Last updated on February 26th, 2024 at 11:39 am
If you plan to surf in Rincon, you came to the right place. In this surf guide, you will find all the information you need for your next surf trip, including surf seasons, surfer tips, and the best surf spots in Rincon, Puerto Rico.
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About Surfing in Rincon, Puerto Rico
When going on a surf trip to Puerto Rico, surfing in Rincon is the safest bet you can make. Sure, there are many other surf towns in the country, but Rincon is definitely the Puerto Rican surf capital. Moreover, it is considered the surf capital of the whole Caribbean Coast. Since 1968, when the first surf championship took place here, Rincon earned its reputation as one of the best surf destinations in the world.
Rincon is situated on the Northwest Coast of Puerto Rico, just about a 2.5-hour drive from the capital, San Juan. Due to its location at the corner of the island, it is exposed to swells from both northwest and southwest. The waves in Rincon are very consistent, and therefore, a great surf scene has developed here during the past few decades. Surfers from around the globe come each year to surf in Rincon and enjoy the spectacular waves, the tropical weather, and the kicking nightlife. The tourist area is centered in the western part of town. This is where you will find a great abundance of hotels, surf schools, restaurants, and shops.
The surf in Rincon is world-class. There is a great variety of surf spots of all kinds and for any skill level. Although most of the waves are powerful and hollow, surfing in Rincon is not a task for the experts only. Some of the beaches are actually beginner-friendly, and anyone can find his own perfect wave. For that reason, Rincon became famous as a wonderful surf town and an ideal place for a surf trip.
Surf Seasons in Rincon
Like all of Puerto Rico’s coast, the winter is the best time to surf in Rincon. However, your skill level plays a big part in deciding when to go, as some months are suitable for beginners and some for advanced surfers.
During winter, from November to February, the North Atlantic swells hit Rincon with great power. Therefore, you can expect huge waves almost daily. If you are an advanced surfer, this is definitely the time you want to surf in Rincon. Moreover, this is also the dry season, which makes it even better.
The spring (March & April) and the fall (September & October) are the “shoulder seasons”. During these months, the waves’ height is about 2-3 feet, and therefore, it is the perfect time for beginners and intermediates. Moreover, during the “shoulder seasons,” the crowd in the lineup decreases drastically.
Finally, the summer months, between May and August, are pretty small and inconsistent. Even though an occasional hurricane can bring some good swells every now and then, it is not something you can count on when planning a surf trip to Rincon.
As for the weather, it is always warm in Puerto Rico, and Rincon is no exception. The water is warm as well all year long. Therefore, when surfing in Rincon, there is no need for a wetsuit.
Surf Spots in Rincon
When surfing in Rincon, the variety of beaches you can choose from is incredible. Since Rincon is situated at the very western tip of the island, some beaches face north and some south. Therefore, depending on the direction of the swell, different beaches. So, in detail, these are the best surf spots in Rincon:
Surf Spots in Rincon’s North Beaches:
Antonio’s:
This is the most northern surf spot in Rincon. The waves here break over a reef in both directions, although the rights are usually better. The break at Antonio’s is pretty soft and mellow and, therefore, suitable for all skill levels.
Parking Lots:
A bit west of Antonio’s, there is a big Parking Lot, and just in front of it, you can find excellent rights and lefts breaking over a half-sandy and half-rocky bottom.
Sandy Beach:
This is a very popular surfing beach with a well-shaped break. The waves here are long and open, mainly to the left side. Even though the currents are strong, this break is excellent for intermediate surfers and up.
Pool’s:
This break requires a big north swell to work well, but once such swell hits, the waves break with massive power over the reef. Anyone can surf this wave during high tide, but when the tide is low, it is hollow and suitable only for experts.
Surf Spots in Rincon’s West Beaches:
Domes:
Every year in February, the Corona Extra Pro surf competition takes place at this beach. This right-hand point break is definitely one of the best surf spots in Puerto Rico and probably the most consistent one. The waves are long, hollow, and suitable for intermediate and advanced surfers.
Indicators:
This A-frame break is suitable for experienced surfers. The challenging paddle, the shallow reef, and the hollow waves are definitely not the right environment for beginners. However, if you know what you are doing, you can get outstanding tube rides.
Maria’s:
A very popular surf spot in Rincon’s West Coast. Here, you can get very long right-hand rides over a flat reef. Due to its high quality, this beach is usually crowded.
Surf Spots in Rincon’s South Beaches:
Dogman’s:
Here, you will find some hollow rights and lefts over a shallow reef. Even though the waves are fast, on an average swell, intermediates can surf it too.
Tres Palmas:
This beach is world-famous as a big-wave spot. During the season, when a big swell hits the shore, big-wave riders come from different places to face those massive walls. If you intend to paddle out, ensure you are at the top of your game. Otherwise, it will eat you alive.
Little Malibu:
Can Beginners Surf in Rincon?
Generally, Rincon is not the typical beginner surf destination. Due to powerful swells and sharp reefs, most surf spots in Rincon are challenging and require some skills to deal with. However, a few surf beaches in Rincon actually offer soft and mellow waves, which allow beginners to learn and practice without danger. For instance, the beach break at Little Malibu and the break at Antonio’s both provide a convenient setup for novice surfers.
So, surfers of all skill levels can surf in Rincon.
Surf Camps in Rincon
If you are a beginner taking your first steps in the surfing world or even an intermediate seeking improvement, you can explore the surf beaches of Rincon at a surf camp. These are the most recommended ones in town:
1. Rincon Surf School.
2. Surf 787.
3. Rincon Surf Resort.
4. Duke’s Surf School.
For more options, check out our post about surf camps in Puerto Rico.
Surf Hotels in Rincon
When coming to surf in Rincon, you want to stay as close as possible to the best surf spots. So, these are some of the most recommended surf hotels in town:
1. Rincon of the Seas Grand Caribbean Hotel– Just a 5-minute drive from the center of town, Rincon offers rooms overlooking the Caribbean Sea, an outdoor swimming pool, or the hotel’s tropical gardens. On-site dining and free internet access are available.
2. Casa Isleña– Located on the beachfront with views of the Caribbean Sea, Casa Isleña features an outdoor swimming pool and a terrace. It offers free Wi-Fi and free private parking on-site.
3. Wave View Village – Beach Front – Luxury Spot- Situated in Rincon, 80 m from Doña Lala Beach and 1.8 km from Steps Beach, Wave View Village – Beach Front – Luxury Spot offers an outdoor swimming pool and air conditioning. This apartment has a private pool, a garden, and free private parking.
For more surf hotels in Rincon, check out the best deals on Booking.com.
Rincon- Travel Information
Language– Spanish.
Population– about 15,000.
Currency– U.S dollar.
Calling code– +1.
Time zone– GMT -4.
Pros– great waves, warm water, crazy nightlife.
Cons– too crowded.
Conclusion- A Final Few Words
To summarize, Rincon is where you want to be during your surf trip to Puerto Rico. You will find here a great selection of waves, sunny beaches, and a chill Caribbean atmosphere. It is one of the most popular destinations for a surf holiday for a good reason, so if it wasn’t on your checklist, it definitely should be.
We hope you enjoyed reading this surf guide to Rincon. Have an awesome surf trip!
