The western area of Puerto Rico, around the island’s third city, Mayagüez, requires at least a two-hour drive from San Juan; notwithstanding, locals and tourists happily make the trip whenever they can. The major reason? Boquerón. This tiny village is quaint, colorful, lively and gloriously unplanned; hosting a combination of food stands, souvenir shops, open-air cantinas, dive shops, and fishmongers.

The village sits on Boquerón Bay, a luscious area lined with palm trees, mangroves and dense tropical flora that harbor some 50 species of exotic birds visiting from their permanent sanctuary in the nearby Boquerón Nature Reserve. Nevertheless, it's the beach - a tight swath of white sand more than a mile long, which dazzles visitors. On a quiet day, you will think you are the sole owner of the panoramic vista of blue sky, turquoise water and glistening coral sand. All the amenities of a major public facility are at your disposal: picnic tables, cabin rentals, bike rentals, basketball court, mini-market, SCUBA diving, snorkeling and a host of other water sports.

How to Get There
From San Juan take Road 52 to Ponce, connect to Road 2 towards Mayaguez and exit on Road 102.