Las Palmas Beach

Location: Manatí

Getting there: From San Juan, drive 45 minutes west to Manatí. Park on the left side of the road and walk down the dirt road until you see a sign for the beach. This road can get full on weekends, so arrive early. To the right of that Google Maps pin location, you’ll see an entrance through the chain link fence. Walk through the entrance and follow the dirt road through the fields until you reach the line of trees in the distance. Beyond the trees is the beach. 

Things to do: Relax in the shallows – This is only possible when the surf is flat, which is not often. The summer is your best bet. Walk along the rocks – There is a large rocky section on one side of the beach that you can explore. It’s possible to hike in sandals but you’ll be happy if you wear something sturdier like shoes or Tevas. There are times when natural pools form in the rocks. Walk the beach – You can walk to La Poza de Las Mujeres, Las Golondrinas Cave, and Boquillas Beach from Las Palmas Beach. Snorkeling – There’s not a whole lot to see. The coolest thing I have seen here are fire worms (see video). 

Heads up: This beach is only worth visiting in the summer when there is little to no swell. For most of the year, this beach is not worth visiting due to rough, shore-break waves. The water is often clearest closer to the rock on the right side of the beach. I set my things up in the shade of a tree and lounge in the water there. This beach is usually empty except on weekends where it can fill up.