Puerto Rico Surf Guide
Perhaps the best surf destination in the Caribbean, with plenty of options breaking over their numerous reefs.
Quick Facts
Many right handers, including some that barrel
Relaxed and friendly surf culture
A gorgeous island with great food and natural beauty
Tons of reef breaks perhaps best left for intermediates+
Introduction to Puerto Rico
Located in the Great Antilles of the Western Caribbean, Puerto Rico is home to some solid wave selection. A territory of the United States, Puerto Rico is sometimes referred to as the North Shore of the Caribbean. It’s also fairly close to much of the East Coast of the US, is home to warm waters, and some super friendly vibes. Best surfed in the winter, you’ll find barelling waves over shallow reefs, formed from the deep swells from the North Atlantic. During the winter and peak surf season, you will find a few crowded lineups. In the spring you’ll find less surfers, but perhaps smaller waves.
Puerto Rico Surf Season
Puerto Rico is simply best in the winter. The strong N and NE swells come in from deep in the upper Atlantic. These groundswells travel hundreds of miles, hitting the reefs along the northern coast and kicking up into solid waves. In the winter you’ll find some XL waves and barrels, but it’s not the most consistent place you’ll find. During the summer, the winds come from the east and can create quite a bit of chop. Some places like Rincon can still offer solid waves with offshore wind in the summer, but you won’t find as many overhead barelling waves. During the high season (winter), you will find a lot of crowded lineups. Shoulder seasons around April/May and September/October can offer the best of both worlds.
Where to Surf in Puerto Rico
There are a ton of spots to surf in Puerto Rico. Here we’re going to focus on the most famous one, Rincon. The surf capital of the Caribbean, there are six miles of beautiful shoreline at the very western end of the island. There are bigger breaks at Dogman’s and Domes, while places like Sandy Beach offer more beginner-intermediate friendly breaks. You can scroll down to our section on nearby breaks to read about some of the best surf spots and breaks in Puerto Rico.
Surf Camps, Classes, and Lessons in Puerto Rico
You’ll find surf camps, surf lessons, and surf rentals all around the surf spots in Puerto Rico, especially in Rincon and Aguadilla. Here are a few we recommend:
Rincon Surf Resort - Rincon Surf Resort (and Rincon Surf School) are located right at Sandy Beach. They have plenty of room options from penthouses with ocean views, rooms with private pools, and more. It’s a fun, mellow atmosphere. They have options for private group lessons, group lessons, private solo lessons, and guided adventures, as well as a solid selection of boards.
Aguadilla Surf Lodge - Located in the Aguadilla area, this hotel is beautiful and simple. They have private rooms, monthly options at special rates, air conditioning, wi-fi, and TV. They can help you find the best surf spots, and you’re super close to finding all the waves in the area.
Surf Zone - A big surf shop in the Aguadilla area. They are super nice inside, offer exchanges on their rentals if the waves change, and have a solid selection of boards to choose from.
Surf Spots
Rincon
Rincon is the most well-known surf spot in Puerto Rico and one of the best spots for surfing in the Caribbean. People come from all over to surf here for good reason. There are plenty of different breaks for different surfer levels, a chilled-out atmosphere, and easily accessible waves.
Dogman’s
Just south of Maria’s are Piston’s and Dogman’s. Hollow lefts and rights over a shallow reef, can go XL at times.
Crowds - Popular
Surfer Level - Intermediate+
Ideal Swell - N/NW
Ideal Wind - S/SE
Break Type - Reef
Consistency - 60%
Be Aware: Shallow, sharp reef
Domes
Can be more beginner or even longboard friendly, but also can be long and hollow when bigger.
Crowds - Somewhat
Surfer Level - Beginner/Intermediate
Ideal Swell - N, NE, NW
Ideal Wind - SE
Break Type - Reef/Rock
Consistency - 80%
Be Aware: Beginners, reef
Sandy Beach
Sandy-bottom beach break with mostly lefts. Smaller and more beginner-friendly
Crowds - Somewhat
Surfer Level - Beginner+
Ideal Swell - N/NW/NE
Ideal Wind - S/SE
Break Type - Beach
Consistency - 70%
Be Aware: Some rocks
Maria’s
Long, fast right that can be seriously long on the right swell. Some good beginner waves on inside.
