Escambrón Beach is one of the best places to swim in the Caribbean Sea in all of Puerto Rico. Other beaches on the island face choppy waters with strong currents, which makes swimming an occasionally dangerous prospect. Escambrón Beach, however, promises calm and sheltered waters. Splash about in the shallows, overlooked by a lifeguard service, and snorkel along a coral reef in one of San Juan’s best coastal destinations.
Find a spot of soft, golden sand beneath a palm tree on this picture-perfect, classically Caribbean beach. Escambrón is close to the tourist hotspot of Old San Juan and the buzzing shopping district of Condado, yet it feels like a peaceful escape from the bustle of the city.
Cool off in the waters on the main beach or beneath the old fortification of the Bateria del Escambrón. The area’s coral reefs protect the waters from strong currents, making it a popular family destination. Put on a mask and snorkel and swim along the reefs to see colorful fish darting in and out of the coral.
Relax on the beach and look out across the coastline of Old San Juan. Spot sights such as the Capitol Dome and El Morro fort. The beach is safest during the daytime. Avoid coming here at night.
Escambrón Beach’s centrality and popularity mean that there are plenty of facilities nearby. Snack on ice cream or traditional Puerto Rican food from the kiosks on the edges of the beach. Public restrooms and showers for rinsing off are also available to swimmers and sunbathers.
Visit Escambrón Beach in May to take part in the Saborea. This is a popular food festival that takes place around San Juan and uses the beach area as one of its venues.
Drive for about 10 minutes from Fernando Ribas Dominicci Airport to reach the metered parking area for Escambrón Beach in the region of Puerta de Tierra. The beach is also within walking distance of the sights of Old San Juan. Come on a weekday to avoid the weekend crowds and visit throughout the year to enjoy warm weather on the beach.
