Porta del Sol (West Region)

Porta del Sol a spectacular area in the Western Region of Puerto Rico offering many things to do and places to visit. It is home to the town of Rincón known as the surfing capital of the island and arguably the entire Caribbean.  This is an area of thunderous waves, picturesque sunsets, sandy beaches and a more laid-back lifestyle, perfect for those that want to get away from it all and just enjoy island life.

Spend your days relaxing on the warm sandy beaches, visit the many bird-watching areas or for the more adventurous, try 'hanging 10' at Domes Beach one of the most consistent surfing beaches in Rincón. Located on the north-west corner of Puerto Rico. Rincón is an area with a vibe totally its own, definitely a surfing town. Rincón has been gaining a reputation worldwide as a world-class surfing destination, many national and internationally sanctioned surfing competitions are held at its many surfing beaches. There is a great variety of  accommodations in the area from luxury resorts to Paradores which are small government approved guest houses and hotels. Many great bars and restaurants can be found in Rincón, Tamboo has been voted one of the 50 Best Beach Bars in the World.

Porta del Sol offers a lot more than just surfing, you can also enjoy nature's light show at La Parguera's Bioluminescent lagoon, dive along coral-rich walls and inlets, kayak through tropical mangroves, watch for humpback whales, bike along scenic trails and hike through a dry forest. Rent a boat or take a tour from Gina's @ Johnny's Boats for a nice day touring La Parguera and its many canals, small islands and inlets. The small Caribbean paradise known as Gilligan's Island is a short ferry ride off the coast of Guánica and much less crowded on weekdays. Other activities include visiting the Cabo Rojo Salt Flats, swimming and picnicking at Playa Sucia and taking in the incredible views from the Cabo Rojo lighthouse

There is also the Guánica Dry Forest Nature Preserve and Mona Island an uninhabited nature reserve featuring caves, beaches and coral reefs. Many locals know a good thing when they see it and many choose Porta del Sol as a vacation getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. The town of Boquerón in the south-west corner of the region is well known for its lively main street packed with restaurants, bars and island specialties. The area also offers camping facilities, trailer parks and small rentals catering to whatever your interests may be. Porta del Sol is also home to some of the best seafood in Puerto Rico.

 

Surfing Beaches around Rincón

(Please click markers on map below for more information on Rincón surfing beaches)

Little Malibu Tres Palmas
Escalera Dogman's
Maria's The Point
Indicators Domes
Spanish Wall Pools
Sandy Beach Antonio's

 

Mayagüez with its beautiful Plaza Colón is the third largest city in Puerto Rico and an important port city. Puerto Rico's only zoo is located in Mayagüez, as is a campus of the University of Puerto Rico, famous for its engineering program. Mayagüez was also the host city for the XXI Central American and Caribbean Games held during the summer of 2010 and hosted the 'Serie del Caribe 2011' baseball tournament in February of 2011. There are many excellent places to stay in and around Mayagüez including the Mayagüez  Resort and Casino which boasts the largest pool complex in the area.

The port of Mayagüez facilitates cruise ships bound for destinations in the Caribbean and ferries that leave for the Dominican Republic. These ferries that will be operated by America Cruise Ferries will begin operating on March 16, 2011, and will transport passengers, cargo and automobiles. The ferry will provide service leaving San Juan's Pan-American Terminal at 7 pm Mondays and Fridays and at 8 pm Wednesdays from Mayagüez. Fares from Puerto Rico are $169 per person and $189 per person from Santo Domingo. This information is subject to change, please contact American Cruise Ferries 787.832.4800 in Mayagüez, 787.622.4800 in San Juan or visit thier website.

Read our article on Things to Do in Cabo Rojo here.