Puerto Rico has many great snorkel spots.
While you can snorkel from any beach, I’ve taken the time to highlight the best spots.
I grew up in Puerto Rico, and I’ve snorkeled throughout the island with my dad since I was little.
In this article, I will cover the 25 best snorkel spots in Puerto Rico:
Seven Seas Beach is known for its powdery white sand and pristine blue seas.
This is the most excellent site to learn how to snorkel in Puerto Rico since the water is usually flat with little waves.
Check out Seven Seas Beach in the following video:
Small reef systems, seagrass beds and sea cucumbers await underwater explorers.
Below is a Google Map that shows the location of Seven Seas Beach:
Learn more about the area in our article Fajardo – All You Need To Know.
Escambron Beach in San Juan is another one of the best places to snorkel in Puerto Rico.
Under the water, you can see coral reefs, crustaceans, and tropical fish that are used to snorkelers and will swim around you with no problem.
Below is a video that shows Snorkeling at Escambron Beach:
This is one of my favorite beaches to snorkel at; I once saw a tiny sea horse swimming right in front of me.
That’s something you don’t usually see.
Below is a Google Map that shows the location of Escambron Beach:
Learn more about the area in our article Old San Juan – All You Need To Know.
Condado Beach in San Juan is a bit of a landmark in Puerto Rico because it is one of the most popular beaches in the country.
While snorkeling, you can admire the clear water and spot crabs, urchins, coral reefs, and many different kinds of fish.
Below is a video that shows snorkeling at Condado Lagoon:
After snorkeling, taking a 10-minute cab ride to beautiful Old San Juan to look around, shop, and get something to drink is a great idea.
Below is a Google Map that shows the location of Condado Beach:
For more information about the area, read our article Condado – All You Need To Know.
Flamenco Beach is located in the municipality of Flamenco on the island of Culebra.
You’ll find a wide variety of marine life in the sea. Colorful fish, sea turtles, and stingrays are the creatures to be seen.
Below is a video that shows snorkeling at Flamenco Beach:
For the full snorkeling experience, it is best to go on a tour.
Below is a Google Map that shows the location of Flamenco Beach:
Learn more by reading our article Flamenco Beach – All You Need To Know.
Crash Boat Beach is one of my favorite beaches Puerto Rico has to offer.
This beach has a fantastic snorkeling experience you’ll never forget.
The pier is excellent for snorkeling and is well-liked by scuba divers.
You may find a variety of colorful fish in the shallow waters of the first entrances closest to the shore, and we often see a lot of blue tangs and young barracuda.
Below is a video that shows snorkeling at Crash Boat Beach:
This beach is best visited in the spring through early autumn, when the water is relatively shallow and clear along the rocks, making it an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling.
Below is a Google Map that shows the location of Crash Boat Beach:
Learn more by reading our article Crash Boat Beach – All You Need To Know.
Isla Cardona is a location where you may go on a hike, take stunning photos, explore the island, or just unwind by the beach.
The waters around Isla Cardona are among the clearest in the world, making it a great site for snorkeling.
Below is a video that shows snorkeling at Isla Cardona:
To get to Cardona Island, you must drive to La Guancha in Ponce, where you’ll find a ferry that will take you there.
Below is a Google Map that shows the location of La Guancha:
Punta Soldado Beach is a fantastic place for snorkeling.
Since the waters are calm and clean, you see how the reefs practically touch the beach. It serves as a home for many different underwater animals.
You may expect to witness fish, turtles, octopuses, lobsters, and more!
Check out Punta Soldado Beach in the following video:
The attractiveness of this beach is that it recognizes the delicate balance of underwater life.
For a great snorkeling experience, swim on the left side of the beach, where you will find a beautiful reef to admire.
Below is a Google Map that shows the location of Punta Soldado Beach:
To get to Punta Soldado, take the ferry from Ceiba to Culebra and take a taxi van upon arrival.
Guanica’s Gilligans Island, also known as Cayo Aurora, is one of the best family snorkeling locations.
Gilligan’s Island has clean, shallow waters that are like a vast pool and are ideal for kids to snorkel in.
Below is a video that shows snorkeling at Gilligan’s Island:
Although there aren’t many kinds of fish or coral reefs, you may often witness large schools of fish and barracudas.
