We’ve skipped along the coast of Puerto Rico, dipping our toes in gin-clear waters, surfing lesser-known coves and exploring hidden caves to bring you the most beautiful beaches the island has to offer.
11 August, 2022
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Puerto Rico - or Borinquen, as the locals call it - is known for its dramatic, sun-baked landscape. A destination where pockets of vivid turquoise water, tumbling dunes and craggy, wrinkled cliffs act as a backdrop to intensely rustic villages. The magic of this fiercely vibrant island isn't just traced through the kindness of its people, but also through the free-spirited communities that continue to celebrate centuries-old traditions and honour their culture-rich heritage.
While a contagious and hugely hypnotic charm can be found dancing through its colourful streets, it is the sprawling stretches of powder-white sand that offer a slower taste of Caribbean living. Compromising some 600km of untouched coastline, Puerto Rico is hardly short of secluded coves. We've just returned from the ultimate beach-hopping extravaganza with a pretty impressive list (if we do say so ourselves) of the island's most beautiful and, in some cases, underrated beaches. Sound like your sort of adventure? Join us as we snorkel through reefs, surf across whopping waves and lounge between sky-high palm trees.
A sandy cresent on the island, left, and a beach views. | Photo credit: Jacob Elwood
You've probably heard of Puerto Rico's big-ticket surf scenes at Tres Palmas and María's Beach, but venture slightly further north along Rinćon's coast and you'll reach the blissfully quiet sands of Dogman's Beach. It's not often that you find a spot that guarantees stellar year-round surf conditions, but this rare and reasonably exposed reef break promises double-height waves to tackle throughout every season. Head down mid-morning, that way you can reward yourself with a well-deserved feast at no-frills The Beach House restaurant.
A firm local favourite, Los Almendros Beach in Membrillo, Camuy, feels more akin to someone's private garden than a public beach thanks to its shoreline backed by a cluster of colourful villas. On a good weather day - and by that we mean when wind conditions settle - you will spot a handful of water babies whipping out a snorkel. Join them and spend an afternoon paddling past colourful reefs and magical marine life - be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the turtles. You will find us, however, resembling something of a starfish, buried beneath our summer reading list while soaking up the distant crashes of the white-capped waves.
Not so long ago, La Playuela was nicknamed 'Playa Suica' which literally translates as 'Dirty Beach'', though it's far from it. Rather, being home to a rock-strewn track road, limestone cliffs and the Corozo salt flats, the beach long deterred visitors looking for a quick dose of sun. But, we'd argue that's what makes the bay that little bit more special. Crawl and climb to the turquoise waters, or opt to scale the Cabo Rojo Lighthouse. There, you will be rewarded with 360-degree vistas across the Caribbean Sea.
Crash Boat Beach, left, and a sandy stretch near Rincón. | Photo credit: Jacob Elwood
Located in Aguadilla, this secluded shoreline isn't the sort of place you'd go to for a long, lazy afternoon. Instead, lace up your hiking boots and prepare to trek through dense woodland before arriving at a surreal collection of ruggedly beautiful rock formations. Check out tidal times before your visit, that way you'll have the chance to stroll between and summit the bluffs. You don't need us to tell you how quickly swirls can form, but we suggest saving your goggles for stiller waters since this spot is prone to some pretty rapid currents. Insider tip: horseback riding adventures take place along Survival Beach, should you wish to take the scenic route and enjoy the same visual splendour, minus the heart-racing hike.
Okay, okay this place is hardly lesser-known, but have you really been to Puerto Rico without dancing from dusk till dawn at Crash Boat Beach? The short answer is no, of course. Hailed as the island's party beach, thanks to its edgy foodie kiosks and boho beach bars, this patch of paradise is a spot best enjoyed with your gang. Swerve the swamped waters and swing by for a sunset splash, that way you can spend at least an hour diving off the pier before rewarding yourself with a piña colada from nextdoor Cocoloba Beach Bar. Hungry? Even better, there's an extra-large plate of tacos with your name scribbled all over it.
Google will quickly tell you that Playa Escondida means 'Hidden Beach', so we'd prefer you to keep this one to yourselves, please. Situated in the old town of Fajardo, this postcard-worthy setting is only accessible by foot. Start at Seven Seas Beach before wandering through a jungle of overgrown kapok and cotton trees. Despite the wild scenery, the route shouldn't require much expertise; it is, however, worth noting that the waters here are known to hold some of the strongest and most vicious rip tides - swim sensibly, or opt for a shaded spot beneath the trees.
Sunset over the Puerto Rico waves, left, and the shoreline of Domes Beach. | Photo credit: Jacob Elwood
It would be rude not to visit a beach within driving distance from the gritty and glamorous capital city. OK, it's 40 minutes from San Juan, but the journey is worth it to find a quieter alternative to that of Condado and Atlantic beaches. The beauty of this place is that there isn't a huge amount to do other than kick back and gaze toward skies as wide as the ocean - we're not complaining. For an airy, art-filled space, make Dada Jaja your crashpad - think abstract artworks, brushed concrete ceilings and earth-tone furnishings.
Calling all professional surfers: we've found Puerto Rico's top spot for proper surfing. Grab your board, lather on the factor 50 and make waves to this soft-sand beauty. Slap bang in the heart of Rinćon, Indicators Beach packs in a slew of exposed rocks, making for an endless army of set waves. Not ready to tackle that rip current? Head over to Rinćon Lighthouse, where the enormous elevated structure will allow you to better analyse the conditions.
Hosting the Corona Pro Surf Competition, Domes Beach has long served as a hangout for laid-back locals. First gaining attention in the 60s when its nuclear power station was in threat of being torn down, the blue-coloured dome has marked the beach as something of a landmark for the surrounding community. Rest assured, there is no active radiation so you can swim or surf to your heart's content. Our favourite time to visit is just after 8pm, when the sky turns a piercing shade of blood-orange.
