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 since 2004 as the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve, 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.
Tres Palmas surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NW (320°)
- Direction range
- 290° - 350°
- Size range
- 2m - 6m
- Ideal size
- 3.8m - 5m
- 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
Access: Marine reserve. Respect protected area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Tres Palmas?
Tres Palmas is a reef break in Rincón, Puerto Rico, that mostly breaks right. It's on our list of the world's 100 best waves.
What's the story behind Tres Palmas?
In 2004 a community campaign led by Surfrider Rincón created the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve, protecting the break and its endangered corals.
What swell works best at Tres Palmas?
Tres Palmas picks up swell from the WNW round to the N, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the NW. It starts working at around 2m and handles up to about 6m, with the sweet spot around 3.8 to 5m. Period matters too: aim for 16s or longer, as anything under 12s 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 Tres Palmas?
A SE wind is dead offshore at Tres Palmas, and anything from the E round to the S keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to 10am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Tres Palmas?
Tres Palmas is at its best around the mid to high tide, roughly 0.5m to 1.5m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf Tres Palmas?
The most reliable run of swell at Tres Palmas comes Nov to Mar. November-March. Big NW swells.
How cold is the water at Tres Palmas?
The water at Tres Palmas averages around 26°C, so boardshorts or a rashguard will do. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Tres Palmas good for beginners?
No. At 9/10 for difficulty, it's strictly for experts. Expect a moderate crowd (4/10) when it's on. Big wave spot. Shallow reef. Strong currents.
How do I get to Tres Palmas?
The nearest airport on our list is BQN, then it's roughly a 25-minute drive. Marine reserve. Respect protected area.
What other surf spots are near Tres Palmas?
The closest breaks we track are Marias (0.9 km), Dogman's (1.2 km) and Domes (1.6 km), handy when Tres Palmas isn't working. We track 5 spots around Rincón in total. Fun fact: it's the third most southerly break we track in Puerto Rico.
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
Plan a trip around Tres Palmas
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