Playa Tamarindo, Guanica, Puerto Rico – 2024 Beach Guide

Puerto Rico  ⏐  Guanica Puerto Rico  ⏐ Guanica Beaches – Playa Tamarindo

The water at Tamarindo Beach has endless shades of blues that extend far across the shoreline in the distance.  Nearby are more great beaches to explore and one of our favorite resorts and restaurant on the southwest coast of the island just minutes away.  Having seen most of the coastline around the island of Puerto Rico, we know a special beach when we see it, Tamarindo earned the #1 spot on our 2019’s Best Beaches of Puerto Rico list. Workers made significant improvements to the entrance giving visitors a more welcoming experience with plenty of parking.

Don’t Miss the Bioluminescent Bay experience in the nearby charming village of La Parguera after a day of exploring Puerto Rico’s west coast.

The drive to the beach is like no other on the island, you’ll drive on roads cutting through the dry forest with breathtaking views of cliffs, the Ensenada Bay, and the rugged undeveloped coastline of Guanica.

Since the beach is along a nature reserve, Playa Tamarindo remains naturally landscaped the way nature intended.  There are no buildings in sight, visitors are completely embraced by the colors, sounds, textures, and shapes of the dry forest.

After parking your vehicle,  you’ll walk along the boardwalk overlooking ponds, an important nesting site for Puerto Rican crested toad.  Please help us protect this natural treasure by walking on designated areas and never throwing any trash or food in the area. 

At the end of the first walkway, there a nice quiet spot, not for bathing but a quick spot to admire the coastline of Guanica.  Take a walk east (left) to experience the best parts of Playa Tamarindo.  The water is deeper in the first beach stop, families with teens love it for its playful waves.

If you have a toddler, keep walking towards the east end of the beach, the water is calm, crystal clear, and shallow pool-like spots.  Our favorite beach spot along Tamarindo Beach is farther east.  You’ll have to walk along the beach or take the hiking trail, just pack light to make your walk easier.  There are few shade spots, so bring plenty of sun lotion.

The east side of Tamarindo Beach has grass beds throughout, we find them beautiful as they add a stark contrast to the colors of the water, grass beds are also a playground for tiny fish.  As you wade on the water, you may find tiny friendly fish coming near your feet to greet you, kids will love the experience.

Best time to visit Tamarindo Beach

This beach changes throughout the year, it is best during the summer months for swimming.  During the winter months, the waves are stronger and more playful, and you may find more debris onshore.