Destination - Rincón, Puerto Rico
Destination - Rincón, Puerto Rico
Domes Beach Drone Shot, Rincón, Puerto Rico via @DRIMedia Instagram
Rincón, a town known for surfing, whale watching, beautiful sunsets, and world-class snorkeling. The place of my birth, where I spent the first 15 years of my life. A place most people dream of visiting, but I was fortunate enough to call home. I’m stoked to make my first Travel Destination blog post about my laid-back little corner of paradise, there’s no place like home, especially when that home is Rincón.
About Rincón
Rincón is a small town on the west coast of Puerto Rico that was founded in 1771 by Don Luis de Añasco, who previously founded Añasco in 1733, with a population of roughly 14,000 people. The word Rincón actually means Corner in Spanish, which is fitting since the town is located on the westernmost point of the island. Rincón is made up of 9 “barrios”, think of them as subdivisions, and “el pueblo” which is the town square. The 9 barrios are; Atalaya, Barrero, Calvache, Cruces, Ensenada, Jagüey, Pueblo (not to be confused with Barrio-Pueblo, Puntas, Rincon barrio-pueblo(town square), and Rio Grande. The “pueblo” area of the town, like all towns in Puerto Rico, is home to the municipal buildings, central square, and a large Catholic Church. Rincón is home to many of the most popular surfing beaches in Puerto Rico, including Domes, Marias, Tres Palmas, Sandy Beach, and Pools Beach, to name a few. Because of the way Rincón is situated on the north side of town the beaches are part of the Atlantic Ocean but the South Side of town is where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic, on occasion you can actually see the change in color for the two bodies of water.
Why Rincón is Famous
On November 7th, 1968 Rincón hosted the World Surfing Championships, It also was the last time that Surfers represented their countries-until the 2020 Summer Olympics. Fred Hemmings was the Champion and went on to become a State Senator in Hawai’i. Over the years, other Champions and Legends like Nat Young, Reno Abellira(no relation, although I’ve been linked to Abellira, my name actually originated from my grandfather, Guerino, AKA Reno) and David Nuuhiva, have returned to Rincón to surf, look to the sunsets and recall the Golden Era of Surfing. They all met again in November 2018 to see young surfers compete at the WSL Longboard Competition and make their own History.
Since the 1968 Championship, Rincón has been a destination for surfers from all over the world and is known as the Surf Capital of the Caribbean.
Fred Hemmings 1968, via Twitter
Contest Crowd 1968
things to do in Rincón
Black Eagle Marina, Rincón - via @DRIMedia Instagram
1. Hit the beach - free
Rincón has some of the most beautiful and popular beaches in Puerto Rico. With more than 8 miles of coastline, every one of Rincons beaches has its own unique personality. Most of the beaches in Rincón are smaller, some are fairly secluded, but all of them offer a wide variety of activities like surfing, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and other water sports.
Keep your eyes peeled while walking the beaches in Rincón, it’s one of the most bountiful places to find seaglass and sea shells you’ll ever visit.
Punta Higüeras Lighthouse & Domes Beach, Austin Bell
2. The Punta Higüeras Lighthouse and Domes Beach - Free
Built in 1892, the historic The Punta Higüera Lighthouse rises over 100 feet and is still fully operational. The 26,000-candlepower light was automated in 1933 and still helps ships navigate the ‘Pasaje de la Mona’ (Mona Passage). The park surrounding the lighthouse is full of little gazebos and lookouts at the top of the sea cliffs that give you a birds-eye view of Desecheo Island. It’s a perfect place to catch the sunset, have a picnic, grab a drink at Ola Sunset Cafe, and if you happen to be there from January to March you might be able to see the humpback whales.
Just to the right of the lighthouse, there’s the iconic green dome (Boiling Nuclear Superheater BONUS Reactor Facility) that gives Domes beach the name. The Dome was the first nuclear power plant in the Caribbean, originally built in 1960 and decommissioned in 1968. Today, it is known as the BONUS Technological Museum run by the local Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA), visits are by appointment only.
