Do I need a passport?
Puerto Rico is a United States territory. If you're visiting from any part of the U.S., all you need is your ID. For children, the TSA does not require children under eighteen years old to provide identification when traveling within the United States. Contact the airline for questions regarding specific ID requirements for travelers under eighteen (18) years old.
What airlines fly to Puerto Rico and where do we fly in to?
Many airlines fly to Puerto Rico, including Southwest, JetBlue, Spirit, Frontier, Delta, and American Airlines. We recommend using JetBlue as it is economical yet still comfortable, and generally has a flight to meet your time needs.
Puerto Rico has 120+ daily nonstop flights to major cities throughout the United States. There are nonstop flights available to Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Jacksonville, Orlando, Charlotte, Philadelphia, Hartford, Washington D.C., Baltimore, Newark, New York (JFK), Boston, etc.
There are two major airports in Puerto Rico, which are the
Luis Munoz Marin International Airport located commonly known as the San Juan Airport (SJU) located in Isla Verde – in the Carolina district – this airport is just minutes away from San Juan; And Rafael Hernández Airport (BQN) in Aguadilla, in the northwest region of Puerto Rico. Comparably smaller than the SJU, this hangar receives commercial flights from Orlando and other cities from major airlines such as Jet Blue, Frontier Airlines, United Airlines, and private charters.
Which Airport is closer to Rincón, PR?
Aeropuerto Internacional Rafael Hernández, Hangar Rd, Aguadilla, 00603, Puerto Rico (PR) is the closest. It is located in the West Coast of PR, 37 minutes (28km) from Rincón Of The Seas Grand Caribbean Hotel, Sea Beach Drive, Rincón, Puerto Rico.
Arriving at Aguadilla Rafael Hernández Airport (BQN), Puerto Rico?
When arriving at Aguadilla Rafael Hernández Airport (BQN) in Puerto Rico, you can expect to spend about an hour clearing passport control and claiming checked baggage if you're arriving internationally, or less time if you're arriving domestically. Some recommend arriving at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight to allow enough time for check-in, security, and boarding.
Here are some other things to know about arriving at Aguadilla Airport: The airport has a cashless lobby.
There are car rental pick-up points near the arrivals and departures areas, including Final Rentals, Routes Car Rentals, Economy, Dollar, Hertz, Budget, Allied Car and Truck Rental, Sixt, and Avis.
You can use Skyscanner's live arrivals and departures board to check the status of your flight, including delays.
Arriving at San Juan's International Airport?
Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) is the largest airport in Puerto Rico.
Security: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) manages all the security checkpoints within the airport .
Domestic Flights: Travelers visiting Puerto Rico from the U.S. arrive at the lower level of the airport and must walk a few steps towards Terminal A or B to claim their baggage. Passengers then exit to the airport’s public area to catch a ride to their destination. There are car rental pick-up points near the arrivals and departures areas, including Enterprise Rent a Car, Target, Alamo, Hertz, Budget, Allied Car and Truck Rental, Sixt, and Avis.
Phone Plans
American travelers do not need to opt for international plans to make calls since their phones will work perfectly on the Island. In Puerto Rico, there is a 4GLTE network; 5G is available at some locations. In remote areas of the Island, cellular service and data coverage can be spotty, so always plan if you're going into the mountains, for example.
Do I need to learn Spanish?
The official languages of Puerto Rico are Spanish and English, but some people may speak a mix of the two called "Spanglish." In Rincón, you will have little to no problem as the majority of the locals speak English fluently.
Spanish Cheat Sheet
In Puerto Rico, we say good morning (“buenos días”), good afternoon (“buenas tardes”) and good night (“buenas noches” as a way to acknowledge or greet each other.
-“Buen Provecho” is said to those who are eating, to acknowledge them and as a wish “to enjoy your meal”.
-“Dale” is used to say “okay”, “let’s go”, “got it”.
-“Me puede dar una cerveza?” Translates to can you give me a beer?
-“Gracias”, translates to Thank you.
-“Por favor”, translates to Please.
-“Claro”, translates to Of course.
-“Playa” means Beach
What is the weather like in November?
The climate in Puerto Rico is warm and tropical, always windy and everyday is a beach day. The temperature varies between 70- and 80-degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year. It can go down to about 60 degrees in the central mountainous area.
Typically, in November, you will see lows in the upper 60's and highs are in the mid 80's F. Traditionally, we go for a swim at Crash Boat Beach every New Year's Day and the water is never too cold.
What kind of currency is accepted?
