Puerto Rico--safest beaches for swimming?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We're headed to Puerto Rico 12/16-12/22. Looking at the forecast, it appears that it's 50% or more rain the entire time we're there. Is that typical for December? Or do that really just not know the timing so they are covering all the bases?

Who is "they"?

You often get quick rainshowers in the winter for a few minutes or maybe an hour, then things clear up quickly and the sun comes back out. Florida is the same way.

They being Weather Underground.

Yes, I recall St John being the same way you describe when we visited in December twice many years ago.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We're headed to Puerto Rico 12/16-12/22. Looking at the forecast, it appears that it's 50% or more rain the entire time we're there. Is that typical for December? Or do that really just not know the timing so they are covering all the bases?

We were there for 7 days at the end of November and I’d say the first 4 days were forecast as being rainy and overcast and cool and they were. 70s-low 80s and very breezy.

The last few days were hot, hot, muggy and sunny, true to forecast which made me miss the partly sunny overcast cooler days.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We're headed to Puerto Rico 12/16-12/22. Looking at the forecast, it appears that it's 50% or more rain the entire time we're there. Is that typical for December? Or do that really just not know the timing so they are covering all the bases?

It's fake news. You'll likely have great weather most of the time. At some point some afternoons, it will probably rain, sometimes hard, then it'll stop.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You need to pay attention to the rip current statements. It is usually dangerous in the north region during this season. The south is usually safe. During summer most of the beaches are safe.

Nope. My husband and I got caught in a riptide at Rio Mar last summer and I am grateful every day that we made it out alive.

Was there a lifeguard?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:https://www.copamarina.com/

Southwest side of the island.

I'm heading there with my family next year. How is the beach and water?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We're headed to Puerto Rico 12/16-12/22. Looking at the forecast, it appears that it's 50% or more rain the entire time we're there. Is that typical for December? Or do that really just not know the timing so they are covering all the bases?

It's fake news. You'll likely have great weather most of the time. At some point some afternoons, it will probably rain, sometimes hard, then it'll stop.

Second day here, windy as hell, only clouds in the sky. Plenty of rain. Getting poured on again right now

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We're headed to Puerto Rico 12/16-12/22. Looking at the forecast, it appears that it's 50% or more rain the entire time we're there. Is that typical for December? Or do that really just not know the timing so they are covering all the bases?

It's fake news. You'll likely have great weather most of the time. At some point some afternoons, it will probably rain, sometimes hard, then it'll stop.

Second day here, windy as hell, only clouds in the sky. Plenty of rain. Getting poured on again right now

Bummer. I went to Cancun in mid November in my 20’s and we had terrible weather. Cool, overcast or rainy the entire time. It was a lot of money for me at the time and I think that’s why I’ve never been back in 20 years. I only remember it with disappointment.

[Anonymous]

I personally loved Luquillo beach (near the great food kioskos), Isla Icacos (off the coast of Fajardo), and Playa Escambron (near San Juan). All three had beautiful and calm waters. Playa Escambron is the easiest to get to from San Juan and has a protected inlet that is like swimming in a lake. I went in April and saw lots of sea turtles snorkeling there. Some of the turtles were so close to the shore, you could see them without even having to swim out. Apparently I was lucky though because a coworker of mine went the very next week with his family and didn't see a single turtle. Guess you have to be looking in the right spots Isla Icacos is also super calm and the most beautiful water I've ever seen in my life (comparing to places like south Florida and Hawaii). It's like swimming in a pool. However, there are no facilities on the island, which you have to reach by boat/water taxi, and I recommend wetsuits to protect from sunburn and an umbrella if you have one as there are none to rent there and no natural shade.

[Anonymous]

Sceptical about the Vieques report but even so they have a number of beaches and some of them at least are very gentle

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My tween son loves to swim when we're at the beach, and I've heard that most of the Puerto Rico beaches are actually pretty dangerous in terms of currents. Where would you recommend that is safer and has lifeguards? Where would be a good place to stay nearby? Thanks!!!

You don’t have to go all the way to PR for beautiful safe swimming beaches. Florida has plenty.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I personally loved Luquillo beach (near the great food kioskos), Isla Icacos (off the coast of Fajardo), and Playa Escambron (near San Juan). All three had beautiful and calm waters. Playa Escambron is the easiest to get to from San Juan and has a protected inlet that is like swimming in a lake. I went in April and saw lots of sea turtles snorkeling there. Some of the turtles were so close to the shore, you could see them without even having to swim out. Apparently I was lucky though because a coworker of mine went the very next week with his family and didn't see a single turtle. Guess you have to be looking in the right spots Isla Icacos is also super calm and the most beautiful water I've ever seen in my life (comparing to places like south Florida and Hawaii). It's like swimming in a pool. However, there are no facilities on the island, which you have to reach by boat/water taxi, and I recommend wetsuits to protect from sunburn and an umbrella if you have one as there are none to rent there and no natural shade.

Did you take any pictures of the snorkeling turtles?

[Anonymous]

We were walking on a small deserted beach and I was up to my knees when the water knocked me down and I was pulled in. Luckily I was able to resist. There were no signs at all. No lifeguards which should have given us a hint. Look for lifeguards.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you want to stay in the Condado area close to restaurants and Old San Juan, the Condado Plaza is right by a small lagoon-side beach that is very safe. There are pebbly parts of the shore, so a lot of people use water shoes. Another plus to that area is that there is paddle boarding and kayaking around the lagoon, and, currently, manatees. Very cool and safe. Another option nearby, across the lagoon bridge, is the Caribe Hilton. The Hilton has its own protected, safe beach. It’s also close to Escambrón beach. Both the Hilton’s and the adjacent Escambrón beach have manmade breakwaters that keep them calm. Escambrón also has decent, easy snorkeling.

We just got back from staying at the Hilton. The beach was very calm, almost too calm, but it was still fun. Nice pools. We really enjoyed PR generally.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I personally loved Luquillo beach (near the great food kioskos), Isla Icacos (off the coast of Fajardo), and Playa Escambron (near San Juan). All three had beautiful and calm waters. Playa Escambron is the easiest to get to from San Juan and has a protected inlet that is like swimming in a lake. I went in April and saw lots of sea turtles snorkeling there. Some of the turtles were so close to the shore, you could see them without even having to swim out. Apparently I was lucky though because a coworker of mine went the very next week with his family and didn't see a single turtle. Guess you have to be looking in the right spots Isla Icacos is also super calm and the most beautiful water I've ever seen in my life (comparing to places like south Florida and Hawaii). It's like swimming in a pool. However, there are no facilities on the island, which you have to reach by boat/water taxi, and I recommend wetsuits to protect from sunburn and an umbrella if you have one as there are none to rent there and no natural shade.

Did you get a your boat for Icacos? Any recs?