Puerto Seco Beach
A family beach park on Discovery Bay, on the shore where Columbus is said to have landed in 1494.
Updated 2 September 2026
Puerto Seco sits on Discovery Bay, the sheltered inlet where Columbus is generally held to have come ashore in 1494 and named it dry harbour for the lack of fresh water. The beach was redeveloped as a beach park with a water play area, restaurants, sports and event space, and it works mainly as a family day out rather than a quiet stretch of sand. The water is calm and shallow across most of the bay.
What to look for
- The bay - a sheltered inlet with calm shallow water.
- The beach park - water play, sports and restaurants on the sand.
- The Columbus landing - the shore associated with the 1494 arrival.
- The reef edge - coral at the mouth of the bay, visible from boats.
When to go
December to April is the drier season. Weekends and school holidays are busy with local families. The park closes on some weekdays out of season.
Practical notes
It is a commercial beach park with entry fees and paid activities, not a natural beach. Music and crowds make it loud at weekends. The Columbus landing point is traditional rather than proven.
Nearby
Runaway Bay is east, and Green Grotto Caves are nearby.
Key facts
Source: Wikidata, item Q27120086, read on 18 October 2026.
What to pack for Puerto Seco Beach
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Reef-safe sunscreen - High SPF that will not bleach the coral you are swimming over. Find on Amazon
- Head torch + spare batteries - Hands-free light is essential; caves are truly dark. Find on Amazon
- Quick-dry towel - A microfibre towel packs small and dries in minutes. Find on Amazon
- Grippy closed shoes - Cave floors are wet, muddy and slick with formations. Find on Amazon
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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
