Eight Breezy Beach Bars in Puerto Rico

An An island offering 483km of beckoning coastline, world-class rum and plenty of tropical fruits, Puerto Rico has all the components needed for that most crowd-pleasing of places: the beach bar. And, like the island itself, these laid-back drinking destinations cater for all kinds of visitors. Whether you're seeking some coconut-infused R&R, searching for a late-night reggaeton beat or just wanting decent surf and a few beers, you'll find somewhere on this tropical island at which to kick back and watch the sunset, drink in hand. Here's a pick of our favourites.

Happy hour: the best beach bars in Puerto Rico

Ocean views at Tamboo, left, and beach bar, Numero Uno Beach House. | Photo credit: Jacob Elwood

Numero Uno Beach House

Best for: the adventure curious

The watering hole of Numero Uno beach apartments, this whitewashed bar and kitchen in Ocean Park is an enticing spot. Cool off on the shaded terrace or grab a prime seat under one of the big blue umbrellas right on the sand and order up some Ocean Lab Brewing Co beers or chilled cocktails. It's an ideal vantage point for watching kiteboarders as they zip across the ocean - but if you're not content just being an observer, Numero Uno offers kiteboarding lessons, too.

Tamboo

Best for: the ultimate sundowner

A long-loved favourite in Puerto Rico, Tamboo has been here since the early 80s, and shows no sign of going anywhere. Perched right on Rincón's Sandy Beach, the buzzy bar (with eight cosy guest rooms) is spread across a sprawling terrace. Whether you're dining at the downstairs grill restaurant or having sundowners on the upper level, these oceanside views are hard to beat. When the sun goes down, that laid-back pace turns lively, with music and dancing well into the night.

Kai Beach Bar & Restaurant

Best for: taking it easy

Isabela is a sleepy, salty surf town blessed with beautiful beaches and offering easy access to the Guajataca State Forest. Thirsty visitors should make a beeline for Kai Beach Bar, on Playa Jobos, which, much like its locale, is a place where people come to kick back and unwind. Order some chilled house sangria, a plate of mofongo (a popular Puerto Rican dish made with fried green plantains, crispy pork skin and garlic) and pull up a seat on the seafront veranda to soak up palm-framed ocean views.

Much-loved Vieques bar Duffy's, left, and spectacular shore views. | Photo credit: Jacob Elwood

Duffy's Esperanza

Best for: a room with a view

This much-loved Vieques bar and restaurant is all about fresh cocktails and even fresher seafood. Brightly coloured and situated right on the bustling Esperanza seafront, the bar is attached to the upstairs Flamboyan Guest House, where four attractively decorated guest rooms await. Whether you're staying the night or just for happy hour, Duffy's Caribbean sunset views are not to be missed.

Cocoloba

Best for: elevated beach chic

For an oceanside sundowner with a subtle splash of elegance, make tracks to Blue Sand Resort's Cocoloba. The turquoise walls and pink neon signage let you know you're in for some good vibes, while the tried-and-tested bar menu delivers refined Puerto Rican bites. Drinks are top-notch yet unfussy: the house cocktail is an island medley of coconut milk, rum, vodka, passion fruit and mango juice.

Mojito Beach Bar

Best for: cocktails that come to you

This famously casual open-air bar and eatery is located in Guánica, in the island's southwestern corner. As the name suggests, the bartenders will sort you out with a mean mojito, but they also play around with some wild variations, including (purists look away) a fresh strawberry-coconut option. Best of all, their mobile mixologists will happily serve you while you remain relaxed in your beach chair.

A sunset over Sandy Beach, Puerto Rico. | Photo credit: Jacob Elwood

Boardriders

Best for: post-surf refreshments

If riding the waves is your thing, Boardriders - right on the beach at favourite surf spot La Pared - is for you, allowing you to go from breaks to bar in about a minute. Grab a craft beer or frozen cocktail to sip while you peruse the food menu, which includes nourishing poke bowls and quesadillas. At weekends, the vibe lifts from chilled to party time, with live reggae and rumba music.

Caddy's Calypso

Best for: live music

This place on Maria's Beach has been a popular surfer hangout in one conception or another since the 70s, and is famous for its live music. In 2020, it was lovingly adopted and refurbed to keep it a thriving social hub, while retaining its valuable character. The kitchen cooks up great Caribbean classics, while the spacious bar offers a range of thirst quenchers - all of which are best enjoyed out on the patio.