El Cocal Beach

Location: Yabucoa

Getting there: From San Juan, drive 1 hour  south to reach the lesser-traveled south coast. Drive through a neighborhood until you reach a paved parking lot looking out at the ocean. Walk down to a small bridge that takes you to the sand.  

Things to do: Walk the beach – To the left is a semi-protected area with water that is calmer. There may be a Puerto Rican flag flying on the outcrop of rocks sticking out of the water. If you don’t see it, just keep walking to the left and the beach will end at this spot. If you walk to the right, you can walk until the beach appears to end in some rocks. You can climb over these rocks which will reveal a beach on the other side. Likely, you won’t find anyone there. Get in the water – There is often medium size shore break waves here. It’s possible to stand in the water just past where they break but only if you are comfortable with that sort of thing. If you aren’t liking the look of the surf, try the protected area to the left.

Heads up: This is a good place to look for coconuts so bringing a knife or machete isn’t a bad idea. I have harvested several coconuts here and had to smash them open on the rocks which is tiring and takes forever.