Travel Tips: Travel Essentials For Every Trip 2021

TRAVEL TIPS:

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS FOR EVERY TRIP 2021

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I’ve spent a good portion of my life traveling, it was one of the reasons I decided to change gears and give up the life I had to work for an airline instead. During that time I put a lot of thought and effort into making my life easier and packing the right tools to do it.

I will give you the disclaimer that even after 8 years of flying on a weekly basis all over the world, packing is still stressful, and no amount of checklists or triple-checking will take away that nagging feeling of “what did I forget”, so don’t feel too bad if you’re one forgotten toothbrush away from a mid-drive to the airport meltdown. Just remember that most places you’re traveling to will have a way of getting at least the essentials, even if it’s overpriced at the airport before flying into some super remote region of the world.

There are always options.

Packed for my most recent trip to Iceland.

This is my absolute travel essentials list for every trip, regardless of season or destination, take it from a travel expert, you won’t want to go on vacation without them. I’ll post destination-specific packing lists later but this one has those things I can’t leave home without.

• A good travel backpack

My personal pick for travel backpacks is Osprey. Founded in California in 1974, they have a great reputation among hikers and travelers for having the best gear, innovative features, and awesome customer service. They even have a packfinder tool that lets you narrow down your options based on your main activity, length of trip, secondary activities, and so on.

The pack I use is the Farpoint 55L, the price hovers between $170-$200 but at the time of this writing, you can get it on Amazon for $109!

I love the Farpoint because it’s spacious, well built, has a great suspension system that transfers the weight to the hipbelt allowing your back to feel less of the load, and has a ton of really cool features like a zip-off day pack and you can actually stow away the harness and hipbelt with a zip-up layer that will keep it secure in case you have to check the larger bag. In my experience though, this bag fits in just about every airplane as a carry-on (especially if you zip off the daypack).

The zip-off daypack is great for taking your camera gear, snacks, or laptop with you while you’re out on an adventure, like this hike around the Fagradalsfjall volcano in Iceland.

• Packing Cubes

Ospray also has great packing cubes that you can get on Amazon for under $40 that will help keep your bag organized. They have convenient handles and come in several different sizes. If you’re looking for a slightly more budget-friendly set of packing cubes, this set is under $25 and comes with 6 cubes, it also boasts over 13,000 reviews and has a rating of 4.5 stars.

• Light Pack

In addition to having the daypack, it’s always a good idea to bring a light pack, this can be your grocery bag (especially for countries that are environmentally conscious and don’t allow plastic bags), souvenir carrier, your extra clothes for the day, etc. My personal favorite is the Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack. It’s foldable and weighs under 4oz.

• My Regular Carry on

If I’m going somewhere for a shorter getaway or one that doesn’t require a backpack where I’ll be staying in one location for most of my stay, I’ll just use my rollaboard bag.

For those of you who aren’t in the airline industry, I’m sure you’ve seen crews walking to their planes pulling what seems like enough bags to be away from home for the next month, truth is we’re probably only leaving for 3-4 days but flight attendants are known for being notoriously bad at overpacking despite doing this for a living. The way our schedules change, you never know if you’re going to need a bathing suit or a winter jacket, so oftentimes we take both. We also have a plethora of other things to pack like our electronic flight manuals, uniforms, food, etc. The point is, we need a good set of bags for it.

Enter TravelPro, most of us in the industry use TravelPro bags for two reasons, affordability, and features. There are bags out there that are arguably more durable and of higher quality like Briggs & Riley and Tumi, but they carry really hefty price tags ($500-$1000), if you can shell out the money then go for it.

TravelPro offers a great line of crew luggage that’s available to the public for purchase without the crazy price tag. We travel weekly and our bags get completely beat up but they hold up to the abuse, so for the average traveler, they should last you forever. My personal rollaboard of choice is the TravelPro Crew Expert Softside (Formally the Crew Max). This bag comes in 20-inch and 21-inch sizes, I’ve had both, and despite it being only an inch, it makes a huge difference, get the bigger bag. This bag is usually around $200-$250 on Amazon. It has awesome features like a J-hook so you can add another bag to the front of it, a large laptop compartment, and a rear zippered sleeve that fits my 12-inch iPad perfectly.

• Travel Pillow

If you’re on a long-haul flight, an overnight redeye or just looking to take a nap, you need a good travel pillow. The Infinity Pillow is a great choice if you have a little extra room in your bag since it’s a tad bit bulky (7”x7”x5.5” when rolled up). It provides great comfort and you can use it for different sleeping positions. You can get it on Amazon for under $40.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a more compact option because you’re limited on space the trtl Pillow is my go-to. It folds up so you can pack it away easily and has a neck support system so you can keep your head from tilting forward or backward and waking up like you spent the night folded into a pretzel. It’s also machine washable which is a huge plus. You can get it on Amazon for about $30.

