Airport Beach

Details


Alternate name:
Playa Martineau
Good for:
Mostly snorkeling, but also some good beachcombing

Amenities:
None
Sand Type/Color:
Golden/tan sand
Cleanliness: 
There's a fair amount of trash here - it needs a good beach scrubbing.
Water Quality: 
The water can be very clear, or somewhat cloudy if it has been stirred up by storms.

Airport beach is actually more than just a place to launch small boats and to snorkel, at least at low tide. We’ve discovered that there is much more to see toward the west (left from the beach opening) if you climb over the rocks or go around them in the water. There really isn’t a beach at all over there at high tide, so if you want to walk dogs or beachcomb it really has to be at low tide. That said, if you get over those rocks there is a nice little beach with easy spots to get in the water and snorkel, or just to cool off.

Caution: we both received injuries from underwater rocks one rough-water day, while trying to get around the rock point – only do it on calm days please!

It’s just off the side of the airport runway and the planes take off almost right above you. There is good beachcombing, and nice views of PR mainland, Rompeolas pier, and Culebra. The beach could use a good cleanup though. There is something similar if you go to the right around the rocks, but we haven’t explored it much.

The snorkeling can be excellent when the wind is from the south, protecting this beach from turbulence. We’ve seen many beautiful fish and more than one lobster here.

There is also some shade under the overhanging bushes. Again, at low tide.