Steps Beach

Location: Rincón

Getting there: From San Juan, drive 2 hours west to the sleepy beach town of Rincón. You’ll turn down a narrow road between pastures where you can park on the right side of the road. The parking here can fill up fast on the weekend.

Things to do: Snorkel – This is really the only thing to do at Steps. The elkhorn coral formations are incredible and you’ll see a good variety of marine life. The reef is rather shallow, swim further out to sea to see the reef and wildlife change.

Heads up: Get in the water to the left of the entrance, there is a sandy area where it is easier to get in. Still, there are small waves on a mostly rocky shore so getting in and out can be tough. If you get out at a rocky section for whatever reason, look out for sea urchins. Last time I went I saw some serious coral bleaching, I hope this reef does not die. Use reef safe sunscreen. You can only snorkel when the water is calm, waves will stir up the water and make snorkeling here difficult or even dangerous.