The Beaches of Luquillo

There are two main beaches in Luquillo; the Balneario, or public bathing area; and Playa Azul, the city beach.  Both beaches have advantages over the other, and both deserve to be sampled.  Balneario Monserrate, on Route 3 just west of the town of Luquillo, offers lifeguards, restrooms, changing facilities, showers, lockers, and food vendors.  It is well removed from the street, and completely enclosed except for the beach area.  Parking is $3 for cars, $4 for vans and SUVs. 

Playa Azul, in the town of Luquillo, has no facilities, lifeguards, or permanent food vendors, but the water is usually clearer and the view is almost always spectacular.  There are a number of coral reefs where you can snorkel.  To get there from Cubuy, take 53 to Route 3 in Fajardo, then continue into Luquillo.  At the main intersection (two tall apartment buildings on the right, McDonald's, Taco Maker, and Eurobank on the left), turn right.  Turn right again immediately, then take the next left after the ballfield.  Turn right at the next intersection, then left at the beach.  At the end of this road is a small parking lot.  These photos were taken at that point; down the beach to the left is more of Playa Azul; down the beach to the right is La Pared (the Wall), a good beach for surfing and boogie-boarding.  A home-made map is provided at the bottom of the page.