Travel

3 Can't-Miss Beaches in Puerto Rico

Laura Lee
Jun 19, 2021

With over 270 miles of coastline, the archipelago of Puerto Rico is located between the northeast Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean – approximately 1000 miles southeast of Miami, Florida. Nowadays, the Caribbean island is well-known for its scenic landscape of waterfalls, mountains and rainforest. These are our top picks when it comes to the best Puerto Rican beaches to vacation.

Playa Caracas

Aerial view of Playa Caracas

Getty Images / Moment / John and Tina Reid

Also known as the Red Beach, Playa Caracas is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the archipelago. Until 2003, access was restricted to the area, which has helped preserve its white sand and crystal-clear water really well. Speaking of water, the sea in Playa Caracas tends to be calm enough for snorkeling, if laying under the sun all day is not your dream vacation. You could also pay a visit to the Puerto Ferro Lighthouse nearby, which offers stunning views of the Vieques area, and kayak across Mosquito Bay, the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world.

Flamenco Beach

Flamenco Beach

Getty Images / Moment Open / Pedro Díaz Cosme

Considered by many one of the best beaches in the Caribbean, Flamenco Beach is a great option if you like to swim in the ocean. With warm waters and soft sand, this is the perfect spot to spend the day. The area is also home to sea turtles, which can be seen every once in a while. Another fun activity we recommend in the area is hiking down Resaca Beach.

Poza del Obispo

Rocky cliffs by the ocean in Poza del Obispo

Getty Images / EyeEm / Nikki Ferraro

Unlike the other two beaches above, Poza del Obispo’s waters could not be described as calm. The natural turquoise waters of Poza del Obispo are constantly disrupted by thunderous waves, which can even carry you out to the sea at high tide. This beach sits right under the Arecibo Lighthouse, which is home to a museum and offers the most beautiful aerial views of the sea.