Playa La Jungla

A hidden gem! 🌴 To get here you’ll need a 4x4 vehicle, but the trip is worth it. The beach is beautiful with crystal-clear, clean water and a peaceful atmosphere away from the crowds. Perfect spot if you’re looking for a more natural and quiet beach experience. Highly recommended for adventure seekers. 🌊🏝️

Closed on Mondays.somehow the app said it was open. It wasn’t. You can’t take your car in on Mondays! So instead we walked in, we were there already, but with tot in tow we didn’t go the full 30 min walk - instead took the first inlet to the beach. While initially rocky - the spot was beautiful, calm and quiet. Lots of crabs and fish hiding in and around the patches of seaweed. Amazing for a toddler, shallow crystal clear water.

Visited Santa Beach and Playa La Jungle which is totally worth $2/person (free under 12). We hiked a trail marked by orange flagging ribbons to a secluded beach rich with shore life. The 10-15min walk through the jungle and mangroves was easy but takes and adventurous spirit to keep going past midway where the sandy path has up to 2"of clear water for a short stretch. Right at the end the flagged path was also overgrown a bit. My teen boys liked the adventure of this spot but our group was a mix of adventurous and hesitant. I'm so glad the adventurous voted us onward when we almost stopped at the watery section. (I highly recommend wearing water shoes if you plan to attempt the hike to Almendro the "hidden beach"). The sandy cove is gorgeous and provides an opportunity for wildlife observation since the shore is mostly bits of coral and shells with many hermit grabs roaming the rocks.

We were expecting some waves. If you are looking for a remote place, that the ocean looks like a giant swimming pool then this is your place. Safe for kids. The parking is $5. You pay in the main gate and drive 5 minutes south. We arrived at 3 pm and we were able to get parking. It should not be a problem. The gate closes a 5 pm, so plan to start driving out at 4:30. There are not shops or restaurants in this area so plan to bring your own refreshments. Water is clean and the sand is not bad. Overall it was a nice place to spend time with family and get the experience of local recreation. 45 minutes drive from Ponce.

Amazing place to venture to! They are closed on Mondays, but during the week it’s $2 p/p to park. The beach is not super crowded or busy. You don’t have to worry about currents. Walk through the mangroves or snorkel (bring your own gear) right past the sea beds for some amazing views. Get there before noon!