Getting Around Rincon

By Public Transportation

There is limited public transportation in Puerto Rico. ‘Publicos’ are the most common and popular form of public transport. They are spacious vans that offer low rates and offer designated pickup points at highly trafficked sites.

By Taxi

There are a few local taxi companies that are available on an on-call basis, but they cannot be found patrolling the streets like in larger cities. There is no Uber in the area.

By Car

Renting a car is one of your best options when visiting Rincon as many restaurants, beaches, bars, and other activities are quite spread out. Renting your own car allows you the flexibility to get around at your own pace and visit cities nearby.

By Boat

There are plenty of opportunities for a boat ride in Rincon with many fishing charters offered as this is a world-class fishing destination.

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More About Rincon

By Bicycle

Yes, riding a bike in Rincon is a good way to see the sights like beaches in the area. There are some great mountain biking trails throughout the country with some especially great ones in Rincon and the west side of the island. The Domes Trail is a jungle trail with cross-country and downhill rides along with spectacular views.

On Foot

Walking around the main downtown area of Rincon is possible, but reaching some of the beaches, shops, restaurants, and other attractions cannot be easily done on foot. There are a few pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods like Puntas where you can walk to several beaches nearby and some restaurants. The Art Walk is a fun activity held every Thursday night at 5 pm in Rincon’s town square. There are different vendors set up in the town square selling their art, and other selling food and souvenirs. It’s a great place to experience the local culture and tropical ambiance of the beachside town.

Rincon FAQ

How do I get to Rincon?

The Eugenio M. De Hostos Airport is located in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico about 8 miles from the center of Rincon. It offers limited commercial services. 

The Rafael Hernandez Airport in Aguadilla is the closest major airport to Rincon located 18 miles (around 45 minutes) from Rincon. 

How do I get from the airport to my hotel?

There are taxis readily available at the curbside at both airports. Publicos and several rental car companies are also an option.  

How do I get around the city using public transportation?

There is limited public transportation in Puerto Rico. ‘Publicos’ are the most common and popular form of public transport. They are spacious vans that offer low rates and offer designated pickup points at highly trafficked sites. 

Read More

More About Rincon

Can I get around by boat in Rincon?

There are plenty of opportunities for a boat ride in Rincon with many fishing charters offered as this is a world-class fishing destination. 

Should I rent a car in Rincon?

Renting a car is one of your best options when visiting Rincon as many restaurants, beaches, bars, and other activities are quite spread out. Renting your own car allows you the flexibility to get around at your own pace and visit cities nearby.

How do I call/hail a taxi?

There are a few local taxi companies that are available on an on-call basis, but they cannot be found patrolling the streets like in larger cities. There is no Uber in the area. 

Is Rincon a walking city?

Walking around the main downtown area of Rincon is possible, but reaching some of the beaches, shops, restaurants, and other attractions cannot be easily done on foot. There are a few pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods like Puntas where you can walk to several beaches nearby and some restaurants. The Art Walk is a fun activity held every Thursday night at 5 pm in Rincon’s town square. There are different vendors set up in the town square selling their art, and other selling food and souvenirs. It’s a great place to experience the local culture and tropical ambiance of the beachside town. 

Can I ride a bike in Rincon?

Yes, riding a bike in Rincon is a good way to see the sights like beaches in the area. There are some great mountain biking trails throughout the country with some especially great ones in Rincon and the west side of the island. The Domes Trail is a jungle trail with cross-country and downhill rides along with spectacular views. 

Is Rincon a dangerous city, is there anything I should be aware of?

Rincon is considered a very safe destination to visit. Take the necessary precautions when sightseeing, use common sense, and keep your valuables out of sight from pickpockets, especially in crowded areas like markets, and tourist attractions. At night stay in well-lit and populated areas, and use reputable transportation companies instead of taking rides from strangers. 

What are some popular areas for shopping?

There are a few local shopping opportunities found in Rincon, this west coast beach town known for its surfing offers plenty of surf shops to pick up the necessary surfing gear and beach-related items. There are local shops, beach boutiques, and various shopping malls found around the area with many shops found in the center of town and along State Road 413. There is a strip mall called Sunset Village that features a large beach fashion store, an art gallery, surf shops, and restaurants located near Rincon’s public beach. The traditional town square in Rincon is another popular retail scene with chic boutiques, new restaurants, a local bakery, and a few simple bars and cafes. The Mayaguez Mall features some great local stores, a food court, movie theaters, and stateside chains like Old Navy, Walmart, and Marshall’s.  

What are some popular beaches in Rincon?

Rincon is a beautiful beach town with over 8 idyllic miles of coastline boasting secluded beaches, each with unique personalities. The beach locations here are some of the most pristine in the country with popular activities such as snorkeling, swimming, surfing, and power diving. Some of the beaches in Puerto Rico are nestled on the calm Caribbean side, Rincon is on the west coast and is world renowned for its waves and surfing beaches. It is located on the line where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea so there are many different types of beaches here. Popular surfing beaches in Rincon include Maria, Sandy, Tres Palmas, and Domes. Balneario de Rincon is a centrally located beach that hosts yoga and Zumba on weekday mornings. Sandy Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Rincon due to its location which is within walking distance of many great restaurants, bars, and accommodations. Looking for beach glass on Rincon’s beaches is a popular activity where rare red and pink glass can be found especially along the shores of Sand and Steps Beach. Steps Beach is part of the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve boasting vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish offshore that are protected.

