Puerto Rico

Black Sand Beach

Black Sand Beach is an intriguing beach located in Vieques. The beach is known for its unique black sand, which is often covered up by the normal sand brought in by the tide. Despite this, the black sand can still be found right underneath the surface. The beach can be accessed by a trail marked by a large blue sign that reads "Playa Negra" on the side of the road. The trail, which is on the left of the sign, features stone steps that lead down into the jungle. It takes approximately 15 minutes to walk from the sign to the beach.

The trail to the beach is a fun and interesting hike, with a variety of plants, lizards, spiders, and other wildlife to observe along the way. However, the trail can be muddy, so caution is advised. Once at the beach, visitors can enjoy the soft sand and the beautiful contrast it provides against the cliffs and water. The beach is also home to a variety of shells that resemble stones.

Discover places to stay near Black Sand Beach and enjoy the serene beauty of this unique, uncrowded destination.

While the beach is a worthwhile visit, it is not typically crowded, making it a peaceful destination. There is parking available near the trailhead, making it convenient for visitors to access the beach. Despite the lack of abundant black sand, the beach's natural beauty and unique characteristics make it a must-see location in Vieques.

What to do at Black Sand Beach?

Amenities

Black Sand Beach amenities include parking.

Restaurants

Best restaurants near Black Sand Beach include Carambola Restaurant and Robin’s Mojito Bar & Grill.

Visitor Reviews

Visitor reviews highlight the unique experience of reaching the beach through a 15-minute walk in the jungle, with the opportunity to observe various plants and animals. They also appreciate the unique black sand, even though it is often covered by regular sand brought in by the tide. However, some visitors express disappointment about the lack of visible black sand and the muddy conditions of the trail.

Where to Stay near Black Sand Beach?

If you’re planning a trip to Vieques to visit the Black Sand Beach, consider staying in the nearby town of Esperanza, which is known for its charming accommodations and vibrant atmosphere. Most visitors include the beach as part of a broader itinerary exploring the natural beauty and local culture of Vieques rather than coming solely for the beach itself.

The following map shows available accommodations and their prices. See the full list of accommodation options here.

Where is Black Sand Beach?

Latitude: 18.0957199 / Longitude: -65.492351

Black Sand Beach is located in Puerto Rico. The following map of Black Sand Beach shows the exact location.


Nearby destinations:

Black Sand Beach: Weather Today

📅 Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Today shapes up to be a decent beach day at Black Sand Beach. The air will be warm, reaching a high of 26.5 °C. The sea temperature is a comfortable 27.0 °C, ideal for swimming. Expect moderate breezes. The sun will be strong, so make sure to apply sunscreen; the UV index will reach 7.15. There's a slight chance of rain, but it's unlikely to amount to much. Overall, it's a pleasant day to enjoy the beach.
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Air

Low / High25.4°C/26.5°C
Feels Like (High)29.4°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature27.0 °C
Wave Height1.0 m
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Rain

Rain Chance33%
Rainfall0 mm
Rain Duration0 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset06:55/18:14
Sunshine Hours10.6 hrs
UV Index7.15
Cloud Cover35%
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Wind

Speed15.2 km/h
Gusts20.9 km/h
DirectionE

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