Best Stand-Up Paddleboarding Spots in Puerto Rico

The beauty of stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is that almost anyone can do it. From newbie to advanced, it is fun for all. The bigger and wider the board, the more stable it is. If standing up is too challenging, you can start by paddling while sitting on your butt or knees. The easiest places to paddle are where the water is calm and flat, with little to no swell. Several spots offer paddleboard and/or kayak rentals if you don’t have your own. 

Balneario del Escambrón

This spot is close to the old town and is the most popular beach in the city. It is $5 for parking at the nearby parking lot. The lot is open from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM every day. There’s a ramp to launch your board but no paddle board vendors nearby. The surf calms more often during the summer months. It can get very rough during winter, making it unsuitable to paddle.  Showers, lifeguards, food, and dive/snorkel gear vendors are nearby. This is a designated blue flag beach for cleanliness. 

Laguna del Condado

This protected lagoon in San Juan is often calm even when rough waters are elsewhere. It’s an excellent spot for beginners and those learning to stand-up paddle. There are board rentals nearby and a public boat launch. You can also find space between the mangroves to put your board in the water. Parking is available along the street or in the nearby parking lot. This is a popular spot to see manatees; please respect wildlife by giving them space and not disturbing or feeding them. 

Lika’s Paddle does private lagoon tours where they often see the manatees, and she provides a paddleboard for you. It’s a fun small group tour, usually done during sunset hours. 

Seven Seas Beach

The bay is well protected by the offshore reef making it a good year-round place to paddle. Often when the water is rough elsewhere, it is still calm at this location. There are rentals available nearby if you don’t have a board.  Pirate Snorkeling Shack is on the beach and rents kayaks, paddle boards, and snorkel gear. They also offer tours of the bay.  

If you get there early in the morning or during the off-season, there is street parking, and you can carry your board across the street to put it in the water. If it is busy, it is best to go with a friend so one can take the board to the beach while the other parks. There is a small public launch to the left of the trailer homes. If you are willing to carry your board there, it is a good spot for launching. There are several paid parking lots nearby. Do not park on the sidewalk, even if other cars are there - it is a $200 ticket! 

‍Roosevelt Roads Marina

The large bay in Roosevelt Roads gives you miles of shoreline to explore. This weather-dependent paddling spot is recommended only for intermediate or advanced paddlers. The current can move swiftly, pushing you into the mangroves, so be sure to paddle against the current so that you can drift back when you get tired. If it’s rough, there can be a lot of chop and swell. The ferry terminal nearby also provides swell when the boats depart or arrive. You may see sea stars, tarpon, and even manatees. There are no rentals nearby, so bring your board if you have one! The boat ramp and parking area nearby are easy to access for putting your board in the water and parking your vehicle for free. 

‍Parguera Rampa Las Crayolas (Parguera Boat Ramp)

There are no SUP rentals in the area; however, there are several kayak rental operators. If you have your own board, you can put it in the water at the boat launch. It is usually a trek to find parking, so it is recommended that you go with a friend who can stay with the boards while the other parks the vehicle. Parking along the road is free, but be aware of parking in front of someone’s dock access or driveway.  The many mangroves nearby offer crystal clear waters, and if you are a strong paddler, you can paddle out to one of the nearby keys. There is a lot to explore in the area! For beginning paddlers, stay close to the shore and mangroves. Paddle upwind first in case you get tired and need to float back with minimal effort.

Playa Doña Lala Beach

This beach has a great free parking lot where you can unload your board and walk it to the water, with restrooms and showers to rinse off afterward. This beach is surf dependent. While often there’s not a lot of chop, being on the west coast, it can get some good swell and rollers. Nearby Rincón Paddle Boards rents boards out, and they will bring them to you if necessary.

During the summer, the water will be better suited to beginner and intermediate paddlers. The rest of the year, intermediate or advanced paddlers will enjoy the area if the weather permits.  

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‍Parque Nacional Balneario Boquerón

This expansive beach has plenty of parking nearby which is $4 per car. There’s a boat launch and wheelchair access. Bathrooms, showers, picnic tables, playgrounds for kids, and expansive grassy areas are also available. It is a fun beach for shell-seeking as well. Lined with palm trees, it is also a great place to hang a hammock to take a break from paddling. Lifeguards are available during peak season. Puerto Rico Adventure Water Sports has SUPs, kayaks, snorkel gear, and jet skis for rent in the vicinity. Summers tend to be more calm and more suitable for paddlers of all levels. It’s a designated blue flag beach for cleanliness. 

‍Crash Boat Beach

This is a bustling and popular spot for tourists and locals alike. The turquoise water and many amenities make it a place where people love to spend the day. You’ll see kids and adults fishing and/or jumping off the pier. To paddle, you’ll need to rent from one of the nearby vendors. If you bring your board, you’ll want to come with a friend so one person can stay with the boards while the other parks. There is access to a boat ramp, showers, shade trees, various vendors, and lifeguards during the high season. The beach is free, but parking costs $5-$10, especially on a busy weekend.