What are some popular beaches for surfing in Rincon?

Rincon is a renowned surfing destination, one of the best in the Caribbean that rose to international recognition in the 1968 World Surfing Championships held at Domes, and Maria’s Beaches. During the winter months (November-March) surfing along the west coast is some of the best in the entire region, it is generally regarded as one of the best surfing destinations in the world. The area is dubbed the “Caribbean’s Hawaii” with waves approaching 25-30 feet high. Some famed surfing beaches in town include Little Malibu, Tres Palmas, Maria’s, Indicators, Domes, Pools, Sandy, and Antonio’s.  Maria’s Beach is the center of the surfing activity in the country and hosts several pro-circuit events, the waves here provide some of the most exciting surf rides on the island. Domes Beach hosts the annual international surfing competition and other beach festivals throughout the year. 

What is the language spoken in Rincon?

The official language spoken in Rincon is Spanish and English. Many people speak fluent English, especially in hotels and restaurants. We recommend getting a good English/Spanish guidebook and learning the basic questions like please, thank you, and numbers 1-10.

What is the best time to visit Rincon?

Rincon boasts one of the most consistent climates in the world with temperatures ranging from 75-90F degrees to a daily average of around 82F. The climate is pleasant throughout the year, temperatures tend to dip in the evenings during the winter months. There is almost always a constant breeze that blows in from the coastline that provides a comforting relief on the hotter days, and in winter the breeze creates the best surf. Rincon has relatively low humidity and rain is usually less on the coast, some rain is more prevalent from June to October. The best time to visit Rincon for surfing and tourist season is just before Christmas through to Labor Day, the summer months are the best time for snorkelers and scuba diving. Traveling to Rincon from mid-April to mid-December which is considered the off-season will allow visitors to save substantially on airfare and accommodations as well as avoiding the crowds. 

What is the currency? Can I pay/tip in US dollars?

The currency of Rincon is the US dollar. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand upon arrival. Currency exchange desks and ATMs can be found at the airport and many locations throughout the city.

What is the food like?

There are many beachside restaurants and bars found along the coastline in Rincon serving up delicious fresh food, especially fish and seafood. There are some eclectic family-run restaurants in Rincon as well as a plethora of food trucks offering Creole-inspired dishes and South American cuisine. Some great establishments offer diners delightful views along with delicious food. 

Food is a very important part of Puerto Rico’s culture blending elements of Spanish, African, and native Taino cuisine into delicious dishes full of flavor. Some of the staple dishes to try on the island include mofongo; deep-fried green plantains, and tostones; double deep-fried plantain wheels, and lechon asado; a slow spit-roasted* pork dish with mouthwatering meat and crispy skin which has been declared a Puerto Rican culinary legacy. There is a large coffee culture in Puerto Rico to sample some head to the hills and tour Hacienda Pomarrosa, and Hacienda Buena Vista estates and see how the beans were harvested, and roasted in colonial times. 

What is the nightlife like?

There is a thriving nightlife scene in Rincon with an exciting atmosphere where visitors can immerse themselves in relaxing, laid-back beachside vibes. There is a good collection of beachside bars and restaurants offering food and drinks, many with live music and excellent views of the beach and sunset. There are a lot of happy hour bars and other nightlife venues in town for 2-for-1 drinks. Being on the beach and by the water there are some great opportunities for taking a boat trip or cruise out on the waters to capture a sunset and enjoy some cocktails. Downtown Rincon is the place to be on Thursday nights when it hosts Art Walk in the town square. Starting around 5 pm this is one of the best things to do in Rincon with vendors set up selling local art, as well as food, woodwork, clothing, and jewelry. 

What should I do if I need medical assistance or need to go to the hospital?

In case of an emergency dial 919 for an ambulance or fire, 911 for the police.

Hospital:

Costa Salud Community Health Centers tel. 787-823-5500.

Punta Higuero Lighthouse

The original building was built in 1892 by the Spanish government and was rebuilt in 1922 by the United States.

Steps Beach

Such a serene spot very well known for its crystal clear waters as well as vibrant coral reefs.

Reserva Marina Tres Palmas

This area is incredibly biodiverse, including an elkhorn coral reef, sea turtle nesting sites, and whale breeding grounds.

Domes Beach

A scenic coastline renowned for its breathtaking sunsets and also premier surf breaks.

Visit the Punta Higuero Lighthouse.

Climb up to this historic lighthouse for sweeping views of the coastline, perfect for sunset photos and a glimpse into Rincon’s maritime history.

Hike in the Rincón Rainforest.

Explore lush trails, discover outstanding hidden waterfalls, and immerse yourself in nature, all while enjoying the incredible sounds of tropical wildlife.