Fun for the Whole Family at Playa Sardinera
The town of Hatillo is known for a few tourist attractions, but I think that the beach Playa Sardinera and the adjacent Punta Maracayo should be at the top of that list. We finally (after 13 years of living in Puerto Rico) took the time to check out this beach and … wow! This beautiful beach was such a surprise to me. Besides being pretty, it has some facilities, and it is a protected cove, which keeps the water calm so that people can enjoy the beach year-round.
We stopped by one afternoon to check it out, and to have our lunch. They have nice covered (and open) picnic pavilions that anyone can use. And if you didn’t bring you own food/drinks, there is a restaurant/bar right there (and restroom for its patrons).
The beach itself has nice sand, and it has a natural wall along the north coast blocking the waves, so it makes a lovely calm pool. I even saw some people snorkeling along the edge … I bet there were some fish to see … we didn’t have our gear, so we weren’t able to check it out first-hand.
Some people were walking on the rocks, and some were fishing from them. Going up on top of the rocks is a bit risking since once in a while a large wave would come up and over the rocks (in areas). It made for nice photos. The waves get bigger in winter and during storms, so be careful if you go.
We walked westward on the beach, and found a load of sea glass and beautiful small rocks, almost all tumbled perfectly. Then, behind the bar, on the far corner of the street, there are some covered picnic pavilions and a basketball court.
Really, it was an all-around a great beach experience!
There is a large parking lot at Punta Maracayo was roped off, but there was a guard who opened it for anyone asking to go to the beach. If you go and there is no guard, you can park on the street parking before the playground and walk.
Extra credit hint – If you are more of a “river person”, just down the road is Parque del Norte and the Paseo del Rio. There is a small road just at the Hatillo “fish” just after west of Parque del Notre fence. Here you will also find picnic pavilions, a shower, and some benches along river to watch the kids while they play. There is a tree with steps to climb to jump out of, and some rope swings. But for me, the end of a river (and it was brown after the rain) increases the chance that it is contaminated with something. I will stick to the ocean!
Details
The beach is free but parking cost $3.
Playa Sardinera is located on Route 2 at KM 84.6 in Hatillo.
Click on a placename below to view the location on Google Maps ...
PuertoRicoDayTrips.com assumes no responsibility regarding your safety when participating in the activities described in this article. Please use common sense! If your mother or that little voice in your head tells you that you are about to do something stupid … then don't do it!
