Puerto Rico is only 100 miles long and 35 miles wide, but it’s jam-packed with stunning beaches ideal for swimming, surfing, snorkeling and more. To find the perfect beach to suit your mood, there are a couple of things you should know. All beaches in Puerto Rico are accessible to the public — that means even the fanciest seaside resorts (like this one at Isla Verde Beach) must allow non-guests on the beach in front of their properties. Balnearios are beaches maintained by the Department of Natural Resources, which charges a small parking fee. These beaches are regularly cleaned and offer amenities like restrooms, showers, picnic shelters, lifeguards and food vendors.
When swimming in the ocean in Puerto Rico, be aware that strong rip currents sometimes occur, especially on the north coast during high surf and low tide. Before you go into the water, check for safety warning flags (yellow = moderate hazard, red = high hazard, double red flags = water closed to public) and check the National Weather Service for daily riptide reports.
And remember, because Puerto Rico is a US territory, no passport is required for travelers arriving from the States, and the currency is the US dollar.