Crashboat Beach

The beach gets its unusual name because it was once used by the US military to send out boats to retrieve crashed Air Force training planes, though today it’s strictly a place for rest and recreation. You can rent a lounge chair or lay a blanket out on the sand, go for a swim, sample local fare from one of the many food vendors, or hang out at the pier and watch people fish.

• With its generally calm waters, Crashboat is a draw for families with young kids, and people who want to swim without major waves.
• There are no lifeguards at the beach.
• Facilities at the beach include a paid parking lot, changing rooms, showers, and restrooms.
• If you want quiet, head to the north side of the beach, away from the food carts.

Crashboat Beach is situated on the northwest corner of Puerto Rico, a 10-minute drive from Aguadilla, a 90-minute drive from Ponce, or a 2-hour drive from San Juan. Some day tours from San Juan include stops at the beach; if you want to visit independently, you’ll need to rent a car or hire a taxi.

Swimming conditions at Crashboat are ideal during the day when the heat makes the water feel extra refreshing. If you're more interested in just strolling, consider coming around sunset, when the sun appears to drop into the sea, then stick around for drinks and dinner from one of the many food stalls near the pier. Note that weekends can get very busy here, so come on a weekday to avoid the crowds.

One of Puerto Rico's top draws is its three bioluminescent bays in which single-celled organisms that live in the water produce a blue-hued glow when disturbed. The most popular spot to see this natural phenomenon is Mosquito Bay, deemed the brightest bioluminescent bay on earth by the Guinness Book of World Records. For something closer to Crashboat Beach, head to La Parguera in Lajas, the only such bay that permits motorboats.