Isabela is a popular destination on the northwest coast of Puerto Rico.
This area is known for its surfing and beautiful beaches.
I have lived in this part of Puerto Rico my entire life, so I am happy to share my knowledge about Isabela with you.
In this article, I will cover the 6 best beaches in Isabela:
Jobos Beach is the most famous beach in Isabela.
Several surf schools use Jobos as their “classroom.”
In Jobos, you can see hawksbill turtles and a wide array of fish.
Jacinto’s Well (a famous blowhole) and Isabela’s coastal boardwalk are in Jobos.
Jobos is a safe beach frequented by families, but no lifeguards are on duty.
Check out Jobos Beach in the following video:
For more information about surfing, check out our 10 Best Surf Spots in Puerto Rico.
Shacks Beach is home to the blue hole.
There are over 300 yards of reefs on this beach.
The reef ends with a 30 feet drop leading to underwater caves, schools of fish, spiny lobsters, and lots of coral.
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Photo Credit: @angiemille
You can surf, sunbathe, windsurf, or walk on the sand at Shacks Beach.
The best activities you can do at Shacks are snorkeling and scuba diving.
The marine life you will see and the tranquility you will experience are unsurpassed.
Check out Shacks Beach in the following video:
For more information about popular snorkeling sites in Puerto Rico, read our article 25 Best Snorkel Spots In Puerto Rico.
With more than a mile of sandy beach, clear turquoise waters, and the most prominent natural pool in Isabela, Montones is the best beach for families.
Montones Beach is almost unknown to tourists — most people you see are locals or people staying in nearby short-term rentals and hotels.
Stay within the natural pool! Rock formations will protect you from solid marine currents beyond the rocks.
Check out Montones Beach in the following video:
Read our article 18 Best Things To Do In Isabela for more ideas for your vacation.
El Pastillo Beach is one of the best beaches on the west coast of Puerto Rico.
Clear turquoise waters and a stretch of sand that you can walk on for over half an hour make El Pastillo Beach a must-go.
A fifteen-to twenty minutes walk west on El Pastillo Beach will take you to The Swallows Cave.
Be on the lookout for a rock formation that resembles the face of Taino Chief Mabodomaca. Legend says The Great Spirit Yocahu was carved into the side of the mountain to honor his bravery.
You can enter the cave in the summer months when the tide is low.
If the waves are high, please don’t attempt to go in the cave; currents are strong, and you could get hurt.
Check out Cueva de las Golondrinas in the following video:
Home of the Corona Xtra Pro Surf Circuit Competition, Middles Beach is a favorite among surfing enthusiasts.
Middles Beach has strong waves and rocky shores making it not the best beach for swimming in Isabela.
But Middles is excellent for taking pictures, walking on the dunes, and watching surfers.
Check out Middles Beach in the following video:
Parking is free, but you must park in the designated area away from the dunes.
We Puerto Ricans call natural pools formed by rocks on the beach “poza”.
The most beautiful poza in Isabela and probably in Puerto Rico is Poza Sardinera or Sardeen’s pool.
In Sardineras Beach, you will see and feel great contrasts.
The rocks make the pool shallow, warm and calm, while the waves hit the rocks with tremendous strength bringing cool water into the natural pool.
The water from the waves retreats after hitting the rock, forming dozens of little cascades.
Poza las Sardineras is safe for children and the elderly, but please be careful if you walk on the rocks to enjoy the view.
Check out Sardineras Beach in the following video:
Parking is limited, and the beach gets crowded on weekends.
The beaches of Isabela are known for surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and for long walks on them. Middles is famous for the Corona Xtra Pro Surging Circuit competition.
Shacks for scuba diving, Middles for surfing, Pocita Sardinera for the family, and El Pastillo for walking. In Jobos Beach, you can do all these activities in one place.
If you like beaches, you should definitely visit Isabela.
My favourite beaches in Isabela are Jobos Beach and Shacks Beach.
If you are looking for more beaches, then check out our article 30 Best Beaches In Puerto Rico.
Also, you may enjoy our articles 18 Best Things To Do In Isabela and Is Isabela Safe For Tourists – All You Need To Know.
Writer at PuertoRico.com. I was born in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. I’m passionate about Puerto Rican history and culture. I live on the west coast of Puerto Rico, and host an Airbnb for tourists. I also coordinate tours and concierge services for tourists. I authored “Eat Like A Local, Puerto Rico”, and have contributed to blogs and magazines with articles about discovering and enjoying what Puerto Rico has to offer.
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