Airport Beach & North Coast Coves

Come for a swim when conditions are calm, photographs, or a relaxed afternoon exploring a few different stretches of shore. With the main road nearby, you can enjoy the north coast without committing to a long drive into the refuge.

What to Expect

This guide covers Airport Beach and the coastal coves along Route 200 toward the old W, including the El Gallito area.

Rather than one uninterrupted beach, you’ll find sandy sections separated by rocky points. Some are visible from the road; others reveal themselves after a short walk through an access opening.

The municipality’s clearing work has made more of this shoreline accessible, but these are still informal beach entrances. Don’t expect numbered parking areas, maintained walkways, or facilities at every stop.

Look at a few places before carrying everything down. One cove may suit a short swim, while another is better for sitting beside the water or exploring the shore.

Swimming & Visiting with Children

On calm days, some coves offer inviting water and sandy entries. The bottom can also include submerged rocks and rock shelves, so check carefully before stepping in.

These beaches face north. Wind and incoming swell can bring choppy water and breaking waves, even when the south coast feels calm.

For children, choose a manageable entry away from rocks and supervise closely. A small cove isn’t automatically sheltered enough for safe swimming.

When waves are breaking firmly onto the beach or pushing water against the rocks, enjoy the scenery and choose another place to swim.

Snorkeling at Airport Beach & the Coves

Airport Beach and El Gallito offer snorkeling opportunities when the water is calm and visibility is good. Rocky areas provide habitat to explore, but they also require care when entering and leaving the water.

Start close to shore, identify your exit, and avoid rounding a point into water you haven’t assessed. Conditions can change beyond the shelter of a particular cove.

Snorkel with a companion, keep your fins clear of coral and marine life, and don’t stand on reef structures.

If waves are stirring up sand or making the entry difficult, save snorkeling for another day.

Shade & Facilities

Some sections have shade beneath overhanging trees and vegetation, but its availability depends on the time of day and how much beach is exposed.

Bring sun protection rather than relying on a shaded spot. Keep clear of unstable branches and avoid damaging vegetation to make room for chairs.

Plan for a visit without dependable public bathrooms, showers, or equipment rentals. Vendors may sometimes operate in the wider area, but bring your own water and snacks rather than counting on them.

Cell Service

Save the locations of the access points you want to visit. Reception depends on your carrier and island conditions, and some small coves may not have a useful name on your map.

If you’re meeting friends, send a pin for your exact stopping place. “Near the airport” describes too much coastline to be a reliable meeting point.

Arrange a return pickup before being dropped off if you’re visiting by taxi.

Getting There

From Isabel Segunda, follow Route 200 west toward the airport. The coastline between the former W property and the airport has several beach access points.

If you’re starting at the airport, travel east toward town and look for established beach entrances on the coastal side of the road.

Use Airport Beach and El Gallito as map references, then explore other open public access points along the stretch. Don’t navigate through the airport grounds or assume the former resort’s entrance provides public beach access.

Drive attentively and pull over only where there is enough space to do so safely.

Parking & Beach Access

Use established pullouts and obey posted parking restrictions. Keep your vehicle fully clear of the travel lane without blocking paths, driveways, or turning areas.

Newly cleared access doesn’t necessarily mean the ground is suitable for parking. Check for soft sand, steep edges, mud, and uneven surfaces before pulling off.

Some entrances involve a slope or a short descent to the shore. Choose one that suits your group, especially if you’re carrying equipment or visiting with children.

Never drive onto the beach or widen an access opening by parking on vegetation.

Airport Beach, El Gallito & the Old W Coves

Airport Beach is close to the eastern side of the airport. Its location adds something different to a beach visit: you may see small aircraft arriving or departing nearby.

El Gallito, also called Gringo Beach, is another recognizable stop along this road, with a sandy cove between rocky points.

Toward the former W, the coastline continues into additional coves. Enjoy them through open public access routes, respecting fences and neighboring properties.

These places work well together as one outing, but don’t assume you can walk the entire stretch along the water. Rocky points and higher water levels can interrupt the route.

What to Bring

Pack for a simple beach visit with limited services:

• Drinking water and snacks
• A towel and optional beach chair
• Sunscreen, a hat, and sun-protective clothing
• Secure footwear for uneven paths
• Snorkeling equipment when conditions are suitable
• A dry bag or waterproof pouch
• A charged phone with saved map pins
• A bag for all your trash

Keep your load manageable if you plan to try more than one cove.

When to Visit

Choose a calm day if swimming or snorkeling is your priority. Assess the water at your chosen cove rather than assuming conditions are the same along the entire coast.

Lower water levels can expose more shoreline, while higher water and waves may narrow the beach or cut off passage around rocks.

Visit with enough daylight to inspect unfamiliar entrances and find your way back comfortably. Softer afternoon light is lovely for photographs, even when the water isn’t suitable for swimming.

Trash & Caring for the Beach

Take everything back out with you. Newly accessible beaches need the same care as the island’s better-known destinations.

Don’t leave bags beside full bins or assume someone will collect rubbish from an informal pullout. Check for bottle caps, food packaging, and anything that could blow into the sea.

Leave shells, plants, and marine life where you find them. Stay on established paths so the surrounding vegetation can recover and continue protecting the coast.

Visiting Responsibly

Municipal clearing has created more opportunities to enjoy this coastline. Help keep that access welcoming by parking thoughtfully, keeping music considerate, and respecting nearby homes and properties.

Stay outside airport boundaries and closed resort grounds. Follow current signs rather than relying on an old description of an access route.

Don’t scramble around rocky points when waves are reaching the rocks. Returning to the road and using another beach entrance is often the more practical choice.