Rincon train tracks 1917
For an added experience, take the trail between the ocean and the Dome and you’ll come to an old Spanish, the wall was originally built for the railroad that used to run along the coast.
Steps Beach & Tres Palmas Marine Preserve
3. Go snorkeling at the tres palmas marine reserve - $
The Tres Palmas marine reserve stretches from Little Malibu (close to the marina) all the way to Dogmans Beach and fully encompasses Steps Beach. It was established through a community effort in 2004 to protect the area's marine biodiversity, including the unique elkhorn coral. Because of this kaleidoscopic reef, there’s a ton of tropical fish, sea turtles and sponges and different types of coral to admire.
The most recognized beach in the reserve is Steps Beach which is known for the iconic cement stoop that sits on top of the rocks right at the edge of the waves which makes for a great photo op, especially around sunset. The beach is also great for a stroll or just laying out if you don’t want to snorkel. Because the surf tends to pick up during the winter months it might be a little too rough to go snorkeling, it’s typically flat during the summer (except for the occasional passing storm) so the early summer months make for more snorkeling opportunities.
During the winter surfing season, Tres Palmas is known for having some of the most incredible surf in all of Puerto Rico (and the Caribbean for that matter).
If you need snorkel or scuba gear, go see our friends at Taino Divers they’ve been doing scuba and snorkel charters in Rincón since 1997. Pro tip: while you’re getting your snorkel gear, stop into Shipwreck Bar and Grill and try their tacos for lunch! (Everything on the menu is outstanding, so make sure you come back for dinner and try some fresh fish.
Desecheo Island, Taino Divers
4. charters to desecheo island - $$-$$$
While we’re on the subject of snorkel and scuba, nothing compares to the world class scuba diving and snorkeling at Desecheo Island. Desecheo is a small uninhabited island located in the northeast of the Mona Passage; 13 miles from Rincón It has a land area of only 0.589 sq miles. During the 18th century the island was used by smugglers, pirates and bandits to hunt imported feral goats. During World War II, and until 1952, the island was used as a bombing range by the United States Armed Forces. From 1952 to 1964 the United States Air Force used Desecheo for survival training. In 1976 administration of the island was given to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and in 1983 it was designated as a National Wildlife Refuge. In 2000 it received a Marine reserve designation and fishing is allowed within 1/2 mile around the island.
Because Desecheo is uninhabited and theres virtually no human presence aside from fishermen and scuba/snorkeling charters, the water surrounding Desecheo is crystal clear with common visibility ranging from 100 to 150 feet (31 to 46 m).
I’ve been fortunate to have been to Desecheo at least a dozen times with my friends over at Taino Divers. It’s always a great experience and totally worth it.
Taino Divers offers both snorkel and scuba charters to Desecheo daily (weather permitting). For Information on rates and availability click here. They also offer sunset cruises, scuba certifications, whale watching charters, and afternoon local charters.
5. Go surfing - Free - $$
If you’re visiting Rincón during the winter surf season (typically November - April), you should definitely give surfing a try. Rincón is obviously a surfing mecca in the Caribbean, there’s a ton of great beaches to surf at for all levels of experience. If you don’t know how to surf you should consider taking a lesson. While there’s a ton of different surf schools in Rincón, our great friends Chikako and Damiano at Rincón Paddleboards give great guided lessons for individuals and groups. And if you happen to visit on a day when it’s flat, they also rent out paddleboards (as the name implies). It’s a great way to spend a few hours getting in some great exercise while enjoying the crystal clear waters around Rincón.
Rincon Paddleboards also offers delivery if you want them to bring your paddleboard to your vacation rental. don’t forget to tell them Reno sent you!
Due to Rincóns unique position and shape there’s north facing and south facing beaches, depending on the swell direction you can find great surf on either side of Rincón. I’ll make another post soon on the different beaches in Rincón and great places to surf or just hang out.
