Complete Puerto Rico Snorkeling Guide
Thanks to its incredibly unspoiled beaches, pulsing and pounding nightlife, and lush tropical rainforests, Puerto Rico, this U.S. territory island archipelago -that consists of the main island and several smaller ones- is a top destination vacation. Among the widely varied activities, the most popular are water sports. Vibrant reefs and rich marine life offer excellent conditions for those who wish to explore the colorful Caribbean undersea world. Are you interested in going snorkeling in Puerto Rico? Then this guide will tell you what places to visit!
Puerto Rico snorkeling conditions
Puerto Rico water generally offers great visibility of 45-65 ft (14-20 meters) in most places. The conditions for snorkeling in Puerto Rico are the best outside the rainy season (from May to October), which is hot and muggy.
Between August and October, tropical storms and hurricanes are also more likely, so the safest option is to plan your Puerto Rico snorkeling expedition before or after this period.
Water activities are the best between December and March, the least rainy months. If you plan to stay along the east or north coast, the ideal months are January, February, and March, while along the west and south coasts from December to March.
Generally, the waters on the island’s south side, fronting the Caribbean Sea, will be calmer and have better visibility than the northern and northeastern sides, facing the Atlantic Ocean’s rougher currents. The sea is warm enough all year round, with temperatures between 79 and 84F (26-29C).
This Puerto Rico itinerary will help you make the most of your time.
Best places for snorkeling in Puerto Rico
Mar Chiquita Beach
A top Puerto Rico snorkeling spot on the northern coast is Mar Chiquita. The beach is unique for its natural pool beaches. It is a distinction that draws in crowds as it lies around only 45 minutes to the west of San Juan, the island’s capital city.
Mar Chiquita’s waters combine turquoise and emerald green with excellent snorkeling thanks to the variety of fish that frequent the water here. While there may not be coral to speak of, swimming with the schools of tropical fish is a joy all its own. Come during the week or in the wintertime to enjoy the beach at its quietest.
Seven Seas Beach
A popular Puerto Rico snorkeling spot is Seven Seas Beach in Fajardo, a one-hour drive from San Juan. This stretch of sand, shaped like a crescent, is small and fabulous. Various palm and almond trees provide shade from the sun as you sit on the soft sand.
A coral reef lies out off the beach and provides a break from the waves. It means that the water is calm and ideal for little swimmers and those just learning to snorkel. As a Blue Flag Beach, this is a well-maintained location.
The little reef provides some interesting Caribbean fish to observe. Along the way to the reef lies a sea grass field that hosts many different submarine fauna, including conch and sea cucumbers. A tiny coral lies along the far left of the beach when you face the water as you swim out from beyond the rocks along the coast.
Steps Beach – Playa Escalera Reserva Marina Tres Palmas
Steps Beach, officially known as Playa Escalera Reserva Marina Tres Palmas, offers hands-down the best snorkeling in Rincon, Puerto Rico. The beach gets its popular nickname from the concrete step ruins in the sand.
This pretty Puerto Rico snorkeling beach allows underwater explorers to observe various marine species in shallow (~30 ft/9 m) water. Visitors can also enjoy the many surfers practicing their craft and the fantastic sunsets that cap off an exhilarating snorkeling day. The beach conveniently offers drinks and food on-site, too.
The natural pools formed by the water hitting the coral walls add some interest and a cool spot from which to watch the surfing action. Protective water shoes are a must here because the rocks are slippery, and there are sea urchins in the water!
Escambron Beach
If you’re looking for a great spot to go snorkeling in San Juan – Puerto Rico, Escambron Beach is the place to be. This beach is part of a nature preserve with tall coconut palms, plenty of snorkeling spots, delicious food, and stunning views of modern and Old San Juan.
At Escambron Beach, you can snorkel, bike, and walk through the park, which has lots of green spaces perfect for kids to play in. It’s close enough to San Juan that you can easily spend a fun afternoon or evening there after your visit.
