Puerto Rico’s Tropical Beach: A Postcard-Perfect Scene with Rainbow Fish and a Sunken Pier

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Puerto Rico's Tropical Beach: A Postcard-Perfect Scene with Rainbow Fish and a Sunken Pier
Beachgoers on pier at Crash Boat Beach

The lush tropical landscapes, fine white sand, and the clear blue Caribbean water of Puerto Rico means visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing the perfect seaside getaway. With nearly 300 beaches dotting the island’s almost 300 miles of coastline, there’s a beach to suit every taste, and picture-perfect Crash Boat Beach, just outside the town of Aguadilla, is a standout on the island’s west coast.



The beach gets its unusual name from the island’s military history. During World War II, the U.S. Air Force built an extensive pier as a launch site for crash boats to rescue downed bomber crews. Today, the remains of the sunken pier have become an artificial reef teeming with rainbow-colored angelfish, parrotfish, and sergeant majors.

Crash Boat Beach is located 86 miles from San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), making it a great day trip. Although it is best reached by private car, some tour operators offer excursions from Puerto Rico’s major cities that include a stop at Crash Boat Beach. There is no fee to enter the beach, and free parking is available. However, visitors may want to take advantage of the paid lot, as it’s just steps from the sand and charges less than $10 for the entire day at the time of writing. Tripadvisor users report simple toilet and shower facilities, but their cleanliness is questionable.



Spend the perfect day on a tropical beach

Tropical fish swim under pier at Crash Boat Beach

Crash Boat Beach, named one of Puerto Rico’s best beaches by U.S. News and World Report, and has activities for everyone. Whether you are looking for the ultimate snorkeling and diving spots, a lively party atmosphere, or family-friendly fun, you’ll find it on this beautiful stretch of palm-fringed sand. Snorkelers will want to check out the tropical fish and occasional octopus that gather around the old pier’s pilings and the famed diving spot El Natural, a long shallow reef where you can scuba dive or snorkel alongside sea turtles, stingrays, and moray eels. Crash Boat Watersports, located at the beach entrance, offers scuba and snorkeling tours and courses as well as rental gear. 

Families can swim safely in the beach’s cordoned swim zone, while the more adventurous can practice their perfect cannonball off the colorful concrete jetty that extends off the shoreline. If relishing in the beach’s famed party atmosphere is more your style, join other beachgoers enjoying the festive music that serves as a soundtrack to this stunning tropical beach.

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Plan your visit to Crash Boat Beach

Beachgoer in sand at Crash Boat Beach

Dave Pennells

By Dave Pennells

Dave Pennells, MS, has contributed his expertise as a career consultant and training specialist across various fields for over 15 years. At City University of Seattle, he offers personal career counseling and conducts workshops focused on practical job search techniques, resume creation, and interview skills. With a Master of Science in Counseling, Pennells specializes in career consulting, conducting career assessments, guiding career transitions, and providing outplacement services. Her professional experience spans multiple sectors, including banking, retail, airlines, non-profit organizations, and the aerospace industry. Additionally, since 2001, he has been actively involved with the Career Development Association of Australia.