Below is a Google Map that shows the location of Gilligan’s Island:
Desecheo Island is a Rincón snorkeling secret.
Due to unexploded artillery cannon, federal law prohibits unlawful entrance to the island itself.
The oceans surrounding the island are accessible and home to a great diversity of colorful marine life.
Unexploded artillery, fish, sponges, and tunnels are on the ocean floor.
Below is a Google Map that shows the location of Desecheo Island:
You may book a trip through Taino Divers, one of the most well-known diving operators in Rincón, to gain given entry to this island.
Icacos Island is one of Puerto Rico’s best-known natural attractions, and for a good reason.
You’ll be on a remote and inhabited island.
What you’ll find all around you is the most stunning ocean, with unending shades of aquamarine, accompanied by nearly white sand.
You must take a tour guide or a private charter to go to this beach.
Both adults and kids will love the experience as the tour operators stop at reefs teaming with colorful fish.
Below is a video that shows snorkeling at Icacos Island:
You may enjoy snorkeling at Icacos by moving toward the rocky side of the beach after arriving on the island.
Below is a Google Map that shows the location of Icacos Island:
Carlos Rosario Beach is another beach you’ll find when visiting Flamenco, Culebra.
It features excellent snorkeling conditions and a diversity of marine life, making it one of the more peaceful locations.
There are tons of fish and beautiful coral reefs on this Beach.
Turtle sightings are possible but not guaranteed in this location.
Below is a video that shows snorkeling at Carlos Rosario Beach:
To get there, you must go on a 20 to 30-minute hike from Flamenco Beach.
Below is a Google Map that shows the location of Carlos Rosario Beach:
You must go to Steps Beach in the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve in the summer when the surf is less, and the sea is calmer.
This is one of the best places to snorkel when visiting the island’s west coast.
You’ll enjoy floating over one of the biggest Elk Horn coral gardens in the Caribbean.
You will discover a reef with stunning rocks, living coral, sea turtles, stunning Blue Tang schools, and more upon snorkeling.
Below is a video that shows snorkeling at Steps Beach:
Winter is not the time to visit this beach.
This beach’s waters are notorious for having harsh currents and strong waves most suitable for surfing.
If you want to know the best time to snorkel here, July is the ideal month.
Below is a Google Map that shows the location of Steps Beach:
La Parguera is a series of mangrove islands and little cays that provide beautiful waters and underwater playgrounds where you can run across turtles, manatees, and other sea life.
When you arrive, you may book a water taxi or tour; you’ll see a variety of staff members offering to take you on a tour or boat to the offshore keys.
Below is a video that shows snorkeling at La Parguera:
Caracoles and Mata La Gata are two well-known mangrove cays because they are close.
If you arrive early in the morning, you may visit both mangrove cays.
Below is a Google Map that shows the location of La Parguera:
I hope you brought your snorkel gear because real magic and beauty is found in Tamarindo Beach, located in Culebra.
Due to Cayo Luis Pea’s protection, the seas in Tamarindo are calm, making it a famous beach for kayaking and snorkeling.
Below is a video that shows snorkeling at Tamarindo Beach:
When swimming, you’ll discover coral reefs, an abundance of marine life, and, if you’re lucky, snorkeling with turtles early in the day.
Below is a Google Map that shows the location of Tamarindo Beach:
Melones Beach is the best option if you just have a day to spend in Culebra and wish to snorkel.
Due to its rough bottom, this beach is not the ideal choice for swimming.
However, Melones is mainly frequented for the fantastic snorkeling location conveniently located from the beach.
Below is a video that shows Snorkeling at Melones Beach:
The best snorkeling location is just over the boulders on the right side of the beach.
You’ll be floating over coral reef gardens, home to a diverse tropical fish population with striking stripes and colors.
Below is a Google Map that shows the location of Melones Beach:
Iguanas, thriving coral reefs, and the most diverse undersea world may be found on Mona Island, a wildlife reserve that is uninhabited by people.
You may encounter huge waves on the way there, so getting there is a great adventure, not for the weak of the heart.
You must reserve a charter boat to get to Mona Island.
Once there, you may swim with turtles, snorkel in clear seas, and probably be the only one there.
