Playa Negra

Details

Alternate name:
Black Sand Beach

Good for:
Mostly sightseeing and enjoying the solitude and beauty. Swimming on some days.

Amenities:
None

Sand Type/Color:
Jet-black magnetic sand and golden sand, varying with the tides and location along the beach.

Cleanliness:
Some storm debris remains from María, but not too much

Water Quality:
The water is usually very clear and beautiful.

Directions

Directions:

Playa Negra is a southside beach off Route 201 outside of Esperanza. Drive west on 997 out of Esperanza and turn left at the T on 201.

Around the curve, park in the dirt lot across the street from Oro Vieques (previously Gallery Galleon).

Walk 50 yards back toward the east and on the right side of the road find the steps down into the drainage (quebrada). Hike down the wet/dry creek about 1/2 mile to Playa Negra.

Parking:

Playa Negra is a fascinating place with it’s black magnetic sand (bring a magnet!), sandy cliffs, and crashing waves. Swimming can be a bit dangerous here at times so it’s usually best to keep the children out of the water. But this beach is unique and beautiful, well worth the short hike, even though your feet will get wet, and you’ll have to use a stick to clear spider webs along the way. Pro tip: try the pattern of the cross, or the infinity symbol, as you walk to clear the webs. :)

Note that in recent trips there, all of the fallen trees, etc. (mentioned previously) have been cleared so the hike is actually quite easy.

There’s really no shade on this beach so plan accordingly.