Best Beach on Island

[Befree]

Hi Everyone

We have 3 days and a car

[rainforestgirl]

Best beach is very subjective. I like light colored sand, not too crowded, clear and calm water. Facilities are a bonus.

 

Personally, my favorite beach is Flamenco on Culebra. Beautiful, clean and it has bathrooms, showers,food etc.

I also like going to the little islets off of Fajardo.

 

I bet the beaches on the South and SW are very nice- I haven't been too often to find one that beats my best.

 

We recently found this beach:http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/playa-colora-in-fajardo/ But it was a pretty long walk and the water was a bit rough, but it was pretty.

 

You can get to Flamenco via ferry or plane from Fajardo for the day.

http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/flamenco-beach/

 

You can get a local Captain to drop you off at these little islets from Fajardo .

http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/icacos-your-private-island-paradise/

[Stacey779]

What about for snorkeling? Does PR have any beaches where we could do some decent snorkeling right off the shore?

[orquidia]

like the previous poster said, it is a difficult question.

Puerto Rico belongs to the international Blue Flag beach program (very popular in europe)

check the beaches that are classified as Blue Flag in Puerto Rico

http://www.blueflag.org/blueflag/2007/PuertoRico

[rainforestgirl]

What about for snorkeling? Does PR have any beaches where we could do some decent snorkeling right off the shore?

 

All the beaches I mentioned have snorkeling right from the beach (it is something I really enjoy). Click on the links I put in my first answer , they will explain a lot!

 

You will need to supply your own snorkel gear though.... if you don't have it, you can buy it at a local Walmart, or rent it from a dive shop.

 

The beaches in Rincon and the West/SW have good snorkeling from shore at certain times of year.

[sunone]

How far is Escambron Beach from the cruise ship dock?

[oldstubblejumper]

We go to Escambron when ever we get a chance. It is a 5 -10 min ride by taxi from the main cruise pier (across from the Sheraton).

Escambron is quiet little blue flagbeach with a nice view of both forts and nice sand.

Regards,

OSJ

[rainforestgirl]

How far is Escambron Beach from the cruise ship dock?

Yes, it is about a 10 min taxi ride from the pier. It is a nice beach.

Unfortunately, you will be in PR on Tuesday in Winter, so this beach will be closed.

But, all beaches are public. So you can go another 5-10 mins or so and go to the beaches behind the El San Juan hotel. Larger beach, there should be someone renting beach chairs, and water sport equipment. Also someone around selling food.

 

http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/escambron-beach-catch-some-sun-in-san-juan/

[got_jesus_911]

Hello, just to write my two cents:

 

Even though Escambron Beach is closed, you can still go to it. You won't have the bathroom facilities open and no lifeguard on duty. I don't know if the parking will be closed or open, but if you're taking a taxi that shouldn't be a problem.

 

My favorite beach used to be Crash Boat in Aguadilla, on the west side of the island. They have the former navy piers. One could jump off from them to the ocean, really lots of fun. But they are so old and rusty from the sea salt that no one is allowed to jump anymore (although locals still find a way to do it :D) You can snorkel around the pier wish has become a sea life haven with lots of fishes. http://travelandsports.com/crasb603.htm

 

You can also take a ferry to Gilligan's Island in Guanica, on the south side of PR. They have a natural lazy river and beautiful clear water. It's really nice. There are no food kiosks on the small island so you would have to bring lunch. They have bathrrom facilities. http://travelandsports.com/gill653.htm http://travelandsports.com/bd653.htm

 

And lastly I recently did a Catamaran Tour to Icacos, a small cay off Fajardo. We used http://www.travelerpr.com/index.html They were really nice and they provide you with lunch and unlimited drinks. The water in Icacos is the most beautiful crystal clear water I have seen in all PR. There are also lots of reefs and they provide you with snorkel equipment. I believe the price was around $65pp. It is worth the price! You will never forget the experience of traveling in a Catamaran.

 

Best of luck and enjoy your stay!

[rainforestgirl]

The best snorkeling within a 1.5 hr drive from SJ is off of Fajardo. 3 ways of going there:

I agree, the catamaran trips to Icacos are great fun. We used East Island, but they all are pretty similar.

http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/snorkel-boat-tours-a-day-of-sun-wind-sealife/

 

You could choose to go out with a smaller sailboat. Much more personal and they try to go to other islands. We went with Erin go Bragh... max 6 guests.

http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/erin-go-bragh-day-sail/

 

If you have your own equipment and cooler etc, you can do like a local- have a local Captain drop you off on Icacos to snorkel for the day. Capt Mingo is our designated Captain.