Puerto Rico Travel Guide ⎮ Tourism Guide to West Coast Region
The west coast has always been the most popular vacation destination for Puerto Ricans, which says how special the region is. On the west coast, you can vacation in beach towns where a relaxed laid back island life is evident in the way people live, laugh, eat, and dance. On the west coast, tourists become travelers and workaholics start rethinking their way of life. The natural treasures to explore are numerous. We, the owners of this guide, happily live on the west coast, and we are proudly sharing the beauty of the places we love and know so well. After exploring the western region, you may find yourself dreaming of buying a second home after you get a taste of island life. We have created a list of places that include the town of Guanica on the southwest to Isabela on the northwest and then up into the mountains. The list of attractions and places is long, following we share our favorite attractions and places to visit on the west coast region.
Best Places to Visit - West Coast Region
Puerto RicoTop Rated Tours on the West Region
Puerto RicoBest Beaches on the West Coast
Puerto RicoThe West is the best when it comes to beaches in Puerto Rico… from perfect surfing conditions to dreamy crystal clear water, there’s a beach for everyone to love.
The west coast of Puerto Rico is an exciting beach destination, offering visitors weeks’ worth of adventure and relaxation in the water. If beaches are a priority on your vacation, the west coast may be the best vacation destination for you on the main island of Puerto Rico. The diversity in beaches is impressive from world-class surfing beaches to calm swimming beach coves, to crystal clear waters on offshore cays.
The high season on the west coast is during the summer months. For vacationers escaping the cold, it means you can enjoy most of these amazing beaches without crowds on weekdays. Whether you’re a surfer traveling with a group of friends, a honeymooner dreaming of romantic beach scenes, or a family seeking a memorable vacation, the west coast is an excellent destination.
Following are the best beaches on the west coast.
La Playuela “Playa Sucia” – Cabo Rojo
+ La Playuela / Playa Sucia
Best beach for: its scenic views, nearby eco-attractions, and eco-activities right near the beach.
Cabo Rojo. Cabo Rojo has many beaches, but if you’re visiting as a day trip, head to La Playuela, best known as Playa Sucia. A visit here is an all-day adventure with nearby attractions and natural activities that include Los Morrillos lighthouse, hiking trails, salt flats, bird sanctuary, offshore fishing, and an observation tower. Playa Sucia is located on a nature reserve, there are no facilities, you’ll have to bring everything you’ll need throughout the day. Plan on spending a full morning or afternoon visiting the area and enjoying all the attractions it offers. On your way there you can visit the Las Salinas(The Salt Flats) which many now call “pink beach”. Don’t leave the nature reserve before taking a short hike up the lighthouse where you’ll enjoy the most breathtaking views on the island. Note: During certain times of the year, La Playuela gets a lot of sargassum, we always see the most during a full moon. If there is too much sargassum to enjoy the beach, head to Playa El Combate or Boqueron Beach.
Pozo Teodoro – Isabela, Puerto Rico
+ Pozo Teodoro
Best beach for watching the waves crash, relaxing on the water, solitude (weekdays), long walks on the beach.
The beach is very wide, sand is soft and golden. Playa Pozo Teodoro changes in size daily, at times the pool is deep and at times very shallow. If the pool is very low, no worries, there are plenty more in Isabela.
Playa Escalera aka Steps Beach – Rincon
+ Steps Beach
Best beach for surfing (winter months), great snorkeling (summer months).
Steps Beach, part of the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve boasts a healthy coral reef with abundant sea life including sea turtles and a healthy elkhorn garden. The vibe is relaxed, there’s a food truck at the beach, easy access to the beach, and parking.
Jobos Beach – Isabela
+ Jobos Beach
Best beach for: surfing year-round, experiencing authentic casual island vibe, beachfront casual dining.
Jobos is the most popular beach in Isabela, among the top beaches for surfing all year round. This is not your typical touristy beach, this is a beach loved by locals and residents of nearby towns who come here to have a good time. During the surfing season, you’ll find a good mix of surfers coming from the states happily mingling with friendly locals. This is a great beach to surf, get a tan, do a little snorkeling, and make new friends.
Domes Beach, Rincon
+ Domes Beach
Domes is one of Puerto Rico’s best surfing beaches. Although not the best beach for bathing, it offers beachgoers an entertaining view of surfers, breathtaking sunsets, relaxation, and a great starting point for a romantic walk along the Rincon coastline. Access is really convenient, there’s plenty of parking and nearby beachside restaurants.
Balneario de Rincon (Rincon Beach) – Rincon
+ Balneario de Rincon
Balneario de Rincon, also known as Rincon Beach is an active beach, family-friendly with easy access. Rincon Beach is safe for swimming, and beach lovers can enjoy a number of activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding, and snorkeling. This beach is a wonderful place to visit before the day ends, there are a few places near the beach where you can get drinks, then pick a spot to enjoy the wonderful sunsets of Rincon. + Rincon Beaches
Playa Peña Blanca – Aguadilla
+ Playa Peña Blanca
Best beach for: snorkeling with sea turtles, beauty, and unique landscape.
If you’re vacationing on the west coast of Puerto Rico during the summer months, be sure to bring your snorkel gear to Playa Peña Blanca. It is a little difficult to find, parking is limited along a narrow street, so get here during the week early morning or super early on the weekend during summer months. Please note that there’s is no beach during the winter months and the water is too rough to safely swim.
Sandy Beach – Rincon
+ Sandy Beach
Best beach for: surfing, learning how to surf, one of the best beach bars/restaurants in Puerto Rico.
Beachgoers can walk up to Tamboo Bar & Seaside Grill in Puerto Rico, winner of “Best Caribbean Beach Bar in the Caribbean 2018” and named one of the best beach bars in the world by Travel & Leisure. There are more dining options within walking distance. There are plenty of affordable accommodations including small inns and vacation rentals on the beach and a block away.
Popular Experiences on the West Coast of Puerto Rico
Resorts on the West Coast
Puerto RicoRelated Guides: East Region of Puerto Rico ⎮ San Juan / Metro ⎮ South Region of Puerto Rico ⎮ Puerto Rico North Region
Map - Best Resorts, Beaches & Places to Visit
West Region of Puerto RicoPhoto & Video Gallery - West Coast Region
Puerto RicoPuerto Rico Travel Guide ⎮ Best Places to Stay on the West Coast of Puerto Rico ⎮ Tourism Guide to West Coast Region