Sunset, Villa Cofresí
6. Have a “pirata” while catching the sunset at villa cofresí - $
You’re in Puerto Rico, you’re drinking rum.
If you’re looking for one of the coolest places to catch the sunset and have a drink that’s exclusive to Rincón, take a quick drive to Villa Cofresí.
The name of the hotel pays homage to the great pirate Roberto Cofresí, he was born into a noble family, but the political and economic difficulties faced by the island as a colony of the Spanish Empire during the Latin American wars of independence meant that his household was poor. Cofresí worked at sea from an early age which familiarized him with the region's geography, but it provided only a modest salary, and he eventually decided to abandon the sailor's life and became a pirate. He had previous links to land-based criminal activities, but the reason for Cofresí's change of vocation is unknown; historians speculate that he may have worked as a privateer aboard El Scipión, a ship owned by one of his cousins. At the height of his career, Cofresí evaded capture by vessels from Spain, Gran Colombia, the United Kingdom, Denmark, France, and the United States. He commanded several small-draft vessels, the best known a fast six-gun sloop named Anne, and he had a preference for speed and maneuverability over firepower.
Villa Cofresí has a really cool outdoor bar in the shape of a triangle, there are beautiful views of the ocean and Desecheo Island, a perfect backdrop while you sip a “Pirata” (Spanish for Pirate).
The Pirata is one of the most iconic drinks in Rincón, bartenders start by cutting the top of a coconut with a machete right behind the bar, then they mix up gold rum, light rum, coconut rum, 151 proof rum, creme de cacao, coconut water, coconut milk and cream of coconut, and pour it all right back into the coconut and top it with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Here’s a little video of the bartenders cutting up coconuts and making Piratas.
At Villa Cofresí they also have a wonderful restaurant called La Ana de Cofresí, taking it’s name from the pirate Cofresís’ famous six fun sloop. La Ana de Cofresí was one of the first restaurants in Rincòn, originally opened in 1965, it’s evolved from the rustic zinc roof and open air to a full service restaurant serving some great Puerto Rican comfort food and fresh caught seafood.
Via @DRIMedia Instagram
7. Go whale watching (seasonal) - free - $$
Rincón is known for having incredible surfing and unbelievable sunsets, but did you know Rincón is also known for being one of the most active whale watching locations in Puerto Rico?
During the winter months (as early as December and as late as April, peaking around February), humpback whales begin their migration north to the colder waters of the Atlantic and pass directly through the Mona Passage while mating and calving, which means there’s a good chance you can spot one of these elusive gentle giants from one of Rincóns beaches. Keep in mind, there’s no guarantee but if you take my advice and visit the Light House or book a sunset tour on Taino Divers, your chances will be far greater as both options will give you a better vantage point. These majestic creatures reach lengths of up to 50 feet long and weigh as much as 50 tons, they come up to replenish their oxygen supply every 15-30 minutes before diving down depths of up to 700 feet.
The best time to see them is early in the morning or in the evening just before sunset. Most of the time you’ll see a "spout” or puff of mist coming from the water’s surface but if you’re lucky you’ll see them breach or slap their tails on the water.
For sailing fans, Katarina Sail Charters also offers fully inclusive sunset cruises on their 32-foot catamaran that has room for up to 17 people. Sunset cruises range from $30-$60 and include drinks, snacks, and some adult beverages. If you want a more intimate setting, you can also book a private charter for either groups or couples.
Via Pintos R Us
8. ride the trails with pintos r us - $$
Pintos “R” Us offers guided horseback riding tours along beaches, the lighthouse, and some really cool trails that take you down by Domes beach. They offer group packages for up to 12 people, private rides if you want something more intimate and pony rides for kids from 2-8 years old. If you’re getting married, having a party or birthday in Rincón and want to take some great pictures on the beach you can also book a special package.