Below is a Google Map that shows the location of Mona Island:
Shacks Beach is a famous beach that is excellent for diving or snorkeling and is regarded as one of Puerto Rico’s top beaches.
The beach is widely renowned for having excellent surf conditions in the winter, so it’s best to avoid this beach for snorkeling during the winter.
Below is a video that shows snorkeling at Shacks Beach:
The reef’s protection, which extends above the sea and stretches from east to west, is the ideal location for snorkeling.
Below is a Google Map that shows the location of Shacks Beach:
In San Juan, a fantastic beach for a bit of snorkeling is Playita del Condado.
This beach is perfect for families and beginner snorkelers for its shallow waters, making it an easy and pleasant experience.
Below is a video that shows Snorkeling at Playita del Condado:
The beach provides easy access to snorkeling locations.
Below is a Google Map that shows the location of Playita del Condado:
One of the busiest beaches is Mar Chiquita Beach, which lies near the Puerto Rican town of Manati on the island’s north coast.
The beach is ideal for relaxing while taking in the area’s breathtaking scenery, sunbathing, swimming, taking pictures, strolling, snorkeling to see the diversity of fish and marine crystals, and more.
Below is a video that shows snorkeling at Mar Chiquita Beach:
Below is a Google Map that shows the location of Mar Chiquita Beach:
Isla de Ratones, located in Cabo Rojo, is another excellent island to enjoy a pleasant snorkeling experience with shallow and clean waters.
You’ll need to charter a boat to reach this isolated cay.
Since most of the beach around the island is just six feet deep, it is ideal for kids and beginner snorkelers.
Below is a Google Map that shows the location of Isla de Ratones:
A must-see attraction is Cordillera Nature Reserve.
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Photo Credit: @soyjoepr
The Cordillera, which is made up of private keys and cays (low-elevation sandy islands often found next to coral reefs), is abundant in wildlife.
The islands are fantastic for relaxation and unwinding, while the reefs provide fantastic snorkeling possibilities.
Below is a Google Map that shows the location of Cayos de la Cordillera Nature Reserve:
The peaceful and sandy La Chiva Beach is located at the southernmost point of the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge.
The beach’s complete seclusion, lack of facilities, and crowds make it a perfect snorkeling experience for all beach enthusiasts.
Below is a video that shows snorkeling at La Chiva Beach:
You may relax in this quiet tourist location and restore yourself while taking in the area’s peace.
Below is a Google Map that shows the location of La Chiva Beach:
Mosquito Pier in Vieques should be on your travel schedule.
A little beach may be seen as you get close to Mosquito Pier on the left.
If the water is in perfect condition, you may find plenty of starfish on the seagrass just a few feet from the coast and flat, clear water.
Below is a video that shows snorkeling at Mosquito Pier:
Some stairs go down to the ocean for more experienced snorkelers if you proceed to the end of the pier (just before the closed gate).
Below is a Google Map that shows the location of Mosquito Pier:
Off the west coast of Culebra lies the tiny deserted island of Luis Peña Key, previously known as South West Key.
This island, which has the name of its second owner, offers several modest, safe beaches, and you can go snorkeling all around it.
Check out Luis Peña Keys in the following video:
The island is accessible to tourists for day trips only and provides fantastic chances for swimming, snorkeling, diving, hiking, and other outdoor pursuits.
Below is a Google Map that shows the location of Cayo Luis Peña:
Good snorkeling may be found in Pata Prieta, particularly during the summer.
Manta Ray sightings are frequent, and the sea fan gardens are lovely.
Below is a video that shows snorkeling at Pata Prieta:
You’ll discover relatively calm waves in the winter or when it’s raining. Most of the time, the waters are tranquil, ideal for both adults and kids to enjoy a peaceful swim.
Below is a Google Map that shows the location of Pata Prieta:
Puerto Rico has great snorkeling.
It is best to rent a car so that you have the maximum amount of freedom to explore these snorkel spots.
For an unforgettable snorkeling experience, Crash Boat Beach and Flamenco Beach are your best options if you’re up for a road trip and all-day experience.
However, if you find yourself limited to the San Juan area, then Escambron Beach and Playita Condado are excellent choices.
I recommend checking out our article about the 30 best beaches in Puerto Rico.
Also, check out our article about the 45 best things to do in Puerto Rico.
Writer 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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