Complete 2023 Guide to Surfing in Rincon, Puerto Rico

The gorgeous warm weather, crystal clear water and sun shining down on you makes the west coast town of Rincon in Puerto Rico a surf haven. All east coast surfers flock down to this Caribbean island every winter when the waves are pumping and the water back home is freezing. The town of Rincon sees a surge in both the water and on land where the surfers gather to practice and take part in surf championships every year. Surfing in Rincon, Puerto Rico is a privilege that very few lucky surfers get to experience. If you are one of those lucky ones, then read on how to make your surf trip to Rincon, Puerto Rico the best ever.

History of Surfing in Rincon, Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico had an already growing surf culture in the mid 1900s when the 1968 world surfing championship put the town of Rincon front and center of the news. The championship was held at Maria’s beach where the waves were reaching up to 15 feet on the day of the championship. Since then the Rincon Surf Fest has been annually holding championships and honoring the best surfers. Not only that, Rincon also held a spot in the WSL qualifying series for 2019.

The history of surfing in Rincon, Puerto Rico is intimately connected to the history of the island. Before 1898 there existed almost no ocean culture on the island. The cities were built inland because the ocean was considered dangerous and filled with pirates. After colonization and Californication of the island, surfing quickly rose to the top preferred sports of the people and it is now practiced more than all the other sports on the island combined.

How to Get to Rincon

Rent a car

If you are landing in San Juan Luiz Munoz Marin International Airport then the easiest way to get around the island would be in a car. You can rent a car on the lower level of the airport. I should warn you though that the car rental prices in recent years have soared beyond what is feasible for most travelers. You end up paying more than $1500 dollars to rent a car for a month.

Hire a taxi

Taxi rides from San Juan to Rincon and back cost us about $200. This is a much cheaper option than renting a car. The cars are big hatchbacks or trucks that can easily fit your board in the back. To find such services go on Facebook and search. You can easily call and find a few local drivers that are regularly driving this route. Some of them even drop prices if there are lots of people going to Rincon and they are taking a big bus.

Fly to nearest airport

Alternatively you can fly from San Juan to Aguadilla for $45 and then take a taxi from there to Rincon. If you plan ahead properly, this becomes the cheapest option to get to Rincon out of all the three above.

Surf Season in Rincon

Surf season

The surf season in Rincon is from August to April, though the best waves are during December, January and February. This is when the winter swells from the north Atlantic hit the north and west part of the island. The hurricane season runs from June to November so you’ll be in the clear for any storms as well.

Shoulder season

March – April and September – October are the shoulder seasons which might produce some waves but they are not consistent. The waves are smaller at 2-4ft which might be better for beginners but the inconsistency makes it harder to predict when the next swell will hit.

Off season

Between June to August there are absolutely no swells. There might be some larger waves due to hurricanes approaching the island but the water tends to be very dirty and the waves are very choppy which is not worth it.

Temperatures

The temperature during the entire year remains a warm 25-30 degree celsius which negates the need for wetsuits. A rashguard and reef shoes are recommended because a lot of spots have sea urchins, especially in the surf breaks near Rincon.

Surf Breaks at Rincon

North Rincon Surf Spots

Antonios’

A versatile reef break that goes both ways. It is suitable for all skill levels. The right is much longer than the left. The breaks are soft and mellow and good for learning surfing. The only issue is that because of its northern location, the onshore winds blow out the waves by late morning so you have to get up really early to catch them.

Parking Lots

This is also a beginner friendly spot with both lefts and rights. The bottom is half reef and half sand. The waves get blown out by late afternoon due to onshore winds so this break works only in the early morning. You can paddle out right in front of the gas station.

Sandy Beach

A long open left hander that is good for all levels. The current here tends to be very strong and it’s hard to paddle to the lineup during bigger swells for beginners. The inside is still very fun. The sand drops down sharply to deeper water almost immediately. The break is right in front of Tamboo Tavern. There is not much crowd here.

Pool’s

This is a heavy wave that works better when the tide is filled in and there is a northwest swell. During high tide, intermediate surfers can also surf the wave but low tide is only for advanced surfers when the wave breaks with massive force on the reef. This is the first spot you will hit as you reach the west coast and go down south towards Rincon.

West Rincon Surf Spots

Domes

This is a hollow peaky right hander much more suited to intermediate and advanced surfers. It’s one of the most consistent waves in Rincon. The Corona Pro Surf Circuit is held here every February. Most surfers will end up here on the bigger days and beach gets very crowded due to photographers. The paddle out is a lot smaller than Maria’s. From Rincon, take Rt 413 north, go left to “El Faro” on Rt.4413 to the end at the old nuclear power plant and parking lot.

Indicators

Between Maria’s and Domes is a shallow reef break for advanced surfers only. There is no channel so the paddle out is difficult but when the swell is working it produces hollow fast right tubes with no crowds at all. Take the steps down to the beach just before you get to the Puenta Higuera lighthouse.

Maria’s

This is a stretch of 100 yards with multiple takeoff zones. The paddle out is very far. Beginner friendly on smaller days but it can get very crowded due to this. When the swell is big the zones all connect and form a long right. It has a reef on the bottom so bigger days are best left to more advanced surfers. From Rincon, take Rt.413 north and go left at El Faro (Rt. 4413), 1/4 mile.

South Rincon Surf Spots

Dogman’s

For experienced surfers only, this spot has hollow left and right waves that break over a shallow reef. When Maria’s is too crowded this is your best bet to score a few waves without the crowds. Park at Maria’s and walk south past the river mouth, paddle out past the pistons.

Tres Palmas

This is the wave that made Rincon famous. It’s the end of the reef that starts at Domes and goes much further out into the ocean. The wave only works at double overhead because this is when the deep trench at the reef turns the long period swells into big peaks. Only for advanced surfers because of the big wave size and the sharp reef underneath. Off Rt 413, dirt road at Km. 1.6 through pasture with cows.

Little Malibu

This is a fast and hollow right hand wave breaking over very shallow reefs and ending on rocks. Only recommended for advanced surfers. This is the last surf break before the coast becomes completely sandy and there are no more surf breaks further south.

Best Puerto Rico Tours

Puerto Rico has some really cool adventure tours that take you around the island. If you are into hiking then visit the El Yunque Rainforest with insane waterfalls and hikes. Another really fun day trip is a Catamaran Cruise to Culebra island where you get to party and relax on the sea. There are lots of places to explore around the island with snorkeling, ziplining and horseback riding as well!

Surf Lessons

There are multiple shops and freelance surf instructors that offer surf lessons in Rincon. I had my first ever surf lesson in Rincon and it was very educational and safe. Puntas Surf School is one such school that offers competitive and good surf lessons that will build up your skills from the very first time. Surf lessons start from $80 per person for 2 hours for group classes. They even have long term surf packages for those that are staying for a week or more.

Surf Shops in Rincon

Rincon has a few surf shops for ding repairs and buying surf boards but there is not a big culture of it here. IMO you should bring your own ding repair kit, epoxy and sandpaper to mend any dings. I would not trust any shops here to do good work on fiberglass boards.

Board Rentals

Boards can be rented from lots of rental shops that are situated right on the beach. Maria’s and Sandy Beach, which are beginner friendly beaches, have surf rental shops open out front all day long. Surf schools also rent out boards and take them to the beach of your choice if you ask in advance. Rentals for a full day usually cost $30.