There are over 300 miles of coastline in Puerto Rico and you can find sand and surf. Picking the top locale was difficult, but we gave it a try. The best beaches in Puerto Rico are listed here.

Travel to remote paradise on Flamenco Beach, Culebra

One of the best beaches in the Caribbean is Flamenco Beach. Located on the smaller island of Culebra, part of the Puerto Rican archipelago, this long-time favorite attracts crowds willing to travel by car, plane or ferry.

Flamenco's bay is surrounded by hills and sand. The two brightly painted Sherman tanks that decorate the far end of the beach are now an icon.

Head to family-friendly La Monserrate, Balneario de Luquillo 

The La Monserrate Beach is located just a stone's throw from the National Rainforest. The popular beach known as El Balneario de Luquillo is visited by both locals and tourists for its warm and shallow waters.

The calm waves and low tides attract many families whose children play on the beach or picnic areas. There are a lot of budget friendly food kiosks at the beach entrance.

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Aerial view of turquoise waters bordered by green bush and white sands on Playa Sucia; best beaches Puerto Rico
There's nothing dirty about the scenic Playa Sucia in the southern part of Puerto Rico © Mia2you / Shutterstock

Enjoy the peaceful isolation of La Playuela, Playa Sucia

Playa Sucia is a dirty beach, but it's not dirty. The wild and isolated beach is a favorite among those looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure.

A rocky drive down dirt roads through the pink Corozo salt flats leads to a wide crescent of sand. The Cabo Rojo Lighthouse, limestone cliffs and turquoise blue waters of the Caribbean Sea make for an amazing backdrop.

Take a boat ride to Aurora's Key, Gilligan's Island

Gilligan's Island, also known as Aurora's Key, is located in Puerto Rico's Dry Forest Reserve. The only way to get to Aurora's Key is by boat. You can float easily with the current all around this tiny island.

Get active on Playa Isla Verde, San Juan 

The urban beach in Puerto Rico has a reputation as the Copacabana of the island. Despite the crowds, this broad, mile-long swath of sand between Las Maras and Piones in San Juan is an amazing sight. Jet skis, flyboards, beach chairs and umbrellas can be rented.

A single boat rests on the sandy shore next to a beach; best beaches Puerto Rico
Take some great photos of grounded fishing boats at Crash Boat © Mikol Hoffman / Lonely Planet

Get your Instagram shots at Crash Boat, Aguadilla

One of the most photographed beaches in Puerto Rico is Crash Boat Beach. The fishing skids park is on the sand. There are parking, restrooms, showers, and food vendors in the facilities.

North of the beach's storm-battered pier is a good place to scuba dive. Many visitors stay well into the evening to see the amazing sunsets at this spot.

Grab some shade under the palm trees of Sun Bay, Esperanza 

Vieques balneario is part of Puerto Rico's national park system and is a public beach with lifeguards and a cafe. Even with 100 people playing on it, it will still look almost deserted. The surf is not rough.

There are only a few sunbathers at the eastern end. Going east on the beach road will lead you to Playas Media Luna. Kayak companies start their tours in the evening in the parking lot, taking Sun Bay's dirt roads to Baha Mosquito.

A surfer captured in the middle of an air-born rotation above a wave; best beaches Puerto Rico
Ricón is a true surfer's paradise © James McGraghan / 500px

Ride the waves of Rincón

One of the most popular surfing destinations on the island is the beach Municipality of Rincn, a true surfer's paradise, with surf shops and boards strapped to car roofs.

A combination of beach and coral reef breaks make for a mellow ride on the beaches like Domes, located between a lighthouse and Puerto Rico's inactive nuclear reactor. Maria's is one of the best reef breaks in Rincn and is suitable for surfers of all levels.

Enjoy world-class surfing at Punta Borinquen, Aguadilla

The Caribbean's first World Surfing Reserve was named in the year 2018? A stretch of coastline from Crash Boat to Surfer's Beach will now be protected by the Save the Waves Coalition. Wilderness, Survival Beach and Gas Chambers are some of the more well-known breaks.

Experience the popular waves of Aviones, San Juan

One of the most consistent beaches for great waves close to the San Juan area is namedAviones. The best time to ride the waves is at this break, which is often crowded. The popular spot is visited by thousands of riders throughout the year and can get crowded during the season, but don't worry, it's popular for a reason.

Follow the lighthouse trail to Playa Santa, Guanica

One of the best beaches in Puerto Rico is called Playa Santa. You can follow the trail by the lighthouse to the crescent beach, which is a great place to swim for both humans and manatees.

Avoid the crowds at Balneario El Escambrón, San Juan

It's often considered San Juan's best beach and offers decent surf breaks, local action and a 17th-century Spanish fort.

The article was last updated about 4 hours ago.