tres palmas marine reserve

We were amazed at the amount of fish and coral we saw just steps from the shore! We didn't bring flippers and didn't need them, we were able to just float out with little effort. The elkhorn coral was great, and we swam with large schools of fish. Steps beach was clean and plenty of space / shade to spread out. Parking was tight, but we found that to be true in all of Rincon.

First of all parking can be a problem on weekends. There is no parking lot you just park on the side of the road. If you are swimming or snorkeling there is no place to change. They do have a porta potty which was filthy. The beach is nice with some shade. The snorkeling is good but it is a little difficult entering and exiting the water. Lots of nice coral and many little fish close to shore did not see turtles but I have heard of many sightings here. There is a food truck here that I heard has pretty decent food.

Cool little spot where they have snorkeling available. Rent or bring your own. Bring a lunch and some chairs and spend the day on the beach.

Not the easiest place to find, but ask around for directions to Steps Beach. The reserve, of course, is a long section of the coastline. Wish I could have snorkeled.

We were unsure of what we'd find when we drove up and found the beach deserted and the waves rough, but I'm glad we decided to go in the water! There was lots of coral, and we saw all kinds of colorful fish. We had to be careful because the waves were rather rough, but the marine life really was spectacular.

I spent a month swimming, diving and SUP'ing these waters. Pristine and crystal clear with the most beautiful coral heads (elkhorn coral!!) and colorful fish I've ever seen. I can't wait to go back!!!

Great coffee shop at the parking lot. get there early or you won't have a place to park. Be good at parking. watch everyone go in and go in the same place or you will get tagged by sea urchins.

I really like this beach reserve area. I really like it off of steps beach were I have seen so much sea life including two sea turtles that I swam along side. There can be large schools of fish at times which is cool. and it is quite a large area to snorkel so one can spend a lot of time here. Their are plenty of places where one can rent sea gear for various activities.

Beware that the last third of the drive from San Juan is slow, busy, frequent stop lights. Once there this beach was clean and the water terrific to swim in. Several sit down or beachside bars off the main parking lot. Not crowded on a January Wednesday but the people who were there were pretty lively. We didn't scuba or snorkel but the beach itself wasn't particularly good, just nice.

we were the only visitors, and we got to know the name of many PR plants, flowers, and trees. We liked its antique atmosphere.

Its beautiful, the water is clear, and reef is very shallow which made for excellent snorkeling. The water is so warm I could have stayed out there all day!

We stayed at a place called #Coconut House, part of the tres palmas villa complex adjacent to Trea Palmas Marine Reserve, We snorkeled almost daily there, where beautiful calm waters beckon and great snacks and fresh coconut juice is available for a handful of quarters. The location has primo views and is safe (although not swim able.) Empanadillas are delicious. I tried the kind with tasty fish filling. Not too crowded even over a holiday weekend.I wouldn't stay at the villa however. Homophobic seeming manager who scowled once too often.Enjoy!

Even with low waves going out early in the morning, we were tossed about in the currents by Steps and eventually when we went to get out, we got pounded on the rocks and cut to pieces on our arms and legs! Covered in blood, we limped back to our hotel.We did see several types of fish, but the water was very murky. I've heard the snorkeling is better in the summer season. I would not recommend going in January or the winter months. I would also not recommend going if you are at all inexperienced at snorkeling. We are fairly experienced snorkelers and the currents were very strong for us.

I'm not a surfer. While in Rincon we snorkeled while visiting Steps Beach, it's amazing. You would normally have to take some sort of tour boat out to see the diverse coral, fish, and underwater sites you can see by simply swimming 5 ft of of Steps Beach. Be careful while getting into the water as the rocks are slippery- but once in the snorkeling is easy and safe. Go in the morning for best reviewing and calm waters.Have a cafe con leche at the food truck while there or a tasty skewer of chicken. All items are fresh and reasonably priced.

Early morning snorkeling at Playa Steps is like swimming in an aquarium. Have to get there before the surf gets booming though.