Four dynamic activities you can do while on the west side of Puerto Rico
Tags: Exercise, Vacations, Travel, Beach, Puerto Rico

Four dynamic activities you can do while on the west side of Puerto Rico VIEWPR Apr 10, 2019·4 min read

By Lydette Lanzó Rivera

Vacations are an excellent excuse to plop a chair under the sun and remain there for the rest of the week. However, the need to do some physical activity will eventually creep up on you. Other than sitting back and enjoying your vacation, as thrill seekers, the adventure will eventually call your name. Whether you feel like hiking to the top of a mountain, biking across the street or getting lost in the wilderness, Puerto Rico offers a variety of adventures which will get your blood flowing in no time. The western part of the island, from Aguadilla to Cabo Rojo will have you entertained in no time. Even if it’s a more mellow activity like strolling alongside the beach or to more extreme ones like hiking up a cliff, here are four dynamic pastimes for your next vacation on the western part of the island:

1. Hike to Survival Beach in Aguadilla

Survival Beach at high tide in Aguadilla. (Photo by Francis Pérez)

A hike is always good. For me, the most gratifying part of the hike is the view at the end. Whether you’re reaching the top of the mountain or visiting a beautiful waterfall, the final product of the journey is worth it. Well, in Aguadilla, instead of mountains and waterfalls, the hike to Survival Beach leaves you breathless, figuratively speaking… and, maybe, literally. Pack a light backpack, only the essentials, some water, and hard-soled shoes you don’t mind getting wet. The hike starts at Surfer’s Beach, which has parking available. Heading eastward, the trail takes you through a woodsy area. As the trek continues, the beach is center stage for you to enjoy. Along the journey, rock formations steal the show. Huge rocks topped with an ecosystem of their own are dispersed along the shore. Some rocks may be loose, so be careful where you step. If the tide’s high, the higher route is the way to go, where you’ll have a higher view of the coast and the vegetation on top of the rocks. When the tide’s low, the white sand invites you to stroll along the rocks. Be wary. Sometimes, there are rough waves on Survival. If that’s the case, rest ashore before heading back to Surfer’s Beach.

2. Collect sea glass in Rincón

For a more relaxed activity, collecting sea glass is a great alternative. Skip on the hikes and grab a reusable plastic bag. The sand along the shore will make it easier to spot glass scattered across. Crystal clear glasses are common, but occasionally, you’ll find the beautiful turquoise and emerald green with soft edges and a frosted finish. Although littering’s slowly decreasing as people become more environmentally aware, sea glass still finds its ways to the shores. Much of it you can collect near river mouths, where the stream leads into the open sea since waste travels down. The best time to hunt for sea glass is during low tide, when the shore is fully exposed, revealing worn-out glass shards, ideal for collecting. Whether you’d like to sell, collect or wear them, beaches like Sandy Beach, Barrera, Antonio’s and Rivermouth are the best spots in Rincón to spend your day. A mile or two go unnoticed when you’re busy hunting down these precious jewels.

3. Bike to the lighthouse and the natural rock arch in Cabo Rojo

Los Morrillos Lighthouse is a top spot for wonderous views. (Photo by Shalomir Gierbolini)

At the southernmost part of the island, you can enjoy beautiful beaches and pink waters. Yes, the Cabo Rojo’s salt flats give the water a pinkish color perfect for a photo op. However, near Playa Sucia, the Morrillos Lighthouse is your destination for the day. Once at the lighthouse, you’ll get a full view of the beach shore and the red limestone cliffs surrounding the area. Farther right with the lighthouse behind you, there’s a small biking trail forged by others, so there are no rails, no signs. Always be careful and stay away from the edges. It’s a long fall. However, with the necessary cautions, you’ll reach a natural rock arch. Leave the bike behind or just admire from afar. The eroded cliffs topped by strong green vegetation play well with the crystalline waters at the bottom. Watch your step all the way.

4. Dive and snorkel in Desecheo

At 12 miles off Puerto Rico’s west coast, there’s a tiny bit of uninhabited land known as Desecheo. This islet harbors more than 20 dive spots all around. Although there’s no access to the island itself due to undetonated military artillery, the reefs surrounding the island are in great shape, perfect for snorkeling or diving. The crystal-clear water allows an in-depth view of the ocean floor, rich with colorful corals and an array of sea animals. The warm, Caribbean waters make for a comfortable dive, where you may encounter some turtles swimming around. One of the most consistent tour operators in the area is Taíno Divers, with daily trips to Desecheo, depending on the weather. The ride lasts about 45 minutes from Rincón. The tide might be rough some days, which will make the ride longer. Take it as part of the experience.

Explore ahead and let us know what other fun activities you’d like to do around the island. Get active, get going! Puerto Rico is waiting for you.