Playa Negra (Negrita) / Black Sand Beach – Vieques, Puerto Rico

One of the Most Dramatic & Beautiful Beaches in Vieques, Puerto Rico

You don’t have to fly all to a faraway place or Hawaii to appreciate and experience what it feels to sink your toes on black sand.  Areas on the island like Monte Pirata are volcanic and some of this amazing volcanic material is washed down through a quebrada (stream) during heavy rains, ending up at this gorgeous beach.  You’ll see a little black sand on other beaches around the island such as Playa Cofi on the north coast and Punta Arenas Beach on the far west end of the island but not as much as you’ll see at Playa Negra. When you arrive at Playa Negrita (Negra) you will see traces of black that looks like a work of art on the sand.  Contrasting shades of deep golden honey with dark black sand being are touched by foamy white water… it is quite a sight for sand lovers.

Keep walking to the right and the concentration of black sand gets greater and more striking.

Behind you are cliffs with ridges carved by mother nature.

Bring your camera, the landscape is so awe-inspiring.  You’ll find beautifully shaped driftwood, rock cliffs, desert-like bushes covering the cliff wall behind you, all contrasting against deep black, golden sand, turquoise waters and foamy white waves… simply magnificent. Visitors are enchanted by this beach, Playa Negra is definitely among the top three beaches to visit.  Recently the Victoria’s Secret Angels filmed the Victoria’s Secret Swim Special and Playa Negra was one of the locations.

Sit on a rock, and dig your feet on the soft glimmering black sand.  Vieques has a way of forcing people to slow down and learn to enjoy the simple yet richer things in life.

Many locals did not even know there was black sand in Vieques. Those that knew about it did not have a name for it, so we named it Playa Negrita (Little Black Beach) back in 2004.   Presently the beach is called “Playa Negra” or in English “Black Sand Beach”.   This beach was truly a secret beach until we published it on this article, word spread, and for the past years, it is the beach that most visitors don’t want to miss.  We hope you enjoy your visit.

Directions to Playa Negra / Black Sand Beach

You can access Playa Negra in two ways.

Option #1 – The Long Way – You can start your walk from Esperanza Beach or Playa Grande, it’s a long walk but well worth it and very scenic.  On high tide the walk is harder, do at your own risk, there are no lifeguards around so practice common sense. If something does not feel safe to do, then don’t do it.

If you decide to make the walk, be sure to wear Non-Slip Beach Sandals / Shoes.  Again during high tide, you will have to walk your way around rocks and small boulders.  During high tide, you’ll have to walk on beaches with a rocky bottom, please walk with care and don’t make the walk alone in case you need any help. No special hiking skills are necessary, individuals with average physical ability will have no problems getting there.

Option #2 –  Easier and Short Route – If you’re driving from Esperanza head west on Rt. 996.  At the end of the road, make a left towards La Hueca on Rt. 201. Follow the road, watch for Kilometer sign 7.0.  Soon you’ll get to the sign “Playa Negra”.   There’s enough space for about 2 cars right at the entry.  The dirt road leading to Playa Negra is actually a quebrada (stream).  During rainy season or when it rains, there may be water on the way and you’ll have to walk around the sides, be sure to wear adequate footwear.  See picture below for spotting the entrance.