The coral reefs protect the beach, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling and enjoying the underwater plants and animals. Plus, you can swim with turtles! After a thrilling snorkeling session, you’re just a five-minute walk from food stalls and restaurants.
La Parguera
Snorkeling in Puerto Rico does not get much more memorable than at this iconic and almost unique location. Thanks to its many little coves formed by mangroves, there are calm channels to snorkel through.
Moreover, if you sign up for a La Parguera snorkeling tour, you will also have a world-class bioluminescent tour opportunity! After the sunset, snorkeling in the reefs, and exploring the various coves scattered throughout La Parguera, they will take you to the bioluminescent bay if the conditions are suitable for observing the blue, glowing planktons!
Culebra
Isla Culebra, also known as Snake Island, Isla Chiquita (Little Island), and Última Virgen (Last Virgin Island, due to its geographical proximity to the Virgin Islands), is an island about 17 miles/ 27 km east of Puerto Rico. It was a US Naval base until 1975 when it somehow stayed under the radar. Now, it is famous for its fantastic natural beauty above and under the sea that everyone who walks the extra mile and visits.
More than 20% of Culebra and its surrounding waters are nature reserves and national wildlife refuges, offering safe feeding and breeding grounds for various marine species, including sea birds and sea turtles. This high-level protection and the fact that it is pretty difficult to get to the island explain why Culebra beaches belong to the top snorkeling spots in Puerto Rico.
Although the island enjoys more popularity since one of its beaches, Flamenco, was mentioned among the best beaches in the world, it is still possible to lounge around without feeling crowded. If you want to see vibrant underwater landscapes, go snorkeling in Culebra in Puerto Rico!
Vieques
Like Culebra, the island of Vieques was occupied by the Navy until the early 2000s. Therefore, it has no well-developed infrastructure but pristine beaches and wonderful coral reefs full of marine life.
While exploring Vieques snorkeling places, you can probably tick the box ‘snorkeling with turtles in Puerto Rico’ on your things-do list since the island’s pristine water is home to many sea turtles. Even better, various ray species and nurse sharks can be spotted here!
Coffin Island – Isla Caja de Muertos
For those staying near Ponce, the stunning Coffin Island is not a thing for snorkeling enthusiasts to miss. It lies eight miles (13 km) from the coast. Thanks to the 1700s French author who observed that the island’s shape looked like a cadaver within a coffin the name has stuck. An enduring legend of it being a haunt of pirates persists.
Book a few different day-trip outfits or take the ferry from La Guancha Boardwalk to get out here. The natural reserve island includes hiking trails, beautiful beaches, a cave, and a lighthouse. Local Pelican Beach earns the distinction of being a Blue Flag Beach.
For coral reef snorkeling, it is best to go on a day trip expedition to the northeastern side of the island. This side is known as a good spot to swim with turtles in Puerto Rico since Coffin Island is home to a protected sea turtle population. Tour operators provide equipment, but make sure you bring your own snorkel set since they usually do not have the best quality equipment.
Gilligan’s Island
Gilligan’s Island is just a 5-minute boat ride from Guanica, mainly covered with winding mangroves. However, the islet also has a few small sandy beaches. On the island’s northwest side, there’s a designated swimming area marked by buoys to keep motorized boats away, ensuring a safe spot for swimming and snorkeling.
No lifeguards are on the island, so you’ll swim at your own risk while enjoying the beautiful coral formations. Because the island is remote, the waters are clean, warm, shallow, and calm, making it an ideal place for kids and beginners to snorkel in Puerto Rico.
Snorkeling through the mangrove channels is a fun experience where you can see sandy bottoms and small schools of colorful fish. The island’s north side features BBQ pits, picnic tables, and pavilions, so you can bring your own food and enjoy a barbecue. We suggest visiting Gilligan’s Island during weekdays and during the day to enjoy a more peaceful experience with fewer people around.
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