Situated on the west coast of Puerto Rico, Crash Boat Beach in Aguadilla is the place to hit if you want to soak up local culture, experience epic diving and authentic Puerto Rican grub. The dramatic (possibly troubling) name “Crash Boat” comes from the fact that it was once an Air Force-based marina where “crash boats” would rescue the crashed planes during Air Force pilots’ training sessions. Now that all that’s over, Crash Boat Beach, Puerto Rico, has become a hidden gem.
(Crash Boat Beach, Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, photo by: instagram.com/sitholordtrinidad.)
When we say “diving” we mean scuba, of course, but it’s also great for snorkeling. The crystal clear waters are teaming with colorful fish. If you’re into jumping, brave souls leap into the azure water from the towering pillars that dot the pier. If you’re really daring, hit “Muelle de Azucar,” (sugar pier), one of the highest.
(View of shore, Crash Boat Beach, Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, photo by: instagram.com/vincea07.)
But for those insatiable ocean lovers (and we know there are many), the pilings of the piers are goldmines for sea creatures: seahorses, frog fish, octopi and lion fish. If you want to descend deeper into the blue, about 30 feet, you’ll see a sunken base where you can check out larger aquatic critters. If none of this is your thing, hang on the soft, sandy beach and assume the pose of an enthusiastic spectator.
(Crash Boat Beach, Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, photo by: instagram.com/nicolebernalphotography.)
Enough about the water. Let’s get to eating. On one side of the park, you can find food trucks, where you can sink your chops into delectable, taste bud-slaying morsels. In fact, one of our True Beach Lovers who recently visited Crash Boat Beach said, “The food trucks made such an impression that I told my wife we just had to go back.” While you’re getting your grub on, you can also buy drinks and handicrafts, all while swaying to Reggaeton tunes – a genre that’s a mash-up of Jamaican dance hall, Trinidadian soca and hip hop.
(Crash Boat Beach, Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, photo by: instagram.com/mimigabes.)
One last tip: arrive early to Crash Boat Beach, Puerto Rico, to beat the crowds. You’ll want to take full advantage of your visit to this glorious jewel in Puerto Rico. If you want to check this out, just call one of our BhDs at 1-800-915-3162 and they’ll set you up in no time. If you want to peruse the lay of the sand yourself, check out all our beachtastic vacation packages to the Caribbean and Mexico, go here. Life is short. Time to beach.
