© Puerto Rico Tourism Company

The San Juan cruise port has one of the most convenient beaches for cruise visitors in the Caribbean. It’s also right by one of the most famous historical attractions in the Caribbean at Old San Juan.

Many of Puerto Rico’s beaches are blue flag certified. It means these beaches have shown superior quality in environmental education, water quality, environmental management, as well as services and safety.

San Juan Cruise Port Beaches

Playa Puerta De Tierra and El Escambrón, which are right next to each other, are the nearest beaches to the San Jan Cruise Port Terminal. They are mere minutes away from Old San Juan and a favorite with the locals.

The walking distance and calm waters with lines of swaying palm trees make them ideal beaches for cruise visitors. They have nice views of the Atlantic Ocean, El Morro Fort, and the Capitol Dome in Old San Juan. It is Blue Flag certified.

Cruise visitors who arrive at the San Juan Cruise Port Terminal by Old San Juan can walk less than one mile northeast of the docks past El Capitolio and the Plaza de la Democracia. They will reach the small Playa Puerta De Tierra beach. The bigger and better known El Escambrón is a few blocks more to the east.

Anyone who wants to go directly to El Escambrón will have a 1.5 mile walk or about 15-20 minutes on foot. Otherwise, it’s a quick taxi ride.

Other Puerto Rico Beaches

Flamenco Beach

This beach is considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world. It is located on Culebra Island, which boasts some of the best snorkeling in Puerto Rico. Throw on some gear and go for a swim to explore breathtaking coral reefs teeming with vibrant fish and lazy turtles. Flamenco Beach has lifeguards for safety and lots of stands that sell food for convenience.

Snorkeling shore excursions are available from San Juan. This eight-hour tour will cost about $200 per person. Although expensive, the price on an hourly basis is similar to shorter excursions.

Carlos Rosario

Just a short 20 minute hike down the trail from Flamenco Beach, Carlos Rosario is a hidden gem tucked away for explorers and romantics alike. This secluded beach is the perfect place for tourists who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of other beaches, but still want all the gorgeous views and Caribbean sunshine. The snorkeling isn’t too bad either.

Sun Bay

Another family-friendly beach, Sun Bay, is located on Vieques Island. This island is perfect for the visitor who relishes in natural beauty as Vieques is very underdeveloped. The beach’s crescent shape provides barriers on each side that protect the coast from harsh waves, which makes it ideal for wading with small children. Puerto Rico National Parks owns this beach and provides the following facilities: bathrooms, outdoor showers, public telephones, water fountains, garbage cans, and cheap parking.

Balneario Seven Seas

Fajardo is known for being home to one of the few Bioluminescent Bays left in the world. Although this is quite a sight to see at night, the Seven Seas Beach offers plenty of fun for visitors during the day. The beach is named for the many shades of blue water in its depths, and the fine sand adds to the splendor.

This beach is a lively area to sunbathe or play, and it is preferred by locals over the bigger Luquillo Balneario located nearby. There are public services and amenities such as lifeguards, and it is also Blue Flag certified.

Shore excursions from San Juan to kayak on the bay are common.