Condado Beach
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Playita del Condado

4.7
·577 reviews·San Juan, Puerto Rico

A tranquil bayside beach in San Juan, perfect for calm swimming, snorkeling among colorful fish, and relaxing with amenities.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more serene

CrowdLow
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Condado Beach

Playita del Condado

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more serene

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A tranquil bayside beach in San Juan, perfect for calm swimming, snorkeling among colorful fish, and relaxing with amenities.

4.7
(577 reviews)

"Crystal-clear waters and peaceful atmosphere make it perfect for taking amazing photos and spending time with friends."

Vertical photo
TIP

🥾 Wear Water Shoes

Essential for navigating rocky areas and avoiding sea urchins.

💰 Bring Cash for Food

Kiosks are cash-only for snacks and drinks.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Underwater Sculpture Garden

Underwater Sculpture Garden

Bayside

Explore sunken sculptures teeming with marine life, a unique snorkeling adventure.

Reddit
Vibrant Snorkeling

Vibrant Snorkeling

Shallow waters

Discover colorful fish, crabs, and even octopuses in the clear, calm waters.

Reddit
Relaxing Bayside Beach

Relaxing Bayside Beach

Main beach area

Enjoy sun loungers and a peaceful atmosphere perfect for families and dogs.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Water Shoes Are a Must!

The calm waters of Playita del Condado are fantastic for swimming and snorkeling, but the seabed can be rocky and home to sea urchins. Water shoes are highly recommended to protect your feet and allow you to explore the underwater sculptures and seagrass beds safely. Reddit

Cash for Snacks & Drinks

While there are kiosks selling light bites and cocktails, including a popular pineapple piña colada, remember to bring cash. The food cart operates on a cash-only basis, so be prepared to pay with bills for your refreshments. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more serene
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Kiosks open, lively vibe
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📍Condado beach, PR 🇵🇷 Worth the wait! These coconuts were delicious. The Piña was soooo good. We parked at the parking garage for the Marriott.
@suziee_bb
57.4K likes • 293K views

🥾 Wear Water Shoes

Essential for navigating rocky areas and avoiding sea urchins. Reddit

💰 Bring Cash for Food

Kiosks are cash-only for snacks and drinks. Reddit

SAN JUAN, PR 🇵🇷. #traveltiktok #travellife #traveltok #travel #travelvlog #sanjuan #sanjuanpuertorico #puertorico #luxuryhotel #condado #fyp #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #viralvideo #viraltiktok #BlackTikTok #blackgirlluxury
@amieeeeg
37.1K likes • 342.8K views
La playita del Condado😍 #tiratepr
tiratepr
6.8K likes • 153K views

🤿 Pack Your Snorkel Gear

Abundant marine life makes for great underwater viewing. Reddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Vibes

A great spot for furry friends to enjoy the beach too. Reddit

For my first official #Reel, I decided to show you the #PlayitaDelCondado beach in #Condado #PuertoRico 🌴 Let me know what you think & if I should do more #Reels! 💫
silentbx
92 likes • 1.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🥾 Wear Water Shoes

Essential for navigating rocky areas and avoiding sea urchins. Reddit

💰 Bring Cash for Food

Kiosks are cash-only for snacks and drinks. Reddit

🤿 Pack Your Snorkel Gear

Abundant marine life makes for great underwater viewing. Reddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Vibes

A great spot for furry friends to enjoy the beach too. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(577 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Playita del Condado is praised for its calm, clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling, with abundant marine life and a relaxing atmosphere. Visitors appreciate the convenience of nearby food kiosks and the dog-friendly environment. However, some note the rocky seabed and the presence of sea urchins, making water shoes a necessity.

"Amazing place to snorkel. Nice beach area. You can rent chairs for $5 each and umbrellas and small tables, not sure those prices. The water is a little rocky, water shoes recommended. There is also sea grass fields and sunken sculptures. You can see lots of colorful fish, flounders, crabs, octopus, lobsters, sea cucumbers, etc. Manatees and turtles have been spotted but I haven’t seen those yet. Nice calm water too. There is a food cart that sells hamburgers, hot dogs and chicken sticks for a really great price..$5-6. They also will make you pina colda in a pineapple for $19. Cash only!"

Michelle Barnes

"Beautiful beach, I got curious and really wanted to walk over the breakwaters to get a couple of shots.. but while being there I found out there were many RED SEA URCHENS (look it up)... use watershoes if walking over the rocks, you could get stung by it... a little advice to all the adventurous and curious people out there 🙏🏻 enjoy the beach!"

Jean Nalvarte

"This beach was everything that we needed - blue water , nice sand and palm trees. No waves !
Little food shack that makes pinacolas on the side and play cool music.
Great beach for kids and dogs.
Get your Snorkels. You can see plenty of fish.
Paid parking lot up the street.
Have fun !"