Puerto Rico uses the U.S. dollar. All major credit cards are accepted, as well, but we recommend bringing cash for the places and street vendors who do not take credit cards.
Driving Tips for Travelers in Puerto Rico
While driving in Puerto Rico, bear in mind that:
Road signs are universal, but in Spanish.
Roads are mostly paved, although in rural areas they are sometimes narrow and you will have to pay attention to oncoming vehicles.
There are placed speed bumps and frequent potholes.
Sometimes streets have more than one name.
Gas prices will be listed in liters and distances in kilometers.
Driving around is simple; main avenues and major routes are marked, and GPS navigation systems work well, generally. However, if you are planning on visiting some of the remote areas of the island, data service may be spotty in some places, so having printed directions as a backup is not a bad idea.
If you are not used to making your way around a city, try to avoid San Juan’s rush-hour of 8:00 a.m.- 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Street parking can be scarce at times but check with your hotel about on-site parking pricing and availability.
If you do encounter a Toll road, bill will be issued to your rental vehicle agency and they will bill you on the final statement.
What type of food should I expect to eat?
From seaside kiosks to fine dining, the Island’s chefs are reinventing those beloved abuelita recipes and caring for the people through food. You’ll taste that Boricua passion as you follow your appetite (and curiosity) across Puerto Rico. The Island’s cocktail scene has evolved with equal care. Puerto Rico is the birthplace of the piña colada, and you’ll find that an innovative approach to refreshing drinks continues to this day — whether it’s one of the world’s top bars in Old San Juan, a brewery tour, a tasting of local rums, or a poolside cocktail.
Food is an essential part of Puerto Rico’s culture, blending elements of Spanish, African, and native Taíno cuisine. Your trip to the Island will not be complete if you do not sample staple dishes such as mofongo, made of deep-fried green plantains; tostones, double deep-fried plantain wheels; and lechón asado, a slowly spit-roasted pork dish with juicy meat and crispy skin that was recently declared a Puerto Rican culinary legacy.
Here are a few of the common types of frituras you might taste during your visit:Alcapurrias are torpedo-shaped fritters made from shredded root vegetables like yuca and yautía, stuffed with a choice of meat. These deep-fried snacks are normally found in open-air, beachside restaurants that pair beautifully with a cold beer. Alcapurrias are usually stuffed with ground beef, crab meat, chicken, fish, octopus, conch, or other types of seafood.
Empanadillas are a larger version of pastelillos, also stuffed with a choice of meat and fried. There’s also a popular pizza version filled with melted mozzarella cheese and marinara sauce.
Arepas are flour-based, sometimes made with coconut for a slightly sweet flavor, fried and then stuffed, usually with seafood. Locals often eat them by themselves as appetizers.
Bacalaítos are a simple batter of flour and water with chunks of salted cod and parsley, deep-fried into what look like giant corn flakes.
What to do in Rincón, Puerto Rico?
Rincón, Puerto Rico is located on the western coast of Puerto Rincón. Rincón is a paradise for beach lovers and surfers. Life in this picturesque place is relaxed — as any town with surfers should be — and there’s a special mood that distinguishes it from other places on the Island.
With numerous beaches to choose from, this western hub is a haven for those who love the water, especially surfing. While Rincón boasts several famous surf spots, you’ll also find beaches where you can snorkel, paddleboard, dive, fish, swim, and relax — as well as places where you can mountain bike, horseback ride, and, of course, delight in the sunsets every evening.
This corner of Puerto Rico, where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean, has been a vacation favorite for years, although its visitors tend to be low-key. Rincón is a leisure town, where the pace is slower and the people are welcoming. If you’re looking to get away from the rush of a big city, this place is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in local Island vibes.
Punta Higüera Lighthouse-Built in 1892, the historic Punta Higüera Lighthouse rises over 100 feet and is still fully operational. The 26,000-candlepower light was automated in 1933 and still helps ships navigate the Pasaje de la Mona (Mona Passage) to this day. The park surrounding the lighthouse is a tranquil place. Visit for a sunset picnic overlooking the surf breaks for a chance to see humpback whales that sometimes come within 100 yards of the coast. You can also use the available telescopes if you want a closer look. At the park, you will find jewelry vendors, a burger stand, and even a bar to quench your thirst.
Sandy Beach-Perhaps the most popular beach in Rincón is Sandy Beach. Preferred by locals because of its location — within walking distance of great bars and restaurants, cozy vacation rentals, and hotels — this beach is ideal for a family getaway, a romantic picnic, or a solo escape. If you want to hang out with an active beach crowd, this is the place for you.
