The Best Secluded Beaches in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico’s best, most popular beaches have a lot to offer, but they can often be crowded as locals and visitors alike flock to their shores. If you’re looking for a more relaxing experience, you can head to some of the more secret, secluded Puerto Rico beaches that are usually fairly empty. Enjoy plenty of space and a calm atmosphere as you unwind in the ocean breeze or do a fun water activity like snorkeling. Explore some of the best crowd-free beaches on the island!
La Playuela (Playa Sucia)
Located in Cabo Rojo on the southwestern coast of Puerto Rico, this beautiful beach is quite popular during the summer, but if you visit any other time of year, you can enjoy plenty of space all to yourself. Its iconic half-moon shape, white sand, and turquoise waters make this one of the most scenic beaches on the island. You can spot it from the Cabo Rojo Lighthouse and reach it via a hiking trail.
Part of a nature reserve, the views alone are reason enough to visit Playa Sucia, but it’s also the perfect place to enjoy a hike followed by a relaxing picnic. There are no hotels or businesses in this area, which contributes to its relaxing atmosphere, but also means you should pack a lunch and all the supplies you need for your beach day.
Cayo Icacos
This small island off the coast of Fajardo is the classic deserted island landscape, with white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. In fact, these are the clearest waters off the east coast of Puerto Rico! A boat charter is the best way to access this island, which usually has few crowds and a peaceful atmosphere.
You might just want to lay out in the sunshine and relax for a few hours, but there are also plenty of fun activities to enjoy here. The waters are full of tropical fish, coral reefs, and manta rays, making it the ideal spot for snorkeling. The temperature is usually perfect for a refreshing swim. Make sure you pack everything you need for your day on the island, as there aren’t any amenities or facilities in the area. It’s just you and the beautiful views!
Clear turquoise blue water and rocky shoreline becoming sandy beach in the distance at Punta Soldado Beach on Puerto Rico island of Isla Culebra
Playa Punta Soldado
Flamenco Beach is one of the most popular spots on Culebra Island, which means it’s usually fairly crowded. For a more quiet alternative on the island, you can head to the pebbly shores of Playa Punta Soldado, a secluded spot with beautiful clear waters and dramatic rocky shores. The waters are calm, making it a great place for snorkeling. This is also an ideal beachcombing location with plenty to discover!
As is generally the case with the more deserted beaches, there are no vendors or facilities here, so be sure to bring snacks, water, and anything else you need. We also recommend beach shoes to manage the pebbly coast. Please walk cautiously if you get in the water, as there are beautiful coral reefs that you wouldn’t want to step on.
Isla Culebrita
Another beautiful spot to visit from Culebra Island is the tiny offshore cay of Isla Culebrita. This small, uninhabited coral island has six beaches you can explore. Playa Tortuga is a natural reserve that nesting turtles call home. You can also find tide pools where you can spot all sorts of wildlife. Whether you want to snorkel or sit back and relax with a book, this beach offers you all the peace and quiet of a deserted island.
Piñones Beach
If you want to stay close to San Juan, this quiet beach is just 2 miles away. It’s usually only frequented by locals, so you won’t find any crowds. Located along Route 187, it’s the perfect spot for a day trip without having to drive too far. The mangroves are home to a variety of wildlife that the whole family is sure to enjoy.
There are plenty of great ways to spend your day on the beach, whether you prefer to relax in the sun, go kayaking, or walk along the nearby boardwalk. One of the best things about this beach is the delicious food you can purchase from the local vendors, including bacalaítos, empanadillas, tostones, and more!
Boqueron Beach
Boqueron Beach is such a cozy, secluded spot that it was once a hideaway for pirates, who are said to have hidden their treasures in nearby caves. You might find crowds here on the weekend, but if you visit during the week, it’s usually pretty deserted. This beautiful beach has sparkling waters and a pristine shore.
Boqueron is a great spot for birdwatching, with a variety of native birds protected by the Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge. It’s also a great site for diving! The beach has convenient amenities, like comfortable gazebos and kiosks where you can purchase snacks.
When you want to get away from the crowds and lay out your towel on a nice patch of sand, these secluded beaches offer you all the space and relaxation you’re looking for. Enjoy the sunshine, have a picnic, or splash around in the water with lots of space to yourself. Visit a secluded beach today and book a water activity for extra fun!