Steps Beach – Reserva Marina Tres Palmas
Rincon, Puerto Rico – 2024 Beach Guide

Puerto Rico  ⎮  Rincon Puerto Rico  ⎮  Rincon Puerto Rico Beaches  ⎮ Playa Tres Palmas (Steps)

Tres Palmas Beach, also known as Steps Beach (Playa Escalera) for the concrete steps sitting on the sand, is wonderful and unique in every way, capturing the heart of every type of beach lover and delivering unforgettable experiences all year round.  The famous concrete steps are a favorite photo spot for visitors on the west coast of Puerto Rico and a cool place to sit and take in the view when the tide is safe to do so.  Tres Palmas is located in the sunny surfing town of Rincon, the most popular beach destination on the west coast of Puerto Rico.

The beach is easy to access from the main road.  At the end of the narrow dirt path, a beautiful beach awaits with few buildings on site thanks to the efforts of community groups that protested to keep major developments from taking over the shores of this natural treasure on the west coast of Puerto Rico.  Tres Palmas offers easy access and free parking.  There is a food truck at the entrance and plenty of places to eat nearby.

During the spring and summer months, from mid-April – October, the 20 + feet waves turn to calmer waters, allowing snorkelers to explore the healthy coral reef below.  Tres Palmas (Steps Beach) offers locals and visitors some of the best and most accessible snorkeling in the area.   The best time to snorkel is in the morning, the water is calm and clear.  Underwater you can explore a colorful garden where you can spot the following:

• Elkhorn coral community communities
• Bottlenose Dolphins
• Common Reef Fishes such as Parrot Fish, Blue Tang, Surgeonfish, Sergeant Major, Yellowtail
• Hawksbill Turtles
• Spiny Lobsters

The coral reef runs right along the length of the beach.  The best way to get in is through the main beach area where the bottom is more sandy.   If you get in through the north side along the concrete steps, beware that it drops off quickly.   If you swim out farther, the waters are sometimes calmer and the visibility better.   Be sure to swim/snorkel with someone else for safety, there are no lifeguards at Steps, all activities are at your own risk.  We recommend you wear fins and long sleeve snorkeling/scuba clothing to protect your skin from accidental scratches.  The waves could push you against the sharp coral floor along with the concrete steps.  Please refrain from snorkeling during the winter months or when the waves are rougher in the summer, we’ve seen people get nasty scratches on their body from being pushed by the waves.

During the winter months, experienced surfers ride the biggest and most challenging waves in Rincon while beach bums can lounge and enjoy a good show.   Tres Palmas is known as one of the best surfing beaches in the Caribbean.  With waves up to 25 feet during and beyond the break of almost a mile out, Tres Palmas is for experienced surfers in excellent physical shape.  If you’re not a surfer, be sure to bring your lounge chair for a great show over the winter months.

Honeymooners can claim quiet romantic scenic spots. 

Steps Beach is a great starting point for a long walk on the beach with the whole family with the added bonus of breathtaking daily sunsets at the end of a glorious day on the beach.  The sand is golden and soft, the beach is not very wide in the winter months.

Sit on a fallen tree and let your cares slip away as you listen to the ocean waves.

Palm and almond trees line up the back of the beach providing some shade and a natural feel.