Condado Ocean Club takes a deep dive into Puerto Rico's "Town of Beautiful Sunsets" for your travel guide to Rincon. Located on the quieter western side of the island, Rincon is a beachgoer haven, a surfer's pipe dream, and a culinary delight.
Rincon's Beaches
Discover Rincon's unique, quaint beaches. Any time of year, sun worshippers can experience the solitude of Sandy Beach. Stroll along the Sandy Beach Trail to discover locally known "Puntas" at Antonio's and Rivermouth. Pause to explore a tide pool before heading back toward nearby restaurants and bars. Sandy Beach is a great location to watch the sunset.
Source: Surf 787 Surfers flock to Rincon, one of the Caribbean's acclaimed surf destinations, to catch a thrilling ride during the winter months. You will catch the pros in action at Maria's Beach in April at the La Primavera Pro Longboard Surfing Competition & Craft Fair. Powerful waves at Domes Beach challenge local and international surfers alike. Onlookers will want to steer clear of the water, because swimming is prohibited in the area. In summer months, the surfers clear out as waves subside at Maria's Beach and Domes Beach, leaving beachcombers and sunbathers the pristine coastline to enjoy.Nature enthusiasts do not want to miss the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve encompassing Dogman's, Little Malibu, and Steps Beaches. Seasonal weather affects water conditions, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly. Snorkelers explore summer's calm, crystal clear waters to marvel at diverse marine life including bottlenose dolphins, hawksbill sea turtles, and elkhorn coral. Surfers ride winter waves, often cresting to 20-feet high. Find a great photo opportunity at Steps Beach near the concrete stairway lain in the sand.
Source: Rincon Travel Association
Downtown Rincon
Rincon Square welcomes you downtown, where locals and visitors stroll the newly-renovated park and enjoy seasonal outdoor concerts. Downtown is a food and culture hub, and Rincon also has a unique art scene. Browse and shop at various art galleries featuring paintings, photography, metalwork sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, and wood carvings. Local artists exhibit their work at the Secret Garden Art Gallery and Galeria Exodo.
Source: Galeria Éxodo Facebook
Must-See Sights
Protecting seafarers from Puerto Rico's dramatic cliffs, the Punta Higuero Lighthouse is one of the island's most popular viewpoints. Admire a stunning sunset from Lighthouse Park. From January to late March, go whale spotting from the cliffside during the Humpback migration season.Domes Beach's namesake, the Boiling Nuclear Superheater Reactor Facility is a relic from the 1960s. The facility was the first nuclear power plant in the Caribbean. It ran successfully until 1968, when high-cost modifications prevented necessary technical repairs to continue safe operation. Today, you can visit the decommissioned dome's BONUS Technological Museum by appointment.Surfing enthusiasts might be inspired to visit Galería Del Surf in downtown Rincon. Surfing paraphernalia, including over 100 vintage boards, tell the story of this sport's history. Hours are variable.
Source: Discovering Puerto Rico
Island Getaways
Desecheo Island, 12-miles off Puerto Rico's coast, invites visitors off the beaten path to a tropical oasis. The island's only inhabitants are a herd of goats but, beyond the sandy shorelines, you will find a gem below the sea. Pristine water with visibility of up to 150-feet showcases an array of tropical reef fish and colorful coral. In addition to flourishing sea life, find vast caverns and unexploded artillery along the ocean floor. Desecheo Island is only accessible by booking a trip with a professional dive team. Advanced divers and beginners can explore 20 different dive sites.
Source: Island ConservationRent a small skiff and set out toward Mata la Gata Island amidst turquoise bliss. Explore the Parguera Nature Reserve where you will find diverse ecosystems of red and white mangroves, salt marshes and coral reefs. Mata la Gata and its neighboring four islets, all managed by the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER), offer a relaxing seascape getaway.
Food & Drink
Start your day with the best breakfast found in Rincon at The English Rose, where homemade stuffed sausages accompany made-to-order eggs and breakfast burritos are brimming with deliciousness. If you need a quick recharge, pop into Carta Buena for a strong coffee or fresh smoothie. All of Carta Buena's ingredients are 100% natural and grown in Puerto Rico.No need to stray far from the beach for a delicious lunch! Mere steps from Maria's Beach is the local favorite, Jack's Shack, ready to serve up catch-of-the-day fish tacos. Quench your thirst next door at El Bohio with a selection of cold beer, frozen cocktails, or pressed fruit juices. At Tamboo's Tavern, voted the Best Caribbean Beach Bar (2018), sip on a signature cocktail while you admire the oceanfront view at Sandy Beach. The restaurant at Tamboo serves a Caribbean-American menu that you can enjoy on the open wooden deck for lunch or dinner.
Source: At The Black EagleFind the best evening dining in downtown Rincon. An innovative menu awaits at La Copa Llena, a fine dining experience with the low-key atmosphere on an ocean-front patio at Black Eagle Marina. At Mangia Mi you will find a classy wine selection to accompany homemade pasta and savory meat entrees. Roots is the place to go for fresh fish. Be sure to try the watermelon juice - a tasty and refreshing treat.
Source: TripAdvisorSample Puerto Rican fare any time of day or evening from a happening food truck scene. CHRISin Limites serves unique fried bowls, combos of your choice of meat and vegetables. Vendors rotate through Gastropark@115 featuring their specialties. If you seek a home-brewed beer, visit the Rincon Beer Company. On Thursdays and Saturdays, the brewery hosts local musicians.Dive into Rincon for an unforgettable island experience!
