Ready to go surfing in Rincón, Puerto Rico? The town of Rincon is located on the west coast of Puerto Ricon and is home to surfing for all abilities.
From small swells to huge waves and untouched beaches to vibrant coral reefs, surfing in Rincon has it all. It is great for families with its consistent swells and perfect location. It is also a popular surf destination for experts looking for Oahu-style big waves.
Where is Rincón, Puerto Rico
Rincón, Puerto Rico is known as the “Town of Beautiful Sunsets.” It is located on the westernmost tip of Puerto Rico. During the surfing season, you may also spot migrating whales off of its shores.
Rincón is a 2.5 hour drive from San Juan by car. The surfing in Rincón is the best on the island, and it hosts an annual international surfing competition as well as various beach festivals throughout the year.
Add to that the snorkeling at Tres Palmas Marine Reserve and you have the perfect place for a Caribbean adventure.
Read More: Patillas, Puerto Rico Travel Guide – A 6-Day Itinerary
How to Get to Rincón, Puerto Rico
Rent a Car
This is our preferred method on almost all of our trips. Puerto Rico is not a large island, but it is difficult to get around.
We flew into San Jan Luiz Munoz Marin International Airport and rented a car. While it may not be the cheapest option, renting a car provides flexibility in case you’d like to explore more than just the surfing in Rincón.
Hire a Taxi
You could also hire a taxi or a private driver. It would be difficult to convince a standard San Juan taxi driver to go to Rincón, however we have heard about private drivers offering up their services in Facebook groups. This might be a good option if you plan on staying longer than a week or so.
Read More: 12 Saftey Tips for How to Travel with a Baby in a Taxi
Fly to Aguadilla
Finally, you can fly from San Juan to Aguadilla and then take a taxi to Rincón. This likely works well if you are traveling light, however if you have your own surf boards the fees and expenses could make it cost prohibitive.
What are the Surf Seasons in Rincón, Puerto Rico?
Surf Season
The surf season in Rincón runs from August to April, however the best and most consistent waves are in December, January, and February. This is because the winter swells from the North Atlantic Ocean hit the northwestern part of the island.
It also avoids hurricane season, which runs from June to November!
Shoulder Season
The shoulder seasons in March/April and September/October are known to produce some waves, but they are inconsistent and average around 2–4 feet. The lower height is great for beginners, but the inconsistent swells makes them hard to predict.
Off Season
June to August produces almost zero swells. While you may see waves, they are not the type you want to be surfing in.
Do I need a wetsuit to surf in Rincón, Puerto Rico?
No, you do not need a wetsuit to surf in Rincón, Puerto Rico. The water is exceptionally warm, even in the winter.
History of Surfing in Rincón, Puerto Rico (Rincon Vacations)
Rincon, Puerto Rico has some of the best surfing in the Caribbean and across the globe, earning its reputation as the “surfing capital of the Caribbean.”
The surfing culture started in the early 1900s and gained international recognition in 1968 when the World Surfing Championships was held at Domes and Maria’s Beaches. The championship brought new attention to its various breaks, some of which equal the force of the surf on Oahu’s north shore.
Now it is known globally as a respected surf town where you can catch world-class waves while enjoying La Isla del Encanto, also known as Puerto Rico.
12 BEST Surf Breaks in Rincon, Puerto Rico
There are close to 40 known surf breaks in Rincón, Puerto Rico, which can be overwhelming for new visitors. We’ve listed the 12 BEST spots for surfing in Rincón to help ease your trip planning.
When choosing a spot, check out this map which also includes videos and wave height estimates.
The surfing in Rincon, PR is broken down into three general sections:
- North Rincon
- West Rincon
- South Rincon
Read More: 20 Best Surf Breaks – Beginner Surfing in Puerto Rico
Surf Spots – North Rincon
North Rincon covers the area from Surfer’s Beach all the way up to Shore Island. When looking at a map, it is on the top of the map.
Antonio’s
Antonio’s provides a great mix with fun rights and lefts breaking over a long stretch of reef. We’d recommend getting there early, although there usually is plenty of space. Antonio’s is best on a NW or NE swell with winds from the south.
Parking Lots
Parking Lots is a great spot for surfers of all levels. As the name says, it is located in front of the parking lot on the right by Casa Islena.
It is right next to Antonios and has the same mix of fun rights and lefts. The bottom is a mix of sand and rock, and like Antonios, the afternoon trade winds can muck things up. Get there early.
Sandy Beach
Sandy Beach is another great spot for surfers of all abilities. It is located just south of Parking Lots in front of Tamboo Tavern. As with Antonio’s and Parking Lots, Sandy Beach is best with a good NW or NE swell and a south wind.
If the conditions are perfect, you’ll get long, workable lefts heading down the reef. But be forewarned, while the sandy bottom means no jagged reefs, it does have a nasty undertow. You can check current conditions on the Surfline Cam.
