Best Beaches in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico
2024 Beach Guide

Puerto Rico West Coast Things to Do  ⎜ Aguadilla, Puerto Rico – Best Beaches

Aguadilla is All About Beaches…

Rincon gets most of the publicity and attention in magazines and publications, but locals and frequent visitors in the know, head to Aguadilla for less crowded beaches with excellent surfing, good snorkeling in summer months where you can encounter sea turtles, and go scuba diving on crystal clear waters not far from shore.  Some beaches are known for their calm clear water, and some are known worldwide for their world-class surfing.

You won’t find resorts and hotels dotted along the shoreline, decades ago the US government decided to build its Army base along Aguadilla’s gorgeous coastline, ironically keeping most of the coastline natural and uncrowded.  

Best Beaches Highlights

Best Beaches with Calm Water for Swimming

• The best swimming beaches are Crashboat (depending on weather and currents), Rompeolas & Peña Blanca (during summer months).

Best Surfing Beaches in Aguadilla

• The best surfing beaches are Surfer’s Beach, which is known to be good for all surfing levels; more experienced surfers can enjoy Wilderness, Gas Chambers, and Schoolyards.

Best Snorkeling Beaches in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico

Be sure to read Best Things to Do in Aguadilla to learn about snorkeling and scuba diving in Aguadilla.

Have a Fun Beach Day at Crash Boat Beach – The most lively beach on the west coast

Don’t miss visiting the picturesque Crashboat Beach, the most popular beach in Aguadilla.  From the pier, you can jump into crystal clear waters, a popular scuba diving spot.   During the weekends, you’ll experience an authentic Puerto Rican beach atmosphere with families having fun under the sun.  Crashboat is famous for the colorful fishermen’s boats parked right on the sand on the north side of the beach.  By the pier, you can enjoy snorkeling, but we recommend a guided tour for the safest experience. 

Take a Hike to Survival & Tabletop

Survival is the most breathtaking beach location in Aguadilla and the most exciting beach hike in Puerto Rico.  You’ll have to take a hike to get there, but the reward is worth the effort.   Coming down from the hike you’ll first arrive at Tabletop Beach, one of the best surfing beaches in Aguadilla.  Although these beaches are unsafe for swimming, the scenery is well worth the hike and deserves a full morning to enjoy all the beauty.

Take a Walk at Playa Punta Borinquen

For a romantic walk on the beach, head to Playa Punta Borinquen, a beautiful stretch of golden sand where you can listen to the surf and go searching for treasures in hidden caves when the tide is low and conditions are safe.  You can continue walking south or hop back in your car and continue towards the “Lighthouse Ruins“, you may encounter a local photographer doing an engagement photo session since it is a very scenic spot, especially during sunset.

Surfer’s Beach – Surf the Waves or Lounge to Watch at 

Perfect explanatory name… Surfer’s Beach is popular among surfers for locals and tourists alike.  The coastline is rugged, romantic, without crowds, and perfect for relaxing while watching surfers.  The welcoming palm grove and parking spots immediately tell you… welcome to paradise. 

Swim, Relax & Snorkel at Playa Peña Blanca

During the summer months, head over to Playa Peña Blanca, also known as Wishing Well.   Be sure to take along snorkel gear, the water is clear, the coral reef has a variety of fish and sea plants, and sea turtles are often spotted at Playa Peña Blanca.

Swim and Search for Seaglass at Rompeolas Beach

Rompeolas is a nice beach near the center of town, it is popular among families due to the easy access, free parking, nearby restaurants, and calm water.  We divide the beach into north and south sides, each has its vibe.  One side gets a lot of sea glass and we often spot artisans searching for special pieces on the sand to use for jewelry creations.   From this beach you can take a break and walk down the malecon (oceanfront walkway), there are restaurants, and chinchorros (kiosks with low-cost traditional food) and drinks.

Go Surfing at Wildnerness Beach

Wildnerness Beach is a favorite during the winter months for surfers. There are a few sandy areas with some shady spots where you can park your lounge chair and watch the show.  Be sure to drive a 4-wheel drive during heavy rain, the road to Wildnerness gets bumpy with some deep muddy spots.  During the summer months, Wilderness gets nice and quiet, you can walk along the beach during low tide along the undeveloped shoreline.

Sunset & Seaglass at Playa Colon

If you’re in the area and love sea glass, Playa Colon is worth visiting and is a nice spot for watching the sunset.  Around sunset, you’ll see locals come to the cement pier to do some fishing.   This beach is not good for bathing, there are much nicer beaches nearby to enjoy, the water is not clear and may be contaminated after it rains since a river flows into the beach.

Gas Chambers Beach

Gas Chambers has two extreme personalities, and that’s exactly the reason why is so loved by locals and visitors.  During the winter months, experienced surfers can ride World Class waves, during summer months, snorkelers can explore the rocky shores where fish play and hide.

Puerto Rico West Coast Things to Do  ⎜ Aguadilla, Puerto Rico – Best Beaches