey, coming up, there's a beautiful beach just up Highway 187 from San Juan. Pinones is Next! >>