The top places for surfing in Puerto Rico are a discreetly held secret from visitors. Due to its reef formations, frequent storms, and location between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, Puerto Rico offers some of the best surfing in the Caribbean that attracts even professional surfers.
However, without insider knowledge, many surf enthusiasts remain on the beaches near the airport. They miss out on the best Puerto Rico surfing sites with massive waves.
As a local of Puerto Rico that has visited these surfing sites, I will tell you exactly where to find the best spots for surfing in Puerto Rico. And while you’re here, be sure to check out my guide to snorkeling in Puerto Rico for some more water-filled fun!
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Table of Contents
11 Best Places to Go Surfing in Puerto Rico
Domes Beach
The most renowned beach for surfing in Puerto Rico.
🗺️ Distance from San Juan: 2. 5 hours | Google Maps | Tours: Beginner Surf Private Lesson in Rincon | Amenities: Free parking
Domes Beach is a popular surfing spot and one of the most popular things to do in Rincon. Experienced surfers like to visit during the fall season to enjoy consistent and clean big waves
While Domes also has waves that can be ridden year-round, it is generally considered ideal for beginner and intermediate surfers outside the fall season, when conditions are best suited to their abilities. This beach is also one of Puerto Rico`s unspoiled beaches hosting surfing competitions.
🏄 Looking to get your feet wet learning to surf? This introductory private surf lesson in Rincon is an ideal way to try surfing in Puerto Rico!
Aviones Beach
A shoreline that invites both practiced surfers and households.
🗺️ Distance from San Juan: 30 minutes | Google Maps | Amenities: nearby food kiosks and equipment rentals
Loiza is already home to one of the top beaches in Puerto Rico for swimming, but it’s also home to one of the top beaches for surfing.
Aviones Beach has an enjoyable surf break with lively and unpredictable surfing conditions suitable for intermediate and advanced surfers. There is also a small pond where families can wade in the water.
La Pared Beach
An all-year surfing spot where impressive waves meet the charm of the locals.
🗺️ Distance from San Juan: 45 minutes | Google Maps | Activities: Professional Surfing Lessons at La Pared Beach in Luquillo | Facilities: No facilities
La Pared Beach has a sandy bottom and consistent surfable waves on Puerto Rico`s east coast. It`s also surrounded by rentals and surf shops where surfing equipment can be rented.
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Surfer’s Beach
A beach with appealing surf breaks and natural scenery.
🗺️ Distance from San Juan: 2 hours 20 minutes | Google Maps | Amenities: None
Crash Boat Beach is a favorite for snorkeling on the northwest coast, but Surfer’s Beach is the place for surfing. Surfer’s Beach is bordered by huge sea rocks, palm trees, and golden sand. The reef breaks are ideal for expert surfers, but it also has a side with smaller waves.
Nearby beaches like Punta Borinquen and Survival Beach are all together part of Punta Borinquen, the first World Surfing Reserve in the Caribbean, and it’s one of the best attractions in Aguadilla.
Maria’s Beach
A enormously famous shoreline among surfers in Puerto Rico.
🗺️ Distance from San Juan: 2 hours 30 minutes | Digital map resource | Location website | Facilities: No amenities
Located within the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve, Maria’s Beach is another popular spot for surfing in Rincon. This beach hosts multiple surfing competitions throughout the year and features consistent rideable waves.
Not far away lies Sandy Beach, a more suitable spot for beginners in the water.
La Ocho in San Juan
A testing surf area hidden within Old San Juan.
🗺️ Distance from San Juan: On San Juan | Google Maps | Amenities: No facilities
La Ocho Beach in San Juan is one of Puerto Rico`s surf spots for advanced surfers. There is an exposed reef break and consistent swell, especially during November.
You can reach La Ocho Beach from Escambrón Beach or the stairs located in front of the Capitol building. Although accessing it is straightforward, La Ocho Beach feels more private and is generally frequented by locals. Keep in mind that the undertow and rip currents present significant risks for swimmers.
Los Tubos Beach
A hidden gem in Manati perfect for surfing, snorkeling, and hiking.
🗺️ Distance from San Juan: 45 minutes | Google Maps | Amenities: Camping areas, gazebos, children’s recreational area
Los Tubos Beach in Manati is one of Puerto Rico`s most versatile surf spots. Experienced surfers will enjoy swells reaching up to 14 feet during storms and seasons.
But, during the low tide season, Los Tubos is also renowned as a superb snorkeling spot for its diverse marine life and sea turtles. Los Tubos Beach occasionally hosts the Body Boarding Challenge competition, which is one of the numerous things to do in Manati.
Kikita Beach
A beach fronting an uncovered reef offers exciting breaking waves suitable for beginners.
