Puerto Rico is home to countless beautiful beaches, enchanting rainforests, and delicious food. And while most folks who visit the island tend to focus on San Juan and the eastern side, head west to discover Rincon and all the beauty it has to offer.
Besides being known as the surfing capital of the Caribbean, Rincon is also the perfect, laid back beach town to relax and enjoy the sun and sand. Find out what else Rincon has to offer visitors besides the best waves in the Caribbean.
WHERE TO EAT
Shipwreck Bar & Grill
The open air, laid back vibe and spectacular food make the Shipwreck Bar and Grill our favorite restaurant in Rincon. With dishes like Guava BBQ wings, lechon and some of the best fish tacos you’ll ever eat, be sure to visit Shipwreck before you leave the island. http://www.rinconshipwreck.com/AHOY/MENU.html
Red Flamboyan
For classic Puerto Rico dining while nestled among the beautiful red flamboyan trees Puerto Rico is known for, head to the Red Flamboyan Restaurant and Bar. With a large menu including kid friendly options, you’ll enjoy a taste of the real Puerto Rico. http://www.redflamboyan.com/menus/
English Rose Restaurant
Probably the most well known restaurant in Rincon is located in the charming English Rose Bed and Breakfast. Located high in the hills of Ensenada with spectacular views of the ocean, you’ll have to make reservations if you want to dine here. We made the mistake of just showing up and the wait was hours long. https://www.rinconpuertoricobedandbreakfast.com/restaurant/
WHERE TO STAY
Rincon Beach Resort
The Rincon Beach Resort offers guests a prime oceanfront location and multiple size room options. Whether you’re looking for a couples getaway and want a romantic oceanfront room or a 2 bedroom suite for the whole family, Rincon Beach Resort has you covered. http://www.rinconbeach.com
Casa Islena Inn
If you’re looking for a boutique hotel experience than Casa Islena Inn is perfect for you. Their oceanfront location and Spanish style architecture is hard to beat. They have an oceanfront pool and hot tub and serve up delicious meals at their on site restaurant,The Island House. My family enjoyed a fantastic brunch here while watching surfers catch some waves.
http://casaislena.com
Isla Vida Property Management
If you are looking for accommodations for a larger group or prefer staying in a private home, Isla Vida Property Management has great options for house rentals! From charming oceanfront cabanas that sleep 2, to large villas to accommodate your entire family reunion, Isla Vida has you covered!
https://www.rinconpuertoricovacationrentals.com
WHERE TO PLAY
Rincon Beach
The public beach in Rincon (also called Marina beach) is located in the downtown area by the boat marina. We loved this beach and enjoyed paddle boarding and kayaking courtesy of Rincon Paddleboards. Rincon Paddleboards has some unique offerings like their “Big Red” which is essentially a giant paddle board for 6 people, and their LED paddleboards that light up at night. A one of the kind nighttime ocean experience! http://rinconpaddleboards.com
Tres Palmas Marine Reserve
If snorkeling is your thing be sure to spend a day or two at the pristine Tres Palmas Marine Reserve. With a beautiful elk horn coral reef mere feet from the shoreline it is the perfect spot to take in the beautiful marine life. During the winter months waves here reach over 20 feet so it’s a great spot to watch the surfers. During spring and summer months the water calms and this when you want to snorkel.
https://islandsofpuertorico.com/rincon-beaches-tres-palmas/
Gozalandia Falls
For a truly spectacular day trip head to the town of San Sebastian and discover Gozalandia Falls. Gozalandia was primarily a local hangout until recently discovered by visitors. There is now ample parking for $5 per vehicle and even an onsite bar.
Once you park your car, follow the path that leads to the beautiful rainforest and listen for the sound of the waterfalls. Gozalandia Falls is about a 45 minute drive from Rincon but the drive is well worth it. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!
There are two waterfalls for swimming and exploring. One waterfall even has a large rope swing for the adventurous. My kids loved swinging on the rope swing and if you’re lucky, you might even see some locals put on a high dive show for you from the top of the falls!
Concerned if Rincon is safe for visitors after the effects of Hurricane Maria? The staff at Blue Boy Inn in Rincon says it best, “Everyone who comes to stay with us is thrilled to find that Rincón is well recovered and the same laid-back, delightful beach town that it’s always been. Grocery stores are stocked, restaurants are open, and the weather is fine. Don’t let media hype keep you from taking a winter break in paradise.”