Black Sand Beach — Attraction in Isla de Vieques

This was glorious. In terms of sheer beauty, this is in my top 10 beaches in the world. Frankly, you can only see so many white sand beaches with crystal clear turquoise water, before they all start blending together. We’ve been to the Black Sand Beach in Hawaii, but this one just seems so much more dramatic. Perhaps it was because there are cliff walls here, or perhaps it was because we visited right before a hurricane and nobody was out. But we had to place all to ourselves. The contrast of the black sand with the cliffs and sea was dramatic.

And then the sun began to set and the drama level increased tenfold.

Getting there involves a 10 minute hike through an easy and flat wooded area. The first time we tried to find it, we had a bit of a mishap, in that we did not follow the instructions and started 4-wheeling down a path and ended up seeing the black sand beach from afar. You will see a sign that clearly points to the path for the black sand beach (see photo. We ignored it the first time). You can either park there or across the street, and there’s an entrance; it’s pretty well marked. We just went off on our own adventure the first time!

Absolutely worth the 10 minute hike. What a gorgeous beach. Note that you should not swim here, as I am told the currents are treacherous.

Pro tip: go at Sunset and the black sand seems even...

I spent two weeks in PR in October, then 3 weeks in April. We visited many beaches, restaurants and hotels. This wasn't my favorite spot. The parking is pretty limited, but we found a spot easy enough. The hike was through an area that was murky and smelly with a bit of trash (not really unusual for PR). I don't usually mind that, but this trail was just one I don't want to visit again. The beach itself is small, but the black sand is very interesting. However, don't expect to see a beach of all black sand like you might expect from the glamor shots. There is lots of black sand, but lots of regular sand too. The cliffs were interesting, the waves were strong. This particular beach just didn't make me fall in love with it. I was happy to leave and spend my time on the other beautiful acclaimed beaches on the island. It's a sight to see, but I wouldn't pack in a day's worth of gear to stay there all day. I left after 30 minutes.

I stayed in PR for a total of 5 weeks between 2 visits. I left reviews as often as I could remember between all the rum drinks I had 😅. Take my reviews as you will. I was traveling with one other mom and 4 teenage girls. We had...

Black Sand Beach, or Playa Negra in Vieques, is a true hidden gem and one of the most unique beaches in Puerto Rico. The dark, volcanic sand makes it unlike any other beach on the island — it feels almost magical as you walk along the shoreline surrounded by cliffs and lush greenery. The contrast of the black sand against the blue ocean creates an incredible view that’s perfect for photos.

The beach is peaceful and not overly crowded, which makes it a great spot if you’re looking for something more quiet and natural. Getting there does require a short hike through a trail, but it’s part of the adventure and completely worth it once you arrive.

While it’s not really a swimming beach due to stronger currents, it’s the perfect place to relax, walk, and take in the stunning scenery. It’s also a reminder of Puerto Rico’s volcanic history, making it both beautiful and fascinating.

If you’re visiting Vieques, Black Sand Beach is a must-see — it’s not just a beach, it’s an...