| ... is located on the north coast of Puerto Rico, just outside of Fajardo, by the northeastern tip of the mainland. It is nestled within a cove protected by a small barrier reef and therefore the water is usually gentle. At times the water surface can even be swimming-pool smooth. There are also times when it's rough but never so rough as to have any big waves. You'll find plenty of shade at Seven Seas Beach which is always an important consideration in Puerto Rico.
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Seven Seas Beach looking west
XXThis location, as a place to stay, is for the budget minded and/or lovers of adventure. Unlike in the mainland USA, in PR you can bring anything you want to play with in the water. You can talk to the lifeguards here, too. You can also pitch a tent most any place you want. It's much more casual than what you are used to elsewhere.
XXThere is a fee of $10 per night to stay in your own tent with a 2-night minimum. There are open-air 'casitas' available on a first come first serve basis for no extra charge. A casita is merely a roof over your head with a cement platform underneath. To my liking, a tent is better unless severe, brief rains come by (which are possible).
XXThere are cold-water showers. Water is not very cold in PR—all summer long I use only cold water for my showers at home (and, yes, it is a little chillier in the winter here). Sanitation might be an issue. At times the public restrooms could be locked and the water in the open air showers may not run. You can cook on the beach and there are several restaurants within very easy walking distance.
XXIf you take a short hike toward the far western end of the beach (to your left as you are looking out at the water), pass the submerged rocks and then go by the partial wreck of a boat hull. Just a little farther, behind the sandy beach you will see a path. Follow the path and when you come to a right turn, take that for a short distance to a secluded cove, Playa Colora. It's a pleasant and short hike and this little beach is a lovely spot. The water here is not protected by a reef and can be quite rough, although not normally as rough as in the picture below.
Playa Colora as Hurricane Isabel passed by
XXThe above photo of Playa Colora was taken in mid-September last year as the category 5, hurricane Isabel was passing us to the north. You may not find others on this beach and at times there may be a few people scattered about. There is no shade here. The photo below shows Playa Colora at a calm moment.
Another look at Playa Colora
XXFar to the east side of Seven Seas Beach and away from the more public area (photo below), the beach is still open to the public but you have to walk along the edge of the water to get there. This part of the beach has no facilities for your comforts but is a less traveled and quieter part of this cove. Whatever the water is like at the “more public area” of Seven Seas Beach this part, to the east side, will be calmer. Although not common, this is where the water can be as smooth as an undisturbed swimming pool—not even a ripple.
Seven Seas Beach looking east
XXFor more information about camping at Seven Seas Beach call 787.863.8180. Sorry to say that the one who answers the phone may not speak English. If you would like to camp here, just show up with your tent and pitch it anywhere you like. Someone will find you and ask you for the fee.
XXAlthough this beach is usually quiet and out-of-the-way, be aware that at times it can be inundated with people and tents. Around Easter, Fourth of July and other times there can be thousands of people here with driving and parking a near impossibility.
XXIf this is your interest and you want more information, contact me. We live within walking distance to Seven Seas Beach and visit there nearly every day. |
