Aguadilla, Puerto Rico Guide
Aguadilla is a lively town on the west coast of Puerto Rico with calm water, beautiful beaches, and plenty to explore. Nestled between the surfing hotspots of Rincon and Isabella, it’s the perfect destination for those who love to experience a local vibe when they travel. In no particular order, I’ve featured 8 experiences and vacation rental recommendations not to overlook when planning your next vacation to this hidden gem!
Playa del Tamarindo
1. Enjoy a piña colada at Rompeolas
Rompeolas is a beachfront bar and grill, fantastic for enjoying a refreshing drink with your toes in the sand, taking in one of the incredible west coast sunsets, or experiencing typical Puerto Rican night life with live music, DJs, and Karaoke late into the night. You can’t pass up the opportunity to have this delicious treat on the island where it was invented!
2. Visit Playa Crash Boat
This former military port is considered one of the best beaches on the island. The large beach is a great place to sunbathe or play in the sand, the clear water is a fantastic place to swim or snorkel, and you’ll see plenty of people jumping off the iconic, painted pier!
3. Scuba Isla Desecheo
If you are an experienced diver, look no further than Isla Desecheo. Aquatica Underwater Adventures offers dive trips on Wednesdays and Sundays to Desecheo Island, about a 45 minute boat ride from Aguadilla, for the best diving Puerto Rico has to offer. One of the most popular dive spots is aptly named Candy Land. From caverns to nurse sharks, Aquatica will make sure you have a great experience!
4. Water Rentals: SUP, Jet Ski, and more
Get out on the water and take in the coast from another perspective! You’ll have a blast spotting wild life and discovering hidden beaches.
5. Alice Wine Shop
Wine bars are not common place in Puerto Rico, so this new spot is definitely a hidden gem! Stop by for a sip, bite, or enjoy a cigar. They are tucked into a cute alleyway downtown. Next door is their sister restaurant, White Rabbit, with a great brunch menu.
6. Snorkel at Playa Peña Blanca
When the water is calm, this beach is fantastic for snorkeling due to lots of rock and coral areas for sea life to call home! Plan on bringing your own gear and check out this guide so you know what to expect.
7. Paseo Real Marina
This 1 mile waterfront promenade is the perfect place to get some steps in while enjoying the view. With the variety of kiosks sprinkled along the way, you can stop for a drink, sweet treat, or a full meal. It’s a great spot for sunset too! The path ends at Parque Colon, a beachfront park with a super cool tree house, fantastic for kids!
8. Surfing
The northwest is the best area for surfing in Puerto Rico, especially during the winter months (October-April). For beginners, head over to Sandy Beach or Maria’s beach in neighboring Rincon and check out RD2H’s website for more information on lessons and rentals.
WHERE TO STAY
Vacation rentals are going to be your best bet for an authentic, yet comfortable experience in Aguadilla. For a beachfront stay close to town, I recommend looking near Playa Tamarindo. Another beautiful option only a short drive from town is staying on Playa Crash Boat.
Yarianna’s Beach House on Playa Tamarindo
Yarianna’s Beach House: Enjoy your own beach front bungalow directly on sandy Playa Tamarindo, a generally quiet beach despite being steps away from lively Rompeolas Bar & Grill. This 2 bed, 1 bath home has a fantastic porch and beach access that feels private. They have a smaller upstairs unit available too!
Cocoloba has beachfront casitas on Playa Crashboat, perfect for groups and families. Deluxe Casita 1 and Deluxe Casita 2 sleep 8 with 3 beds and 3 baths, while Cocoloba #2 offers 2 beds and 2 baths for a smaller group.
This Crash Boat Villa is perfect for a big group. With panoramic views of the carribean, a resort style infinity pool, hot tub, and a quarter mile walk to Playa Crash Boat, what more could you ask for? With 6 bedrooms and 3+ bathrooms, this could be the perfect stay for a bachelor/bachelorette party or large family gathering.
YOUR TIME IS PRECIOUS, SPEND IT EXPLORING
