Crash Boat Beach

Location: Aguadilla

Getting there: From San Juan, drive 1 hour 30 minutes west until you reach the west coast of the island. Drive downhill along a road lined with crosses until you get to a parking lot on your left. There is an upper and larger lower lot. If all the spots are taken you will have to park on the street. Parking fills up quickly, especially on weekends.

What to look for: In between the pilings of the pier, you can always find a variety of fish. 20 or so meters out to sea, directly in front of the dock, you’ll see a scuba buoy. Snorkel along the ruins of the pier on the sea floor until you get there. The snorkeling is best if you can dive down to get close. I have seen a sea snake, tarpon, and some squid. You’ll mostly see the usual suspects of small tropical fish.

Heads up: The parking is always a headache here unless you arrive in the morning. Be careful swimming between the pilings, the coral is sharp. If you swim out from under the pier, make sure someone doesn’t jump on your head. Be careful of crazy people on jet skis while snorkeling, they are a serious liability. The longer your fins are the better for this spot.