Fajardo is a small city on the northeastern coast of Puerto Rico.
The area offers everything from quiet, secluded islands to bustling beaches with various water activities.
I’ve visited Fajardo many times so I can tell you the best spots to go.
In this article, we’ll highlight the 12 best beaches in Fajardo and the surrounding islands.
1. Seven Seas Beach
Seven Seas is a public beach next to Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve, and its calm water makes it great for families.
This beach has restrooms, showers, and picnic areas available for a small fee.
Large palm trees provide shade. There are food and drink vendors on the beach, as well as gazebos, beach umbrellas, and chairs for rent — browse Fajardo restaurants and beach food.
Check out the video below showing Playa Seven Seas:
Seven Seas Beach also offers camping.
From here, you can go hiking to the other secluded beaches the island has to offer.
View the location of Seven Seas Beach on the Google Map below:
This beach made the list for our 12 Best Camping Spots In Puerto Rico.
2. Playa Colorá
Playa Colorá is a small secluded beach with reddish sand, a 25-minute hike from Seven Seas Beach.
This beach is not ideal for swimming.
There are no barrier reefs to buffer the powerful waves. The north side is slightly calmer, with paths leading to natural pools.
Check out the video of Playa Colora below:
There are no facilities available; plan accordingly.
Find Playa Colora’s location in this Google Map:
Check out our list of the 20 Best Hiking Trails in Puerto Rico for more.
3. Luquillo Beach
Luquillo Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the island.
Luquillo Beach has white sand, palm trees, and turquoise waters.
Check out this video of Luquillo Beach:
You can rent kayaks, and paddleboards, take a snorkeling trip, or even try parasailing!
Food kiosks line the beach and serve everything from fresh seafood to traditional Puerto Rican dishes.
Use the Google Map below to find Luquillo Beach:
in our article Luquillo Beach.
4. Playa Escondida
Playa Escondida (hidden beach) is a secluded spot accessible from Seven Seas Beach.
It is not the best for swimming.
Bring your own food, drinks, and shade, as the beach has no facilities.
Tour Hidden Beach in the video below:
Playa Escondida is a great place for hiking and exploring.
The surrounding area is home to a variety of wildlife. Several trails lead up the cliffs, and the views are amazing.
Find Hidden Beach on the Google Map below:
5. Playa de las Cabezas de San Juan
Playa de las Cabezas de San Juan (Las Cabezas Beach) is within Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve, managed by Para la Naturaleza.
Playa de las Cabezas de San Juan is famous for The Faro de las Cabezas de San Juan, which translates to “Lighthouse of the Heads.”
This landmark was built in 1882 and stands 82 feet tall and is open to the public.
Check out the video below for more of this beach:
Las Cabezas has a large coral reef; this is great for snorkeling and diving to explore marine life. Swimming, kayaking, and guided tours are available.
Find Las Cabezas using the Google Map below:
6. Isla Palomino
This small island is located just off the coast of Fajardo. There’s no public ferry: El Conquistador Resort runs boats for its guests, and you can also get there by charter or private boat.
Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing on the beach.
Check out Palomino in the video below:
Isla Palomino is home to a number of water sports operators, offering kayaking, jet skiing, and parasailing.
Visitors can also go on a guided tour of the island’s mangrove forests, and wildlife.
in Our Ultimate Guide to Puerto Rico’s Islands.
7. Icacos Island
Icacos Island is an uninhabited island just off the coast of Fajardo.
Icacos Island is largely undeveloped.
Check it out in the video below:
Icacos has shaded spots, but there are no restroom facilities on the island.
Find the location of Icacos in the Google Map below:
8. Playa Canalejo
This beach is typically quiet and uncrowded.
The beach is also relatively small, giving a sense of intimacy and tranquility.
Check out Playa Canalejo in the video below:
The waters are calm and clear, ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
The landscape and palm trees provide a lovely backdrop for photos.
There are no facilities directly on the beach.
Restaurants, shops, and other amenities are available in nearby Luquillo.
Check out the Google Map below to find Playa Canalejo:
9. Playa La Pared
This beach is named for the rock formation known as “La Pared,” or “The Wall”, along the coastline that creates a barrier between the beach and the forest.
Strong currents and waves make Playa La Pared a popular spot for surfing.
Swimming is not advised.
Check out the video of La Pared below:
There are several small restaurants and bars in the area.
Find La Pared on the Google Map below:
about this beach in our guide to the Best Surfing Spots In Puerto Rico.
10. La Zanja Beach
La Zanja Beach is located in a secluded cove with calm clear waters and a variety of marine life.
Check out La Zanja in the video below:
Snorkeling and diving are popular activities, and there are a variety of local tour companies offering guided tours.
La Zanja Beach has shaded areas for picnicking as well as hiking trails.
Check out the location of La Zanja in the Google Map below:
11. Playa Azul
Playa Azul is one of the largest beaches in the area.
The soft sand is perfect for lounging or building sandcastles. The waters are calm and warm, perfect for swimming.
Playa Azul is located in a protected reserve, where you can enjoy the beauty of the tropical rainforest.
There are no large hotels or resorts nearby.
Check out Playa Azul in the video below:
There are vendors on the beach who rent out equipment for water sports.
Find Playa Azul in the Google Map below:
Visitors can also take a hike in the nearby El Yunque National Forest.
12. Playa La Selva
Playa La Selva is a 40-minute hike from La Pared and is only accessible by car if you have a 4×4.
Check out the video below to see the drive:
Visitors enjoy the peaceful seclusion of this beach.
There are no facilities and you should remember to bring in what you need.
Check out the location of La Selva in the Google Map below:
For more about the island’s beaches, read our article 30 Best Beaches In Puerto Rico.
FAQ section:
What is the best beach in Fajardo Puerto Rico?
Seven Seas Beach is the best beach in Fajardo because of its calm waters, and facilities available.
Which beach in Fajardo has the whitest sand?
Icacos Island has the whitest sand that beautifully contrasts against the turquoise Caribbean Sea.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, Fajardo is home to several beautiful beaches in Puerto Rico, each offering unique and unforgettable experiences.
Whether you’re looking to explore hiking, wildlife, and various water activities, or simply relax on the beach, Fajardo’s beaches and surrounding islands have what you need.
Check out our 20 Best Things To Do In Fajardo for more ideas when you’re planning your trip!
Originally published on PuertoRico.com (2023-04-26); last updated 2026-01-03.