Stacey McKenzie

What People Like

Calm, clear waters
Great for snorkeling
Dog-friendly beach

What People Dislike

Rocky seabed
Sea urchins present

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Playita del Condado is located in San Juan, Puerto Rico. You can reach it by car, taxi, or ride-sharing service. There is a paid parking lot available up the street from the beach. Reddit

Yes, there is a paid parking lot located a short walk from the beach. It's advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a spot. Reddit

Yes, Playita del Condado is situated within the Condado area, making it accessible by foot from many hotels and accommodations in the vicinity. It's a pleasant walk along the coast. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Playita del Condado is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. You only pay for optional services like chair rentals. Reddit

As a public beach, Playita del Condado is generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. The kiosks may have their own operating hours, typically during daylight and early evening. Reddit

Yes, sun loungers are available for rent, typically for around $5 each. Umbrella and small table rental prices may vary. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The waters at Playita del Condado are known for being calm and clear, making it excellent for swimming, especially for families with children. Reddit

Snorkelers can spot a variety of marine life including colorful fish, flounders, crabs, octopuses, lobsters, and sea cucumbers. Manatees and turtles have also been spotted. Reddit

Be cautious of sea urchins, especially when walking over rocky areas. Wearing water shoes is highly recommended to avoid stings. Reddit

Absolutely! The calm, shallow waters and sandy areas make it a safe and enjoyable beach for children. Reddit

Yes, Playita del Condado is a dog-friendly beach, making it a great spot for pet owners. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There's a food cart that sells affordable items like hamburgers, hot dogs, and chicken sticks. They also make piña coladas in a pineapple for a treat. Reddit

No, the food cart at Playita del Condado operates on a cash-only basis. It's important to have cash on hand for purchases. Reddit

While there are food options available, visitors are generally welcome to bring their own snacks and beverages to enjoy on the beach. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The calm, crystal-clear waters, palm trees, and the unique underwater sculptures offer fantastic photo opportunities. The breakwaters can also provide dramatic shots, but be mindful of sea urchins. Reddit

While not directly facing the sunset, the golden hour light can still create beautiful scenes with the calm bay waters and palm trees. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Playita del Condado is an ideal beach destination for families. The calm, shallow waters mean kids can splash and play safely without the worry of strong waves. The sandy areas provide space for building sandcastles, and the overall relaxed atmosphere is perfect for a stress-free family outing. Don't forget to pack snacks and drinks, though there are kiosks available. Reddit

Snorkeling here is also a fantastic activity for children, offering them a chance to see colorful fish up close. Ensure they wear water shoes to protect their feet from any rocky patches or sea urchins. The convenience of having food and drink options nearby, along with the dog-friendly nature of the beach, adds to its appeal for families looking for a fun and accessible day out. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, Playita del Condado offers a great value. The beach itself is free to access, and while chair rentals are available, you can also bring your own towels and blankets. The food cart offers affordable snacks like hamburgers and hot dogs, significantly cheaper than many tourist-trap restaurants. Reddit

Bringing your own water bottles and snacks can further reduce costs. The main expense might be parking if you're driving, but it's generally reasonable. The opportunity for excellent free snorkeling makes this a top pick for those looking to experience Puerto Rico's natural beauty without breaking the bank. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Snorkeling Paradise: What to Expect

Playita del Condado is a hidden gem for snorkelers, offering a surprisingly rich underwater world right off the shore. The calm, clear waters are perfect for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike. You can expect to see a vibrant array of marine life, including colorful tropical fish, curious crabs, and even the occasional octopus or lobster. The presence of seagrass fields and sunken sculptures adds an element of discovery to your underwater exploration. Reddit

Many visitors recommend bringing your own snorkel gear to maximize your time in the water. The shallow areas near the shore are teeming with life, and drifting along the edges of the marked buoys is a popular way to explore. Remember to wear water shoes, as the seabed can be rocky and sea urchins are present in crevices. This makes the experience safer and allows you to get closer to the fascinating underwater ecosystem. Reddit

Navigating the Rocky Seabed and Sea Urchins

While the calm waters of Playita del Condado are inviting, it's crucial to be aware of the seabed's composition. Much of the area is rocky, and these rocks are often home to sea urchins. These spiny creatures, while fascinating to observe from a distance, can deliver a painful sting if stepped on. This is why water shoes are not just recommended, but essential for anyone planning to walk or swim in the shallower areas or explore near the breakwaters. Reddit

Travelers often share advice about carefully navigating these areas. The key is to be mindful of where you place your feet and to avoid unnecessary wading through rocky patches. Floating near the surface is a good strategy, and the sunken sculptures also provide interesting points of observation without needing to tread on the seabed. By taking these precautions, you can fully enjoy the natural beauty of Playita del Condado without any unpleasant surprises. Reddit

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