Puerto Rico > San Juan Puerto Rico > San Juan Beaches > Balneario El Escambron
The Best Beach in San Juan, Puerto Rico – Sun, Swimming, Snorkeling & Scuba Diving
Balneario El Escambron is the most picturesque beach in San Juan protected by a coral reef with soft golden sand and perfectly landscaped with tall palm trees providing cozy shaded spots. Be sure to block off much more than beach time, you’ll be walking into a recreational park with enough activities for a fun-filled day the whole family will enjoy. Escambron Beach is located in Puerta de Tierra within walking distance from Old San Juan and Condado. Escambron is the best public beach in San Juan / Metro area. Being on this beach barely feels like you’re in a city, during the high season (mid-November – April), Balneario El Escambron is still nice and quiet during weekdays.
Be sure to add snorkeling at Escambron Beach to your list of must things to do in San Juan. San Juan is proud that its beautiful beach of Escambron and a local hard-working friendly tour guide won #21 spot at the coveted TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice “Top Overall Experiences in the World“ & #4 “Top Overall Experiences in the Caribbean“. See tour “Learn to Snorkel with Fish & Turtles“.
At Escambron you can snorkel, scuba dive, take a romantic walk along the scenic oceanside trail, visit the historic Bateria El Escambron, find quiet spots just for two, enjoy the green area at Parque Tercer Milenio (Third Millennium Park), eat great food, and more. The city is vibrant, full of energy but once you get here, you’ll experience the relaxing and alluring pleasures of this city with tropical bliss.
The Beaches of Balneario Escambron
San Juan, Puerto RicoPlaya 8 (Main Beach) – Escambron Beach
As soon as you step foot on this beach you’ll either be pulled by the waters or seduced by the swaying coconut palm trees inviting you to sit down and relax under its cooling shade. From the turquoise waters, you’ll have a great vantage point to see the National Historic Site from a different point of view. You will also have views of the Capitol Building This beach is protected by a coral wall that keeps the strong surf from coming in, creating a giant natural pool where you can swim, do a little snorkeling, and play. The beach has a lifeguard from Monday – Sunday 9:30 am – 5:30 pm.
Playa 9 (Bateria El Escambron)
Walk east of the park and you’ll get to “Playa 9”, a small beach loved by families with small children for its shallow clear waters. Typically this beach is the quietest with fewer crowds. From this beach, you can enjoy sweeping views of the Condado and Ocean Park shores.
Things to Do at Balneario Escambron
San Juan, Puerto RicoGo Snorkeling & Scuba Diving at Escambron Beach
Escambron Beach is the best for snorkeling and scuba diving in San Juan. Both Playa 8 and Playa 9 are good for snorkeling, but during the winter months when the waves are more active, Playa 9 is best. There’s a deep drop-off right along the man-made concrete boulders where you’ll see a variety of colorful fish and beautiful sea turtles. Balneario Escambron is a great place to learn how to scuba dive.
See the most popular snorkeling and scuba diving tours below.
Snorkeling Tours at Balneario Escambron, San Juan
Top Rated Scuba Diving Lessons in San Juan
Enjoy a Romantic Walk on the Beach
Playa Escambron offers a nice coastal trail enjoyed by foot and cyclists. Although Escambron is a popular beach in San Juan, you’ll find various spaces around the park, relaxing, uncrowded, and romantic. Most beachgoers stay at the main beach leaving the trail nice and quiet where you’ll find lovely hidden spots to sit, relax, enjoy the views, listen to the ocean, and have a romantic conversation.
During low tide, you can walk around the natural tidal pools, sit down to claim your own spot where baby fish will swim around you as you marvel at the movement and sounds of the waves.
Visit Bateria del Escambron
Don’t miss visiting Bateria del Escambron, a historic site with sweeping views of the coastline and city.
Facilities & Services at Balneario El Escambron
San Juan, Puerto RicoEscambron Beach is part of the Tercer Milenio Park offering recreational activities and services.
Food at Playa Escambron
- When you get hungry, you can eat at Kiosko El Escambron serving traditional Puerto Rican fried foods, drinks, and a few other snacks. It is located on the main beach (Playa 8)
- You will also find food trucks with ice cream, candy, and a few beach items for sale.
Services at Playa Escambron
- Playa 8 has a lifeguard
- Ramp for individuals with a disability offering access to the beach. If you require assistance ask the person at the entry ticket booth for more information.
- Restrooms – You may want to bring a roll of toilet paper / wet wipes, and antibacterial lotion just in case they’re out of paper and soap – especially on a holiday or weekend when the beach gets the most visitors.
- Outdoor rinsing showers
Fees & Parking - Playa Escambron
Entry to the beach is free if you drive in is $6 per car. Rates subject to change.
Gallery - Playa El Escambron (Balneario de Escambron)
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Map of Balneario El Escambron
San Juan, Puerto RicoSan Juan Puerto Rico ⏐ Best Beaches in Puerto Rico ⏐ San Juan Beaches ⏐ Balneario El Escambron