• Rain Jacket

Even in the driest countries, weather can change in an instant. It’s always a good idea to have a rain jacket with you when you travel. Over the summer in Iceland the weather would change from sunny to overcast to rain in a matter of minutes, it reminded me of being back home in Puerto Rico where afternoon showers would pop up and go by like clockwork. If you’ve checked out my Instagram you’ve seen my Columbia Watertight burnt orange rain jacket in a lot of pictures. This jacket is packable, light, breathable, and holds up really well even in strong rain. I chose a bright color specifically because I do a lot of hiking and if there was ever an emergency it will be easy to spot you. It’s also great if you’re a photographer and want to create a stark contrast between you and your surroundings.

• An organizer for your toiletries

Having a good organizer for all your toiletries is definitely a must when traveling. That way you can keep your toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, lip balm, sunscreen, soap, hand sanitizer, deodorant, razor, face moisturizer, after-sun cream, nail clippers, and other necessities all in one place. (I’ll make a separate blog post for essential toiletries but for now, you can click any of these links for my personal picks.)

I personally recommend one that has a hook to hang up in the bathroom, this makes it especially convenient in smaller spaces that are common in hostels, camping areas, and budget vacation rentals.

My personal favorite is the Osprey UltraLight Roll Organizer It’s easy enough to hang in the shower, giving you easy access to all of your toiletries. It also has a wide range of pockets, giving you ample space to store all of your essential travel toiletries. Some bags also have mesh pockets that allow your items to dry while you travel. As a bonus, it also comes with a mirror that can be used a signaling mirror in case of emergencies while camping.

It’s important to note that this is a smaller form factor which is ideal for packing light.

If you want a larger bag for longer trips or bigger toiletries, I suggest the Eagle Creek Pack-It Wallaby. Both are similar and price and have similar features.

• a tide pen

You’re going to be sitting at a café somewhere, espresso in one hand, delicious European pastry in the other, you’ll be distracted enjoying the incredible scenery around you and BAM, you’ve spilled your espresso on your shirt.

I always travel with a tide pen just in case, it can definitely get you out of a jam (or get a jam out of your shirt for that matter).

• Eye Mask

This was my savior in Iceland this summer...

If you’re like me and you can’t sleep once the sun is out then imagine the type of personal hell it is being in a country where the sun doesn’t set during the summer. Luckily I was smart enough to pack an eye mask. I have two different eye masks, one that’s weighted (since I have migraines) and another that I use primarily for travel. The Mavogel Eye Mask is usually under $20 on Amazon (at the time of this writing it’s on sale for $8.39) and has over 34,000 reviews and a rating of 4.5/5 stars.

• Noise canceling headphones

I’ve been on enough planes with screaming babies and hostels with loud bunkmates to know that if your headphones aren’t noise-canceling you’re in for a crappy time.

When I’m on a long flight I usually listen to some tunes to fall asleep, or I’ll put on my favorite true crime podcasts and work on the blog and of course, there’s the occasional Netflix binge (who says you can’t watch an entire season of your favorite show on one flight?). As an Apple user, I obviously have to go with the AirPod Pros. They’re a pretty affordable option when it comes to noise-canceling headphones and provide pretty great quality sound and voice calls. You can get them on Amazon right now for under $200.

Another great option if you’re not an Apple user or you just want a different pair of buds is the Sony WF-1000XM4 Noise Canceling Earbuds, they offer some of the best sound quality and most effective noise-canceling of any earbuds. Another obvious contender is the Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling Earbuds. Bose has been a leading brand in headphones and sound systems since 1964 and for good reason, they definitely make a great product. But the Sony earbuds, in my opinion, are a little better and they carry a near-identical price tag of $278 for the Sony Earbuds and $279 for the Bose Earbuds.

• power bank

Whether you’re going to be out on a hike all day, taking a budget airline that doesn’t have power outlets, or just wandering around the city doing some sightseeing, the last thing you want is your phone to die while your simultaneously google mapping, translating and doing currency conversions, not to mention the countless photo ops you’re going to miss because you drained the battery Snapchatting your friends how much fun you’re having while they’re stuck at home.

If you’ve read my post on Travel Video and Photo Gear you’ll know I’m a big fan of Anker Power Banks. I have four different power banks that I use depending on the application.

• Anker PowerCore Slim for quick trips. Under $25 on Amazon.

• Anker PowerCore 26800 for when you need to charge all your devices on Amazon for $69

• Anker Wireless Power Bank 10,000mAh this one is new and is my personal favorite since it supports wireless charging. Get it for $49.

Bagsmart Cable Storage and Anker PowerCore

If you’re going to be hiking and camping where you won’t have access to power then the OUTXE 25000mAh Wireless Solar Power Bank is the best choice. A full charge will definitely take a while but you can clip it to your backpack using a carabiner while you hike so it charges while you’re out hiking or camping. It also has a built-in flashlight and is fully waterproof so it’s made to withstand elements.