Right past Sandy Beach are Antonio’s Beach and River Mouth Beach, located inside what the locals call puntas. These are two more secluded spots along the Sandy Beach trail, with the latter being a perfect spot for children because of the calm tidal pools.
Surfers in Domes Beach-Another popular beach in Rincón is Domes, located next to the Punta Higüera Lighthouse. The beach — which got its name from the old dome of the inactive nuclear reactor next to it — boasts strong waves and is one of the most famous surfing spots in the Caribbean. The beach is almost empty during the summer, but you can spot local and international surfers catching waves there in the winter months. This is also a popular spot for whale watching during the winter.
Maria’s Beach-María’s Beach is without a doubt the center of surfing activity in Puerto Rico, hosting several pro-circuit events during the winter. At this beach, the waves kick up and provide some of the most exciting rides on the Island. During the summer, the beach switches its personality and is a great place to enjoy the sandy and sunny wonders of Puerto Rico in a more relaxed way.
Tres Palmas Marine Reserve is a great way to experience vibrant marine life. Tres Palmas Marine Reserve
This marine reserve encompasses Por Fin Dogman’s Beach, Little Malibu, and Steps Beach, and offers a colorful collection of marine life. As a result, scuba diving and snorkeling are two of the most popular activities. You might encounter creatures such as parrotfish, surgeonfish, bottlenose dolphins, blue tangs, and hawksbill sea turtles. The most recognized beach within the reserve is Steps Beach, known for a set of concrete steps sitting on the sand — a must-take photo opportunity. Even if you don’t want to get close to the undersea life, the beaches are perfect for strolling or laying out and relaxing.
This area also changes significantly by season, so plan accordingly. The calm waters allow snorkelers and others to easily enjoy the area. During the winter, the waves at Tres Palmas can get massive, reaching up to 20 feet high, so snorkeling is not recommended during that time.
Technology Museum-Formerly known as BONUS, this decommissioned nuclear plant is a peculiar landmark that can be seen peeking out from behind palm trees near the Punta Higüera Lighthouse. What was supposed to be a prototype for a reactor lived a short life (from 1960 to 1968). Repurposed, the power plant opens by appointment and serves as a technology museum. The rusting relic has become popular among visitors and locals because of the amazing photo opportunities it provides. Its structure is the namesake for nearby Domes Beach.
What foods do you recommend we try?
We both recommend eating local, interacting with street vendors, avoiding chain restaurants and not being afraid to try something new.
Drew's favorite foods while in Puerto Rico include:
Breakfast: Bacon, Egg and cheese mallorca and café con leche.
Lunch: "Pincho man", "anything from the side of the road". If in a restaurant "order the surtido sampler".
Dinner: "Chillo a la Criolla"-(Snapper a la Creole) with rice and beans or "tostones".
Cocktail: Original Mojito or "Medalla", PR beer.
Lirelys' favorite foods while in Puerto Rico include:
Breakfast: "Montecristo Sandwich" (Sweet bread sandwich, with ham, turkey, swiss cheese, mayo, salad and a perfectly golden egg, served with french fries", which a large café con leche.
Lunch: "Pechuga a la Pigmonte"-Grilled chicken breast with a cheese sauce, brown gravy, mushrooms and garlic, served fried plantains, extra garlic and bread with mayoketchup.
Dinner: "Pechuga rellena de mofongo de yuca con mamposteao'", (broiled chicken breast, stuffed with cheese and cassava, wrapped in bacon and served in guava sauce, accompanied with combination of bean stew with cooked rice, sweet plantains and fried pork).
Cocktail: Mojito de Parcha, local sangría.
Other Facts
The legal age to consume alcoholic beverages in Puerto Rico is 18 years.
The Island has almost 300 miles of coastline and nearly the same number of beaches.
Puerto Rico has the largest shopping center in the Caribbean, Plaza Las Américas, and the most extensive rum factory globally, Casa Bacardí.
El Yunque is the only rainforest in the U.S. Forest System and is in Puerto Rico. The forest receives over 120 inches of rain every year.
Although Puerto Rico is an American territory, not a state, it competes as an individual country in Miss Universe's contests and the Olympics.
Flamenco beach, in Culebra, has been recognized as one of the Top 10 Beaches in the world on multiple occasions.
The piña colada was invented in Puerto Rico.
The remains of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León are in a tomb inside the San Juan Cathedral.