Puerto Rico is an Island of 3,515 square miles with large coastal areas in the north and south region. The Island is located between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean. And let’s face it, there are so many options that choosing a beach for your engagement session can be overwhelming. But, here is a pro tip for you: if you want amazing sunsets head west and if you are an early riser head east to catch the best light possible for your beach engagement session. Most couples ask for sunsets, and I’m not saying you can’t catch a beautiful sunset at Old San Juan. But, the truth is, they do not happen every day. Up your chances and drive a little closer to the west side. If you want to make it a road trip, Rincón is the best place in the Island to catch the most amazing sunsets. After all it is known as “El Pueblo de los Bellos Atarcerderes” or the town of the beautiful sunsets. Also, you should consider there’s no twilight in Puerto Rico, and if you want that golden hour look in your couples session images timing is key. Talk to your photographer to choose the appropriate time depending on what you want out of your engagement session in Puerto Rico.
To help you out, here’s my list of the ones I’ve photographed at the most in these past 8 years as a wedding photographer:
-Old San Juan, San Juan
Right by the doors of Old San Juan there’s a small patch of beach that I simply love. For those of you that prioritize the old city’s aesthetic, this is a cool spot to stop. Choose the right time of day and this little piece of beach is a great ending to your couple’s session at Old San Juan.
-Playa Peña, Old San Juan
If your time is limited and you would like to get a healthy mix of Colonial City and tropical beach, check Playa Peña out. Just a short walk from Old San Juan, this beach is mainly rocky but provides a beautiful backdrop to your engagement session. Commit to a longer walk an encounter the abandoned ruins.
-Condado, San Juan
If you are staying at Condado, the Condado strip of beach is a great destination. If you do not want to drive out or would like the convenience of having your session walking distance, Condado provides a great backdrop that mixes modern buildings with Atlantic Ocean views.
-Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort, Río Grande
Río Grande has many beautiful beaches. If you are heading that way and happened to be staying at one of its beach front resorts, you might as well take the time to have your couples session shoot there. Wyndham Grand Río Mar serves as one of my favorite places to shoot couples sessions for their beautiful two miles of secluded beach.
-Tunel de Guajataca, Quebradillas
The Guajataca Tunnel is a railroad tunnel remnant of the national railway system that connected the island during the first half of the twentieth century. Depending on the time of the year this beach is great for backgrounds with high waves.
-Jobos Beach, Isabela
Jobos is a very scenic beach and popular for its rock formations. It has milder clear waters and it’s next to a local attraction, El Pozo de Jacinto.
-Old Lighthouse Ruins of Aguadilla, Aguadilla
This off the beaten path location provides an excellent location for pictures. There isn’t much left of the Lighthouse, but the beach next to it is spectacular.
-Faro Los Morrillos Lighthouse, Cabo Rojo
The restored Cabo Rojo Lighthouse is located on top of 200-foot limestone cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Just a few minute walk and you are at the famous commonly coved beach known by some locals as Playa Sucia (it’s real name is Playuela). Keep en eye out on this one, you might be able to see dolphins.
-Buyé, Cabo Rojo
Playa Buyé has light sand and clear blue water. With little to no waves this pool like beach is perfect for those that do not mind a dip during their engagement session.
-Poza las Mujeres and Cueva de las Golondrinas, Manatí
These two beach areas are close to each other and are located at the Natural Reserve Hacienda La Esperanza. Both areas have huge rock outcroppings that protect their coves.
-Piñones, Loíza
The Piñones beach extends all the way from Isla Verde to the town of Loíza. Depending on which area you choose for your pictures, you can explore the board walk and tipical foods or even a cold coconut. Or you can head out to the most remote areas and find rocky formations that are a real treat for the eyes.