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Kikita Beach is a surfer’s beach in Dorado where surfers are often seen riding consistent waves during the winter. Typically, the windy conditions can make the waves diminished. The best month to visit is November.
The water breaks upon a rocky coastline and the currents can be powerful. If swimming is preferred, walk to the nearby Pocita de Kikita, a small tidal pool. Visitors should watch out for sea urchins.
Boca del Cibuco
This surfing destination has seen renowned surfers renowned globally.
🗺️ Distance from San Juan: 50 minutes | Google Maps | Amenities: None provided
Boca del Cibuco is popular for surfing on the northern coast, known for massive waves breaking deep onto the beach.
Situated in Vega Baja, this beach has hosted several internationally renowned surfing contests like the Puerto Rico Triple Crown, attracting top surfers from around the world to ride its waves.
Middles Beach
Home to numerous local surfing events.
🗺️ Distance from San Juan: 1 hour 49 minutes | Google Maps | Amenities: No facilities
Middles Beach is among the most popular surf spots on the northern shore of Puerto Rico. Though lacking amenities, consistent waves are provided for surfing enthusiasts. The beach is expansively wide as well as big, serving as home to the Corona Pro Surf Competition.
Nearby you’ll also discover Jobos Beach, one of the most beautiful shores on the island. It’s another favorite spot for surfing and one of the most popular destinations in Isabela.
Pine Grove Beach
A wave riding beach just minutes from Puerto Rico’s airport.
🗺️ Distance from San Juan: 20 minutes | Google Maps | Tours: Beginner Surf Lesson (Carolina) | Amenities: No facilities
Pine Grove Beach is found in Isla Verde, 7 minutes away through the San Juan Worldwide Airport. The waves at Pine Grove are on the smaller facet of the scale and professional surfers could possibly obtain them too compact to trip.
These smaller ocean swells are superb for newcomers wanting to take surfing guidance. Nearby Pine Grove, visitors will discover numerous surf schools and board rentals. Take a group lesson and experience one of the best activities to engage in in Carolina.
5 Tips for Surfing in Puerto Rico
Check the Weather
To ensure the weather is suited for surfing and the waves are at their peak point, check the local weather and the surf forecast before visiting any beach. If you’re visiting a beach for the first time, make sure to ask local surfers about how the currents move through it.
Rent the Equipment
Unless competing is the purpose, transporting a surfboard risks substantial added baggage fees on top of potential damage. If wanting to test the local waves, find rentals of surfboards, boogie boards, and paddleboards locally.
Don’t Go Surfing Alone
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Head to the Northwest Coast
Puerto Rico’s western coast is a tropical paradise with both famous and secret spots with the best waves for surfing. If you have spare time, head to the northwest coast, where you’ll find surfing beaches in Isabela, Aguadilla, and Rincon.
Check the Local Competitions
Puerto Rico is home to several local competitions that usually take place in the fall when the Atlantic Ocean begins creating the best surfing waves. If you’re a surfing enthusiast, visit during the hurricane season to catch festivals like the Puerto Rico Triple Crown Championship, Corona Pro Surf Circuit, and the Rincon Surf Fest.
FAQs About Surfing in Puerto Rico
Does Puerto Rico have good surfing?
Puerto Rico is among the top surfing destinations in the Caribbean region. It houses the inaugural World Surfing Reserve in the area. Both local and international competitions regularly occur on the island, generally during fall and winter. The Atlantic Ocean, offshore breezes, hurricane season, and reef break on many shorelines generate superb conditions for surfing.
Where is the best surfing in Puerto Rico?
Some of the popular beaches for surfing in Puerto Rico on the west coast in Isabela, Aguadilla, and Rincon include Domes Beach,Middles Beach, and Surfer’s Beach. In the north, surfing enthusiasts should try Aviones Beach and Boca del Cibuco.
Where do beginners surf in Puerto Rico?
Novice surfers in Puerto Rico can surf at Pine Grove Beach in Carolina, Middles Beach in Isabela, and Sandy Beach Rincon. However, even the most challenging surfing areas in Puerto Rico are welcoming during the low tide season.
Is there surfing in San Juan?
Surfing in San Juan exists. One of the most preferred beach for surfing in San Juan is La Ocho, also understood as Playa El Capitolio, which lies between Castillo San Cristobal as well as Escambrón Beach front. Pine Grove Beach front and Aviones Beach front are likewise a short flight from San Juan.
🏄♀️ Explore Next: Best Areas to Surf in California
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Thanks for reading the best spots for surfing in Puerto Rico! Regardless of skill level, one will find a beach that suits their tastes in Puerto Rico. If you’re looking for more fun, check out our guide with thrilling activities to partake in Puerto Rico.
