Puerto Rico’s 270 miles of coastline are home to some of the world’s best beaches, including La Playuela on the Island’s southwestern tip and the iconic Flamenco Beach, which ranks among the best beaches in the world. For travelers who prefer the road less traveled and seek hidden gem spots along the shoreline, Puerto Rico has a range of idyllic, lesser-known beach spots waiting to be discovered!
Playa Negra, Vieques
Surrounded by golden cliffs, short green shrubs, and driftwood, The lesser-known Playa Negra is a mesmerizing and unique black sand beach, one of only 20 worldwide. It provides visitors with a visually extraordinary beach outing. Located on the south coast of Vieques Island, Playa Negra offers a dramatically different landscape from the classic white-sand beaches commonly found in Puerto Rico. Here, turquoise waves brush against black sands from old volcanic rocks and mountain peaks on the Island. Just a short drive or a long but scenic hike from the town of La Esperanza, this two-mile-long stretch of beach has choppy waters and rip currents, so it is not ideal for swimmers but provides an awe-inspiring setting for sun-seekers.
Playa El Combate, Cabo Rojo
As a part of the Boquerón National State Forest in Cabo Rojo, situated on the idyllic west coast of Puerto Rico, Playa El Combate is a favorite spot among locals but remains relatively undiscovered by tourists, meaning the pristine sands and waters are often more peaceful and quieter than other hotspot beaches on the Island. The beach boasts sparkling waters and large coral reefs off-shore, which make this a paradise for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. With uninterrupted sea views looking west, this is also an unrivaled spot to watch the golden sunsets.
Pelicano Beach, Ponce
With no infrastructure in sight, pristine sands, and crystal clear waters, Pelícano Beach at Caja de Muertos Island in Ponce makes for an idyllic beach day on the south coast of Puerto Rico. The small, breathtaking beach has especially gentle waves, providing perfect conditions for swimmers, and has been recognized as one of the best in the world for cleanliness and environmental care, becoming the first beach in the Caribbean to ever receive the prestigious Blue Flag Award.
Cayo Icacos, Fajardo
An uninhabited island just off the coast of Fajardo, on the east coast of Puerto Rico, Icacos can only be reached by boat. Still, the crystal-clear waters that crash gently against a strip of diamond-dust sand are guaranteed to make the journey worthwhile for any traveler. Cayo Icacos is the biggest and most scenic cay of La Cordillera Nature Reserve, where abundant coral reefs provide the perfect opportunity to snorkel and discover a bountiful array of marine life, including sea turtles and starfish.
