Explore Puerto Rico
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Essential Puerto Rico
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The best beaches in Puerto Rico
- Playa La Cueva Las Golondrinas49Located about 45 minutes west of San Juan, this serene escape from the hustle and bustle is a true local’s secret. The quiet beach has crystal clear waters and plenty of shaded areas; if the sea is calm, you can explore the cave here, which is home to swallows, bats, and birds—a beautiful spectacle. (Be cautious of small sea urchins when entering). Bring your own drinks and snacks as there are no nearby restaurants.
- Playa Fortuna Beach1With over 12 miles of white-sand coastline, Luquillo—about 45 minutes east of San Juan—has tons of opportunities for swimming and sunning with the lush El Yunque National Forest as a backdrop. Base yourself at Play Fortuna for access to one of area’s highlights: Kioskos de Luquillo, a row of 60 family-owned restaurants serving addictive bacalaitos (codfish fritters), seafood, pina coladas, and ice-cold beers.
- Playa Sucia931Picture this—golden sands, rugged cliffs, and turquoise waters stretching as far as the eye can see—and you’ll know why Playa Sucia is a must visit. On the island’s southwest corner, you’ll get breathtaking views of the area’s rugged Acantilados cliffs from this remote beach near the historic Faro Los Morillos lighthouse. Adventurous travellers will want to climb down the rocks (carefully!) for an up-close look at the Insta-worthy Puente de Piedra rock bridge.
- Playa Buyé309If I could choose just one beach to visit for a lifetime in Puerto Rico, this would be it. I'm not exaggerating when I say that experiencing the sunset on this soft-sand beach is like a religious experience. Last time I visited, a group of locals began playing bomba music while the tranquil waters shimmered under the fading sun—it was pure magic.
- Playa Crashboat1,135Crash Boat, on the island’s northwest corner, is a playground for water lovers thanks to its iconic bright green pier, originally built by the U.S. Air Force during WWII to dock rescue boats. The pier is popular both for fishing and for leaping into the aqua sea. And snorkellers and scuba divers like to explore by the pilings under the pier as well. Don’t miss the frituras (fritters) at the nearby stalls.
- Flamenco Beach3,610On Culebra, an island 20 miles off the coast of mainland Puerto Rico, Flamenco is consistently ranked as one of the top beaches in the world for its clear, shallow waters (perfect for snorkelling) and snowy white sand. You can rent chairs and umbrellas, and there are showers, bathrooms, and food kiosks. On the beach, there are abandoned military tanks covered in graffiti, giving an intriguing glimpse into Culebra’s past when it was occupied by the U.S. Navy.
Puerto Rico Is Great For
Postcard-perfect beaches
Endless nightlife
Travelers' pro tips for experiencing Puerto Rico
In the words of those who've been there before ...
What is the best way to get there?
Flying:
Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport is the main commercial airport serving San Juan. Shuttle buses run from the airport to hotels and car rental destinations.
Cruising:
Several cruise companies including Carnival Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and more dock in Puerto Rico as part of a regular itinerary.
Do I need a visa?
If you’re a U.S. citizen no, you do not need a visa. If you’re visiting Puerto Rico from overseas, use the State Department’s Visa Wizard to see if you need a visa.
Bus
The city of San Juan has an active bus line, however, there is no island-wide bus system. There are buses that service different sections of the island available from the Río Piedras bus terminal.
Taxis and rideshare
Taxis, as well as Uber and Lyft ridesharing companies, are available in the city.
Driving
Driving around the island is possible, and recommended as much of the island lacks public transit. However, be warned, traffic can get very heavy near the city of San Juan and the island does maintain a large system of toll roads.
Are there local customs I should know?
Find more information about local customs and etiquette in the United States generally here.