Condado Beach
Condado Beach
4
About
Lined with swanky resorts and high-rise hotels, this large beach is a popular spot in San Juan, loved for its vibrant scene, lively dining, and endless array of things to do. While swimming isn't encouraged (powerful rip tides are common here), you can still lounge by the beach and watch surfers, boogie boarders, and parasailers ride the currents. There are also recreational areas like Ventana al Mar where you can take part in an outdoor yoga session or some aqua fitness. Drop by the beach on a city tour of San Juan, which often includes a stop here. – Tripadvisor
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
1,326 reviews
Excellent
499
Very good
479
Average
275
Poor
40
Terrible
33
Donna H
Niverville, NY21 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
As long as you stay on the beach, you'll be fine. As soon as you hit the sidewalk, keep head down and watch for holes. Eat at the hole in the wall restaurants, hotel restaurants are overpriced and underwhelming.
Written January 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sylvia DrSoul Fernandez
San Juan, Puerto Rico12,393 contributions
Sep 2024 • Friends
We had to get a photo session here while they were changing bands. The last Sunday of every month from 4:00pm-8pm there is live music at Ventana al Mar between La Concha and The Vaderbilt Hotels! Come and enjoy food and drinks with free live music under the sun/stars ❤️😍❤️
Written September 3, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TennisStar602
New Jersey712 contributions
Feb 2020
I really enjoyed Condado Beach. It is free, and it is lined with coconut palm trees and tall hotel buildings. The emerald green water is very choppy, but it is probably about seventy-five (75) degrees Fahrenheit. Possibly due to the earthquakes in the South, the beach was busy; yet, it was not totally packed with tourists. The sand is also soft, and there are some coral reefs further to the east. Ventana al Mar offers nice views of the surrounding area, and Ashford Avenue has many restaurants and shops. There are also Puerto Rican flags on the beach which allow one can to stand by to get a photograph with excellent surroundings.
Written February 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James S
8 contributions
Apr 2022
Beautiful beach with soft and warm sand located right outside the resorts. Definitely a fun beach to be in if you love waves but BE WARNED:
These waves are not kind. I got caught with a foamy white haymaker to the jaw for not paying attention and it knocked me flat on my backside.
PLEASE BE CAREFUL! This location is known for having dangerous rip currents and if you venture too far from shore you may very well not be able to get back. If you are planning on going to this beach be realistic to your swimming ability and make sure you are aware of the waves and the current for that day.
If you are one of the crazy ones who like getting ragdolled by waves at beaches this is a top pick.
If you are traveling with those who are not adept at swimming, small children, or do not want to deal with rough waves I recommend Escambron Beach just west of this location. There are rock formations out in sea that block the rough waves so that beach is more suited for swimming and relaxation. This beach is basically a fist fight with Poseidon.
These waves are not kind. I got caught with a foamy white haymaker to the jaw for not paying attention and it knocked me flat on my backside.
PLEASE BE CAREFUL! This location is known for having dangerous rip currents and if you venture too far from shore you may very well not be able to get back. If you are planning on going to this beach be realistic to your swimming ability and make sure you are aware of the waves and the current for that day.
If you are one of the crazy ones who like getting ragdolled by waves at beaches this is a top pick.
If you are traveling with those who are not adept at swimming, small children, or do not want to deal with rough waves I recommend Escambron Beach just west of this location. There are rock formations out in sea that block the rough waves so that beach is more suited for swimming and relaxation. This beach is basically a fist fight with Poseidon.
Written April 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Porsha Smith
5 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
So much fun. My boyfriend, sister, and I had an amazing time. The views were absolutely amazing and our tour guide Edward was awesome. He was very knowledgeable of the area and offered help taking pics and lended a hand when needed. Make sure your hydrated and wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Don’t plan another excursion after this one. Larger groups take more time and you run the risk of missing your activity.
Written June 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelly M
Charlotte, NC352 contributions
Serious safety incident
Mar 2024 • Friends
Condado Beach is a very popular beach in San Juan...lined with resorts and popular. I love it just for the breeze it always seems to have and for the people watching! Wow! However, the one downside is that the water is quite dangerous. I highly recommend it for sunbathing and people-watching, but not for swimming. While we were there, two people drowned. Maybe get your feet wet if you go, but no more than that. You can enjoy the beach without risking your life.
Written March 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BrakiWorldTraveler
Belgrade, Serbia20,003 contributions
Dec 2022
Our first two days in PR we stayed at a small hotel on Condado beach, right by the Marriot hotel.
The Condado beach is very beautiful, stretching for miles with soft golden fine sand. Water is clean with a very pleasant temp, inviting you to dip in. But beware, you wont be swimming, but fighting with waves and currents.
Like many others said it is very dangerous. Rip currents are EXTREMELY strong dragging you away from shore. I'm a good swimmer and like big waves, but after each of them I had to struggle to walk/swim back.
