Northwest Puerto Rico
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Positives
- Consistently offshore
- Quality pointbreaks
- Warm, powerful waves
- Easy access
- Great weather
Negatives
- Windy
- Heavy crowds and locals
- Car crime
- Pollution and sewage problems
- Lots of tourists
Northwest Puerto Rico surf travel guide
Puerto Rico is to Florida what Hawaii is to California. It gets big, it’s exotic, and it has fierce locals. Located in what is regarded as the best corner of the Caribbean for surf, Puerto Rico’s premier surf spots are found on the northwest coast of the island. A deep-water trench offshore means NW-NE swells hit the north shore with little loss in size and power, breaking on slab reefs of coral and lava.
Surf spots in Northwest Puerto Rico
Research the 19 surf breaks in Northwest Puerto Rico and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 19 breaks in Northwest Puerto Rico.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Northwest Puerto Rico
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Library
Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring Northwest Puerto Rico.
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 3,068,000
- Population
- 2,860,853
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- USD
- Exchange rate
- $1 = $1 USD USD
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +1 787 and 1 939
- Dialing out
- 011
- Emergencies
- 911
- Language
- Spanish, English
Electricity
- Plug Type
- ab
Visas
Visas are not necessary for most visitors because it is a US territory.
Getting There
Transfer by internal flight from San Juan (SJU) to Mayaguez (MAZ) for $40-80 and then a 20min taxi. Beware local airlines don’t take surfboards. This will cut two hours of driving from San Juan and a $200 private taxi fare. No internal flights from San Juan to Aguadilla (BQN).
Getting Around
Rental cars cost around $30/d for the cheapest model and are often targeted by thieves. The traffic gets hectic and the roads are dangerous. Fuel is cheap at 30¢/l.
Accommodation
The surf and tourist season are concurrent, meaning higher prices, but PR is lower on the Caribbean scale. Quality accommodation options include La Cima in Isabella, ($60/d), Cielo Mar in Aguadilla, ($55/d), or Surf & Board Surfari in Rinc—n, ($45/sgle/d). A good meal can be had for $15.
Activities
Great windsurfing and diving. San Juan is the second oldest city in the Americas - check the historic old town and El Morro. There's good hiking in the El Yunque rainforest national park. The nightlife is very lively.
Hazards & hassles
Shallow reefs, urchins and some very crowded spots. Localism, car theft, high crime rate (lots of guns) and sewage are all serious concerns. Hurricane Maria flattened the island in 2017, causing 66 deaths.
Handy Hints
Quality surf shops include Ramey Surf Zone, West Coast and Mar Azul in Rincon. Wear sunblock in the water and mosquito repellent in the evenings.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.