I am planning a trip to Puerto Rico for me and the gf in Dec. Flying into Luis Munoz Marin Intl in San Juan. Saw a good deal for the flight and hotel stay at the Sheraton, but have some questions, thought a lot of you have been to Puerto Rico and could offer some good info, as I've never planned a trip myself down there.<br /><br />Should I stay in San Juan, any info on better hotels there or in another city? Is Dec a decent time to get good surf down there? Any places/break I should def see or def stay away from? And of course any ideas for the gf to occupy her time [she loves SUP] <br /><br />Any other info or advice would be much appreciated..Thanks
Yo i live in pr man. La selva is a spot to check out that and la ocho. I live in rincon n have a good list or uncrowded safe clean breaks that id b wiiling to share for a sixpack n sum grub. As for the metro area and the whole east coast dont surf if u cant keep n eye on ur car. If people see something they like they take it. U can message me if u wanna chat sum more in detail about it. Just all i ask when u come is bring good vibes a little bit of respect for the islanders and whatever spanish u kno itll go along way
San Juan isn't the best for surf, but there are waves there - just over really shallow reefs. Rincon, Aguadilla, and Isabela are better places for surfing because they pick up more swell and there are more options. With your girlfriend, I'd probably recommend Rincon (assuming you don't end up staying in San Juan) because it's more Americanized. There's basically always rideable swell in Isabela and Aguadilla but the winds in Rincon and are usually off shore. That time of year you would probably get swell in Rincon, and the offshores stay all day expect for the Puntas area (northern Rincon). Every break in Rincon, including those in the Puntas area, are within a 5 minute drive of each other. Puntas has a few beach breaks which your girlfriend might like, and the other breaks in Rincon are point breaks over reef. If the waves get big, and you have the experience head to Tres Palmas, which is about a 5 minute drive from all the Rincon breaks. It only breaks when it gets really big, and make sure you know what you're doing, it's a real big wave break. Also for SUPing, you can go a little south of Rincon to flat water, or when the waves aren't huge, there are beaches right next to Tres Palmas that people usually snorkel at. They're a short walk past Steps beach, which directly to the left of Tres when looking at them from the road. It won't break over there unless it gets to 10-12 feet+. Also, you NEED to rent a car. You can literally drive to anywhere on the island (yes even to Rincon for the day from San Juan). To get around no matter where you are, you need a car. Good luck, and just ask if you have any more questions.
Kyle, ND081 is leading you in the right direction. I think you would enjoy Rincon the most. Puerto Rico is very difficult, I've lived here 5 years...speak decent Spanish and still have a hard time with things. Rincon has it all. Lots of Americans there during December...world class waves all around that coastal area. My recommendations would be....Fly to Luis Munoz. Rent a car. The drive is 3 hrs but very easy. I do it about 26 weeks out of the year. You can find places to stay on www.classificadosonline.com It is the most used form of Craiglist/Expedia here on the island. Keep the car the whole time you are here. I think I rented one for my parents last winter for like 300$ for a week. You will surf your brains out in Rincon ( 4-5 great spots all within 5 -10 mins walking distance along the beach of each other, nice people, restaurants, weather ect. I live in San Juan. Puerto Rico has an East Tradewind which usually ruins the surf a little here on the North/Northeast side. As an Air Traffic Controller here at the airport I can tell you the winds are usually calm in the morning till about 10 am and then blowing 10-20kts during the rest of the day. 90% of the time that is the case. Good if your a kite surfer. Rincon is protected by that wind quite well. There are many other great spots all around Puerto Rico like mentioned above but you will deal with localism and a language barrier that might make you feel a little out of place. Not in all cases but if you are there for a nice relaxed time with the girlfriend you will find Paradise on Rte 413 to Rincon. If you need any other help feel free to contact me.
pr trip Rincon isvthe spot go to www.vrbo.com# 214129 I offer the best deal on the island surfboards included brand new 2 bed 2 bath oceanview condo call me 516 633-6861 James
Definitely do Rincon or Aguadilla with the GF, although if you have the time I suggest staying in San Juan for a night/day as there are many amazing restaurants and shops! Rincon is only about a 2 and half hour drive from SJU (you can easily rent a car at the airport in San Juan and get directions) in Rincon you have a variety of surf breaks, hotels, restaurants, nightlife but it is quiet and you can still get a good nights sleep to wake up and surf early. There is a reason road 413 is called the road to happiness . I have been taking surf trips to Rincon for the past 6 years and lived in Rincon this winter for 5 months. You shouldn't get skunked in December. If you are looking for something less populated with not as much nightlife, I would look into staying in Aguadilla or Isabela, although there are only a 30-40 minute (with traffic) drive north of Rincon so if it is flat in Rincon that may be a good day drip. There are also some good restaurants my boyfriend and I came across up that way as well. If you stay up that way maybe check out Las Palmas (http://www.palmaspr.com/Palmas-1-.html) My friends stay there often, although it may not be quite as romantic as a cabana in Rincon. Rincon is nice because you can stay in a nice hotel with a restaurant attached (check out Tamboo beside the point) or get your own place by the beach or up a hill in the jungle. Good surf will be in walking distance from almost anywhere. You have to go to Villa Cofresi for sunset and get a "Pirata" drink! If it is flat, there are a handful of things you can do such as waterfalls, caves, etc that are worth seeing!! You don't need to speak much spanish to get around Rincon. Message me if you need any more information!!
stretch has a good list of uncrowded safe breaks in Rincon? In December? Good one. That is quite a stretch!
What's up Strech, i'll be in Rincon Oct. 21-28th on my honeymoon. We'll be staying in Bobby's villa at MarAzul, it looks like Sandy Beach, Maria's, Domes, etc. might be solid options, but any local advise would be appreciated. You can PM me if you like.
if you're staying at bobby's just rent your boards directly from him there's no need to bring your own and pay ridiculous baggage fees. he has a good selection and most of them are in great condition
Yep, good advise, he actually is including the boards for free along with tie-downs since it's slow season, he's also is including beach gear like umbrella, chairs, towels, coolers, etc.
To the OP, I think you should check flights from Florida right to Rafael Hernández Airport (BQN) on the West Coast. From Isabella to Rincon (where I used to live) is your best bet. If you go to Rincon, hook up with Bobby or Roger at Surf 787. That way you get a rental and some good local knowledge.
