Where the feisty Atlantic and the tranquil Caribbean waters meet, lies nearly 300 miles of sun-drenched shoreline and hundreds of sensational beaches from which to choose. What's truly amazing is that no two are exactly alike. Some are as calm as a bathtub, while others are world-class surfing destinations. Some are filled with families, others are havens for water sports enthusiasts and still others are simply deserted. Whether you are looking to find a lively palm-lined shorefront or a secluded stretch of sand, you're bound to find it in Puerto Rico.
Blue Flag Beaches
Puerto Rico is proud to be among the first to have beaches that have earned the respected Blue Flag designation. The International Blue Flag program promotes beaches that are maintained in optimum condition and that have constantly monitored standards. To gain Blue Flag status, a beach has to meet very strict criteria in areas such as water quality, management, safety, services and facilities, as well as environmental education and information. Blue Flags are currently flying over five of the island's beaches: El Escambrón and Carolina public beaches in the metropolitan area, La Monserrate in Luquillo (better known as Luquillo Beach), Punta Salinas in Toa Baja, and Seven Seas in Las Croabas, Fajardo.
Best Beaches for Families Luquillo Beach - about 40 minutes east of San Juan in Luquillo Dorado Beach - a favorite among teenagers Playita Condado - in Condado, at the foot of the Dos Hermanos Bridge, perfectly calm and safe for tiny tots
Best people-watching Beaches Ocean Park - a lively stretch between Condado and Isla Verde Isla Verde - lots of action on Carolina's hotel strip
Best Beaches for Snorkeling Seven Seas Beach - in Fajardo Playa Media Luna - in Vieques Blue Hole - in Isabela
Best Beaches for Sunsets Combate Beach - in Cabo Rojo Rincón Bay - in Rincón
Best Beaches for Scuba Diving Vieques and Culebra - dive enthusiasts swear by the sister islands Crash Boat in Aguadilla - another favorite of divers
Best Beaches for Surfing Tres Palmas Beach in Rincón - or any other beach in Rincón for that matter Jobos Beach - in Isabela
Best Beaches for Windsurfing and Kitesurfing Punta Las Marías - kitesurfer capital tucked between Ocean Park and Isla Verde Shacks Beach in Isabela - one of the premier windsurfing spots in the Caribbean
Postcard-Perfect Beaches Flamenco Beach - in Culebra Luquillo Beach - in Luquillo
Best Beach for an Adventure Gilligan's Island - off the Guánica coast Icacos and Palominitos islands - off the Fajardo coast
Best Secluded Beaches Shacks - in the northwest Atlantic coast near Isabela Ballenas - on the southwest coast in Guánica's World Biosphere Reserve Caja de Muerto - a beach-surrounded island, eight miles off the coast of Ponce Playa Zoni - on the island of Culebra, barely any shade, but plenty of privacy
View a complete list of activities, tours and attractions.