Discover the Best Hidden Gem Beaches in Puerto Rico

Often overshadowed by the bustling San Juan, Puerto Rico's hidden beaches offer an authentic and adventurous getaway. These off-the-beaten-path spots are perfect for travelers seeking serenity away from the common tourist traps. Ranging from golden sands to rocky shores and even Spanish ruins, each location promises a unique experience. Dive into Puerto Rico's rich marine life or bask in the sun away from the crowded beaches of San Juan. Get ready to explore the island's secluded splendors.

Located on Vieques, Playa Punta Arenas is a mesmerizing destination reachable by ferry or snorkeling tour. The beach boasts a small but beautiful shoreline, and an extensive coral reef that offers some of the best snorkeling experiences. The waters teem with colorful fish and other marine life, including stingrays and sea turtles. Swimmers will be delighted by the clear waters and the incredible sea life visible even close to the shore. Remember to respect this precious environment by leaving the sand and seashells undisturbed, as they are vital for beach restoration.

If you’re not set on getting in the water and are interested in turtles, head over to Playa California on Puerto Rico’s south-eastern coast. While the waters here are a bit rough for human swimming, this long, secluded beach is a nesting spot for turtles! This is a fantastic spot for those classic long walks on the beach while you hunt for seashells, crabs, or turtles! And since you’ll literally have it all to yourself, you’ll have no problem finding a quiet spot to doze while you catch some sunshine, too.

This nature reserve is not only set against a stunning backdrop of palm trees, with mountains clearly visible in the distance, but it also has some incredible rock formations and tide pools right by the beach that are teeming with ocean life! You'll have a blast scouring the area for crabs, sea urchins, and tropical fish, as well as seeing thousands of barnacles and mussels clinging to the rocks.

Privacy, nature trails, and gorgeous scenery make Playa de Tamarindo a great destination for those who want a peaceful beach experience. Located right at the end of a long coastal road, Playa Tamarindo is just isolated enough to feel private without fully leaving civilization.

There are actually several beaches along the road with plenty of parking, so you’ll just follow it all the way to the end. You’ll actually reach this beach by walking down a short wetland trail, complete with a raised boardwalk, where you can see all sorts of awesome creatures like lizards, large crabs, and water birds. The boardwalk eventually passes through the trees at the edge of the beach to give you an incredible view of the coastline!

Located just a couple of minutes down the road from Playa de Tamarindo, Playa Ballena has a very different feel! Like many of Puerto Rico’s south coast beaches, it’s pretty rocky in places, which deters many visitors. However, it’s still a great place to soak up some sun—just without the crowds! You can pull off on the side of the road and walk just a few feet to this cool beach, which is broken up by large strips of sand and cool pink rock formations. I loved poking around the rock slabs here, which had some interesting colors and plants, along with a great view of the water.

If you want some more prime snorkeling, Playa Escalera has to be on your list! Part of the Reserva Marina Tres Palmas on the island’s west coast, the waters off this beach hold an incredible reef with elkhorn coral and tons of sea life! This is also one of the more convenient beaches to access, with plenty of parking, restrooms, and food just a few steps from the main beach. The actual beach area is small, but once again, low crowds make it easy to find a spot. If you’re not snorkeling, I do recommend wearing water shoes to protect your feet from rocks and the occasional sea urchin while you’re in the water.

Rounding off the tour of hidden wonders is Puna Borinquen Beach, located in the island's northwest. This extensive beach offers countless shores to explore amid stunning cliffs. Here, traditional beach activities, such as swimming in the alluring blue waters, combine with adventurous trail hikes to Spanish ruin sites. Not to be missed are the historic Ruinous del Faro, giving visitors arresting coastal views. Laden with natural beauty and historical intrigue, a trip to Puna Boinquen Beach guarantees a remarkable end to the Puerto Rican beach tour.