DO NOT go further than your waist, find an orientation point on the beach and check your position frequently. Pay EXTRA attention to kids.
For a much calmer and safer beach, which you'll enjoy much more go to Isla Verde where we stayed two days after our cruise.
The Condado beach is very beautiful, stretching for miles with soft golden fine sand. Water is clean with a very pleasant temp, inviting you to dip in. But beware, you wont be swimming, but fighting with waves and currents.
Like many others said it is very dangerous. Rip currents are EXTREMELY strong dragging you away from shore. I'm a good swimmer and like big waves, but after each of them I had to struggle to walk/swim back.
DO NOT go further than your waist, find an orientation point on the beach and check your position frequently. Pay EXTRA attention to kids.
For a much calmer and safer beach, which you'll enjoy much more go to Isla Verde where we stayed two days after our cruise.
Written January 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Island_gerl
Portland, ME85 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
If you like Miami, maybe you’d like Condado Beach. It’s busy and relatively small - but the beach really isn’t anything to write home about, pretty water, big waves and dangerous undertow and rip currents…especially for drunk people. Which is what mainly happens there. We stayed at a VRBO at La Rada for 3 days, after 6 days on Vieques, and I woke up the first morning in Condado and wondered why the heck we were here. No Thanks.
Written March 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
minniemae
Florida645 contributions
Sep 2022
During our visit, it was high tide and the waves were harsh and there was a rip tide warning. Our hotel offered beach chairs/cabana or shade to relax so we just took advantage of that; did not swim. I love the beach vendors especially the lady that sold homemade empanadas on weekends (her side job). If you find her, try her empanadas... they were truly delicious. The beach resembles a mini Miami Beach lined with high rise condos & commercial buildings. Parking will be hard to find unless you are a registered guest in one of the hotels along the beach. Nevertheless, it made for one enjoyable weekend.
Written November 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Devon K
5 contributions
Feb 2022 • Couples
The Beach is absolutely beautiful, but people are right it’s a swim at your own risk/no swim high surf beach. There are signs everywhere that discourage swimming. Can you get in the water here?100% do you need to be smart 110%. The waves break close to shore and there’s plenty of depth in that to cool down. If you are a parent DO NOT LET YOUR KID SWIM OUT, go to a pool for that because the ocean is mean and doesn’t care about you or yours. Water is absolutely beautiful and the sand is soft! Don’t go swimming at night here, A 12 year old boy is still being searched for from a night swim! Hope this helps place is 100% checking out!
Written February 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hey we have a trip planned in a week. How is Condado beach and the surrounding area after the hurricane? Power outages? Damages? Thanks a bunch!!
Written September 24, 2022
I’m staying in an Airbnb in Condado. Is there anywhere to rent beach chairs? Or is there a beach bar that will serve drinks on the beach?
Written August 14, 2019
Hi,
You can rent a chair for $10 for the day. Small tables are free. There is a bar on the corner of "Cll Vendig" and possibly a bar at a hotel in front of the beach (next to the steps you take to get to the beach next to Atlantic Beach Hotel) but I don't know if they serve drinks on the beach.
Written August 19, 2019
hola y cual es la playa que se encuentra cerca para ir caminando?
Written May 22, 2023
I read that the beach is dangerous for swimming due to strong currents. Has anyone been swimming there recently? Thanks.
Written March 22, 2019
The beach behind the Marriott is dangerous, but the public beach next to the Condado Plaza is safe. Also, there is a quiet natural pool( "La pocita") on the beach along Paseo de Don Juan, about 200 meters east of the Marriott, which is safe.
Written March 23, 2019
Never been to Condado Beach how is the water is it clear like the Bahamas and Aruba
Written October 25, 2018
The day I was there it was murky with a very rough surf condition.
It is a rocky, foul looking place.
It is not the "bath tub" calm, crystal clear kind of water you see at a place like Aruba, or Trunk Bay, or those more serene places.
Written October 26, 2018
Never been to Condado Beach how is the water is it clear like the Bahamas and Aruba
Written October 25, 2018
No, not at all. It's usually a bit rough. It's open Atlantic Ocean, not the Caribbean.
Written October 26, 2018
Are there beach chairs and umbrellas available to rent on Condado beach?
Written September 11, 2018
Hello
I am visiting OSJ in July and am not staying at a hotel with no connections to a beach. This beach was recommended and i read some reviews. Does this beach rent out chairs, and umbrella? What about food any place around Condado beach to grab a bite while at the beach?Just want to hang out have cocktails, a snack to eat on the beach and get a tan. :0) I am going to uber over where should i ask the uber to drop me off closest to the beach entrance and place to possibly purchase a snack to eat on the way in to the beach?
Thanks in advance.
Dawn
Written May 25, 2018
All the above are excellent recommendations. Ben & Jerry's had an expanded menu when we were there.
Written May 27, 2018
Is the beach open and is it safe to swim there now?
Written December 5, 2017
hola no se ....disculpa saludos
Written January 21, 2018
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