• Cable storage

Since you’re bringing all of your electronics with you, you’re probably carrying around 15 different cables in your pack. Keep them organized with this cable organizer from Bagsmart. It lets you carry all the cables you’ll need and has an interior zippered pocket for memory cards.

• Wet wipes

Wet Ones Wet Wipes are perfect for when you need to freshen up after a long hike and a shower isn’t an option, that’s why I use the extra gentle ones. You can also use them to wipe down surfaces on the plane, which is super important right now as we’re still in the middle of a pandemic you can never be too careful. (Plus those tray tables are probably the most filthy surfaces on the aircraft, take it from someone who’s worked on one.)

• Travel First Aid Kit

Having a little first aid kit is absolutely a must when you travel. Even if you’re not going anywhere remote, it can be difficult to find even basic medications in certain countries that may possibly have more stringent laws on over-the-counter products, or simply much more expensive in comparison to the prices you pay back home. When it comes to my personal medication I usually keep enough to last more than several days after my intended return date to account for changes in plans (intentional or unintentional).

This first aid kit from amazon has all the basics but you should also keep things like Dramamine/Bonine, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, Benadryl, Benadryl Stick/Spray, eye drops, and Immodium.

• Sandals

I’m more of a flip-flop kind of guy but regardless, sandals are a must have when you travel. Even if you’re going to a place where you don’t think sandals are necessary. I’ve used my sandals in the middle of winter in Iceland while walking around the showers in the Blue Lagoon or the thermal pools, I’ve used them on the beaches in the Caribbean, or just walking around the hostel in Amsterdam. Having sandals is a quick and convenient way to get some footwear on while indoors or outdoors.

If you want a great waterproof sandal these Birkenstock Essentials Unisex Arizona EVA Sandals are waterproof, lightweight, and washable. They also come in several different colors.

If you’re like me and you’re all about the flip-flop life, my Crocs Classic Flip Flops are the way to go. They might not be the prettiest but they are definitely the most functional, and surprisingly comfortable flops I’ve ever had.

• Running Shoes and Hiking Boots

Having a comfortable pair of shoes is incredibly important. I usually travel with a pair of running shoes that I use for the airport or walking around cities if I know I’m going to be on my feet all day. I also use a pair of solid color shoes that are practical and can be worn with just about anything.

Depending on where I’m going I usually also bring a pair of hiking boots or hiking shoes. The lightweight hiking shoes I typically use when I’m going to places where the terrain isn't that extreme. For more challenging hikes like waterfalls in Costa Rica or Glaciers in Iceland, I have a pair of Timberland Waterproof Mid Hiking Boots.

• Compression socks

If you’re on a long haul flight or a long road trip, it’s super important to get up from time to time and walk around or stretch a little bit. Just don’t be that obnoxious person that’s going to go back to the airplane galley while the crew is trying to work and start doing your Pilates routine, I promise you, despite the smile from the cabin crew and them telling you it’s fine, they are secretly burning up inside with the desire to push the button on your ejector seat. Okay, maybe there’s no ejector seat, but that’s what they’re thinking. Wearing compression socks while traveling can be very beneficial as they can improve circulation and prevent swelling in your feet and legs.

• a copy of your passport

Your passport is, of course, the most important item to remember for an international trip. But you should also bring along at least one passport photo and a color photocopy of the pages with your information on the off chance you lose it abroad. The U.S. State Department's website has more information about what to do when your passport is lost or stolen.

• Carabiners

I usually travel with at least 2 carabiners, not for climbing but for being able to attach things to my backpack like my hiking shoes, that way I don’t have to pack them or my camera bag when I’m out on a trail hike. They’re also useful if you’re getting groceries since you can attach multiple bags to one carabiner to make carrying easier. They’re also great for camping if you need to keep something elevated since you can use them to keep things off the ground and attach them to a tree.

• international travel power adapter

If you’ve read my blog post about Travel Blogging and Camera Gear you’ll know I always travel with a power adapter. It’s important to have one with you since you’ll likely encounter different outlets on your international travels, especially if you’re traveling to Europe or Asia. If you read my country info when writing a new destination blog post I usually post the type of power outlet they use just in case.

This power adapter from amazon has been my favorite so far, it has a ton of different features and works with any power outlet.

• Inflight entertainment and on the go editing

When I travel I usually like to bring my computer with me, the downside is that I have a 15-inch Macbook Pro, not exactly light or small. I recently upgraded to a brand new Apple iPad Pro and I absolutely LOVE it. It uses the same new M1 chip that’s being installed in the Macbooks and iMacs so it’s lightning-fast. I got an additional keyboard with it which allows me to leave the Macbook at home while I’m on vacation and keep typing up blog posts on the road. That said, it will never replace the raw power of my Macbook so doing full-blown video or photo edits is a little harder. However, it’s got enough power that I can do small edits and tweaks on the fly while also being able to download all my favorite Netflix shows in advance so I can binge-watch them on flights. Or I can take my whole iBooks and Kindle libraries with me if I want to read.