Pools
Pools has a couple of nice reef breaks that can be fun to mix in. It can be a really heavy wave, so is best for advanced surfers.
Pools Beach is the next spot after Sandy Beach when you are heading south through Rincón. It is protected from the prevailing Northeast Trade Winds so needs a good Northwest swell to break well, and the more westerly the better.
Surf Spots – West Rincón
West Rincón is in the middle when looking at a map. It covers the area from Maria’s Beach up to Playa Domes and has some of the best surf spots with perfect waves.
Playa Domes
Domes is a long and hollow wave that is good for all abilities. It is a popular spot and the Corona Extra Pro Circuit is held here every year. It is best with a NE or NW swell and a SE wind. It is largely a flat rock bottom.
The Point
Located on the south edge of Carpinteria, Rincón Point is known as one of the best surfing spots in Puerto Rico. It consists of a couple of breaks including Indicator, River Mouth, and The Cove and hosts surf competitions each year.
Indicators
Indicators is for experienced surfers only. It offers very hollow rights when it is breaking well. It is generally not crowded as it can be dangerous and there is no channel to paddle out in, so get ready to work. Furthermore, it has a reef and sharp rock bottom and produces big waves.
Maria’s Beach
Maria’s is great for all levels. It is a popular spot and its long rights can be huge. It is best with a NW swell and E or NE winds. The bottom is reef and rock. You can keep an eye on conditions on this camera.
Surf Spots – South Rincón
Finally, South Rincón is the lower part when looking at a map. It covers the area from Little Malibu up to Dogman’s.
Dogman’s
Dogman’s is another break that is better for experienced surfers. It is just south of Maria’s and is far less crowded.
It offers hollow and fast lefts and rights with a shallow reef and rock bottom.
Tres Palmas
Tres Palmas is the Caribbean’s most famous and dependable big wave spot and is for very experienced surfers only. It is a legendary right-hand reef break that requires a big NE swell and easterly winds. It usually doesn’t start breaking until it is double-overhead.
Spanish Wall Beach – Visit Rincón
Spanish Wall Beach is an intimate, secluded beach that can only be accessed via trails from Domes Beach. It is a popular destination for surfers of all levels that don’t mind a short hike.
Little Malibu & The Marina
Malibu is for experienced surfers only, as it breaks over sharp coral in very shallow water. It is a very hollow and fast right-hander.
Best Surfing Lessons and Rentals in Rincón, Puerto Rico
Puntas Surf School
Puntas Surf School is Rincón’s original surf school. They offer everything from 2-hour lessons to 10 day packages.
They also rent surfboards and paddleboards in half day and full day increments.
RD2Happiness
RD2H offers surf lessons, guided paddleboard tours, SUP yoga classes, and more. It is a great option if you are looking to do more than just surf.
Rincón Surf School
Rincón Surf School offers surf lessons and lodging at Rincón Surf Resort. Keep your surfing in Rincón simple and stay where you play!
Desecheo Surf Shop
Desecheo Surf Shop offers rentals and lessons in addition to their fully stocked surf shop. They rent surf boards, boogie boards, snorkels, and basically anything beach-related that you could think of.
Mar Azul Surf Shop
Mar Azul offers surfboard and SUP rentals in addition to their own vacation villas.
Surf Shops in Rincón, Puerto Rico
Playero Surf Shop
Playero Surf Shop has two outlets in San Juan and one in Rincón. They are open 7 days per week and sell pretty much everything.
Surf Town Rincón
Surf Town Rincón is open every day from 9am to 7PM. They sell surf gear, skateboard gear, footwear, and clothing.
Surf Zone Surf and Skate
Surf Zone is another great surf and skate shop. They also rent gear.
Best Hotels and Airbnbs in Rincón, Puerto Rico
Coconut Palms Inn
Coconut Palms Inn serves up affordable luxury right on the sea in Rincón. Enjoy their garden with magnificent Puerto Rican sunsets.
Casa Verde Hotel
Casa Verde Hotel offers 19 rooms with a casual, family friendly vibe. It is a personalized alternative to larger chains.
Rincón of the Seas Grand Caribbean Hotel
Rincón of the Seas Grand Caribbean Hotel is a larger hotel with a nice pool, beach, kids area, an dtropical gardens.
Casa Islena Hotel and Restaurant
Casa Islena is a beautiful beachfront boutique hotel in Rincón, Puerto Rico. It has its own restaurant, bar, and pool. It is perfect for those coming to surf in Rincón.
Tres Palmas at La Cambija
Tres Palmas is a centrally located hotel in Rincón that is walking distance from the most popular surf breaks.
Tres Sirenas Beach Inn
Tres Sirenas is a beautiful and intimate oceanfront guest house located right by the best beaches in Rincón, Puerto Rico
Read More: The 23 Best Hotels in Patillas Puerto Rico (including Airbnb)
