Parque Nacional Cerro Gordo — Attraction in Vega Alta

Nice and long beach between the water's edge and the tree line. Moderate amounts of trash where people congregate, smelly trash cans, and non-working rinse off shower areas. Short distance sandy bottom, then rock and corals with some urchins followed by a long sandy bottom out towards the rope that defines a protected swimming area. Before reaching the rope with buoys the bottom drops off and is covered in some areas by grasses where turtles hang out. Out past the grassy bottom and the rope is a rocky outcropping with small corals and some fish, but not many. It is February and the water is turbulent even inside the protected swimming area. Surfers are enjoying up 5' faces on waves out past the rope and boogie boarders are riding the surf all the way into the beach. Not much to see this time of year if snorkeling, but plenty of water fun to be enjoyed. There is a local watering hole across the street near the beach and many local residents seem to enjoy this location for family events and recreation. The West end of the beach turns into a rocky coastline where about 3/4 of the houses have been rebuilt since the last hurricane and the rest have been left in disrepair and are in desperate need for a complete rebuild. The east end has a fresh water stream entering the salt water and a steep trail that leads you up into a tropical forested area and eventually leads to another lovely cove. The east end of the beach is cut off by a rock out cropping with step cliffs. A decent place for a day trip for winter water play, but very hard to find from any main roads in the...

I hike here almost every day. Unfortunately, after Hurricane Maria, it is not what it once was and nature is trying to reclaim trails. Still, it's gorgeous and I love that it's so close to home. Complaints: trying to find parking by the beach. Go in afternoons during week days. You will practically own the beach. Sadly, there are a couple of dogs that call the area home. It breaks my heart beyond belief. They're hungry but harmless. They do not bother you though. I promise. Again, IF you do go to beach PLEASE pick up any trash you may have accumulated while enjoying the beach. Trash cans are provided and it's inconsiderate of those who are too lazy to pick up after themselves. Who wants to visit a trashy beach in paradise?! Not me. It's unfair that others don't appreciate what is freely given to us to enjoy. I've watched families leave trash behind as they picked up belongings. They were seated about fifteen feet from available garbage can. Be an example. Don't litter in front of your children. Set an example and children will easily do the same. Or...bring a small bag and dispose of trash at home. It's just senseless to litter, and very selfish. Enjoy this place. It's wonderful. Eats nearby. Bring a boogie board. Waves are great. Walk the beach. Hike near the cliffs. Picture opportunities are endless. Mountain bike on the trails....

Amazing beaches and great campground.... the campground is set in the back with palm trees and in a super nice setting....it's a bit overgrown but protected from wind. There's loads of hermit crabs wandering around. A great cliff with tide pools! Unfirtunately the toilet facilities are completely gross - looked like they haven't been cleaned in years. There was stuff like swampy water all over the floor and the mozzies were swarming. However if you don't use the toilet it's great. You're better off going somewhere in the bushes. Enjoy this amazing place as long as you can!!! It looks like the staff don't take care of this place at all. There was a broken water pipe on the campground just spewing out water constantly. No wonder PR is bankrupt, the way the population is trashing everything .... very sad. The whole balneario looks a bit rundown with trash around, the beach was full of trash as well. I guess it was left over from the July long weekend. Still sad to see so much decay. The security guards are very nice here and one speaks...