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Level 9/10

Tres Palmas

Rincón, Puerto Rico
🪸Sharp reef😮‍💨Hold-downs🌀Strong rips

Tres Palmas is the Caribbean's big wave proving ground—a powerful right-hand reef break in Rincón, Puerto Rico, that transforms into a legitimate big wave arena when massive northwest swells funnel into this corner of the island. Protected as a marine sanctuary, the reef creates perfect, heavy walls that can hold triple-overhead surf and beyond, drawing big wave riders from across the Americas when conditions align. The surrounding elkhorn coral ecosystem adds ecological significance to what is already Puerto Rico's most respected wave. This is where Caribbean surfing reaches its upper limits.

Spot Details

Swell Requirements

Optimal direction
NW (320°)
Direction range
290° - 350°
Size range
2m - 6m
Ideal period
16s+

Wind Requirements

Optimal direction
SE (140°)
Offshore range
100° - 180°
Best window
morning

Tide Requirements

Optimal tide
mid to high
Optimal range
0.5m - 1.5m

Water temp

26°C

Wetsuit

Boardshorts / Rashguard

Difficulty

9/10

Crowd level

4/10

Access: Marine reserve. Respect protected area.

Getting There

Airport
BQN
Drive time
25 min

Nearby Buoy

Forecasts are validated against real-time buoy data.

41115 (NOAA)

Best Season

Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar

November-March. Big NW swells.

Data Quality

verified

Verified by Puerto Rico big wave community