With over 300 miles of coastline, the best beaches in Puerto Rico use a diverse variety of sand and browse. From crystalline pools to remote coves, half-moon bays to mangrove secrets, sensational snorkeling areas to epic waves for skilled web surfers, there's a stretch of sand to pleasure anybody's fancy. It wasn't simple choosing the top areas, but we gave it a shot. Here are the 12 finest beaches in Puerto Rico

Just back from: Puerto Rico.

Location Editor Bailey Johnson took a trip to the United States area of Puerto Rico, roaming the historical battlements of San Juan, and checking out the remote beaches of Vieques.

1. Flamenco Beach, Culebra

Flamenco Beach is regularly ranked as one of the very best beaches in the Caribbean and the island's premier beach destination. Located on the smaller sized island of Culebra, part of the Puerto Rican archipelago, this veteran preferred draws in crowds happy to take a trip by car, aircraft or ferry to see its stunning beach.

Flamenco's crescent-shaped bay is encircled by low, green hills and immaculately fine sand. The two brilliantly painted Sherman tanks that embellish the back of the beach, a testimony to the marine profession of the island, have now become renowned landmarks.

2. La Monserrate, Balneario de Luquillo

Simply a stone's throw from El Yunque National Rain forest lies the precious La Monserrate Beach. Known as El Balneario de Luquillo by citizens, this immensely popular beach is visited by both residents and travelers alike for its warm and shallow waters, family-friendly ambiance and sufficient entertainment.

Among a handful of Blue Flag beaches on the island, the calm waves and low tides draw in lots of families whose kids play on the beach or picnic areas. Best of all, there are lots of affordable food kiosks that line the beach entryway.

Bird's-eye view of turquoise waters bordered by green bush and white sands on Playa Sucia; finest beaches Puerto Rico

There's nothing unclean about the beautiful Playa Sucia in the southern part of Puerto Rico © Mia2you/ Shutterstock

3. La Playuela, Playa Sucia

Playa Sucia literally equates to unclean beach however don't let the name fool you: this beach is anything however unclean. The wild and isolated beach is one of the most pristine on the island and a favorite amongst those searching for an off-the-beaten-path adventure.

A rocky drive down dirt roadways through the pink Corozo salt flats and the Cabo Rojo wildlife refuge ultimately lead to a broad crescent of sand, flanked by amazing views. The Cabo Rojo Lighthouse, limestone cliffs and turquoise blue waters of the Caribbean Sea all attend to an incredible background.

4. Aurora's Key, Gilligan's Island

Aurora's Secret, typically called Gilligan's Island-- after the popular '60s TV show-- belongs to the Guanicas' Dry Forest Reserve in Puerto Rico's semi-arid south. There is just one way to get to Aurora's Key, which is by boat. Although technically not a beach, the cay pays for a few of the clearest and most unique swims in the island. Channels fenced by mangrove systems permit you to drift easily with the existing all around this tiny island.

5. Playa Isla Verde, San Juan

With countless tanned bodies relaxing or flexing their biceps around the volley ball net, this metropolitan beach basks in its track record as the Copacabana of Puerto Rico Serenity candidates might choose to head west to Ocean Park however regardless of the crowds, this broad, mile-long swath of sand lying between Punta Las Marías and Piñones in San Juan is an undeniable appeal, especially at sunset. Jet skis, flyboards, beach chairs and umbrellas are all available to rent; banana boats and parasailing are on offer too.

A single boat rests on the sandy shore beside a beach; best beaches Puerto Rico.

Take some terrific photos of grounded fishing boats at Crash Boat © Mikol Hoffman/ Lonely World

6. Crash Boat, Aguadilla

Crash Boat Beach in Aguadilla is one of the most popular and oft-photographed beaches on Puerto Rico's west coast. Fishing skids park on the sands producing picture-perfect postcard images. The facilities include parking, toilets, showers and food vendors.

Snorkeling and diving are also excellent here, especially north of the beach's iconic storm-battered pier. This charming area is well-known for its extraordinary sundowns and many visitors stay well into the evening hours to appreciate them.

7. Sun Bay, Esperanza

Part of Puerto Rico's national park system, this half-moon-shaped bay, less than a half-mile east of Esperanza, is Vieques' balneario (public beach), with all the amenities you might wish for, including lifeguards and a cafe serving criollo treats. Measuring a mile in length, it rarely appears busy-- even with 100 individuals sunning and playing on it, it will still appear almost deserted. The browse is mild.

Head to the eastern end for shady parking locations amid the palms and couple of other sunbathers. For a lot more solitude, keep heading east on the beach road to Playas Media Luna & Navio. In the evening, kayak companies often start their trips in the car park, taking Sun Bay's dirt roads to access Bahía Mosquito.

An internet user captured in the middle of an air-born rotation above a wave; best beaches Puerto Rico

Ricón is a real surfer's paradise © James McGraghan/ 500px

8. Rincón

Among the most popular browsing locations on the island is the beach municipality of Rincón, a true web surfer's paradise-- browse shops are plentiful and boards strapped to cars and truck roofs are a common sight.

Beaches like family vacation Domes, situated between a lighthouse and Puerto Rico's non-active nuclear reactor, supply consistent waves with a mix of beach and coral reef breaks that make for a mellow trip. Maria's, another favorite Rincón reef break, is suitable for all levels of surfing with its excellent shape and long trips.

9. Punta Borinquen, Aguadilla

In 2018 Punta Borinquen was named the Caribbean's first World Surfing Reserve. This designation by the Save the Waves Coalition will now safeguard over a lots world-class surfing spots topped a nearly 5-mile stretch of shoreline from Crash Boat to Web surfer's Beach in Aguadilla. Some of the more popular breaks include Wilderness, Survival Beach and Gas Chambers.

10. Aviones, San Juan

Called for its distance to the San Juan International Airport, Aviones (planes) is one of the most constant beaches for fantastic waves near the San Juan location. Waves break left and right at this often-crowded break that's best for intermediate riders or above. The popular area is visited by thousands of riders throughout the year and can get crowded during the season, however do not let that hinder you-- it's popular for a factor.

A couple in kayaks out in a clear blue ocean with a palm-lined beach to their left

Parts of the Puerto Rico shoreline are perfect for kayaking © Justin Lewis/ Getty Images

11. Playa Santa, Guanica

Playa Santa is promoted as one of western Puerto Rico's finest beaches. Follow the path by the lighthouse out to a spotless crescent beach, where a protected bay makes exceptional swimming for both humans and manatees.

12. Balneario El Escambrón, San Juan

Frequently thought about San Juan's finest beach, this protected arc of sand offers good surf breaks, regional action and a 17th-century Spanish fort glittering in the distance. Most importantly, it's often uncrowded.