Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
West Coast
POP 364,600
Includes »
Why Go?
Across much of Puerto Rico the most impressive sight is the languid, azure sparkle of ocean,
but in the west it's the visceral opposite - a place to get out in the water, paddle like mad
and ride one perfect wave after another back toward shore. Its pièce de résistance is Rincón,
a surfin' safari outpost (named in a Beach Boys song, for goodness' sake!) where grizzled
beach bums, moneyed surf junketeers and stoned locals catch waves in the salty dawn and
mingle around beach bonfires at twilight.
As well as taking the drop on flawless surf, Porta del Sol (Gateway to the Sun) is a gran-
diose land of stormy shorelines, low-key resorts and down-to-earth fishing villages, where
deep-fried cod fritters from a Caribbean food shack are considered a gourmet meal and the
spirit of slacker independence is as mellow as the stunning sunsets are arresting.
When to Go
Welcome to the endless summer: the west coast is pleasantly hot all year round. It gets heavy
rain in late summer and early fall, but otherwise, expect it to be sunny, breezy and around
80°F nearly every day. If you're here to surf, winter is ideal. Cold fronts bring big waves to
the western beaches, when average crests of 5ft or 6ft can grow as large as 25ft. In December
and February, you may also spot migrating whales offshore. Those who aren't here to ride
will find the calmer waters more inviting for swimming and deep-sea fishing in summer.