• Sunglasses

Whether you’re laying out on the beach, hiking up to the top of a mountain, walking through the snow on a bright winter day, some polarized sunglasses are a total must. There’s no reason you should drop an absurd amount of money on sunglasses when there’s a good chance you could lose them, drop them, or break them. Especially if you’re out on a crazy hike. That’s why I get a cheap pair from Amazon like these ones.

• A good camera

As someone who takes thousands of pictures on every vacation, a good camera is important to have. That said, there’s no better camera than the one you have in your hand. Just about every modern phone has a camera ranging from decent to great, don’t underestimate what you can do with it. I also use a GoPro, DJI Drone, and a DSLR.

If you want a full list of the equipment I use for Travel Blogging, Video and Photography check out this blog post.

A Few Extras to Consider

• face masks

Since we'll all be wearing protective face coverings on planes and possibly in public for the foreseeable future, you'll want to make sure yours is comfortable to wear for long periods of time and potentially while huffing and puffing your way through the airport while running to catch your next flight. My choice is the Under Armor Sports Mask, you can use them for working out, they’re comfortable and very durable.

• SinkSuds Travel Laundry Detergent

You never know if you’re going to need to do a little light laundry while you’re on the road. Your plans could change and extend your trip, you could be canceled abroad. The place you’re staying might not have laundry services. SinkSuds Travel Laundry Detergent is perfect for washing clothes in the sink or tub. It helps eliminate odors and is TSA compliant.

• Lifestraw

Lifestraws are a great thing to take with you especially if you’re camping or in a country where the tap water isn’t safe. I always have one with me just in case. A lifestraw, is a straw that filters bacteria, parasites & microplastics from water as you drink. Ideal for hiking, camping, survival, and emergencies. Think about it this way, what your Britta water filter does at home but in the palm of your hand.

• Muscle recovery cream

Indie Lee I-Recover Mind & Body Gel works great for muscle recovery and helping you relax after a strenuous day of hiking or climbing. It’s not cheap but it’s worth every penny.

• A travel hotspot

This is definitely something I recommend if you want to have better internet speeds while abroad. While I do have an international plan on my phone, the speeds are capped and they become slow pretty quick. I’ve rented portable hotspots from car rental companies but the price adds up quickly. The last time we used one in Iceland the price was about $13 per day.

There are two hotspots I’ve used that I highly recommend and both are great for different reasons.

The Urozetta Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot enables you to embrace the flexibility of parent company Urocomm's cloud SIM system, which means you don't have to hunt down a local SIM card in every country you visit – you simply open up the app on your phone add credit to your account (check inside the app for current prices, which are definitely competitive).

Simple to set up, secure to use, reliable in operation... there's not much more you can ask from the Huawei E5577-321. Huawei knows a few things about making gadgets of course, and this hotspot is compact and well-built – it's perfect for popping in a bag or suitcase and taking with you wherever you go. This was actually the mobile hotspot that I rented from Blue Rental Car in Iceland on both of my most recent trips.

• an extension cord

My extension cord comes with me on any international trip I take. Depending on where I'm staying, it can be hard to find enough outlets—and sometimes, those I do find are hidden or out-of-reach. But when I bring an extension cord with me, it becomes a lot easier to keep my devices charged. It’s also great to plug into your international travel adapter because the adapter is typically just one outlet. Anker is by far my choice for just about everything when it comes to power adapters and battery packs, their extension cord is no exception.

• Duct tape or gorilla tape

You just never know when you might be on a flight and a passenger acts up and needs to be mummified to the seat in order to contain them… I’m totally kidding, for my friends in aviation I hope you got a good laugh out of that.

Honestly speaking though, having a little roll of tape can be super beneficial while traveling. Broken zippers, a rip in the tent, a little hole in your jacket, you name it. I usually carry a little roll of gorilla tape for such occasions.

And that’s my list!

If you think there’s something that I should put on the list, leave me a comment below and I’ll give you my thoughts on it. As always I greatly appreciate you taking the time to read, share, comment, and help me continue to build my blog and write about my adventures. ❤️

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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.

If you’re looking for a great healthy snack before or after your parasailing adventure go check out the Juice Box, owned by Jesse’s sister Ruby.

Don’t forget to grab one of these super cool reusable Rincón bamboo straws for your delicious green juice. The straws are handmade by BAMBOOzle Straws.

There you have it, the ultimate Rincón things to do list! Have you been to Rincón before? Did I miss one of your favorite things to do?

Let me know in the comments below!

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