Don’t let the size of Puerto Rico fool you, this Caribbean island is home to 100s of waterfalls, countless swimming holes, or “charcos” which directly translates to puddle, and pristine beaches. After spending over two months driving around Puerto Rico, here is my list of favorite swimming holes.
Please note, a lot of places may be on private property and I’m leaving those out. I am not condoning trespassing.
Puerto Rico Waterfalls
- Salto Santa Clara – Located down in Yauco, a 2+ hours drive from San Jaun, this was my absolute favorite waterfall. It’s away form tourists, it’s an adventure to get down to and has a ton of swimming holes along the way.
- Salto Santa Clara – Located down in Yauco, a 2+ hours drive from San Jaun, this was my absolute favorite waterfall. It’s away form tourists, it’s an adventure to get down to and has a ton of swimming holes along the way.
- Salto Santa Clara – Located down in Yauco, a 2+ hours drive from San Jaun, this was my absolute favorite waterfall. It’s away form tourists, it’s an adventure to get down to and has a ton of swimming holes along the way.
- Salto Santa Clara – Located down in Yauco, a 2+ hours drive from San Jaun, this was my absolute favorite waterfall. It’s away form tourists, it’s an adventure to get down to and has a ton of swimming holes along the way.
- Salto Santa Clara – Located down in Yauco, a 2+ hours drive from San Jaun, this was my absolute favorite waterfall. It’s away form tourists, it’s an adventure to get down to and has a ton of swimming holes along the way.
Puerto Rico Swimming Holes
- El Hippie Waterfall – listed as a waterfall that is 1+ hour south east of San Juan, but this is a large swimming hole area as well and my favorite. Located at the south end of El Yunque.
- Manati Springs – crystal clear swimming holes tucked away on hiking trails. DO NOT PARK ON THE STREET OR YOU WILL BE FINED.
- Cuevas Arenales Caves (Charco Azul) – this is another must see place about ~1hour southwest of San Juan. Tour companies will try to claim the parking on a residential house but its open to the public (for a small parking fee 100% worth it.) Do not drive all the way down the very steep road and caution parking on the street. This spot is infamous for tourist cars getting broken into.
- Cuevas Arenales Caves (Charco Azul) – this is another must see place about ~1hour southwest of San Juan. Tour companies will try to claim the parking on a residential house but its open to the public (for a small parking fee 100% worth it.) Do not drive all the way down the very steep road and caution parking on the street. This spot is infamous for tourist cars getting broken into.
Puerto Rico Beaches
- Culebra – if you’re going to do one island off of Puerto Rico, this is the island.
- Playa Teresa – recommended by a local thrill seeker as his favorite beach located on the east coast.
- Playa Sucia – Down in Cabo Rojo, this beach was magical and plenty of shade to rest in.
- Seven Seas – located on the very NE tip, this beach connected to a natural reserve that is worth hiking. I recommend walking all the way to Natural La Zanja for some secluded rock pool swimming.
- Playa Corcega – On the west coast below Rincon.