Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do when you visit Rincon Puerto Rico, the surf capital of the Caribbean. While many travel blogs will tell you all the fun things to do in Rincon Puerto Rico, we want to be sure you know what you should NOT do when you plan a trip to Rincon Puerto Rico.
Don’t Be Surprised if You Hear a Lot of English
Rincon has become a popular relocation destination for mainlanders from the United States in the last five to ten years. In addition to hearing a lot of English, you’ll notice a lot of construction as they build housing to accommodate new people moving in.
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Don’t Miss the Chance to Surf
Rincon is the Caribbean capital of surfing; it’s a great place to learn how to surf! It’s easy to find a class or instructor and you can rent a surfboard for the day. Don’t be afraid to ask around for the best class or the best spot to give it a try as some Rincon beaches are more beginner-friendly than others.
Don’t Forget to Stock Up on Supplies
When you get to Rincon, make sure you hit up the grocery store and stock up on supplies. While there are plenty of restaurants in Rincon, grabbing some groceries for your trip is a great way to save some money on eating out.
Don’t Expect Rincon to Be Cheap
As Rincon becomes more popular, prices get more expensive. There are some deals to be had, but in general, it’s not a dirt-cheap destination. Plan to spend what you would spend in a normal US city and you’ll be fine with that budget.
Don’t Skip the Food Trucks and Kiosks
Roadside food in Puerto Rico is both delicious and cheap! You’ll save a lot of money by not eating in restaurants, so don’t question whether you should try them. We tried several during our Rincon trip. Nobody got sick, and we had some really fantastic food.
Don’t Miss the Rincon Art Walk
On Thursdays in Rincon Plaza, they have the Rincon Art Walk. It’s a great place to shop for souvenirs, and for enjoying a night on the town. They have tons of vendors selling art, jewelry, and food!
Don’t Let Driving in Rincon Scare You
You may want to rent a car to be able to explore everything around Rincon. When driving in town, always be on alert for pedestrians as they seem to just pop out of nowhere. Likewise, some of the driveways are at a 60-degree angle because all the homes are built on hills. If you rent a house in Rincon, the driveway might be the scariest part of your drive!
Don’t Stick to One Beach
There are many different Rincon beaches to explore, so don’t be afraid to check out more than one! And if you find a beach you don’t like, don’t waste any more time; head to the next beach. The entire drive from San Juan to Rincon is lined with beautiful beaches, which is another great reason to rent a car when you visit Rincon. (That said, there are some great beaches right in town, too!)
Don’t Forget Your Beach Essentials
Like any tropical destination, there are some necessities that you absolutely need to bring to Rincon. That includes bug spray, sunblock, and a sun hat. Of course, you can buy all of these things here, but you’ll pay a lot more so you may as well just stock up at home.
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Don’t Spend Every Day at the Beach
There are some pretty fun water activities in Rincon, so don’t spend every day lying on the beautiful Rincon beaches. You can go deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, diving, wildlife cruises, and kayaking after dark in the bioluminescent waters.
Don’t Miss Sunset
Rincon sits along the Western Coast of Puerto Rico, so the sunsets are spectacular! Find your own beach to enjoy a peaceful sunset, or join the crowds at one of the waterfront bars and watch the sun go down while you enjoy a delicious meal or fruity cocktail.
Don’t Forget the Lighthouse
For historic things to do in Rincon Puerto Rico, check out the Faro Punta Higuera, the lighthouse of Rincon. It’s surrounded by a park, which is great for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and picnics. There are some great photo opportunities from the lighthouse as well. It’s even possible to see humpback whales from the lighthouse at certain times of the year.
Don’t Be Confused by the Red Lights
After sunset, the street lights near the beach turn red. This is not a “red light district” or any kind of safety warning. It’s so the sea turtles don’t follow the lights back to town. (If you are lucky enough to see sea turtles, don’t mess with them! Enjoy them from afar.)
Don’t Have Big Expectations for Rincon Accommodation
With an explosion of tourism, there are plenty of places to stay in Rincon. None of them will wow you, but you’re also not stuck with hostels. Accommodation in Rincon is pretty “middle of the road.” A lot of visitors rent homes or apartments, especially for longer stays. Most accommodation choices are within walking distance of town and the beaches.
Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!
Don’t be surprised if you fall in love with Rincon! It’s one of the best places in Puerto Rico, especially if you are on a beach vacation or surfing trip. As a US Territory, you won’t even need a passport or a currency exchange to visit Rincon.
Want more tips for traveling in the Caribbean? Check out some of our other blog posts: