Rincón

Is Rincon worth visiting?

Yes. Rincon has the island's most consistent surf, west-facing sunsets and a small-town pace. Surfers come November to April, snorkelers do better in the calm summer months.

When to go

What to see

• Domes Beach: the signature surf break, next to the old nuclear dome. Free, busy on winter weekends. 2-3 hours.
• Punta Higuero Lighthouse (El Faro Park): Rincon's lighthouse park, one spot despite the two names blogs use. Whale watching platform in winter, sunset views year round. Free, 30-60 minutes.
• Steps Beach: the shore entry into the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve, best in calm summer water. Free, 2-4 hours.
• Tres Palmas Marine Reserve: protected elkhorn coral reef with regular sea turtle sightings. Snorkeling is free with your own gear, no tickets or tours required.

3-day itinerary

1. Day 1: Morning at Domes Beach (2 hours), lunch at a beachside cafe, afternoon at El Faro Park by the Punta Higuero Lighthouse (1 hour), sunset at Steps Beach.
2. Day 2: Snorkeling in the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve from Steps Beach (2-3 hours), lunch in town, surf lesson or board rental in the afternoon, sunset at a beachfront bar.
3. Day 3: Second snorkel or surf session in the morning, explore the town's shops (2 hours), casual dinner at a local restaurant.

Where to stay

Getting around

A rental car is the standard, from $35 per day (estimated). Taxis run from $12 per ride in town (estimated) but are scarce. The beach lots fill during swells, go early.

Budget

• Budget: from $75 per day (estimated), cheap eats and free beaches.
• Mid-range: from $120 per day (estimated), meals out and a surf lesson.
• Comfortable: from $180 per day (estimated), nicer stays and guided trips.

Mistakes to avoid

Watch out for menus without prices in the most touristy corners. Visit the popular beaches early, parking is the real bottleneck. And do not book a "turtle sanctuary tour", the turtles here live wild in the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve and snorkeling it is free.