Aguadilla is a beautiful town on the northwest coast of Puerto Rico. If you want to explore the island, this is the best place to begin your journey. Aguadilla is known for its blue beaches, surfing spots, and friendly local people. When you arrive at Rafael Hernández International Airport, the ocean is only a few minutes away. You can easily rent a car here to explore the coast, visit hidden beaches, and reach places that buses cannot. In this Aguadilla travel guide, you will learn about the best places to visit, the top things to do, and why Aguadilla should be your starting point in Puerto Rico.
Aguadilla is where you can experience beaches, surf, culture. Aguadilla is the best place to start if you want to drive around Puerto Rico. You can drive to other towns on the west coast, like Isabela, Rincón, or Arecibo, in one or two hours from here. The roads and PR-2 and PR-22 are highways around Aguadilla are paved and well-kept, which is perfect to drive due to limited public transportation
To reach Aguadilla, you can fly directly into Rafael Hernández International Airport (BQN). This airport handles domestic and international flights and is located only a few miles from the coastline. Major airlines operate routes connecting the mainland United States to Aguadilla several times a week. Getting to BQN lets you skip the long drive from San Juan and saves you hours on the road. You can start exploring beaches within minutes of landing.
Aguadilla is famous for its beaches, which range from peaceful coves to surfing hotspots. Its coastline stretches along the Atlantic side of Puerto Rico. The beaches face strong winter swells from November to April, making them ideal for surfers, while summer brings calmer seas for swimming and snorkelling.
Crash Boat Beach is one of the best places to visit in Aguadilla. The beach is known for its clear turquoise water, soft sand, and a bright pier once used by the U.S. Air Force. Today, the pier is a popular diving and photo spot. You can snorkel around the colourful pylons, enjoy fresh drinks from local vendors, or simply relax under the sun. The sunsets here are spectacular, turning the entire bay golden at dusk.
Also called Wishing Well Beach, Peña Blanca is a hidden gem tucked between cliffs. During the summer, the tide lowers, and the calm shoreline is a perfect spot for snorkelling and swimming. In the winter months, waves grow stronger, and the beach becomes a scenic viewing spot for photographers and experienced surfers. The water here is crystal clear, and the surrounding rocks give it a natural, secluded feel.
Survival Beach is the place to go if you enjoy hiking before reaching the water. The trail begins near Surfer’s Beach and takes around 25 minutes to walk through shaded paths with exposed tree roots. Once you arrive, you’ll find large rock formations and caves that shape a unique landscape. The waves are strong, and the area is best for experienced swimmers or those visiting for its scenic beauty.
Surfer’s Beach is located near the former Ramey Air Force Base, now a residential and airport area. It’s a classic spot for surfing in Aguadilla, attracting locals and visiting surfers each winter. Waves here are consistent, and surf schools operate nearby for beginners. A short drive away, Wilderness Beach is wilder and less crowded, where you can surf, picnic, or walk along the long sandy stretch bordered by tropical greenery.
Many attractions in Aguadilla connect back to the town’s founding in 1775 by Luis de Córdova. Aguadilla’s main landmarks are accessible by paved roads within the municipal area. Most sites can be reached by car in less than 20 minutes from the airport.
Ruinas del Faro Punta Borinquen are the remains of a Spanish-stle lighthouse built in 1889 and destroyed in the 1918 earthquake and tsunami. The ruins are surrounded by coastal vegetation and provide sweeping views of the Atlantic. You can walk among the broken brick walls, see the old keeper’s quarters, and take photographs of the rugged coastline. The new Punta Borinquen Lighthouse built nearby still guides ships today.
This museum, also called MAAC, displays works by well-known Puerto Rican artists such as Luis Hernández Cruz, Rafael Tufiño, Antonio Maldonado, and Francisco Cervoni. It’s one of the best places to visit in Aguadilla if you’re interested in art and culture. The museum also organises workshops for children.
El Parterre is a natural spring that gave Aguadilla its nickname, “La Villa del Ojo de Agua” or “Village of the Water Eye.” The spring once supplied fresh water to the harbour during the Spanish era. Locals believe its underground river might stretch miles inland. The peaceful park surrounding it is perfect for short walks or photography.
Fuerte de la Concepción was a Spanish military fort built to protect Aguadilla’s port from pirates and foreign attacks. Though mostly in ruins, it remains a listed historical site. Nearby, the Canena Márquez Memorial honours Luis A. “Canena” Márquez, a local baseball legend who became the first black Puerto Rican signed by the New York Yankees. These landmarks add to Aguadilla’s deep cultural identity.
There’s more to this coastal city than beaches. Activities here are accessible year-round. The dry season from December to April has clear skies for hiking and water sports, while the rest of the year provides lush scenery for exploration.
Join a guided ride along the beach trails and almond tree forests. Horseback riding services in Puerto Rico offers tours twice daily. Small groups are taken through coastal paths that open into wide sandy beaches. The experience is peaceful and scenic, perfect for both beginners and experienced riders. Horses are well-trained, and guides often share local stories along the way.
There’s a golf club in Puerto Rico that was built in 1940 by the U.S. Army and later became Puerto Rico’s first 18-hole public golf course. Located on a clifftop, it gives panoramic views of the ocean. You don’t need membership to play, but there's a small fee.
Aguadilla has several diving spots with healthy coral and fish life. The sunken B-29 Superfortress bomber is one of the most famous sites. It is offshore and draws advanced divers from all over the world. For beginners, the calmer areas near Crash Boat Beach are easier to see and get to. Local dive shops rent gear, teach lessons, and lead trips.
This waterpark in Puerto Rico is known as the Caribbean’s largest modern aquatic park. It features slides, a lazy river, wave pools, and areas for children. The park operates seasonally, mainly during summer, and sits on a hill with views of Aguadilla Bay. It’s a good option if you’re travelling with family or want a break from saltwater swimming.
Rompeolas Beach, also called Breakwater Beach, is located near the town centre. It’s an easy place to reach for a quick dip or a sunset walk. Locals gather here for barbecues and music, and you’ll find colourful houses known as Pintalto on the nearby hill. The area is also connected to Marina Real, where cafés and tapas restaurants line the street. This area shows Aguadilla’s social side.
To make the most of your visit, keep a few travel details in mind. Aguadilla is generally safe and welcoming, but plan ahead to ensure a smoother trip.
Exploring Aguadilla is like finding the heart of Puerto Rico’s west coast. You see the blue sea, the green hills, and the friendly smiles that make you feel at home. The beaches, the lighthouse ruins, and the local art tell stories of the island’s beauty and history. Every road leads to a surf break, a sunset view, or a quiet café by the shore.
To travel easily around town, rent a car in Puerto Rico with Final Rentals. You can pick up your car at Rafael Hernandez Airport in Aguadilla right after landing. Final Rentals offers clear pricing, no hidden fees, and instant booking confirmation. Whether you choose a compact car or a spacious SUV, every vehicle is well-maintained and ready for your trip. For extra convenience, you can also download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
