Surfing in Puerto Rico

Surfing in Puerto Rico was put on the map back in 1968, when the world surfing championships established the island for having some of the biggest and best winter surfing in the Americas.

 

 

The best areas for surfing are the north, west and northwest, where Rincon and Isabela play host to important competitions each year. Surfing has traditionally been centered on Rincon although the conditions here are for seasoned surfers only.

This area owes its wave conditions to swells from the east coast of America and can get big and powerful - up to 20 feet high. Although Puerto Rico is generally considered safe for surfing, you should be aware of the rip currents - Jobos, Wilderness, Marias, and Surfers Beach are particularly prone to rips.

Use the interactive map above for information on surf sites in Puerto Rico. The locations are based on information in Lonely Planet's guide to Puerto Rico. Click on the ballons for the site names and zoom in for the road map.

As you'd expect in such a popular surf destination there are plenty of surf shops and you can expect to pay around $20-$25 per day for a board. You don't need a full body suit due to the water temperature - 78+ °F, 26+ °C - but a rash vest is advisable.

The main surfing season runs from October from February, although there can be good conditions all year.

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