Mofongo, Flamboyan Restaurant via @DRI Media Instagram
9. Eat some mofongo - $
There isn’t a more Puerto Rican dish in existence than Mofongo. Plantains are picked green and fried, then mashed with salt, garlic, broth, and olive oil in a wooden pilón (mortar and pestle). If you’ve never had a fried green plantain before, picture a potato and a banana having a baby. It’s starchy like a potato, but they don’t become sweet until they ripen. Classic Mofongo is made with chicharrón (fried pork rind), but there’s tons of variations. Seafood Mofongo, churrasco mofongo (steak mofongo, pictured above), Mofongo relleno (stuffed like it is in the picture), mofongo a la criolla (mofongo served with a tomato-based sauce), the list goes on. My absolute favorite mofongo is actually called trifongo, it’s made with green plantain, ripe plantain, and yucca, then stuffed with churrasco. Red Flamboyan is by far one of my favorite places to eat in Rincón, the name comes from the Flamboyan trees that bloom with bright red flowers during the summer. They have some of the best Puerto Rican food on the entire west coast and a great drink list.
The space is also very airy set in what feels like an old house with windows facing the tree canopy.
Tamboo Drone Shot via @DRI Media Instagram
10. have a drink at one of americas top beach bars - $
Just steps down the street from my Airbnb (The Puntas Tree House), is the Tamboo Beside the Pointe. As their slogan says, they’re “on the beach, where you should be!” and they couldn’t be more right. The Tamboo has been a long-standing destination bar for longer than I’ve been alive. I actually had the pleasure of bartending here many moons ago, it was actually the first place I had ever bartended and where I learned to sling a pretty mean drink. The Tamboo has been featured in Esquire Magazines Best Bars in America list twice, Condé Nast, USA Today’s Top 10 Best Bars in the Caribbean, and Lonely Planet just to name a few. The Tamboo also has one of the coolest beach front decks on earth, with a great view of Sandy Beach. It’s a great vantage point for whale watching during the winter months.
The Tamboo has also been recognized as having the best Mojito in all of Puerto Rico.
11. get some souvenirs at the rincón art walk - $-$$
Every Thursday, just after sunset, the Rincón town square lights up with music, art, and culture. Hundreds of locals and visitors flock downtown to check out the now thriving artisan scene, enjoy the nightlife grab some grub. After years of business closures and what felt like a dying downtown scene, the Art Walk brought new life to the town square and the surrounding businesses. Many new restaurants have opened up downtown and we even have a farmers market on Sundays now. Check out the video above to get an idea of what you can look forward to at the Art Walk.
If you want to read a great article on how the Art Walk came about, click here.
Via Anette Naber
12. visit the farmers market - $
Early on Sunday mornings, while the Catholic church bells ring, farmers and artisans put up tents in the town square to sell everything from fresh herbs and vegetables to locally produced eggs, locally made cheeses, and avocados. You can also find plantain products, coconuts, chocolates, freshly baked bread or desserts, organic juices, oil extracts, vegan-friendly food items, and a variety of foods used in local dishes. The vibe is cheerful and fun, kids usually play around the square, people sip on their morning coffee, it’s a great way to soak in the Sunday life in Rincón.
If you happen to miss the Farmers Market, don’t worry, along the roads in and out of Rincón you’ll find fruit and vegetable vendors selling anything that’s currently in season.
Flying Fish Parasail, Rincón, Puerto Rico
13. get a birds eye view with flying fish parasail - $$
There’s no shortage of fun things to do down at the Black Eagle Marina, and if you’ve never been parasailing, there’s no better place to do it than Rincón. Flying Fish Parasail is the only parasailing operation on the entire West Coast of Puerto Rico, they’ve been flying visitors to Rincón since 2007. Originally started by Craig and Michelle Prothers the boat is now captained by their son Jesse, a very cool dude I had the pleasure of growing up with. You’ll fly as high as 500 feet in the air and it’s safe for people of all ages. It’s also a great way to spot whales during the winter months.
