Puerto Rico has grand beaches for sunning and clear waters for swimming. Along the island's 272 miles of coastline, there are beaches dotted with swaying palm trees and sandy coves that offer lots of privacy.

There are two bioluminescent bays, one off the southwest coast and one off the island of Vieques. The best way to see the luminescent microscopic creatures that populate these bays is to take a boat ride on a moonless night.

There are 13 public beaches on Puerto Rico and most have facilities that include lockers, showers and picnic tables.

Puerto Rico participates in the Blue Flag program, which may be familiar to some of the island's European visitors. This system only endorses beaches that meet rigorous standards, so you'll know these beaches offer the very best of Puerto Rico.

Here's a look at some of the best:

Boqueron Beach: Stretching more than a mile along the west coast on a tranquil bay, islanders flock to this beach on summer weekends and holidays.

Flamenco: If you're looking for an adventurous day-trip, you may want to look into Flamenco Beach on the island of Culebra. A participant in the Blue Flag system, this beach offers pristine beauty and a history of naval activity. Motorized water sports aren't permitted here, so if you'd like a more active getaway, there may be another beach better suited to your interests. Culebra's famous beach features powdery white sand, calm turquoise waters, paths, picnic tables and even old rusting military tanks from when the U.S. Navy did exercises on the island. The beach is nestled in a cove between two beautiful green mountains, and is listed as one of the top ten beaches in the world. There's very little shade on the beach itself, so bring plenty of suntan lotion.

Isla Verde Beach: Isla Verde Beach is actually a series of beaches stretching for miles in front of luxury resorts and posh high-rise residential apartments. Imagine living in a large city and having a beautiful beach as your back yard. That is exactly what the million or so residents of San Juan enjoy every day. There's no need to go far to enjoy a beautiful tropical day at the beach. A tranquil place during the week, Isla Verde really comes alive on weekends. Beach lovers stream in from everywhere to get some sun, splash in the sea, party with family and friends, play beach volleyball, or walk along the sandy shores. There is no shortage of places to eat or drink. Many hotels and restaurants have bars and casual restaurants adjacent to the beach.

While most visitors soak up the sun reading, napping, or taking a lazy stroll in the surf line, the more adventurous go parasailing, bodysurfing, water skiing and jet skiing, or participate in many of the other water sports offered by the hotels and seaside shops.

Depending on the hour of the day and the day of the week, Isla Verde can be anything from a solitary stretch of glistening sand to a Coney Island crowd of happy sun worshippers, but it is always a delight. The water is always warm and great for swimming.

Luquillo Beach: Probably the most photographed beach in Puerto Rico, Luquillo is lined with palm trees and blessed with calm waters. A park-like area lies on the other side of a wide stretch of sand. Near the beach's entrance on Route 3 a long line of kiosks sell Puerto Rican snacks, from empanadillas (turnovers filled with meat, fish or chicken) to deep fried potato fritters. Souvenir stands and lifeguards can be found on this beach, which is part of a national park. Swimming is also enjoyable, as there are off-shore reefs that serve as a natural barrier from rough, choppy waters.

Seven Seas Beach: Nice for swimming and relaxing, this beach is next to Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve on the east coast.

Sun Bay: You could be one of just a few on this beautiful crescent-shaped beach on Vieques. Horses often graze among palm trees in the grassy area in front of the beach.

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