Tres Palmas
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.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NW (320°)
- Direction range
- 290° - 350°
- Size range
- 2m - 6m
- Ideal size
- 4.8m
- Height multiplier
- 1.08×
- Ideal period
- 16s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SE (140°)
- Offshore range
- 100° - 180°
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
👥 Summer Break (Jun 15 – Aug 25) — expect extra crowds
Access: Marine reserve. Respect protected area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Tres Palmas?
Tres Palmas works best on a mid to high tide, ideally between 0.5m and 1.5m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Tres Palmas?
Offshore wind at Tres Palmas blows from the SE (140°). Anything in the 100° to 180° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Tres Palmas?
Tres Palmas wants NW swell (290° to 350°) between 2m and 6m, with a period of 16s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Tres Palmas?
The main season at Tres Palmas is Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar. November-March. Big NW swells.
How do I get to Tres Palmas?
Fly into BQN, then allow about 25 minutes by road. Marine reserve. Respect protected area.
What kind of wave is Tres Palmas?
Tres Palmas is a reef break, a right-hander. Difficulty is rated 9/10.
Best Season
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
November-March. Big NW swells.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Marias
🌴 Rincón's long right • Multiple sections • Classic Caribbean
Dogman's
🐕 Between the icons • Hollow reef peaks • Rincón's hidden power
Domes
☢️ Nuclear barrels • Rincón's crown jewel • Winter swell magnet
Rincon
🇵🇷 Caribbean surf capital • Winter NW swells • Multiple world-class breaks
Indicators
📊 Rincón's size indicator • Big wave option • Quality when maxed
Surfer's Beach Aguadilla
🏆 1998 World Champ venue • Extended rights • PR surf history