Crash Boat Beach In Aguadilla, Puerto Rico (2024) – All You Need to Know

Crash Boat Beach, located in Aguadilla, is one of the best beaches in Puerto Rico.  

From its sparkling blue waters, diamond-dusted sands, and delicious kiosks, you will not regret visiting this world-class beach.

In this article, I’ll tell you everything that you need to know about Crash Boat Beach:

What is Crash Boat Beach?
Why do they call it Crash Boat Beach?
Where is Crash Boat Beach located?
How do you get to Crash Boat Beach in Puerto Rico?
How much time do you need at Crash Boat Beach?
Do you have to pay to park at Crash Boat Beach?
Can you stay on Crash Boat Beach in Puerto Rico?
Can you visit Crash Boat Beach without a tour?
Is Crash Boat Beach open to the public?
Is Crash Boat Beach worth visiting?

 

What is Crash Boat Beach?

Crash Boat Beach is considered one of the most famous beaches in Puerto Rico.

Often considered “the party beach,” it’s perfect for students, families, and even beginner divers to visit. 

image of a beach
Crash Boat Beach in Aguadilla.

Why is it considered the party beach? This beach can get busy with people from the island and other countries, so it’s no surprise that you’ll hear joyful music and delicious foods paired with an active and playful environment.

It’s simple, relaxing, and always fun.

Below is a video showing Crash Boat Beach:

 

Why do they call it Crash Boat Beach?

There are a couple of versions of why it’s called Crash Boat, but it all links back to the US military. 

image of a pier at the beach
The piers in Crash Boat Beach in Aguadilla.

Ever wondered why there’s a pier at this beach? In WWII, the army built this dock for the United States military to take in boats from the Crash Rescue Boats Squadron, extracting the name “Crash Boat”.

Another tale goes that a huge boat crashed into the cement pier as it ran into the beach.

image of a boat
Parked boat with the Puerto Rican flag painted.

 

Where is Crash Boat Beach located?

Crash Boat Beach is located in a town called Aguadilla on the upper west coast of Puerto Rico. 

If you’re staying in San Juan, it’s a 2-hour trip.

If you’re staying in Rincon, it’s a 30-minute trip to Crash Boat in Aguadilla.

No matter where you are staying, visiting Crash Boat Beach is worth the trip and is a perfect way to spend the entire day.

image of a beach
Far away view of Crash Boat Beach in Aguadilla.

 

How do you get to Crash Boat Beach in Puerto Rico?

There are a couple of ways you can get to Crash Boat Beach. 

Using your GPS is the easiest and most modern way to do it.

Here’s a pin that will get you directly to Crash Boat.

If you’re from the San Juan area, take Route 22 west to Route 2 west. Once you get to Aguadilla, take a right onto Road 107, and further ahead, take a left onto Road 458. 

Some signs will then lead you to Crash Boat Beach. 

You can also use this direction “José de Diego/PR-22 W and Carr Puerto Rico 2 O/PR-2 W” on maps, and it will take you directly to the beach.

 

How much time do you need at Crash Boat Beach?

This trip is a whole day, especially if you’re driving two hours from San Juan to Aguadilla.

Crash Boat Beach has everything you need, from bathrooms to kiosks, and even freshwater showers.

However, if you’re staying nearby, let’s say, Cabo Rojo or Rincon, then visiting Crash Boat Beach will only take half a day.

Either way, I recommend taking an entire day to enjoy this beach. You can consider staying to watch the sunset. 

image of the sunset at Crash Boat Beach
Sunset at Crash Boat Beach.

 

Do you have to pay to park at Crash Boat Beach?

There’s a free parking area and a secured parking spot where you only pay around $5.00 to enter. 

Overall, there is free parking. 

However, locals and experienced tourists could take all the free parking during busy days and holidays, so you’ll probably have to pay the parking fee to park inside with security.

There’s no fee to enter the beach. If you find a free parking spot, you can enjoy the entire day without spending a dime on the fun.

image of parked cars
Parking near Crash Boat Beach.

 

Can you stay on Crash Boat Beach in Puerto Rico?

There are no hotels and condos at this beach for you to stay in.

However, this beach offers a camping area for you to camp at the beach! 

There are also hotels near this beach where you can stay, about 5-10 minutes away, like Hotel El Faro, this vacation rental, Hotel Villa Forin, and others.

image of the camping area
Camping area on Crash Boat Beach.

 

Can you visit Crash Boat Beach without a tour?

Yes! You can visit Crash Boat Beach without a tour.

It’s not necessary to get a tour for this type of activity. 

You will only need transportation (if you’re renting a car, you’re just in luck!) and a cooler full of beverages to enjoy the lovely, sunny beach.

image of a beach
Crash Boat Beach in Aguadilla.

 

Is Crash Boat Beach open to the public?

Like every beach in Puerto Rico, Crash Boat Beach is open to the public.

There is no entrance fee to get in. As mentioned previously, there might be a parking fee to pay if the beach is busy or you want to feel secure during your stay.

Overall, Crash Boat Beach is a safe beach to go to, so you have nothing to worry about.

image of boats at the beach
Parked boats on Crash Boat Beach.

 

Is Crash Boat Beach worth visiting?

In my opinion, Crash Boat Beach is most definitely worth the visit.

Crash Boat Beach is the second-best beach in the rankings of the best beaches in Puerto Rico. The first is Flamenco Beach.

If you can’t make the journey to experience Flamenco Beach in Culebra, then Crash Boat Beach is definitely worth the trip.

My favorite part about this beach is that you can walk on the pier and jump into the deep waters. Here you’ll see colorful fish and other marine life.

image of an underwater view
Underwater view at the pier on Crash Boat.

 

Final thoughts

There you go! That’s everything you need to know about Crash Boat Beach. 

Although there are almost 300 beaches in Puerto Rico, I consider Crash Boat Beach to be in the top three best beaches on the island.

The best way to enjoy your day here is to take a cooler full of your favorite drinks, bring some snacks, and most importantly, cash.

There are giant shish kebabs (called Pinchos) made with chicken or pork for under $5.00 USD. There are also vendors selling piña coladas in pineapple cups!

Besides kiosks, there is also a beach bar called “Cocoloba” that offers deliciously authentic Puerto Rican cuisine, such as mofongo cups, sample platters, and mojitos.

If you are looking for other great beaches to visit in Puerto Rico, then check out our article where we cover the top 30 beaches in Puerto Rico.

Crash Boat Beach In Aguadilla, Puerto Rico (2024) – All You Need to Know
Article by

Miguel Concepcion

Writer & Editor at PuertoRico.com. I’ve lived in Puerto Rico for 14 years and have experienced every inch of this stunning island. Growing up in Puerto Rico has helped me truly learn about the rich culture and extensive history this island has to offer. I share my local knowledge in all of the articles that I write.

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