White sandy beaches put Puerto Rico and its offshore islands on tourist maps in the first place. 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.
Condado Beach - San Juan:
You couldn't ask for a more convenient address. Condado is just a 10-minute drive from the airport (Luis Munoz Marin International), or even Old San Juan (where San Felipe del Morro is). It's a favorite of tourists from all over, and the location isn't the only reason. Condado sits just beyond Gran Ventana al Mar plaza.
Isla Verde Beach - San Juan:
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.
Pull up a chair and umbrella, because Isla Verde is one beautiful beach. With nice people having a good time. You have the Casinos close by, the resorts, the water sports, the dining, and the mystique of wondering who may be sitting near you.
Piñones Beach - San Juan:
Breaking away from the San Juan city limits the most scenic drive is up coastal Highway 187. Along Highway 187 is Piñones, where beach goers beat a path to because of the wonderful strip of sand. There is a paved bike path that runs some six miles through mangroves, rock formations, and hugs the coast. 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!
Luquillo Beach - Luquillo:
Some say it's the nicest "balneario" on this coast. You will find over a mile of nice hard fine sand lined by an old coconut plantation. Talk about gorgeous. Luquillo Beach is a Blue Flag facility.
There are lifeguards at Luquillo Beach, along with changing rooms, bathrooms, and a recycling station - nice! You'll fine shaded picnic areas which also come in handy for the afternoon rain showers that develop off the El Yunque mountain rainforest. Sometimes a nice rain is cooling. When you think you've seen it all, beachfront campsites are available. In Puerto Rico, with the protection of the park, this is a treat. There are rentals for kayaks and jet skis.
Isla Palominos - Fajardo:
Fajardo is very beautiful. You will love these types of port towns that seem to have been there forever. A major boating center, Fajardo has many charters available to visit the nearby islands. The diving and snorkeling off the coast here is spectacular. Because of the offshore reef, the shoreline in many areas is calm and since there really isn't any beach around Fajardo, except for Seven Seas Beach, the water is clear.
The El Conquistador Resort & Golden Door Spa has an exclusive lease on a near by island called Isla Palominos. Imagine being ferried off to the 100 acre paradise through cobalt blue seas. The resort has a catamaran that takes you from the hotel out to the island. And the beach here is white!
Flamenco Beach Culebra:
If you want to get exotic, check out Isla Culebra. There's a ferry which is really inexpensive - $2.25 one-way, and sails three times a day from Fajardo. Flamenco Beach is a Blue Flag Beach. Select one of the B and B's you'll have an experience you will cherish for a lifetime.
