With 272 miles (438km) of Atlantic and Caribbean coastline, Puerto Rico obviously has plenty of beaches-more than 250 of them. No two beaches are alike. Some are long, straight, and very popular, with active and lively waves. Others have calmer waters, are more intimate, and are off the beaten path.
Puerto Rico's public beaches are called balnearios; they charge for parking and for use of facilities such as lockers and showers. Some of Puerto Rico's balnearios are practically deserted. They are closed on Monday, except if Monday is a holiday; in that case, they are open then but closed on Tuesday. In winter, public beach hours are 9am to 5pm; in summer, 9am to 6pm. For more information about the island's many beaches, call the Department of Sports and Recreation at tel. 787/721-2800.
The most frequented beaches in San Juan are Condado Beach, Isla Verde Beach, and Ocean Park Beach. The largest concentration of hotels in Puerto Rico-it's like Miami Beach-opens onto these golden sands, which have public facilities. The big resorts have been built, naturally, on the most idyllic sands. Even so, the beaches, including those fronting resorts, are open to the public in general. If, however, you use any of the facilities of the hotel or its services, you have to pay a fee, of course. Condado and Isla Verde beaches, in particular, are often overcrowded, especially during the winter season.
In the northeast of the island are 6 miles (9.6km) of relatively unspoiled beaches, with waters ranging from calm to raging. Visits to El Yunque, the rainforest, are often combined with a stopover at the most popular (and the best) beach in the northeast, Luquillo Beach, a balneario. There's a huge stand of majestic coconut palms that shade more than a mile (1.6km) of sand. Dressing facilities, parking, and lockers are available here. It is the major beach used by residents of San Juan, and it tends to be overcrowded on weekends, especially at places where the most facilities are located. One of the unique aspects of Luquillo Beach is its wheelchair-accessible pathway, Mar Sin Barreras, which allows those with disabilities to easily enter and cool off in the refreshing waters of the Atlantic Ocean. After a relaxing day in the sun, travelers can take romantic rides on horseback or continue to sit back, relax, and enjoy the sunset.
Some of the best beaches of Puerto Rico are in the east-but offshore-on the two small islands of Culebra and Vieques. In Culebra, the white-sand beaches, particularly Flamenco Beach, have clear waters and scenic coral reefs, including a mile-long (1.6km) formation off Culebrita, where there is also a lighthouse. Vieques contains numerous scalloped beaches along the north and northwest coasts.
On the west coast the best beach is along the bay at Boquerón, part of the municipality of Cabo Rojo. The area opens onto a mile (1.6km) of white sand bordered by clear water. Long a balneario, it is frequented mainly by locals. The beach is popular for swimming and picnicking under coconut palms. Nearby is the Boquerón Lagoon, a refuge for ducks and other birds.
Some of the best deserted beaches stretch between Cabo Rojo, on the southwesterly tip of Puerto Rico, eastward all the way to Ponce. Beginning in the west, directly east of Cabo Rojo, you'll discover Bahia Sucia Beach, Rosado Beach, Santa Beach, Caña Gorda Beach, Tamarindo Beach, and Ballena Beach. Access to many of these beaches is limited because of poor roads, but the effort to reach them is worth it. Bring along any supplies you'll need.
The best surfing beaches in the Caribbean are on the west coast, north of Mayagüez, including the beach at Punta Higüero, on Route 413 near the town of Rincón, which is said to be one of the finest surfing spots in the world.
Beach Warning--Don't go walking along the beaches at night, even as tempting as it may be to do with your lover. Even if you find the secluded, hidden beach of your dreams, proceed with caution. On unguarded beaches, you will have no way to protect yourself or your valuables should you be approached by a robber or mugger, which happens frequently.