Crowds - Yup
Surfer Level - Beginner+
Ideal Swell - NW
Ideal Wind - E/NE
Break Type - Beach Break
Consistency - 80%
Be Aware: Crowded
Aguadilla
Just to the north of Rincon, Aguadilla is a bit more touristy. It’s full of expats, golf courses, and resorts. However, there are some great surf spots here that are worth checking out!
Bridges
Tons of glassy waves, but also a fair amount of crowds. Water can be a little dirty.
Crowds - Yes
Surfer Level - Beginner+
Ideal Swell - NW
Ideal Wind - S/SE
Break Type - Beach/reef
Consistency - 70%
Be Aware: Polluted water
Crash Boat
A super punchy wave that can get quite hollow. You’ll see bodyboarders here.
Crowds - Somewhat
Surfer Level - Intermediate+
Ideal Swell - NW
Ideal Wind - S/SE
Break Type - Beach
Consistency - 70%
Be Aware: Bodyboarders
Wilderness
A right reef break that does well with large swells. Good for logs on average days.
Crowds - Somewhat
Surfer Level - Beginner, Intermediate
Ideal Swell - NW
Ideal Wind - S/SE
Break Type - Beach
Consistency - 70%
Be Aware: Nada
Surfers Beach
Can provide a bit of everything. Reef break that gets hollow and punchy.
Crowds - Somewhat
Surfer Level - Any
Ideal Swell - NW
Ideal Wind - S/SE
Break Type - Reef
Consistency - 70%
Be Aware: Rips and urchins
Other Things to Do in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is an awesome place worth exploring. If you’re in the surf area of Rincon and Aguadilla, here are a few other things you can do nearby in your time out of the water.
Snorkel - The reef that creates the waves is also a beautiful thing to explore underwater! You’ll find a healthy reef full of fish, sea turtles, and beautiful clear water. You can also find plenty of dive shops if diving is on your agenda!
Reserva Marina Tres Palmas - This marine reserve is home to a ton of protected marine life including humpback whales and sea turtle nesting grounds. You can birdwatch, see the protected elkhorn coral, or even surf. It’s the first marine reserve on the mainland of Puerto Rico, and definitely worth a visit.
Ride Horses on the Beach - Tropical Trail Rides offers some super fun horseback riding adventures every day. You cut through beautiful lush jungle and out onto the beach. It’s a great way to explore the area and connect with nature.
Visit the Old Naval Base - In one trip you can visit the Ruinas del Faro, an old lighthouse built by the spanish in 1889, and the old part of Ramey Air Force Base. It’s a fun adventure, and the buildings are covered in incredible and colorful local art.
Where to Stay in Puerto Rico
In addition to the many surf camps in the area, there are some nice big resorts and cuter small boutique hotels worth visiting.
Rincon Beach Resort
Resort close to the surf, family-friendly
A few miles from Sandy Beach and Domes, this resort has a large pool and garden, as well as all the resort amenities. They have a couple solid restaurants, and are right on the beach.
Serenity Rincon
Boutique hotel close to surf spots
Just two miles from Domes, this is a great place to stay to be close to the surf. They have wi-fi, ocean views, air-conditioning and TVs, and a small pool. This is a smaller boutique hotel where you might meet some fun fellow travelers.
Tamboo
Hotel on Sandy Beach
Tamboo is a small hotel that is literally steps from Sandy Beach, and has a pool, a beachfront restaurant (Tamboo Seaside Grill), and a nice garden area. If you want to surf Sandy, this is the place to stay.
Bella Surf Inn
Surf hotel on Jobos Beach
Right at the beach in Isabela, Bella Surf Inn offers surf classes and true walkability. You can walk into town very easily to visit local restaurants and bars, and head right out onto the beach to get your surf time in.
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