Rincon
Rincon is the undisputed capital of Caribbean surfing—a legendary stretch of coast on Puerto Rico's western tip that lights up during winter NW swells. The area hosts multiple breaks (Domes, Maria's, Indicators, Tres Palmas) that cater to different skill levels and swell sizes. When big NW groundswells hit, Rincon can produce world-class waves rivaling Hawaii. The town has fully embraced surf culture, with a thriving scene of shops, restaurants, and accommodations. No passport needed for Americans.
Rincon surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NW (315°)
- Direction range
- 280° - 350°
- Size range
- 1m - 4m
- Ideal size
- 2.3m - 3.3m
- Height multiplier
- 1.03×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SE (135°)
- Offshore range
- 90° - 180°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low to mid
- Optimal range
- 0.3m - 1m
Water temp
27°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
8/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Rincon?
Rincon is a reef break in Rincon, Puerto Rico, with peaks that run both left and right. It's on our list of the world's 100 best waves.
What's the story behind Rincon?
Rincón means 'nook' in Spanish, and the 1968 World Surfing Championship at Domes and Maria's put it on the map. Domes sits by the decommissioned BONUS nuclear reactor, which locals call 'the Domes'. It shut down in 1968.
What swell works best at Rincon?
Rincon picks up swell from the W round to the N, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the NW. It starts working at around 1m and handles up to about 4m, with the sweet spot around 2.3 to 3.3m. Period matters too: aim for 14s or longer, as anything under 10s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Rincon?
A SE wind is dead offshore at Rincon, and anything from the E round to the S keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to 11am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Rincon?
Rincon is at its best around the low to mid tide, roughly 0.3m to 1m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf Rincon?
The most reliable run of swell at Rincon comes Nov to Mar. There's a second window in Apr and Oct too. Winter NW swells. Hurricane swells in autumn.
How cold is the water at Rincon?
The water at Rincon averages around 27°C, so boardshorts or a rashguard will do. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Rincon good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 5/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. It gets busy (crowd 8/10), so mind the pecking order. Shallow reef at low tide. Very crowded in winter.
How do I get to Rincon?
The nearest airport on our list is SJU, then it's roughly a 2-hour drive.
What other surf spots are near Rincon?
The closest breaks we track are Domes (0.4 km), Tres Palmas (1.9 km) and Indicators (2.0 km), handy when Rincon isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Oct, Apr
Winter NW swells. Hurricane swells in autumn.
Getting There
👨👩👧👦Family Travel
Nearby Spots
Domes
☢️ Nuclear barrels • Rincón's crown jewel • Winter swell magnet
Tres Palmas
🌴 Caribbean big wave arena • Marine reserve • Triple overhead+
Indicators
📊 Rincón's size indicator • Big wave option • Quality when maxed
Marias
🌴 Rincón's long right • Multiple sections • Classic Caribbean
Dogman's
🐕 Between the icons • Hollow reef peaks • Rincón's hidden power
Surfer's Beach Aguadilla
🏆 1998 World Champ venue • Extended rights • PR surf history
Plan a trip around Rincon
Compare this break with other destinations in these surf guides.