Puerto Rico Travel Guide  ⎮  Puerto Rico Beaches  ⎮  Rincon Puerto Rico  ⎮  Playa Tres Palmas (Steps)

Top Rated Snorkeling Tour in Rincon

Tres Palmas Beach, also known as Steps Beach (Playa Escalera) for the concrete steps sitting on the sand, is wonderful and unique in every way, capturing the heart of every type of beach lover and delivering unforgettable experiences all year round.  The famous concrete steps are a favorite photo spot for visitors on the west coast of Puerto Rico and a cool place to sit and take in the view when the tide is safe to do so.  Tres Palmas is located in the sunny surfing town of Rincon, the most popular beach destination on the west coast of Puerto Rico.

The beach is easy to access from the main road.  At the end of the narrow dirt path, a beautiful beach awaits with few buildings on site thanks to the efforts of community groups that protested to keep major developments from taking over the shores of this natural treasure on the west coast of Puerto Rico.  Tres Palmas offers easy access and free parking.  There is a food truck at the entrance and plenty of places to eat nearby.

Top Rated Accommodations in Rincon 

Summers are for Snorkeling at Tres Palmas (Steps Beach)

Rincon, Puerto Rico

Top Rated Snorkeling Tours in Rincon, Puerto Rico

During the spring and summer months, from mid-April – October, the 20 + feet waves turn to calmer waters, allowing snorkelers to explore the healthy coral reef below.  Tres Palmas (Steps Beach) offers locals and visitors some of the best and most accessible snorkeling in the area.   The best time to snorkel is in the morning, the water is calm and clear.  Underwater you can explore a colorful garden where you can spot the following:

  • Elkhorn coral community communities
  • Bottlenose Dolphins
  • Common Reef Fishes such as Parrot Fish, Blue Tang, Surgeonfish, Sergeant Major, Yellowtail
  • Hawksbill Turtles
  • Spiny Lobsters
Tres Palmas / Steps Beach - Rincon, Puerto Rico

The coral reef runs right along the length of the beach.  The best way to get in is through the main beach area where the bottom is more sandy.   If you get in through the north side along the concrete steps, beware that it drops off quickly.   If you swim out farther, the waters are sometimes calmer and the visibility better.   Be sure to swim/snorkel with someone else for safety, there are no lifeguards at Steps, all activities are at your own risk.  We recommend you wear fins and long sleeve snorkeling/scuba clothing to protect your skin from accidental scratches.  The waves could push you against the sharp coral floor along with the concrete steps.  Please refrain from snorkeling during the winter months or when the waves are rougher in the summer, we’ve seen people get nasty scratches on their body from being pushed by the waves.

Winter is for Surfing at Tres Palmas Beach

Rincon, Puerto Rico

During the winter months, experienced surfers ride the biggest and most challenging waves in Rincon while beach bums can lounge and enjoy a good show.   Tres Palmas is known as one of the best surfing beaches in the Caribbean.  With waves up to 25 feet during and beyond the break of almost a mile out, Tres Palmas is for experienced surfers in excellent physical shape.  If you’re not a surfer, be sure to bring your lounge chair for a great show over the winter months.

Top Rated Surfing Lessons in Puerto Rico

Everyday is a Day for Romance & Relaxation at Tres Palmas Beach

Rincon, Puerto Rico

Tres Palmas / Steps Beach - Rincon, Puerto Rico

Honeymooners can claim quiet romantic scenic spots. 

Steps Beach is a great starting point for a long walk on the beach with the whole family with the added bonus of breathtaking daily sunsets at the end of a glorious day on the beach.  The sand is golden and soft, the beach is not very wide in the winter months.

Tres Palmas / Steps Beach - Rincon, Puerto Rico

Sit on a fallen tree and let your cares slip away as you listen to the ocean waves.

Tres Palmas / Steps Beach - Rincon, Puerto Rico

Palm and almond trees line up the back of the beach providing some shade and a natural feel.  

Map - Tres Palmas / Steps Beach

Rincon, Puerto Rico

Top Rated Tours in Rincon & West Coast

Puerto Rico

Photo Gallery - Tres Palmas / Steps Beach

Rincon, Puerto Rico

Rincon, Puerto Rico

Tres Palmas / Steps Beach - Rincon, Puerto Rico

Tres Palmas / Steps Beach - Rincon, Puerto Rico

Tres Palmas / Steps Beach - Rincon, Puerto Rico

Tres Palmas / Steps Beach - Rincon, Puerto Rico

Tres Palmas / Steps Beach - Rincon, Puerto Rico

Tres Palmas / Steps Beach - Rincon, Puerto Rico

Tres Palmas / Steps Beach - Rincon, Puerto Rico

Tres Palmas / Steps Beach - Rincon, Puerto Rico

Tres Palmas / Steps Beach - Rincon, Puerto Rico

Tres Palmas / Steps Beach - Rincon, Puerto Rico

Tours Visitors Love in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico Travel Guide  ⎮  Puerto Rico Beaches  ⎮  Rincon Puerto Rico  ⎮  Playa Tres Palmas (Steps)